Reshaping a Safariland holster?

[Deus Machina]

Got a basketweave thumb-break belt holster for my S&W 469, since everything I can find available is for southpaws or costs $120, which I unfortunately just can't justify.

The OTB thing just doesn't work even under my loose clothing, and the thumb break just doesn't work well with the way it rides on me.

But tucked into my waistband or under my belt, the gun just disappears.

So, does any one know if, after they're finished, Safariland holsters can be soaked and re-shaped, so I could contour this one to better grip the gun, trim off the thumb break and belt loop, and otherwise use it as a basis for an IWB? I do have the ability to to the leatherworking.

 

[rcmodel]

I believe Safariland uses a water based clear acrylic finish on it's leather holsters.

Try rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and see if it will penetrate the finish.
If it will, you can use alcohol to soften the leather and re-shape it.

Keep in mind that the basket-weave stamping will be at risk while the leather is wet formed.

After it is formed & dried, you will need to reapply a clear finish such as Tandy Satin-Shene.
http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/products.asp?number=2611-01

BTW: What's an "OBT thing"?

rcmodel

 

[Deus Machina]

Thank you. I'll give that a shot.

OTB, Outside The Belt.