I have a nice IWB holster made by Alessi Holsters (now out of business as Lou Alessi passed away). It is for a Sig 220 rail. The the gun goes in the holster fine, but if I push it all the way in, then it feels like the gun is in a vise and I will rip my belt loops off if I do not use 2 hands to pull the gun out of the holster.
What is the best way to loosen the holster a bit without ruining it? It seems that pushing the gun in the last 3/8" is the issue. Before that, I can draw the gun just fine. The holster has no apparent deformity or flaw.
That’s very common with new leather holsters, there are a few leather products to help break it in faster. I had a Galco holster for a 226 that was the same way, took about a week to break it in with dry fire practice and carry.
Many custom holster makers suggest “bagging” the gun and inserting it into the holster. Basically take the plastic bag it was shipped in, insert the gun into the bag and then insert it into the holster. I took this from Milt Sparks website on the matter.
Tightness in a new holster is not uncommon and is much preferable to the alternative. If the draw is a little stiff at first, it is recommended that you work with it to see if it doesn’t loosen up with a bit of use. About 25 to 50 presentations should be a good indicator of whether the holster will break in sufficiently on its own or if maybe a little blocking out of the leather is in order. There are many variables as to why a holster would be excessively tight ranging from the texture of your guns finish, to slight changes in climate or humidity from where the holster is made. Regardless of the reason, a too tight holster can easily be remedied by the end user with a method we have been recommending to customers for over 20 years.
To block out (stretch) your new holster first UNLOAD your pistol or revolver and place the gun into the 4 mil plastic bag that your new holster was packaged in. Then carefully insert the bagged gun all the way into the holster (do not! I repeat, do not!! wet or spray the holster with any solution to aid in the stretching process). The blocking out process as described above will in no way harm the crisp detailed molding of your new holster, nor will it ruin its retention qualities. It serves simply to stretch the leather a few thousands of an inch larger than the gun. The amount of stretching time needed for satisfactory results range from a just a few minutes to overnight. Any clarifications or concerns on the above, or if you would rather we talk you through the process, then please call us.
Stick the gun ia a plastic (ziplock, baggie, etc…) bag and shove it into the holster for a week or so, repeat as needed–this usually cures all the tightness problems…
I have a Galco that was super-tight. I initially made it pretty much usable by holstering the pistol while it was inside a sock and leaving it there for a few days. It then became a great holster after wearing it for about a week – needs that constant body-position shifting to get it nice and stretched out.
Two suggestions-One, use a plastic freezer bag (the freezer bag is slightly thicker than a “normal” plastic bag and will be more effective); place the gun in the freezer bag, and then holster for a day or so.
Two, Galco has a product that I believe is called Draw-EZ that I’ve found to be a big help in expediting the process. It’s judiciously applied to the interior of the holster. It won’t harm the leather/horsehide of the holster. I’d try that first, and then you might want to use it in conjunction with the freezer bag if the results are still on the too tight side.
Thanks for the suggestions, I will try bagging first. I have stored the gun in the holster for about a year and just decided to carry it, so I was surprised the holster was still tight.
Glad to hear Alessi is still in business because I always liked their stuff. The Bulman version of Alessi’s IWB holster is quite nice too.
I had the same issue with a leather IWB setup. The maker also told me to wrap it in wax paper or a plastic bag and leave it in for a few hours. The paper or bag alone would tear before the gun was fully inserted (it was really tight!). What worked for me was to wrap the gun in wax paper first then the bag and leave it for about a week. He also mentioned the conditioner that was safe for the leather and gun both but I have not tried it yet. After being around quit a bit of leather (18 years of competitive baseball), one thing I can say is that usually the harder a leather product is to break in the better it will suit you once that fit is achieved. That always makes me feel the effort is worthwhile.
My leather holster was really tight on my Ed Brown. I did the Baggy approach. It took a couple weeks for it to set for good. Its doubtful you will over-stretch it.
“Bagging” the gun will work. I find that most of the custom leather holster makers ship their holsters in a heavier/thicker plastic bag, so that is what I usually use if it is needed. Should do the trick and loosen it up just a bit for you to seat/draw it from without any hang-ups. If it doesn’t seem to work, give Alessi Holsters a call, they are still in business and Tom is very helpful. http://www.alessigunholsters.com/
+1. Got a C5 Leather about a month ago and blocking helped. So did repeated drawing/inserting the gun. I’d stay away from any chemicals/additives and just work the leather a bit. It’ll stretch, but you DON’T want a loose fit.
My newest holster had a vice like hold on the gun when I first got it. A very slight stretch to the metal reinforcement band and lots of unholstering and reholstering fixed it for me.
alessi is still in business under the management of one of his daughters I think. Using the name Alessi holsters.
One of the long time craftsman that was Lou’s right hand man split from the company and runs his own shop- ritchie leather. Both excellent products. I live and shoot in the area they are made and am acquainted with guys that work in both places