[stu]

Yesterday I picked up a new Galco mag handcuff/holster. This is a paddle holster that holds a Glock 9mm or 40cal mag in front of a pare of handcuffs. The thinking behind this is that Im more likely to need the cuffs at work then a second mag. Plus in the summer I rarely carry a spare mag on me except for at work, the paddle clip made sense. Any way, I started breaking in the leather when I got to work last night. This is usually a time consuming event done with relish. Hey a new holster is a good thing. :)

As most leather holsters are now pressure molded to what it is there supposed to fit, the leather is usually quite dry, and doesn't work well when new. There are a few holsters that I've had in the past that when new wouldn't let the gun free without being prying out. Generally I start by spraying the inside of the holster with a good dose of hi grade gun oil. This is because of the dryness of the leather, and knowing from past experience that it will absorb any and all oil on the gun like a sponge, leaving the surface un protected. This is then followed by working the leather around a while softening it up. Then again coating the inside with more gun oil, and working the leather. After the leather stops absorbing the oil, and becomes soft, then the work with the implement begins. In this case since the holster has adjustable retention screws, there loosened, the mag is put in, and then the screws are tightened down as far as they can be without striping the threads, or crushing the mag. This BTW is the only use I've ever found for PC 10 round mags. This whole routine is repeated until the leather is soft enough for the gun/mag/etc to go smoothly in and out of the holster.

What Im wondering, is does anyone have a simpler way to break in a leather holster??

[loknload]

Stu, The last holster I purchased from FIST, They sent istructions recommending the use of Silicon spray and working the gun in and out of the holster. They also stated not to use oil. I've also read that the gun should also be wrapped in Saran wrap while doing this ;)

[Gunslinger]

Terri and I were taught a trick when we started marketing molded holsters. Our holsters come generic in several sizes to fit most any gun but are not formed (molded) to the individual gun when we get them. In order to mold them we first drop the holster in a crock pot set on low and leave them in until they stop bubbling. Then with the gun wrapped in plastic wrap we place it in the holster and put the whole thing in a food processor. (The kind that shrink wraps food in a vacuum.) Let it run until all of the air is out and leather is completely molded to the gun. Once done let the gun sit in the bag for an hour. Cut it out, carefully remove the gun from the holster and set it (the holster) aside for 24 hours. It will then be completely molded to the holster and dry. The gun will be held snug, the fit beautiful and the gun will slide in and out comfortably.

[Jim V]

Stu, don't make me come out there. Gun oil and leather is fine if you want to dirty word up the leather. Oiled leather attracts sand and grit.

The holster is molded to fit your model pistol, correct? Some people say that water and leather should never meet but this has worked for me in the past. Lightly sprtiz the inside of the holster with warm water, place the pistol in a thin plastic bag, put the pistol in the holster and let it dry.

Then contact C. Rusty Sherrick at http://www.c-rusty.com and order a bottle of HYDE GLYDE Leather Creame. The stuff helps eliminate leather bind and squeaks. You rub in the leather, both inside and out. Lou Alessi, primo holster maker, reccommends it.

Gun oil and hoslters, mutter mutter, trouble with people today, mutter.

[stu]

Jim- You can put the stick away. It's silicone lube that Im using. Really. When I lived in MN you had to have a way to keep the leather from acting like a sponge and absorbing the oil on the gun causing the gun to start rusting in a matter of days. Yes I know that you should wipe your carry gun down daily in that kind of humidity, but not everyone thinks about it this way, and I saw a lot of surface rust.

[Bubba]

Boys boys boys.... Did y'all not learn NUTHIN from John Wayne??? :D

Actually, several good ideas... but the media is wrong..

Leather = Saddle Soap.

I talked to Tony Kanaly about this. His concept was similar to Bill's. Put gun (lubed with Break Free) and holster in the plastic bag and keep it there for a couple of days. I asked about Saddle Soap as it does condition leather. He wasn't estatic about it. But felt it was better than oil. So I treat and rub the holster down with Saddle Soap, working it in deep.Then the gun and baggie.

Works great on all my Versa MAXIIs.

[jim]

Ballistol.