Holster Problem - Advice?

[bruss01]

Ok, yesterday was a red-letter day in the history of my firearms hobby. Two things were waiting for me when I got home - my Utah CCW permit came in the mail, and USPS also delivered my LONG awaited holster from Bulman Gunleather!

Let me say this about working with Bulman Gunleather - they have always been polite, prompt to return voice mail and email messages, and have treated me in a 100% professional manner. I was advised when making the purchase that there was a 3 month wait. I was ok with that. There was an additional delay, I was told when I called to check, due to a backorder on a part needed to complete my order. I was ok with that too. So anyway, it was not cheap, and it was not fast... but I can say after seeing the final product, it was worth the price and worth the wait! This is a PROFESSIONAL looking product, it feels SOLID and the care that went into making it is obvious. This does not in ANY WAY look like it was put together in a garage by a hobbyist. I'm very impressed and would recommend them without hesitation.

BUT.... I do have a problem with this new holster, and I'm hoping to get some advice. It fits my CZ pistol LIKE A GLOVE. I mean, a very snug glove. After I put the belt on (the BulmanGunleather belt) and put the holster on the belt (a bit of a challenge, everything is very new and stiff) I put the nose of the pistol in the holster and eased it down... about an inch. Then I pushed a little more firmly... then a little more firmly still.. and WHUK it seemed to snap into place like a precision-made part. All well and good, I thought. Then I tried to draw it out (there are no retaining snaps or buckles). I pulled with my right hand... then pulled harder... then pulled HARD. No movement, it's as if the gun has become welded or glued inside the holster. I shifted the belt around where I could get ahold of the gun with both hands and PULLED. I gave myself a wedgie the likes of which I haven't had since high school, but that gun DID NOT BUDGE, not one iota. I had to remove the belt, remove the holster from the belt, and using both hands work for a few minutes to get it loose. When it came loose it gave just a smidge, then just a smidge more, then a smidge and a half... then WHUSH it's out.

This is only my second new holster ever, the first being a Bianchi for my Ruger GP-100. The Bianchi has a retaining strap with a snap. It's a solid fit, with no appreciable slop when the gun is seated, and with the snap undone, the Ruger glides in and out with ease. Now, I bought the BG holster for IDPA competition, and obviously I can't use it if it takes five minutes to get it out of the holster, that wouldn't reflect well on my IDPA scores. So, what to do? I will of course contact BG and ask them what their suggestions are... but what do you guys do with new holsters that are SNUG? A little graphite inside the holster? Oil? Stuff it with a damp washcloth overnight? Don't worry, I won't be trying any of these without the advice of someone "in the know". Unfortunately the holster, belt and mag pouches arrived with only a receipt, no use and care instructions. The holster is BEAUTIFUL and I am disinclined to send it back after waiting this long for it.

Suggestions?

[MrTuffPaws]

Tight holsters will loosen up over time. Just keep working it.

[stevie]

Put the pistol in a heavy zip lock bag. Put the pistol into the holster overnight. That will usually loosen up the holster.

[Mute]

Wrap the gun in a plastic baggie and put it back into the holster overnight. This should allow the leather to stretch just a tiny amount more than the surface of your gun.

[Overkill]

Well, you certainly chose a good holster maker. Bulman makes great stuff.

The general consensus for fitting a holster to you gun is this:

Hopefully the holster came in a bag- usually thicker than a ziploc bag. Put your gun in the bag and insert it into the holster all the way. Leave it that way for at least a day, maybe a couple days. The holster should streth just enough to allow the gun to fit, but not be too snug.

If it didn't come in a bag, use a couple ziplocs around the pistol.

This technique is what most custom gunmakers recommend for fitting your pistol to the holster. When complete, you should have a perfect fitting holster for your pistol.

Congrats on your CCW permit too.

[moredes]

I've received a couple holsters brand new from their makers and had the same problem with them. I didn't have any success with the zip lock bag trick because I couldn't get the guns inserted deeply enough; there was just too much extra material to 'work around'.

The OEM I contacted suggested that I use plastic wrap (for food) that comes off a roll (like the old Saran wrap). I could just tear off what I needed and wrap it around the pistol. It took 4 days--the first two to fit a 1-thickness layered gun, and the second 2 days to fit it with an additional layer. It took a LOT of muscle to insert the gun (and get it out), but after the 4 days, it was smooth and quick with a naked gun, with an instantaneous 'snap' to lock it in place.

[bruss01]

Good to know guys. Thanks for the help. I'll give the plastic bag thingie a try.

[Round Gun Shooter]

I will give you one more trick used by one of the top custom holster makers.

Wrap the firearm in 2 layers of waxed paper. Leave it in the holster over night. Next day, work the paper covered firearm in and out of the holster. This will help with sizing and safely lubricate the inside of the holster.

Regards,

[metalhead357]

Just a thought....your new holster doesnt have a trigger guard retention system in it does it? It might just be something as simple as backing out/off the screw a 1/2 turn..............