How to Shrink a holster ???

[onegunred]

I have a somewhat new holster made of 14 oz leather.  The fit is not what I would call tight.  Can I shrink this thing ?  I did a web search and read,  to get water 165 to 180 deg. and place the holster in it for 10 min. then put it in the freezer.  Almost the same recipe for jello.  Any suggestions ?  Thanks, Jerry

[Camano Ridge]

I am not sure soaking a holster then freezing it is the best thing for the leather. Show us a picture of your holster. The best way if you have the ability there is a fair amount of play would be to add a stitch line. If it is just a little bit off. Wet the holster in warm tap water. When the holster is pliable put your gun in the holster (if needed oil or wrap the gun in plastic wrap to protect it) shape the holster to fit the gun. Either let dry naturaly or place in the oven no more then about 175 degrees for about 10 - 15 minutes. Take you holster out and let dry overnight. You should have a good fit. Some others may have other ideas. This is just the way I do it.

[Red Cent]

Centuries ago, armor was made of bolied leather or leather soaked in very hot water. When it dries, it is as hard as a proverbial rock.
I have not used an oven but if you submerge the leather just hot enough to be uncomfortable to the skin, let it soak no longer than a minute, insert the gun/mold gun and work the leather into position. You do not need a freezer or the oven. But the oven will accelerate the process. 10 minutes will ruin the holster. The shrinking process can be controlled with the temperature of the water.
Since the holster will shrink, tape a small dowel rod or a pencil to the top of the barrel running between the front sight and the front of the receiver or at least to the cutout front of the holster. Nothing like handgun trapped in a holster. Don't ask .

[St. George]

Why not try this...

Oil and wrap the weapon in plastic, then dip the holster in hot, running water 'just' enough to ensure it's been wetted throughout.

Then - seat the plastic-wrapped piece snugly.

Once you've done that, use your thumbs, or a smooth dowel and 'bone' the leather around the weapon - making sure to follow all contours - including cylinder flutes.

It'll begin to look somewhat shrink-wrapped - 'not' what any original looked like, but more modern.

Let sit awhile before carefully pulling out the weapon - then let air dry - and it 'will' shrink to the fitted configuration.

Un-wrap the weapon and re-oil - and when the holster's dry sometime the next day - see how it fits.

Scouts Out!

[GunClick Rick]

I have used the back of a small spoon to do the shaping while wet,i have a couple of those old spoons babies used to get,it a smoother surface.

[Camano Ridge]

As st. George said and as in my original post just wetting reshaping and drying will form the holster to your gun and you will have a better fit. Although over time this may loosen up. As to putting the holster (without the gun) in an oven the purpose is to harden the holster and with out the gun in it it will shrink slightly as it drys and give even a snugger fit. As to putting it in the oven if you do not set the oven for more then 170 degrees 10 minutes will not ruin a holster I have been making holsters for over  forty years. However as Red said an oven is not necassary. However you go about it after you wet and dry the holster you will want to put some nutrients back into the holster either some light oiling and or a leather treatment like Skidmores cream or similar product.

[Red Cent]

Did not word this part correctly. "10 minutes will not ruin a holster ".  I was referring to letting it soak for 10 minutes.

[dwight55]

It's been almost a month since the OP, . . . was wondering how it all came out?

Suggestions were good, . . . but generally only work well on vegetable tanned leather.

If it were my holster, . . . and I wanted to preserve the original looks of it, . . . a few properly placed stitches, . . . or maybe even a full stitch line, . . . would be my desired route.

It is always easier to stretch leather out, . . . than to shrink it down.  Adding a stitch line may make it horribly tight, . . . but leaving the weapon in the holster overnight in a plastic freezer bag will usually stretch it out to the right size.  I would try it without the bag for the first night though. 

May God bless,
Dwight

[onegunred]

I am still pondering a solution. A bit of stitch may be better. I can control the stitch but I can not control the shrink.

[Slowhand Bob]

Sounds like you could have a good idea on the stitching AND it looks like a part of the original design intent!  Mernickle and other big name holster makers frequently use two stitch rows in some of their patterns.