Need advice from a leather worker

[chhodge69]

I have a nice IWB leather holster for my 1911 that came with one annoying flaw: It's too smooth.

The exterior of the holster is a very nice smooth finish and slides on really easy but unless I cinch my belt overly tight it moves around and sometimes even stays on the gun when I draw. here's a link to it:
http://www.hyattgunstore.com/etw-adjustable-clip-inside-the-waistband-holster-for-kimber-solo-9.html

I like this rig and I'm not in a position to buy another so I have to make this work... I experimented with wrapping a giant rubber band around it to add some "sticky" and it works... it stays put and will not budge on the draw stroke. I'd like a more permanent solution tho...

How can I permanently "roughen" or "rubberize" the exterior of my holster without ruining the leather?

 

[JTQ]

You could try some "moleskin" attached to the holster. You can probably find it a a drug store or hardware store.

However, if the holster comes out with the pistol when you draw, I would tend to think the problem is with the clip.

I've noticed the clip on your holster allows adjustable cant. Does the cant lock in place or does it continue to rotate? Are you using a gun belt and have you hooked the clip over your belt or just over your pants.?

Ultimately, you may be better off admitting the holster isn't going to work and just get a more secure holster.

Most people have more than one holster. Each one is a learning experience in itself. Some are perfectly good holsters that just don't work for you.

An adjustable cant holster should lock in place like the Andrews MacDaniel.
http://www.andrewsleather.com/traditional.htm

A holster with loops and rough out construction like the Milt Sparks Summer Special will be much more secure than the model you have.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=...S HOLSTERS/Product/SEMI_AUTO_SUMMER_SPECIAL_2

I also have a 1911 and I'm pretty cheap, but it is a big, heavy pistol and it needs a good holster and belt. The cost of the holster is just a fraction of what your 1911 probably cost.

If you're really on a budget you may want to try the Don Hume PCCH. You can usually find them at various retailers for less than Hume direct.
http://www.donhume.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65_5&products_id=56

 

[chhodge69]

I think I worked this out - I tried the moleskin and it worked ok but it was just oogly and it frayed around the edges.

I picked up some dense sticky-back 1/8" foam and cut a piece to fit the contour of my holster. I stuck it to the holster wrapped around and facing out so that the foam contacts cloth on both sides when you wear it IWB. It really stays put now, and while the holster is about 3/16" thicker it is a lot more comfortable with the extra padding.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Smooth exterior surface or not, no holster should ever pull off your belt along with the gun. Are you wearing a belt?

 

[chhodge69]

Yep, and a decent one. but a) the belt clip doesn't wrap around the bottom of the belt and b) the metal reinforcing band was pinched making the fit way too tight. All issues resolved now but throwing my holster on the ground at an IDPA match was a little embarrassing