CAS/SASS Shooters - what holster is easiest on the revolver finish?

[Leaky Waders]

Hi,

For those of you who carry your hoglegs alot - like the cowboy action shooters - what holster lining is easiest on the SAA finish?

I have a SAA in antiqued nickel on the way, and presently own a bob mernickle holster that is lined - it carries an old style vaquero stainless. The lining looks the same as the leather on the outside. Will this protect the finish?

Should I even holster the gun at all? What is the best lining/maker to protect these kind of finishes? Or, is the finish durable enough for me not to have to worry about it?

On the colt forums (I'm still awaiting registration...) Swamprat has a colt with a finish similar to mine - he shoots his in CAS, I wonder what kind of holster he keeps his in (if he reads these boards).

L.W.

 

[TAG2501]

I've read repeatedly that smooth linings are preferred over the sued or rough-out linings. The rougher surfaces capture dirt that can scratch the finish of the pistol. So either a smooth lining, or a smoothed, unlined holster.

 

[JellyJar]

I have heard of holsters lined with pig skin. Would that be good?

 

[BCRider]

The key is keeping the inside clean. And since it's easier to clean the smoother outer skin a lined holster will be easier to clean. Either way it's not the leather inner surface or the lining that wears at the finish, It's the grit and airborned dust that gets embedded in the inner surface.

 

[FoMoGo]

Personally... I look forward to some good honest holster wear.
Shows you are enjoying it and using it like it was intended.

Of course... not everyone sees things like I do.


Jim

 

[BlkHawk73]

If holster wear is that bog of a concern, don't holster the gun. Buy it as a collectable and admire it or buy it for use and expect some wear. Buying to use and holster and having holster wear the concern... :x

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Kydex?

In leather, you either need the rough side out (which puts the smooth side in) or some sort of lining. The lining needs to be kept clean or dust and grit will imbed itself in it and scratch the gun.

 

[ArmedBear]

If you are worried about your revolver's finish, forget about SASS, or CFDA, or whatever.

Stainless steel exists for a reason, too.

Don't buy a wallhanger as a carry gun.

 

[bannockburn]

I have heard (not verified), that horsehide holsters are denser and less porous than regular cowhide holsters, and as such have a tendency to keep dirt and other abrasive materials from being embedded on the inside of the holster.

 

[Gunfighter123]

I've used a Bob Mernickle SASS rig for years --- it is Unlined , ie. just leather , ---- use Mink Oil or spray on silicon inside the holster once a month or if you are out in the rain etc. ---- protects the finish of your gun and aids in drawing it out FASSSSSST !!


Bob Mernickle makes GREAT cowboy/western rigs ---- my rig is around 8 years old and has been to about 150/200 SASS/CAS matches , rain or shine --- STILL LOOKS GOOD !!!

 

[sixgun MAK]

The key is your gun is nickeled. It's not gonna show holster wear like a blued gun will.