[nwilliams]

Just curious what people's thoughts are on holster wear. I know its always been aggravating to me, however others see it as a sign on character. Anyone have any pics of one of their guns with lots of character? How do others feel about holster wear?

[kamagong]

Check out Black Majik's PII. It's beautiful, well-worn piece of steel.

[rust collector]

Just get a Sig P6--the wear is already there, you get the scratch and dent discount, and these guys run like champs.

It's like buying a ranch pickup: let the other guy depreciate it, then teach your kids to drive it and run the wheels off it.

[sm]

No pics.

Holsters? We are supposed to use holsters?

Old Colt Gov't Model , it has some bluing left after all these years, it finally got another USGI bbl after the original only had about 1.5" of rifling left near the muzzle...oh it shot fine, still combat accurate, just decided to stick that other bbl in it...it has been carried in whatever environment one can think of and shot a helluva lot.

One Colt 1911 I use has skitter marks from going across a asphalt parking lot, under a vehicle, to get a gun to them, just kick it, it'll will pass under just fine.

A model 66 snubby has skitter marks from kicked to another down cements steps and sidewalk.
Not sure that gun has ever been carried in a holster come to think of it.

Model 19 get used for home duty mostly now, but that one spent years in farm trucks, combines, tractors, tool boxes, glove boxes, on the dash board, floor boards...

There is them Model 36 and 37 that have dings, scratches and blood is unique as to how it does stuff to finishes.
Hardest thing to get out of a Model 37 I and mine have found is bloody glass...


Just tools, sometimes they actually get some holster wear, that is if we can figure out where the darn holster is for the darn things...

Better to have a gun with character, from knowing that gun like a body part, than to not know what that character is , in that holster, if the need should arise.

[raytracer]

http://www.digitalriverproduction.com/files/ccw/this_thread_is_useless_without_pics.gif

Joe

[The Bushmaster]

This thread is useless period....:evil:

[nwilliams]

This thread is useless period....

Sorry didn't mean to waste your time, forget it then.

[Black Majik]

nwilliams,

Here's a few of my PII that kamagong stated, although I doubt I have the most worn pistol out there. While it doesn't look nearly as nice as a brand new gun, it doesn't really bother me. Either way, the gun will wear on other parts also from use anyways.

Don't feel too bad about the wear it accumulates over time. I hear your a Comp-tac fan also? These were caused by a Comptac holster. :D

Hope this helps!

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/RChang824/DSC_0012.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/RChang824/1-25-08017.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/RChang824/DSC_0036-3.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/RChang824/DSC_0016-3.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/RChang824/DSC_0069.jpg

[kamagong]

Richard,

Are the checkering points on the back strap starting to get flattened on your PII?

[Black Majik]

Not yet, as of right now I think it's just the finish disappearing. But S&A's checkered magwells aren't really all that uniform on the checkering from what I've seen. Some of the checkering gets flattened new from the wrapper. For a true custom gun, I think the best step would be to get a smooth MSH and have the gunsmith working on the gun checker it himself.

Looks like I conceal my damage pretty well. I got a nice flatspot on my fronstrap checkering from carry too many guns in my range bag once. A little black touchup paint (can be seen on the first picture) so it wouldn't get exposed and rusted out. :D

How's your Baer treating you? Hopefully it's lived up to the hype I constantly display on these forums. LOL.

[rdrancher]

Here's my vintage Undercover. I don't know about "the most", but it sure looks seasoned.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee37/rdrancher/CharterArmsUndercover_02.jpg

rd

[kamagong]

My CII shoots great, much better than me actually. :what: Not really a problem since it makes me look like a better shot than I actually am. It's all your fault always posting pictures of your PII. I've grown quite fond of this gun, and even though I don't think I'll ever wear it out I'm thinking of getting another one just in case.

[Black Majik]

rdrancher,

Nice gun! That holster goes very well with the gun :cool:



My CII shoots great, much better than me actually. :what: Not really a problem since it makes me look like a better shot than I actually am. It's all your fault always posting pictures of your PII. I've grown quite fond of this gun, and even though I don't think I'll ever wear it out I'm thinking of getting another one just in case.

That's great to hear it's treating you well. It's just one of those guns that'll always go with you to the range, and memories upon memories result from all that range time.

I doubt I'll ever wear mine out too, but it's always great to have spares right? :D

[kamagong]

You're right, it always goes with me to the range. I haven't shot my Kimber since I got the Baer, which is a shame since it's good gun.

So have you started shooting your Custom Carry yet? Or is she still basically a safe queen.

[Black Majik]

Oh you're gonna hate to hear this. I decided earlier this week that I'm gonna start carrying my Custom Carry once I'm up for renewal in August.

