pantannojack
US Veteran
Looking for advise on soft lined holsters for k frame 4" and N frame 4" holsters. Something which will not mar the high luster bluing that sirened me into buying them.
I have a few old holsters that are lined with what I believe is thin calfskin. I bought them used so don't know what the wear on the revolvers looked like but the lining is worn through in a couple of places. Maybe the maker just didn't use a heavy enough weight leather.
When I used to hunt and carry a sidearm I had a couple of the old Safariland holsters that were lined with what they called "orthopedic elk suede" whatever that is and never had any wear to the bluing in that somewhat limited amount of exposure.
When I first started carrying I bought suede lined holsters. Not only were they thicker and bulkier, but they seemed to actually pick up more debris than regular well made unlined versions. I would think the more debris in the holster would actually contribute or raise the chances of a gun getting scratched.
Needless to say, I believe that a well made, smooth leather unlined holster is actually safer for a guns finish than a lined one and so an unlined one is what I've been using for 40 years.
You may think I am wrong here - but that has been my experience. I usually follow my instincts.
Regardless if a holster is lined or not, it's not a bad idea to blow the inside out with dry compressed air every one in a while just to clean it out. I'm always amazed what comes out.
I agree, the concept of a soft lining in a holster sounds like a good idea, but that soft leather actually "grips" grit and debris and holds it there, so you end up having fine abrasives that embed in the lining. This is where the fine scratches accelerate the wear of blueing.