Alpha X holster sticking/ difficult to reholster

[Reloader98]

Alright, so I shoot an 2011 open gun, and I have the DAA Alpha x holster. I’ve had the holster for about 2 years and it’s always been easy to reholster the gun into the block of the holster. Basically it would normally “drop in” freely without applying any pressure. (For those wondering it’s a frankengun of an STI DVC frame and a defions arms anarchy slide in 9 major) 

 

Whats happening is when I go to put the trigger guard into the holster, I have to actually press down with some force to get the gun to snap into place and I’ve noticed I have to finagle the trigger guard into the block, basically angling it perfectly until I force it down into the block. Sometime the gun won’t even fully lock unless I move it back and forth a little while pressing down onto the gun. For context I usually would have no resistance and the weight of the gun would just get it locked in place plus I normally just have to get the trigger guard into the angled portion of the block and that would guide it into place, but no it had to be perfectly angled and pressed down to lock. 
 

So, has anyone else experienced this? If so how do I fix it and should I be worried? The holster is not dirty and doesn’t get wet when it rains (thanks to a gun cover for the rain). 
 

Thanks gents ! 

[xrayfk05]

That is one of those on which you cannot change the insert right?

What works for me on my Racemaster holster is cleaning it out with brake cleaner (non-chlor) drying it thoroughly and liberally applying Dry Lubrication Spray while working the insert up and down.

I use WD-40 specialist, but others will work I guess.

 

For me this is a last ditch effort to try before throwing it out, kinda done with DAA holsters.

They work great at the start but not so much in the long run. (Note: I have no experience with the latest generation, but that will not happen either)

[Reloader98]

6 hours ago, xrayfk05 said:

That is one of those on which you cannot change the insert right?

What works for me on my Racemaster holster is cleaning it out with brake cleaner (non-chlor) drying it thoroughly and liberally applying Dry Lubrication Spray while working the insert up and down.

I use WD-40 specialist, but others will work I guess.

 

For me this is a last ditch effort to try before throwing it out, kinda done with DAA holsters.

They work great at the start but not so much in the long run. (Note: I have no experience with the latest generation, but that will not happen either)

 So this one does have the removable block. 

[MikeyScuba]

A good disassembly, cleaning and silicone lube should fix it.

 

I’ve been using my alpha x holsters for years without issue for my open and revolver guns.  They are great for flying as they disassemble with ease.

[Reloader98]

3 hours ago, MikeyScuba said:

A good disassembly, cleaning and silicone lube should fix it.

 

I’ve been using my alpha x holsters for years without issue for my open and revolver guns.  They are great for flying as they disassemble with ease.

Silicone lube like grease ? Or something like graphite powder? Because I have some grease I could use 

[stevepitt]

You might want to check the front grip screw on your 2011 if you haven't already.   I've seen them loosen and be a bit wider than the frame. This will act exactly like you're describing.

 

Steve

 

[MikeyScuba]

Spray silicone 

[sauza45]

I agree check the trigger guards barrel screws, if they come loose it can cause this.

[Reloader98]

So I sprayed some dry lube into the inside of the holster’s mechanism. I did notice my trigger guard screw isn’t “loose” as in the individual screws themselves, but the whole barrel screw assembly is moving in and out slightly when pushed side to side. I tried to tighten them but they won’t seem to tighter anymore without potentially stripping them. Should I shave down the barrel of the barrel screws ?

[Sarge]

8 hours ago, Reloader98 said:

So I sprayed some dry lube into the inside of the holster’s mechanism. I did notice my trigger guard screw isn’t “loose” as in the individual screws themselves, but the whole barrel screw assembly is moving in and out slightly when pushed side to side. I tried to tighten them but they won’t seem to tighter anymore without potentially stripping them. Should I shave down the barrel of the barrel screws ?

I learned this lesson myself. First time I put a steel grip on I used standard STI grip screws. They tightened but stuck out and snagged. I trimmed the barrel so the screws fit snug inside the guard

[Reloader98]

15 minutes ago, Sarge said:

I learned this lesson myself. First time I put a steel grip on I used standard STI grip screws. They tightened but stuck out and snagged. I trimmed the barrel so the screws fit snug inside the guard

I still have a plastic grip with silicon carbide but I’ll shave down the barrel a little and see if that makes a difference.