I did the same. My Kimber sits at home because I just don't want to practice as much with it. The rounds I should shoot through my Kimber goes through my Baer. So why not just carry something I'll practice with? :D

I think the current final round count on the CC is somewhere still in the 300s. Still loving that tight lockup :evil:

[kamagong]

Nice. Actually I hate you because you're the only one I know who has a CCW here in CA.

[raytracer]

Beautiful gun Black Majik!

Joe

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

What?!? sm, you pack a handgun, not a shotgun!?! :)

http://www.specialforces.com/store/catalog/product_25795_Shotgun_Scabbard.html

http://www.shotgunholster.net/

[Feud]

Personally, I think a bit of wear on a blued finish gives a gun character.

[32winspl]

Mr Majic, I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind answering. What did you pay for your Baer? Did you consider the equivalent pistol from Bill Wilson? I have a Kimber Team ll match that I just haven't been able to warm up to. I've had thumb safety problems with it. Kimber did send me replacement parts and it now works fine, so maybe it's a mental thing.

[SaxonPig]

What, nobody wants to admit they own some guns with a worn finish on them?

How about this Heavy Duty S&W carried by a Texas lawman.


http://www.fototime.com/0039AE7A86CBEA3/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/515E66F7A566176/standard.jpg


Or this 1956 357 Magnum likely carried by a Utah cop.


http://www.fototime.com/D3B76F64BE9E092/standard.jpg


This Colt Trooper has lost all the finish on the barrel from a tight holster. No idea if it's an ex-cop gun but it wouldn't surprise me.


http://www.fototime.com/56ECBB11DA48F39/standard.jpg

[btg3]

When a blued gun is stored in a leather holster, the tanning chemicals can remove the gun finish. I suppose this might be confused with holster wear?

[Black Majik]

Mr Majic, I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind answering. What did you pay for your Baer? Did you consider the equivalent pistol from Bill Wilson? I have a Kimber Team ll match that I just haven't been able to warm up to. I've had thumb safety problems with it. Kimber did send me replacement parts and it now works fine, so maybe it's a mental thing.

32winspl,

There were a few pistols I looked through, including Wilson Combat, but one of the biggest reason for going with the Les Baer was the price. Wilson Combat, as well as the other makers were significantly more than a base Premier II. I ended up picking up my PII from Sporting Arms for around $1430 IIRC around late 2005.

Another reason I went with the Baer was how the gun sits in my hand. The undercut triggerguard helps the most making the gun sit the lowest in my hand from any other maker I've felt. I have a plain jane Kimber pres-series II Classic Royal which is a nice gun but the way the frame is cut just didn't compare favorably.

There are many, many other makers out there. Maybe give another maker a chance and put the Supermatch up for sale? :)

[Eightball]

This thread needs more pictures.

And, to answer the OP--I think holster wear adds character to a firearm, and makes it unique in a way no other firearm can be. I love BM's Baer.

Though I do like the look that it imparts, I can never help but worry that it would require more TLC to keep the look and not expose that finish to unpleasantries.

[RIATAC45]

My Wife's antique 1952 flat latch, chief's special.


http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj69/RIATAC45/IMGP1363.jpg

[chris in va]

Hey, since we're showing off our 1952 Chief's Special...

This one was actually owned by a Chief of Police.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/628/imgp1535wb7.jpg

[RIATAC45]

Thats a good looking piece Chris! I wish I knew the story on this one.

[tipoc]

Well a little wear here...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/tipoc/m134.jpg

More here...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/tipoc/338s1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/tipoc/cobra5.jpg

A little bit here...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/tipoc/pre274.jpg

Some here...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/tipoc/comc6.jpg

Ya want more holster wear?

tipoc

[IndianaBoy]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/gnieman/EDC/EDC029_reduced.jpg


Constant companion.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/gnieman/EDC/EDC010_reduced.jpg

[Deer Hunter]

I wish I was old enough to inflict holster wear on pistols.

Keep them coming! Beat-to-hell guns are the only interesting ones!

[tipoc]

A little bit.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/tipoc/hd1.jpg

tipoc

[tipoc]

A bit more.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/tipoc/outman2.jpg

tipoc

[CountGlockula]

Almost there...my G35:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/Gregdog/Pin%20Ups/IMG_0150.jpg

[Owen Meany]

Thanks everyone for posting the pictures! I've always been of the opinion that well used guns are far more handsome than mint condition pieces.

Y'all might enjoy the pictures of this well-worn (to say the least) S&W 442 that was posted over on the LouderThanWords forum. Here's the link to the thread (remember to scroll down for the pics):

http://louderthanwords.us/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=4192&sid=76a9b834158ac96374be72863930ed4c

[RobertFBurnett]

Personally, I think a bit of wear on a blued finish gives a gun character.

