How To Recondition Leather Holster?

[perpster]

I have 2 old Cobra Gunskin leather holsters for my newly acquired 640 (.38). They are so tight that I literally have to jam the gun in to snap them closed, and it's likewise a battle to pull the gun back out. Good thing this is a pocket gun, or else I'd never be able to draw it out when needed.

I've ordered a Nemesis, but these 2 holsters could be useful. Is there a method to "restore" them that won't gunk-up the holster interior?

Thanks.

 

[tegemu]

When I got my new Max Con V holsters from Brommeland Gun leather thet were VERY tight, inserting and removing the guns was a CHORE. Along with the holsters, Gary Brommeland sent a sheet of paper that explained that a new, well made holster will be tight. His insrtuctions were to wrap the gun with a layer of wax paper and let it sit overnight. I did it and was amazed at the improvement. Gary went on further to say, if it was still too tight, wrap it with two layers of wax paper and let it sit overnight. I had to do this with tha Magazine Carrier I got and, sure enough, it loosened it right up. Gary also cautioned not to "Over stretch" it, as it was VERY dificult to "Unstretch" leather. Give it a try, I think you will be very pleasantly surprised.

 

[carebear]

His instructions were to wrap the gun with a layer of wax paper and let it sit overnight. I did it and was amazed at the improvement.

Do you put the wrapped gun IN the holster overnight? Cause otherwise it sounds like magic.

 

[perpster]

His insrtuctions were to wrap the gun with a layer of wax paper and let it sit overnight. I did it and was amazed at the improvement. Gary went on further to say, if it was still too tight, wrap it with two layers of wax paper and let it sit overnight. I had to do this with tha Magazine Carrier I got and, sure enough, it loosened it right up. Gary also cautioned not to "Over stretch" it, as it was VERY dificult to "Unstretch" leather. Give it a try, I think you will be very pleasantly surprised.

I tried 1 layer for 1 night with marginal results, so let it sit for another day in 1 layer. If that doesn't work I'll go double layer.

I hope it doesn't matter that I used "parchment paper" for cooking instead of wax paper--no wax paper around.

I also notice a few tiny "crumbs" of leather on the gun when I draw it out (this occurred before the paper treatment, too). Is that a sign of the end of the high road for a holster?

 

[carebear]

Perpster,

Have you oiled or beeswaxed the leather yet? If they are dried out they aren't going to be malleable enough to fit. You don't want to break them down but they need occasional treatment, like quality shoes.

 

[perpster]

Have you oiled or beeswaxed the leather yet? If they are dried out they aren't going to be malleable enough to fit. You don't want to break them down but they need occasional treatment, like quality shoes.

It seems like the unfinished inside of the leather is dry, not the finished outside. But if I oil/wax inside, won't that get on the gun?

BTW, to answer my own question about wax vs parchment paper: Milt Sparks website says use a plastic bag, so I guess either paper is good enough. It seems to be the minimal extra thickness that counts.

 

[carebear]

Your shoes are finished on the outside, which side do you put polish on? Leather's permeable, it will absorb through.

I wouldn't soak them, I think too much can loosen up the boning, but I hit mine with beeswax (for shoes, I get it in little jars) every once in a while.

Belts, shoes, jackets, anything leather I treat occasionally.

HOWEVER, I've never had a "premium" holster so one of the other guys should probably chime in on whether that's bad scoop.

 

[perpster]

The wax paper thing has helped, but I don't like the tiny bits of leather that come off on the gun with each draw. Look like bits of fluff.

 

[carebear]

Those will wear smooth with use or you can try an emery board. Again, you don't want to mess with the boning.