Holster Question

Cal44 · #1 08-31-2021, 01:07 PM

Would there be a corrosion or rust issue of any kind with keeping a blued gun in a holster all the time?

I'm thinking of a Kahr PM40 in a Nemesis holster.

What about leather holsters?

I'm thinking if I carry my PM40 I'd just leave it holstered and loaded with a round in the chamber all the time. And just take it out of my pocket holster and all and put in the safe loaded at night.

This means less racking and gun manipulation.

Also, what about kydex holsters like a Vedder?

crazyphil · #2 08-31-2021, 01:16 PM

I have kept my Charter Undercover, a blued gun, in a Nemesis holster
for several years now and have not seen any ill effects yet.

s&wchad · #3 08-31-2021, 01:17 PM

Blued guns can and will rust if stored long term in leather. So can stainless guns, it just takes longer. The leather absorbs moisture.

I’m sure Kydex is safer, but it’s still a good idea to take the gun out regularly and wipe it off with an oily rag.

crazyphil · #4 08-31-2021, 01:20 PM

I believe the Nemesis is made out of nylon.

Old cop · #5 08-31-2021, 01:25 PM

I store a Model 66 and a Model 60 in leather holsters, but wipe them down now & then w/a silicone cloth.

LoboGunLeather · #6 08-31-2021, 11:16 PM

All leather items attract, absorb, and retain moisture from the atmosphere, from the user's body during use, or from precipitation. I believe the term is "hygroscopic", meaning a medium that tends to attract and retain moisture. Nature of the beast, so to speak.

Some leathers such as suede linings are made using metallic salts that remain in the leather fibers. When exposed to moisture those salts can transfer to the handgun and cause corrosion, etching, and damage to bluing or nickel plating. Even stainless steel firearms can be damaged by long-term exposure.

I have always recommended removing the handgun from the holster after each day of use, wiping the handgun down with an oily rag or silicone-treated cloth, and storing the holster separately in an area with good airflow to allow residual moisture to evaporate away.

stansdds · #7 09-01-2021, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather

All leather items attract, absorb, and retain moisture from the atmosphere, from the user's body during use, or from precipitation. I believe the term is "hygroscopic", meaning a medium that tends to attract and retain moisture. Nature of the beast, so to speak.

Some leathers such as suede linings are made using metallic salts that remain in the leather fibers. When exposed to moisture those salts can transfer to the handgun and cause corrosion, etching, and damage to bluing or nickel plating. Even stainless steel firearms can be damaged by long-term exposure.

I have always recommended removing the handgun from the holster after each day of use, wiping the handgun down with an oily rag or silicone-treated cloth, and storing the holster separately in an area with good airflow to allow residual moisture to evaporate away.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Exactly! Storing firearms in leather is asking for corrosion.

white cloud · #8 09-01-2021, 08:15 AM

I carry a S&W 649 stainless J frame in a leather pocket holster when in town. There is no rust on this gun but I wipe it with oil about once a week.

ColbyBruce · #9 09-01-2021, 10:05 AM

I do not care for IWB holsters. I found them uncomfortable when I was slimmer. I do have a Vedder for my Glock 43 and it is not unpleasant to wear.

Llance · #10 09-01-2021, 10:42 AM

A well oiled (Neat's-foot oil or the like) has kept a Ruger .22 single action revolver rust free for more than 20 years, tucked away in my safe. Mind you when I put it away the leather was almost dripping with the oil so it got on the revolver too. I took it out the other day and it was as free of rust as the day I put it away. If you don't want the leather to absorb water you have to fill the pores with something else.

Because of the high humidity here in Illinois during the summer I also keep a dehumidifier running 24/7 from mid April to mid November. and any other times when I think it necessary.

WR Moore · #11 09-01-2021, 10:53 AM

Nylon will absorb water/sweat just like leather. We had nylon duty gear.

diyj98 · #12 09-01-2021, 11:05 AM

I've seen more than one old Colt or S&W that was stored in a leather holster come out with corrosion damage. It's always a little heart breaking.

BearBio · #13 09-01-2021, 11:39 AM

No problem with keeping my Glocks in leather, so far.

THE PILGRIM · #14 09-01-2021, 01:13 PM

Basic answer is YES.
A lot depends on where you live - Humidity!
And how well you gun is oiled.
Bottom line is why leave a gun in a Holster for extended periods?
I bought this gun used in I think 1963.
Never stored it in a Holster.

Rammer Jammer · #15 09-01-2021, 04:16 PM

Don't store any gun in a holster long term.

sipowicz · #16 09-01-2021, 05:08 PM

I was gifted a 71 Colt Cobra that maybe had 6 rounds through it. But the owner stored it in an old leather OWB for many years and the bluing is worn off along the sides of the top strap and other edges on the frame.

Onomea · #17 09-01-2021, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llance

A well oiled (Neat's-foot oil or the like) has kept a Ruger .22 single action revolver rust free for more than 20 years, tucked away in my safe. Mind you when I put it away the leather was almost dripping with the oil so it got on the revolver too. I took it out the other day and it was as free of rust as the day I put it away. If you don't want the leather to absorb water you have to fill the pores with something else....

Well, I can see that working to prevent corrosion on the pistol, but it is gonna make the holster/leather loose and sloppy for sure.