How to re break in an older holster?

baddarryl · November 28, 2014, 03:50 PM

If that makes sense. I got a used Viking 64 holster off ebay for my Single Six. It was exactly described for my gun: 5 1/2 barrel, fixed sights etc. While it is true that it does fit the gun it is extremely hard to get the gun to seat all the way in. I suppose this is from not being used in a while or who knows. Is there something I can do to make this holster a little more elastic or loosen up a bit? Thank you.

Snyper · November 28, 2014, 08:29 PM

Assuming it's leather, some soak them in either water or alcohol to soften them temporarily, or Neatsfoot oil to make them permenantly more flexible

riflemen · November 28, 2014, 08:37 PM

Be careful with this, is it just stiff leather or a super tight fit?

If its just stiff leather I would treat it with galcos leather lotion and ez draw, that stuff works..

If it is just super tight because it shrunk? Then I would heat it up with a blow dryer, not super hot just warm her up a bit, then soak it in warm water for 15 minutes or so, then cover your pistol with a plastic bag, and push the gun in there for a bit, I pull it out and put it back a few times, let it dry out, then retreat it....

I have bought some expensive holsters over the years and I have been trying to perfect the care of them for that entire time, auto holsters are easier than wheel gun holsters for some reason and also seem to last longer, luckily I dont carry a revolver...

good luck and good choice on the gun..

baddarryl · November 29, 2014, 12:02 AM

I think it is just stiff. Seems to fit right, just hard to insert. I have some Rawlings Glovolium with lanolin in it around. What do you think of that?

riflemen · November 29, 2014, 01:08 AM

never used that stuff, the glaco stuff I have and have used... if the gun fits good, maybe just wear it a while and see if it loosens up...

psalm7 · November 29, 2014, 09:00 AM

Saddle soap that is used for stiff boots and such . I have talked to folks that use glove oil used in Base Ball . I have used saddle soap and Mink oil but not the glove oil .

baddarryl · November 29, 2014, 12:01 PM

I have since read a bunch about how the conditioners in not pure, but compound oils and even soaking can be harmful. For now I double wrapped a zip lock bag and forced it in to sit for a day or so. I will let you know how that works out. I don't doubt what some say, but better safe than sorry.

Microgunner · November 29, 2014, 12:34 PM

The ZipLoc bag is the best fix. Works every time.

NateKirk · November 29, 2014, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Assuming it's leather, some soak them in either water or alcohol to soften them temporarily, or Neatsfoot oil to make them permenantly more flexible

Don't use any kind of oils on leather. It may protect and waterproof it for the short term but it's like giving it cancer. Water's OK though as long as it dries correctly. Wrap the gun in seran wrap and a plastic bag and place in holster then soak the holster in warm water and slowly air dry

aarondhgraham · November 29, 2014, 05:48 PM

There is no need to "soak" the holster.

What I mean is that while it won't damage the leather,,,
It's simply not necessary to soak it for 15 minutes.

A quick 5 to 10 second dunk in warm water is al it needs,,,
"Casing" (deep soaking for complete saturation),,,
Is just massive overkill.

Dunk it, wrap your gun in Saran wrap,,,
Then work the gun in and out of the holster.

You may use your fingers and mold the leather to the gun,,,
But how deep you make the form fit is up to you.

After the holster has dried completely,,,
Apply a very light coating of any leather conditioner.

Oils such as Neatsfoot oil do not give your leather cancer,,,
They keep the internal fibers pliant so the leather doesn't dry out and crack.

However what it can do is turn your leather to mush if you use too much,,,
That is why I said apply a very light coating of oil or conditioner.

Leather is funny stuff,,,
Depending on the current condition,,,
There are several products for different purposes.

If there is a Tandy leather store near you,,,
You can get any of several products that will suit your needs.

Aarond

.

baddarryl · December 1, 2014, 11:40 PM

Ziploc folded over a couple of times and a 10 second dip in the water did the trick! Thanks to everyone.