+1 If its been said once its been said a million times, Holster wear is Sexy! :)

I wish I had a Baer that looked that good. Nice gun Black Majic.

RFB

[SaltH2OHokie]

Not necessarily all holster wear, just an old gun that's seen plenty of holster time (former duty gun from a local PD):

Can you tell the Hogue grips are fresh?
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/spearfishin/DSC_1430.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/spearfishin/DSC_1427.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/spearfishin/DSC_1425.jpg

[Feanaro]

If its been said once its been said a million times, Holster wear is Sexy!

Sprinkle on a little rust, toss in a few corrosion pits, maybe dent the frame up and you've got a helluva sexy gun. Right? :uhoh:

:neener:

[Rayden]

Chicks dig holster wear!!!

[nwilliams]

I couldn't go back and edit my original post so finally I have mine to contribute...

Thanks for all the contributions so far! I'm starting to think holster wear is more something to be proud of than feared. Keep showing the love!

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb264/nwilliams27/1911A1-2.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb264/nwilliams27/1911A1-3.jpg

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb264/nwilliams27/Sig229-2.jpg

[DZL HOG]

I agree, holster wear on some guns is just purty.
Black Majic, they wear on your Baer looks almost like its supposed to be that way. The wear is so uniform on the slide it actually gives it a custom accent. I dont blame ya for posting pics of that piece. Nice!!
Heres a pic of my granddads Colt next my XD9. I dont know why the Colt appears that color, just the lighting I guess, in person it looks very similar to the wear on nwilliams 1911.
Ill try and get a better pic of it sumtime.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m85/DZLHOG/Fun%20Stuff/IMG_1098.jpg

The XD has very little wear on it, but it'll get there if I keep carrying it. lol

Matt

[texagun]

Here's a well-worn Colt 1911 that was formerly owned by Joe Foss, WWII Ace and former President of the NRA.




http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/w5lx/Joe_Foss_1911.jpg

[phoglund]

This little gem was my woods carry gun when I was younger and spend a lot of time hiking and dirt-biking in the mountains of Montana.

http://wardragon.com/cruffler/pics/ruger_single_six/right_side_mid.jpg

http://wardragon.com/cruffler/pics/ruger_single_six/left_side_mid.jpg

Note the wear on the leading edge of the ejector rod housing. Not only is the finish worn off but a fair bit of metal has been worn off as well. It's now a nicely "rounded" ejector rod housing. :)

[stevereno1]

My G-27 would win the contest, If only I could figure out how to put pics on here. Handsome is as handsome does!

[bakert]

Ah, a few guns with some honest wear. Most of the gun pics on other threads are so shiny and blemish free, I wonder if they're ever used. Hell, I'm almost ashamed to show some of mine in those threads.:D

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f241/brumanj/Picture348.jpg

[DistantHorizon]

These all look so good! I expect to be able to post pics to this thread in 3-5 years.

[tipoc]

DistantHorizon These all look so good! I expect to be able to post pics to this thread in 3-5 years.

With early release for good behavior it could be sooner.

tipoc

[DistantHorizon]

Ha! No, I just don't expect the tennifer to wear very quick.

[ironvic]

This is my used ex-law enforcement Sig P-226. Honest holster wear from a working man's gun. Pretty darn accurate 9mm, too.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=65772&d=1192925934

[Eightball]

Ah, one thread I'm GLAD to see revived.

[chilie]

Hm this lack of pictures is leading me to believe there are some of us that don't carry as much as we should! lol jk! i've only carried for 2 years and I have yet to see any wear on my p239

[the foot]

My wife gave our son her P228 German built handgun on his 21st birthday last year. Lots of holster wear. Her new P229 has no holster wear, and she is very disappointed with that look.

I tell her to just celebrate a new piece of equipment that functions every time, but, she still complains about the lack of holster wear.

[nwilliams]

Wow didn't think I'd see this thread pop up again!

[David E]

Sprinkle on a little rust, toss in a few corrosion pits, maybe dent the frame up and you've got a helluva sexy gun. Right?

Wrong.

You're confusing what I call "Stupid" wear with "honest work" wear.

The first is accomplished thru acts of stupidity, neglect and carelessness.

The second is from actually USING the gun the way it was designed to be used.

HUGE difference between the two.

.

[Nushif]

My 1911 has idiot marks on it ... but so far I haven't owned a gun long enough to put significant wear on it.

By the way can you tell I love playing Necromancers in my RPGs?

