When I first made a holster I must have searched endlessly looking for info, but to no avail. At any rate, I eventually learned to wet the leather. The thinner the leather the less time it takes to wet. Now ive done alot of what you guys have however, to mold the holster I use some C-clamps a ton of rubber foam (pipe insulation) or whatever thats soft, and my gun; dutifully wrapped.
After my weather is soaking wet, I fold the leather over the gun, put copious amounts of foam or whatever padding I have, put a board on top (even pressure) and use the c clamps to press the hell out of the leather. This can be pretty dangerous depending on the weapon and your own common sense. Put some decent pressure and let the leather stretch. Ive gotten a flat piece of leather to stretch around a 1911 this way, it takes time but it works. If you have the time or money, those plastic replica guns would be the pro way of doing it but if your like me, just be careful with your weapon, dont wanna warp anything. I usually leave the gun pressed overnight, resoak the leather, press again, bone, (spray with water periodically), bone, and when it looks perfect continue on. You can get a top quality holster. I use a wood burner to do detailed artwork on mine. My first was a Desantis immitation paddle holster for my dad, which, is better than my desantis. Now im going to make somthing like the VMax2. The leather im using is especially thick on this one so im soaking for a few hours. I just wanted to chime in and add some thought, this info is very rare on the net. Good luck guys, its a rewarding experience.
Mike