Will a K40 fit into a fitted leather holster for a P45?

[bripro]

I have a chance to buy a Mitch Rosen leather holster really cheap but it's for a P 45. I would like to use it for a K 40. I know the 45 has a slide with of 1.01 inches and the 40 is .94. what I can't tell though is the takedown lever and ejection port in pretty much the same location. Also are the polymer frame is the same dimensions as the steel, I'm pretty sure the PM9 and MK9 use the same holster but how would it translate to different caliber models?

[jeepster09]

I have modified an awful lot of leather holster with hot water. Put holster in hot water in the area that needs adjusting and put the pistol in zip lock bag, then put gun into holster and massage it and use hair dryer to form it to fit. Leave them together overnight till dry. Mine have all fit like a charm afterwards.

[lamppa]

That's a fantastic bit of knowledge.

[bripro]

Thanks, I bought it, I'll let you know how it goes. Im just hoping it fits good enough though as is. I have a bit of an idea that Mitch Rosen is better at fitting holsters than I am. 25 bucks for a Rosen Premier express shipped to my foot=worth the risk.

[marshal kane]

Could always buy a P45 if it doesn't fit.

[kenemoore]

You will be okay, I think.
I bought a K9 Alessi holster, hoping my PM45 would fit, it did not. So I bought a used K9 to go with the holster.

I then bought a holster for the PM45, the K9 fits the PM45 holster pretty good. I think you may end up with the same situation.

[Ed M]

Like Jeepster, I've done my share of refitting leather holsters.

From what I can tell, the K40 slide is .94" wide, and the PM45 is 1.01" wide.
The K40 barrel length is 3.5", and the PM45 is 3.24" long.

Just guessing, but I'd bet that the K fits a bit sloppy at the muzzle, and needs to go in deeper than the holster is boned.

Hopefully, you have a bit of extra holster length at the muzzle. My Rosen holster does, and most all pics I can find show the holsters with a bit of extra length at the muzzle end that is "pinched in" to close it off a bit.

My basic procedure is similar to what Jeepster does, but I use very warm water (out of the faucet) and soak the end to be reshaped in it for about 5 minutes.. Wrap the gun in a heavy freezer bag and really push it hard into the holster until it seats fully. My guess is that your K40 muzzle will be about even with the end of the holster. As long as the front sight doesn't stick out the end, you'll be OK.

I don't use a hair dryer, but I do "re-bone" the holster at the area I'm refitting. I use the rounded end of a sharpie marker to "trace" the outline of the gun. Be careful around the front sight, as you don't want the sight channel pinched off. I'd probably avoid the top of the gun entirely, and just bone the bottom of the muzzle.

Leave the gun (in bag) in the holster for 24-36 hours to dry, then remove it and let the inside finish drying for another 24 hours or so.

This is a really easy process to do, and I bet you'll be pleased with the results.

Here's a video of a holster being made that might help you in your efforts....

https://youtu.be/SFsXw3gabqk


Duh, I just noticed that your holster is for a P45, not a PM 45. The K40 will probably fit OK, but might be a tad loose. If it really bothers you, you COULD refit the entire thing to fit a bit more snug. I've done this as well, and it's as easy as the above procedure. Pay extra attention to the trigger guard area for better retention too....

[bripro]

Thanks for the advice, I'm actually kind of looking forward to the experience

[Bawanna]

I just did something like this with a single mag pouch for my PM45. I have one that fits perfectly from Beardog, but found another in my drawer similar but kind of tight on a 45 mag. It would go in but far too difficult to get out.
I dripped a little water inside several times and put the mag in over night, did this a few times. Wasn't quite getting it done. So I wrapped painters tape around the mag, got it wet again and forced the mag in. Left it over night.
I had to put a nail through one of the mag holes, set on a vise and drive the mag pouch off, couldn't budge it any other way.
BUT, after that it now fits perfectly. It was well treated with something, not sure if the water was soaking in as much as it probably should.

Now I have a dedicated PM45 mag pouch anyhow.

[bripro]

The holster arrived and I immediately confirmed the 40 had too much wiggle since it's not as wide as the 45. I then got to work. I soaked it for about 25 minutes in warm water and it became very pliable. I put the gun in a plastic shopping bag, very thin, and inserted it into the holster and started molding. I even successfully traced some lines of the gun to give it somewhat of a boned look. I thought it might shrink the leather a little if I put it in the oven at 200° for about an hour. This worked but made it feel a little brittle so back in the water it went and it loosened back up. I repeated the shaping process and then let it air dry in front of a fan. The K40 fits like the hoster was made for it. Thanks for your advice and tips, it turned out great.

[Ed M]

Nice job - glad it turned out well for you.

It takes a pretty big leap of faith to dunk a $75+ holster in warm water and start altering the original molded fit. All my alterations have been to sub $40 holsters - I figured it's no great loss if I really screw them up. Every single one turned out great though.

Many of us have a holster "graveyard" box with holsters that don't fit/work to our satisfaction. At no added cost, and with a bit of work, a lot of leather holsters can be brought back from the dead to have a long and useful service life. Add to this that it's actually fun and easy to do, and very satisfying to wind up with a great fitting holster that you actually "fixed" yourself makes this a win in my book.

[berettabone]

:der:............................................. ............

[gb6491]

Thanks for the followup bripro! It reads like a job well done....of course photos of the finished project would be nice :)
Regards,
Greg

[bripro]

Ed M is spot on. I plan to search my own graveyard to see if something looks to have enough material for a Beretta 92.

[jeepster09]

I have also heard if holster is to big that using vinager instead of hot water will shrink it? Never tried that though.

[Ed M]

Oh, I can relate to that.........:Amflag2:

My M9.



http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f123/edmon03/M9_zpszholhfvy.jpg

[Phish]

My mk9 fits so loose in my cm45 holster so it's a no go without it being a chance it fall out.

[bripro]

Here are some pictures. Of course it was already close since it was for a P45 but the K40 had very little if any retention. I was really able to mold the trigger guard and ejection port so there is a little "pop" when the pistol is inserted. It has very good retention now and lets the gun draw with what I consider the perfect amount of force. Thanks again for the advice, Brian

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x245/bripro/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1861_zpsvthoh72z.jpg (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/bripro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1861_zpsvthoh72z.jpg.html)

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x245/bripro/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1869_zpsttf32hkd.jpg (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/bripro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1869_zpsttf32hkd.jpg.html)

[Bawanna]

Ed M is spot on. I plan to search my own graveyard to see if something looks to have enough material for a Beretta 92.

Bripro, let me check my drawer, I think I have a 92 holster similar to what Ed M posted. I still have my 92 but never carry it.
If that's the style you seek I'll get back to you if I find it. Pretty sure I could put my fingers on it.

[bripro]

Thanks B but I'm actually OK. I don't plan to carry my 92 I just realized at some point I don't have a holster for it so I was thinking while I'm hot I'll try to mold another one. Kinda just for something to do. I appreciate you bringing it up though

[gb6491]

Looking good:cool: