I just picked up a leather holster for my P226 railed models. The fit is very tight. I am looking for recommendations as to how I can condition and fit the holster to my holster to have a looser fit for my guns. What conditioners and leather softeners would you recommend and the fitting procedures. Thank in advance!

Draw-EZ from Galco will help.

https://www.galcogunleather.co...ters_8_343_1089.html

You can also put the gun in a plastic bag and push in to the holster afterwards. Another, thicker bag afterwards to help stretch.

Unload the gun and push in and take out of the holster while watching TV also might help.

Ziplock bag trick always works, might just take a day or two. Personally I don’t use leather conditioners as they can alter the boning or retention.

I've used the plastic bag trick a few times. I like it because it works, and it doesn't change the outward apearance of the holster in case you decide to sell it.

Mitch Rosen's Leather Lightning FTW

I do a variation of the plastic bag thing, I wrap the gun in plastic wrap (a couple layers), put it in the holster, then wear it for a few hours. This stretches the holster while maintaining the proper shape. A few times, I've had to repeat the procedure since the first try didn't stretch the holster enough.

I had read within the past couple of months where a holster maker of a well known brand (I don't remember now which one it was...), was talking to a friend of his and did the following to a semi-automatic pistol holster.

He took the semi-auto and ensured it was clear, then he put the unloaded pistol in the holster and went over to a couch.

He turned the holster on its spine and rapped it moderately on the arm rest of the couch; the pistol then slid in/out of the holster smoothly without any binding yet was still secure.

I did this to two of my own holsters for my Glock & P225 after years of previously attempting other methods already listed and this did the trick; it did not damage the holster.

YMMV

What is the "spine" of a holster, please?

If the operation could be restated as "top of slide" or something similar with a point of reference, that would be super.

After owning way too many holsters, the bag method works 100% of the time for me. I use two bags (the thicker ones that come with holsters) and just let it sit inside there for at least 24 hours. In extreme cases, it may take a little longer. Usually, after 24 hours, it'll be perfect.

The only exception is 1791 holsters. I can't stand them. They are so tight you can't even get a pistol inserted with a plastic bag on it.

PS. When you insert the pistol be sure to fold the other unused plastic around the muzzle. This also makes another layer at the muzzle end and helps to form the holster (without making it too wide.)

quote:

Originally posted by 4MUL8R:
What is the "spine" of a holster, please?

Image illustrating the spine on a holster... think of it as the top of the firearm where you typically would use the sights

Fromt inside out: Pistol > 1 Gallon zip-loc bag > wrapped in wax paper > Holster

After a day of just sitting there, wearing it around the house for a day helps. The zip-loc bags don't seem to rip and the wax paper helps it slide in and leaves a organic/non-permanent/non-penatrating residue