How is it when on the belt? Some designs tighten up when worn... so it may be too loose in hand but ok on the belt. ?

To best break in a holster you should just use a plastic baggie and time. For really tight ones, 2 layers of plastic. But when you wrap it and wet the leather you will way overstretch it and lose some of the definition that holds the gun in place. It's like a good pair of boots- once you wear them out, they really can't be saved.

And each time you wet it, the leather loses more rigidity and more definition... it may be possible to salvage it for a period of time but it's going to loosen back up pretty quick.

Silver lining: This is black friday, you can redeem yourself for less than normal.

There are some other possibilities, like adding a stitch line, alcohol molding or tensioners but at this point you may be better off licking your wounds and buying a new holster.

 

I have fought with holsters that no longer fit in the past trying to save a dime, but no longer. When I wear one out, and they do get worn out, I get another.

I have all my holsters custom made by Nixon Leather (has a FB page) for about the same price as you can buy quality name brand. Plus, being custom, I get the opportunity pick material and holster features.

Here are a few examples of the work he's done.

 

I defer and agree to what the others have suggested….but, what if you wet the holster and let it dry empty? You’ve got nothing to lose in trying it. Maybe it will shrink.

 

Drying it in the oven on low will shrink it permantly too, be very careful because it will shrink too much.
It'll also be hard when it's dried.

 

Plantar5 and Tray burge, you may have something there. I will wet it a little and let dry empty, hoping it will shrink a little.....it doesn't need a whole lot but right now it is way too loose.....and flechero, it doesn't tighten up when on the belt worn...Matter of fact, if I jump up and down it would pop out. Thanks guys......I will try again....Pete

 

that being the case, wet it and dry it with a fan and some heat... (if you use the oven, only use the warm setting, and place away from the element)

Good luck!

 

Whenever I get a pair of leather boots or leather jacket soaking wet, it's hard & tight after it drys out. But after a rub down with mink oil or Lexol, it becomes supple and will stretch back to size & shape.

Whenever I got a pair of Navy flight boots that were a bit tight and hurt my feet, I'd soak them in warm water, and wear them for a day.

 

Whenever I get a pair of leather boots or leather jacket soaking wet, it's hard & tight after it drys out. But after a rub down with mink oil or Lexol, it becomes supple and will stretch back to size & shape.

Just a data point, but from the Milt Sparks FAQ page...

Frequently Asked Questions - Milt Sparks

Frequently Asked Questions and answers about Milt Sparks products. Contact us if you still have questions regarding our products.

www.miltsparks.com

You can disregard most of the advice put out on the various internet forums suggesting applications for holsters that are better suited for a pair of boots or on a saddle. On holsters and belts of our manufacture do not use silicone, oil, or any leather conditioning product that advertises itself as an aid to help soften leather. Using any product on your holster not recommended by us will void any warranty we will offer.

 

Just wanted to give you an update on my shrinkage (no not that shrinkage).....holster shrinkage....I did what you said, wet the holster and put it in oven under low heat....It worked...It now fits fairly snug to my 1911. I will try to take a pic and post it shortly. Thank all you guys

 

 

Nixon and Ronin Leather

 

Glad it worked out for you…

 

Thanks for the post, I'm going to try the wetting and drying on a TT gun leather OWB I have for an HK .45C that is kind of loose, I called TT a while back and he said to send it in, but I don't want the hassle, I will try the wet thing. thanks

 

I'm not an expert but I dabbled in leather working years ago. Rawhide will shrink as it dries but leather doesn't, it only stretches. You can mold it while wet to fit all the grooves and nooks but its not shrinking to fit.

 

To shrink a leather holster, wet the holster, wrap your gun in plastic, insert it into the wet holster, and squeeze tightly.