Leather holster fit to specific listed gun.

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wogpotter

New member
I guess this goes here as it applies to any pistol & holster, but in my case the specific gun happens to be a revolver.

I bought a holster that actually lists my specific gun as being compatible. But when I tried inserting it there was a major problem. It relates to how tightly it fits & I've come across this issue before with different holsters, possibly because of a feature of my pistol. It has a big square-cut under-lug & a vent rib. Those 2 features combined make the muzzle deeper (top to bottom) than most other similarly-sized pistols. I know it's meant to be a snug fit but this goes way beyond firm grip, or snug.

So what's the trick to make this fit?

Will the leather stretch a little if I leave the pistol in it for a while?

Should I try wet-blocking it?
 
Wrap the gun in a couple of plastic bags and insert it in the holster for a few days. This very often will stretch the leather just enough to allow the gun to fit properly.
 
You may want to use a holster prep/lube on it first, maybe light moisture and it should conform and lkoosten up some.
 
It has a big square-cut under-lug & a vent rib.
Click to expand...

Are these stock for the gun listed or after market or custom?

Just because a model is listed doesn't necessarily mean that it will fit in all configurations. Mostly means stock.

Leather is more forgiving, so you can spray the inside of the holster with water, wrap your gun in plastic and stretch it a little. But if the stitching is too tight for the underlug, then you might have to go up to the next size, i.e. N frame for L frame

What is the gun and holster?
 
I'm not an expert on this, so take my advice for being worth what you've paid for it. That said, I use Lexol (a leather conditioner) to soften leather sweatbands (on the inside of hats), before stretching them. Mind you, that those sweatbands are much thinner than a holster, but a little goes a long way with them. http://www.lexol.com/

Edit: And if anyone knows this to be bad advice, please correct me! I don't want the OP to ruin his holster based on it.
 
New LEATHER Holster Instructions: For Inside The Waist Holsters

1. Put on pants
2. Put on belt and holster. (follow all holster instructions)
3. Check firearm once, twice, three times to make certain unloaded.
4. Place pistol in fancy new leather holster - (A tip - Kydex doesn't stretch).
5. With pistol placed at correct position - DRAW!
6. Replace pistol in fancy new leather holster.
7. DRAW!
8. Replace pistol in fancy new leather holster.
9. DRAW!
10. Replace pistol in fancy new leather holster...repeat Steps 4-9.
11. PERFECT!
 
Wrapping the gun in a couple of plastic grocery bags is the best
way I know of. It has always worked for me. Leather conditioners
can soften the holster and it can lose its fit.
 
Besides the plastic bag and unloaded draw/repeat/draw/repeat trick, I was taught to fondle, stretch and rub by hand only, no additives used which might break down the leather. Just the natural oil, sweat and heat from your hands will eventually open or stretch leather as needed.

YMMV
 
I've allways had good results with Neats foot oil. Apply the oil until it will not absorb any more. wipe off the excess. Wrap the pistol in saran wrap and leave it in the holster for a week or so.

In the book "Inside The FBI, one of the last FBI gunfighters recommended to the author the following Procedure. Soak the holster in water until it was saturated. Wrap the weapon in plastic. Place the weapon in the holster and allow it to dry. Once dry treat the holster with neats foot oil and saddle soap.

The author stated that it molded perfectly to his weapon and did not damage the holster.

I have never tryed this method. My two primary holsters responded to the Neats foot oil. I have been using my Safari land duty rig since 1976 and my
Roys Orginal Pancake since 1983. They are still in excellent condition. The pancake is my CCW holster and is worn on a daily basis
 
Gun is 100% factory box stock Dan Wesson 15-2, but it did come in several variations. Mine is the vent rib HB flavor which seems to be a contributor to the problem, but the holster maker doesn't distinguish between barrel configurations.
DSCF7941.jpg


New LEATHER Holster Instructions: For Inside The Waist Holsters

1. Put on pants
2. Put on belt and holster. (follow all holster instructions)
3. Check firearm once, twice, three times to make certain unloaded.
4. Place pistol in fancy new leather holster - (A tip - Kydex doesn't stretch).
5. With pistol placed at correct position - DRAW!
6. Replace pistol in fancy new leather holster.
7. DRAW!
8. Replace pistol in fancy new leather holster.
9. DRAW!
10. Replace pistol in fancy new leather holster...repeat Steps 4-9.
11. PERFECT!
Click to expand...

Slight fly or 2 in the ointment.:D Its not an IWB & the darn thing is too tight to push in, much less draw & reholster, that's the problem!
 
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I don't want to start an argument, but I suggest going slowly and carefully to fit any handgun in any brand new leather OWB holster that is designed to fit tightly on the contours of the handgun. Try one layer of kitchen plastic wrap, e.g. Saran Wrap; and try to carefully force the handgun into the holster; store the handgun this way for several days. You can also use a thicker plastic material such a zip loc bags. I would not put any substance (water or oil) on the holster unless recommended by the manufacturer of the holster. Some makers will not accept the return of a holster that has been treated with water or oil.
 
Will the leather stretch a little if I leave the pistol in it for a while?
Click to expand...

Yes. Simply put the gun in the holster and leave it for a few days. That alone is usually enough to stretch out the holster.

I would not put any thing on the holster to soften it. You do not want to break down the fibers in the leather and make it softer. While you do want your holster to loosen up, you still want it to be stiff to support and secure your firearm.
 
You have a beautiful revolver! That said, you may need to have a holster custom made for it. Lobo Leather and Simply Rugged are two highly recommended makers that won't force you to get a second mortgage.
 
I use a local leather shop where I select the leather for appearance and gauge. He keeps the gun for a pattern, no blue-gun stuff, and makes the holster for that particular gun. After making the holster he soaks it in water until saturated; wraps the gun in a few layers of Saran; sticks it into the holster; and lets it stay until the leather dries.

Perfect fit every time.

He also makes saddles but is having a problem getting the ladies to let him wrap their butt with Saran.
 
I make most of my holsters and the above method is the one I use. Wet leather will mold to the shape of the gun. If you are concerned about finish wear it is best to line the inside of the holster with soft thin lining.

Most commercial holsters have a finish applied and will not take water well so it is hard to re-mold them, rubbing alcohol will soften but may damage the applied finish.
 
Thanks for the replies I really do appreciate the range of advice.

I've found a holster for this particular gun (which is not an every day carry piece if that helps at all.) Unfortunately it has both a perfect fit for the pistol & a horrible belt attachment. It was one of those "$15.00 promo foam rubber , nylon & duck hunting camo" POS holsters & I've been using it occasionally for ever just because it works as an emergency back up when "out in the woods".
I just wish there was something better.

I actually got the slightly bigger "Large frame Dan Wesson .44 magnum" version this time out, hoping it might be a better fit, but no such luck so far at least. I 'm letting it sit & (maybe) stretch to fit, so bear with me as we go down this particular road.:)
 
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