Leather Holster Making For Beginners How To Loosen Up Leather Holsters

Published on July 13, 2021
Duration: 20:55

This guide, presented by firearms instructor Hank Strange and leather artisan Sam Andrews of Andrews Custom Leather, details how to safely loosen a new or shrunken leather holster that is too tight. It emphasizes using controlled stretching methods with shims made from common materials like cardboard or scrap leather to avoid damaging the holster or firearm finish. The video also touches on accommodating accessories like red dot sights and lights, turnaround times for custom leatherwork, and the differences between leather and Kydex holsters.

Quick Summary

To loosen a tight leather holster, use a shim made from cardboard or leather cut to the firearm's profile. Insert the shim, then place the firearm on top and let it sit for about five minutes. This controlled stretching helps break in the leather without damaging it or the firearm's finish.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Hank Strange Situation
  2. 00:16Welcome to Sam Andrews' Den
  3. 00:51Collection of British Empire Firearms
  4. 01:15Question & Answer Introduction
  5. 01:38Lights and Lasers on Holsters
  6. 01:55Holster Turnaround Times
  7. 02:45Impact of Recent Events on Business
  8. 03:02Family Business & Production Line
  9. 03:17Lining Leather for Holsters
  10. 03:53Exotic Leathers and Durability
  11. 04:14Marketing Quality Holsters vs. Airsoft Gear
  12. 04:43Kydex vs. Leather Holsters
  13. 05:24Comfort and Aesthetics of Leather
  14. 05:47Leather Holsters for Glocks
  15. 06:03Left-Handed Shoulder Holster Pricing
  16. 06:44Designing New Holster Patterns
  17. 07:07New Gun Models and Holster Availability
  18. 08:07Time for Dummy Guns to Become Available
  19. 08:39Common Phone Call Questions
  20. 08:55Demand for Concealed Carry Holsters
  21. 09:18Exotic Leathers Discussion
  22. 09:45How to Loosen a Tight Leather Holster
  23. 10:47Adjusting Short Holster Straps
  24. 10:52Dealing with a Loose Holster
  25. 11:31Contacting Andrews Custom Leather
  26. 11:59Andrews Custom Leather Website
  27. 12:13Visiting the Shop
  28. 12:21Subscribe & Support the Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I loosen a leather holster that is too tight?

To loosen a tight leather holster, use a shim made from cardboard or leather cut to the firearm's profile. Insert the shim, then place the firearm on top and let it sit for about five minutes. This controlled stretching helps break in the leather without damaging it or the firearm's finish.

Can leather holsters accommodate firearms with lights or red dot sights?

Leather holsters can typically accommodate red dot sights on the slide or small laser grips. However, large weapon-mounted lights significantly alter the firearm's shape, making them unsuitable for traditional leather holsters. For such setups, Kydex or hybrid holsters are generally recommended.

What is the typical turnaround time for custom leather holsters?

Due to high demand, custom leather holsters, especially those requiring new designs or complex work, can have a turnaround time of up to a year. Standard production items that are regularly made may still take several months to complete.

What type of leather is used for the inside lining of holsters?

Most commonly, cowhide is used for holster linings, either as suede, which is softer and gentler on a gun's finish, or as a smooth leather similar to the exterior. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

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