How to loosen new leather holster

[gifbohane]

I bought a new leather holster for 9MM and it is TIGHT and I need it for a match tomorrow.

I know, a mistake. Any idea on a wax or oil to loosen it? So that the 9 comes out easier. I have to practically drag it out with two hands.

 

[Armored farmer]

I would soak your holster in warm water, wrap your pistol in cellophane four or five layers, jam your pistol in it. Wrap the whole works in a beach towel and put it under your mattress and sleep on it....use it tomorrow.

 

[jmorris]

Kydex is best for match shooting but I have stretched out a few with my Oak 1911, made it dimensionally larger in all directions.

 

[Smokin Gator]

You can try the plastic bag without soaking your holster. Also spray silicone into the holster or on a rag and wipe the inside of your holster.

 

[AzShooter1]

I make holsters and soaking is the best way. Use warm water with a little dishwashing soap in it. The soap will help the holster retain it's new shape. If you need to stretch it out because your gun is real tight use a piece of wood. I use a hammer handle to get the right tension.

You only want to soak it for 15 - 20 seconds or it will still be wet tomorrow.

 

[herrwalther]

Follow High Noon's steps for breaking in a holster. If you wet a holster there is no guarantee it will be dry tomorrow.

1. Kitchen wax paper:You could also try wrapping it with 1 layer of kitchen wax paper ,with the wax to the outside and seat the completely unloaded handgun fully into the holster. Now twist the gun about 1/16" in both directions a few dozen times. Next, work the weapon in and out of the holster a few dozen times. Remove the paper and see if you like the fit. If it is still too tight, then repeat the process with 2 layers of wax paper. Continue until you get it close to the desired fit. Remove the paper and do a few dozen practice draws. The holster should now be sufficiently broken in to allow you to wear it and finalize the break in process. This process, as described above, will in no way harm the detailed molding of your new holster, nor will it ruin its retention qualities. It serves simply to stretch the leather a few thousands of an inch larger than the gun. The amount of stretching time needed for satisfactory results range from a just a few minutes to overnight.
2. Nylon stockings:Place a completely unloaded handgun into the nylon stocking and seat the gun fully into the holster. Now twist the gun about 1/16" in both directions a few dozen times. Next, work the weapon in and out of the holster a few dozen times. Remove the stocking and see if you like the fit. If it is still too tight, then repeat the process. Continue until you get it close to the desired fit. Remove the stocking and do a few dozen practice draws. The holster should now be sufficiently broken in to allow you to wear it and finalize the break in process. This process, as described above, will in no way harm the detailed molding of your new holster, nor will it ruin its retention qualities. It serves simply to stretch the leather a few thousands of an inch larger than the gun. The amount of stretching time needed for satisfactory results range from a just a few minutes to overnight.
3. Kitchen plastic wrap:You can also try wrapping the holster with 1 or 2 layers of kitchen plastic wrap then seat the completely unloaded handgun fully into the holster. Now, twist the gun about 1/16" in both directions a few dozen times. Next, work the weapon in and out of the holster a few dozen times. Remove the plastic wrap and see if you like the fit. If it is still too tight, then repeat the process. Continue until you get it close to the desired fit. Remove the plastic wrap and do a few dozen practice draws. The holster should now be sufficiently broken in to allow you to wear it and finalize the break in process. This process, as described above, will in no way harm the detailed molding of your new holster, nor will it ruin its retention qualities. It serves simply to stretch the leather a few thousands of an inch larger than the gun. The amount of stretching time needed for satisfactory results range from a just a few minutes to overnight.

If you feel the body of the holster is too tight, using your hands only, loosen up the seamed edges by gently flexing the holster in all directions repeatedly. This does not mean severely folding, bending or smashing the leather. Once the body of the holster starts to feel less rigid, insert a completely unloaded handgun into the holster. Be sure the handgun is fully seated in the holster. Holding the handgun by its grip and the holster with your other hand, twist the gun to the right and then to the left.