ltwguns.com

Hello all

I just received two holsters from Craig Chadwick at Lightning Arms Sports Inc. ( Grade A++++ on service). I scored a Milt Sparks 60TK in Cow Hide Left Hand for a 5" 1911 and a Alessi CQC-S left handed for a 4" 1911. I was wondering if there is anything I should do to help break in the Milt Sparks for my 5"? It has a great fit but is so tight that the first few time I holstered my Govement Model it would push the slide out of Battery (not really doing that anymore) but it is very stiff to get the gun out. I have heard of people using Silicone Spray and other things on the inside of the leather to help break it in. I do not want to put anything on the leather that I should not be there any ideas?


thanks
Kendall

_________________
"There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed man long enough never care for anything else thereafter."

Ernest Hemingway

Kendall.
Wrap the (unloaded of course) pistol in wax-paper or a thicker zip-loc bag (freezer storage bag thickness, not sandwich baggie) and insert it into the holster and leave it sit overnight. The bag or wax paper will bunch up around the ejection port and trigger-guard and relieve some of the tight tolerence in these areas. This method usually works without the need for any sprays or leather conditioners. I occassionally have to do this on some of the holsters leaving the shop when I final test-fit them with real firearms, due to the dimensions being slightly smaller on some of the mold guns. Some say the wax-paper is preferable if you wrap it with the waxy side out as it also leaves some wax residue inside the holster to slicken things up, but I've found th plastic bag to work effectively, and recommend to customers using the bag I shipped the holster in if they find it tight. Josh Bulman, Mitch Rosen, and Galco also sell a leather treatment for slickening up the inside of a holster that will not soften or stretch the leather.

_________________
http://www.garritysgunleather.com
"He who works with his hands is a labourer, he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman, he who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist."
(St Francis of Assisi)

I have used both Leather Lightning from Rosen and Hyde-Glide from Rusty Sherrick with success. Both smooth out the inside without softening the holster itself.

i have had various holsters from most of the premier makers. ive had to stretch every holster i ever bought.

usually, most of them will recomend wrapping the gun up with the bag the holster was shipped in... it works. let it sit for a night. see how it is. you will get the hang of it after a while.

Like Mark and c.rod said, do the bag thing. It has never failed for me on numerous new custom holsters.

_________________
Sic Semper Tyrannis

Hey guys

Thanks for the info. I am using the Plastic bag method as I type. I will let you all know how it works out


Kendall

_________________
"There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed man long enough never care for anything else thereafter."

Ernest Hemingway

If you haven't used the "bag" method to stretch your holsters yet, don't. It's not wrong to do but belive it or not, you want the holsters tight as they are. You want to be able to invert the holster with the gun in it without the gun falling out. You should even be able to shake it a little without the gun falling out. You want the retention/fit to be that tight so that if you're running or take a tumble, the gun will stay in the holster. As for the holsters being so tight that it pushes the slide up, you can prevent this by placing your thumb behind the slide as you holster the gun. This will keep your gun in battery; this is the proper way to holster your semi auto. A better way to break your holsters in is to practice your draw stroke until you can do so smoothly. Remember, when it hits the fan, you're going to draw that gun like nobody's business. Practice your draw stroke the same way. After a hundred or so presentations, the holster will let up some; you will get use to the tight fit/retention. The leather will eventually give and start to lose some of its retention with time and use; don't rush the process. Also, don't forget to use a good double thick belt to match the belt loops. This will eliminate holster shift. The double thickness also aids in the holsters' retention because the thickness of the belt puts pressure on the holster. Some years ago, I purchase a PMK from Milt Sparks. It was for my J frame revolver. At first the retention was good. After several months, less than a year, the retention gave out; the holster no longer retained the gun. With a double thick belt the holster was serviceable but I stopped using it. Some years later, after his passing, I call the company to see what they could do for me and they were honest; nothing. I got rid of the PMK. His Summer Special still does a good job holding in the gun. So don't be so quick to stretch those holsters. Good Luck.

_________________
step-left-and-crouch

I used the wax paper treatment on my new 5shot holster. Worked very well. There has to be balance of retention and release. I routinely wear business casual clothes which needs a different level of release than when I wear jeans. Having drawn with it hitting the fan I can assure you there is no worse feeling than having yanked your panties into a bunch to find your gun still in the holster. Which is also the reason I quit wearing paddle holsters. At least when you draw holster and all you may get one semi aimed shot off.

One thing John highly reccomended when using the wax paper treatment was start with 1 layer. As he pointed out you can stretch them but you cant re-tighten them.

_________________
Gary Eastridge
http://www.randgfirearms.com

My problem is the opposite. I have a holster that could be tighten up a bit!

Well

I used the bag method and it works like a charm.

CaptBahBah

My holster was not a little tight it was VERY tight. Even after using the bag method I can turn it upside down and shake it pretty vigorously and it still will not come out but while draw smoothly when I am drawing. When I re-holster it will not knock the slide out of battery. I am also using a proper belt so that will not be a issue.


Gary

I agree when it is hitting the fan you want your gear to work without any complications. Many of the guys I work with still use the paddle holster for convenience but I observed a coworker jump a fence in a foot pursuit and his gun hit the ground before he did (very bad feeling). I told myself I would NEVER wear a Paddle Holster at work again. I only takes a minute to take one off your belt to remove your holster and sidearm.


thanks for all the info and advice

Kendall

_________________
"There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed man long enough never care for anything else thereafter."

Ernest Hemingway

captblahbalh,, everyone one of my holsters will pass the "upside down shake test" sometimes they just come out from the shop really tight....