holster advice

[john455]

I recently bought an S&W M&P .45 and wanted to get it into my carry rotation, so I bought a nice leather holster, I am partial to all leather myself. The problem I'm having is when I holster the weapon the front groves on the slide catch the inside of the holster tight enough to rack the gun. Anyone have any advice on how to stretch the new leather a bit so the fit isn't so tight?

[TNMTBik3r]

Let it sit overnight at least, possibly for a full 24 hours.

I have seen this recommended but never tried myself, use a ziplock bag or wax paper between the pistol and leather to stretch it slightly while still having a snug fit.

[Ron Padilla]

The above is correct place the gun in a freezer bag put back in holster a let it set for a day or 2 and work it from time to time, however the maker should have known to make allowances for the site channel.  You can look at what I have or any of the other makers that are here on the board and you can be assured that they are all built to accommodate the site channel, if the bag doesn’t work and depending on if the holster was sealed you could get o wooden dowel at Lowe’s or Home Depot 1/8 round with the gun in the holster and drive the dowel down into the holster that might also stretch it 

[Gillette]

I would suggest that you consider K&D Holsters. Kevin made a Cochise Defender for my M&P .40c and I have never owned a better holster. It is top drawer and Kevin was great to deal with. Here are a few pics of mine.
 

Edited October 7, 2017 by Gillette

[Bubba Fett]

I had a Don Hume do something similar.  I rubbed the inside of the holster with leather conditioner, wrapped the front of the gun in a few wraps of packing tape and, with the gun holstered, let it sit in the sun for a few hours.  Between the heat of the sun warming up the leather and the leather conditioner softening it a bit, it relaxed enough that it was never a problem again.  

[deadeye111]

6 hours ago, Gillette said:

I would suggest that you consider K&D Holsters. Kevin made a Cochise Defender for my M&P .40c and I have never owned a better holster. It is top drawer and Kevin was great to deal with. Here are a few pics of mine.
 

I have 3 of Kevin Manley holsters dba K & D Holsters but if I remember correctly he had health problems and shut down business around 2009 approximately.