Breaking in Your Holster

Nothing beats a brand new leather holster. While synthetic models hold their shape longer and are easier to maintain, the feel and appearance are just not equal. Leather holsters tend to be more comfortable and quiet than synthetic materials. Plus, they can last a lifetime when well maintained. 

However, when you purchase a new leather holster for the first time, you will be shocked when you open the box. Any model, especially Desantis holsters, will be stiff. You will find that it is difficult to holster and draw your pistol. The key to finding the perfect fit and loving your purchase is to break the leather in. 

How To Break in a Holster

To break in your holster, you will need to stretch your leather just enough for you to achieve a smooth draw. Start by putting your pistol into a plastic bag. Most people use a grocery store or Ziploc bag. Some people prefer to use wax paper. Whatever you decide on, you need to wrap the gun securely, stuff it in the holster, and leave it for about 24 hours. After the time is up, you can remove the pistol, and your holster should be ready to wear. If you still cannot get a smooth draw from it, replace the plastic-wrapped pistol and let it sit for another 24 hours. 

What To Avoid

During the stretching process, there are several things that you should not do, including spraying the inside of the holster with grease or another lubricant. Using things like this will cause damage to the interior finish of your holster, especially the protective layer that is designed to prevent damage to a weapon’s bluing. This can also make the inside of your holster permanently slippery, which can cause the gun to slide out unexpectedly. Additionally, you will never remove harmful lubricants from the leather, and you risk tarnishing the finish on your pistol. 

Leather holsters offer a lot of benefits, making them a popular choice among pistol carriers. The key to getting the most out of these is to break them in properly. When done correctly, they will provide a lifetime of high-quality service. Fortunately, it is a simple process to create the perfect space for your firearm inside the leather. However, there are certain rules that you must follow when breaking these holsters. Otherwise, you risk damaging the leather on the holster or the finish on your pistol.