Tightness of holsters

[Skeeter Lewis]

I've been debating with a compadre as to the tightness of fit of holsters. I've always thought they were tight when new and fitted themselves with time to the particular gun. He's convinced they were roomy. What's your opinion?
I'm talking about nineteenth century holsters.

[Buck Stinson]

In my opinion, you're both right.  If we are talking about high quality saddle shop made holsters, some makers allowed a little extra room in their holster designs, while others made their holsters with a tighter fit.  These tight holsters would eventually mold themselves to the handgun for which they were intended.  Form fitting or boning was not done on holsters of the era you are talking about.

Buck