how to make leathers holsters softer on your finish

[robbt]

hi guys , is there a way to make the inside of a shoulder holster softer so not to wear of the blueing on a pistols ?
any leather treatments

any ideas ??

 

[chief38]

The best way to minimize bluing wear from a holster is to make sure it fits properly and not sloppily. There will be little to no movement of the gun in the holster and therefore minimizing wear.

Keep the inside of the holster clean and free of powder residue, dust, etc. Make sure any snaps, stitches, straps etc. are smooth and don't cause friction.

That said, any gun carried daily or at least often in a holster of any kind will eventually cause rub & wear marks - that's just the way it is, but by following the hints above you will minimize and delay them.

 

[Alk8944]

Most "holster wear" is a result of fine grit inside the holster, not the leather itself. This collects over time from environmental dust and debris, think about how dust collects on surfaces in your house, car, etc. It becomes imbedded in the surface of the leather. All you can really do is try to keep the holster as clean as possible and make sure it fits the gun snugly to minimize movement of the gun in the holster during normal wearing.

Whether a holster is lined or not, or what lining material is used makes absolutely no difference.

 

[gdnagle]

Best bet is if your worried about the finish keep it in a safe and carry a firearm you don't care gets scratched. Like stated any firearm in a holster will eventually show finish removal especially on the sharp edges. I have never found a way of keeping dirt and grit out of my holster and I carry IWB. Maybe I'm a slob.

 

[flyrobb]

Good question, our forum holster makers should be along soon with some expert advice. Snubbyfan, Ray...you guys there???

 

[Broker50]

Buying a smooth leather lined holster will minimize wear. Softening the leather with a "treatment" will cause more wear. Don't do it. The more closely a holster fits your gun, the less movement of the gun inside the holster. Softening the holster allows your gun to move more in the holster, wearing the finish more.

 

[M&P Freak]

A softened holster in a ruined holster. IMHO, wear marks add character. If it's too nice to carry, don't.

 

[BRush]

No way to prevent wear- simple mechanics. However, you can slow it down by creating a better fit. I've found Galco's advice works pretty well. Wrap the gun in a plastic bag, insert it into the holster, I twist it in for the titest fit, and leave it in for several hours. Repeat untiil you can draw and replace the gun with the litest friction.

I then apply Ren. Wax to the inside of the holster.

 

[regalsc]

If I am going to holster the gun that I just shot at the range I wipe the gun off with a clean damp cloth to remove any carbon residue so it does not get into the inside of the holster.

 

[Laketime]

Only real way to prevent holster wear is to protect the gun itself.keep your carry gun waxed to keep a barrier between it and the holster.

 

[chief38]

Forgot to mention in my reply above that I use an air compressor to blow out all my holsters after a few months of use. Keeps them cleaner and less likely to scratch up the guns finish. You would be amazed at what comes out of them!

IMHO NO softening substance or "soaps" should ever be used on a leather holster. The idea is to keep the shape, retention qualities and stiffness as long as possible. That way your gun will be secure, positioned properly and be less likely to do damage to the finish.

After many many years of carrying guns in Cowhide holsters that had snaps, screws, straps, linings, etc. I discovered Horsehide Holsters. Horsehide holsters (I buy mine from Kramer Leather) are thinner, lighter tougher, smoother, and hold their shapes and retention qualities LOTS longer than Cowhide does. I also find that with the Kramer Horsehide there is absolutely no need for extra retention devises like the snaps, straps, screws, etc. and kept clean like I mentioned above will minimize scratching on the guns finish.