[ElToro]

i'll play. this triple lock has been cut down and i suspect it seen a lot of belly carry or small concelament holster carry back in its day. i really like to see a well worn 1911 slide. not abused but worn. tells me that gun has seen some miles.
http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab266/tims_albums/100_1496.jpg

[RevolvingGarbage]

I submit this older pic of my RG40. The gun would have had a dark black finish with a blued cylinder when new.
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/851/1001571r.jpg

[alienbogey]

^^^^^

Man, that custom grip mod is a great touch.

;)

[JellyJar]

Hey RevolvingGarbage! Isn't that the gun Michael Corleone ( aka Al Pacino ) used to kill Captain McCluskey and that other mobster in a Restaurant? :eek:

[RevolvingGarbage]

Hey RevolvingGarbage! Isn't that the gun Michael Corleone ( aka Al Pacino ) used to kill Captain McCluskey and that other mobster in a Restaurant? :eek:
Wouldn't know for sure, I never have managed to get though The whole godfather movie. Ive had people say the gun does resemble one from that movie though.

[DilboFlaggins]

Here is my 1976 ruger mk1 its was a family friends first gun, then bequeathed to my father as his first gun, then passed to me on my 16th birthday as my first gun.

its got some wear on the barrel and receiver but my favorite by far is the straight up rust from on the butt from being held and fired regularly for 34 years.

this gun has truly been loved i wouldn't trade it for anything.

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx315/dilboflaggins/IMG00043-20100620-14391.jpg

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx315/dilboflaggins/IMG00042-20100620-14391.jpg

[Black Majik]

Wow, I can't believe this thread is still going. My gun looked better back then being the slide and frame was still the same color. Man has times changed. :D

[JellyJar]

RevolvingGarbage...In case you never saw the scene, the gun used in the movie to kill the corrupt cop and the other mob boss had its grip wrapped with special tape that would not show fingerprints! That's why it looks to me like the same gun used in that movie. :)

[sonier]

if i showed my pistols wear people would cry.......

[sonier]

3 tours in vietnam from my grandfather and regular carry since 1990, and carried outside full time for about half a year in a tent. Has been open carried since 2008.

[CajunBass]

Here're my contributions.

1950 Colt Official Police. It was most likely a cops, then a security guards gun.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/CajunBass/handguns/100_0065.jpg

1958 Ruger Single-Six.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/CajunBass/handguns/100_0053.jpg

[Kingofthehill]

http://i46.tinypic.com/xfqc9l.jpg

[DilboFlaggins]

Now i'm not saying revolvers>autos but i see allot more revolvers that are carried and used than auto-pistols.

Is it a generational thing?
How old are y'all who posted revolvers?
Do you think if this thread was started in 10 or 15 more years we would see allot more glocks and sigs than old s&w's?

[newrugersafan]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d162/stobbem053/DSC01351.jpg
Old Ruger flat gate

Mike

[sonier]

Im 19 and wont touch a auto, my revolver was just carried before me, it takes years to get lots of wear. naturally revolvers have more age on them.

[ElToro]

im 35 and i about had a heart attack when i saw the triple lock for sale in PRK. threw my arm out reaching fo rmy wallet so fast. you woudlnt beleive the price if i told you. and the pre war magnas came with it !

you should see my 60s vintage wingmaster. it is nicely broken in ! sorry no pics. or my 1920s auto 5 that has loving use and little finish in all the right spots.

[Black Majik]

Here's how mine is now, compared to when the thread first started...

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d194/RChang824/DSC_0007-7.jpg

[Iggy]

13 years in a holster and many miles up and down the highway.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/Iggy25/Obsidian.jpg?t=1277223815

[AmEngRifles]

Or you could just buy your worn looking gun from Beretta who makes the Stampede in an "antiqued" finish!? Holly Sh*t. Pay for a "worn" finish? Reminds me of when "stonewashed" jeans came out in the 70s and Levi Straus expected everyone (and they DID) to pay more for a pair of already worn looking jeans. Am I crazy or just OLD? Right, both.

[emercer4]

I'll share a pic of one of my most prized firearms, that belonged to my dad and was his first pistol. It has lots of character/neglect. It has been carried in a holster, stuffed under a truck seat, carried in a tackle box, and a couple of years before my dad passed away, it was stuffed in a storage box on a four wheeler. The gun was primarily used with shotshells, because we live in an area where copperheads are in abundance and that was the primary use of the gun. I have the original box, and a little note that shows where he purchased the gun using S&H Green Stamps. http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad225/Ford_E/Firearms/DSCN0578.jpg Oh, and the black marks on the gun are where my dad engraved his SSN and I marked it out. If only this gun could talk........................:)