Microgunner · December 1, 2014, 11:45 PM

Glad it worked out.

November 28, 2014, 03:50 PM	#1
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	How to re break in an older holster? If that makes sense. I got a used Viking 64 holster off ebay for my Single Six. It was exactly described for my gun: 5 1/2 barrel, fixed sights etc. While it is true that it does fit the gun it is extremely hard to get the gun to seat all the way in. I suppose this is from not being used in a while or who knows. Is there something I can do to make this holster a little more elastic or loosen up a bit? Thank you.

November 28, 2014, 08:29 PM	#2
Snyper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2013 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 3,047	Assuming it's leather, some soak them in either water or alcohol to soften them temporarily, or Neatsfoot oil to make them permenantly more flexible __________________ One shot, one kill

November 29, 2014, 12:01 PM	#7
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	I have since read a bunch about how the conditioners in not pure, but compound oils and even soaking can be harmful. For now I double wrapped a zip lock bag and forced it in to sit for a day or so. I will let you know how that works out. I don't doubt what some say, but better safe than sorry. Last edited by baddarryl; November 29, 2014 at 12:06 PM.

November 29, 2014, 12:34 PM	#8
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	The ZipLoc bag is the best fix. Works every time. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member*

November 29, 2014, 05:48 PM	#10
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	There is no need to "soak" the holster. There is no need to "soak" the holster. What I mean is that while it won't damage the leather,,, It's simply not necessary to soak it for 15 minutes. A quick 5 to 10 second dunk in warm water is al it needs,,, "Casing" (deep soaking for complete saturation),,, Is just massive overkill. Dunk it, wrap your gun in Saran wrap,,, Then work the gun in and out of the holster. You may use your fingers and mold the leather to the gun,,, But how deep you make the form fit is up to you. After the holster has dried completely,,, Apply a very light coating of any leather conditioner. Oils such as Neatsfoot oil do not give your leather cancer,,, They keep the internal fibers pliant so the leather doesn't dry out and crack. However what it can do is turn your leather to mush if you use too much,,, That is why I said apply a very light coating of oil or conditioner. Leather is funny stuff,,, Depending on the current condition,,, There are several products for different purposes. If there is a Tandy leather store near you,,, You can get any of several products that will suit your needs. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

November 28, 2014, 08:37 PM	#3
riflemen Junior member Join Date: November 18, 2014 Posts: 259	Be careful with this, is it just stiff leather or a super tight fit? If its just stiff leather I would treat it with galcos leather lotion and ez draw, that stuff works.. If it is just super tight because it shrunk? Then I would heat it up with a blow dryer, not super hot just warm her up a bit, then soak it in warm water for 15 minutes or so, then cover your pistol with a plastic bag, and push the gun in there for a bit, I pull it out and put it back a few times, let it dry out, then retreat it.... I have bought some expensive holsters over the years and I have been trying to perfect the care of them for that entire time, auto holsters are easier than wheel gun holsters for some reason and also seem to last longer, luckily I dont carry a revolver... good luck and good choice on the gun..

November 29, 2014, 12:02 AM	#4
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	I think it is just stiff. Seems to fit right, just hard to insert. I have some Rawlings Glovolium with lanolin in it around. What do you think of that?

November 29, 2014, 01:08 AM	#5
riflemen Junior member Join Date: November 18, 2014 Posts: 259	never used that stuff, the glaco stuff I have and have used... if the gun fits good, maybe just wear it a while and see if it loosens up...

November 29, 2014, 09:00 AM	#6
psalm7 Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2014 Location: Middle TN Posts: 543	Saddle soap that is used for stiff boots and such . I have talked to folks that use glove oil used in Base Ball . I have used saddle soap and Mink oil but not the glove oil .

December 1, 2014, 11:40 PM	#11
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	Ziploc folded over a couple of times and a 10 second dip in the water did the trick! Thanks to everyone. Last edited by baddarryl; December 1, 2014 at 11:57 PM.

December 1, 2014, 11:45 PM	#12
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	Glad it worked out. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member*