Gun Leather & Gun Storage

[aprayinbear]

I'm about to begin making a holster for my new Pietta 1858. I've made many knife sheaths in the past, so I feel confident about the project. But here's my question, I seem to recall others saying that it's not a good idea to store your gun in a leather holster. Is this true? If so, how long is it safe to leave the gun in holster before damaging the bluing? Are there leather dressings that are safer to use? And what about BP residue left in the holster..... sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Any thoughts and suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[PRM]

Never heard of BP residue in a holster causing problems - guess it could if there was enough in contact with the gun for a even a short period of time. The main problem with leather is that it collects and holds moisture. So there is no time frame that applies across the board. The damper the environment the quicker you have problems. I personally, don't leave any of mine in leather for storage. Get a nice gun rug or locking case and don't worry.

 

[Smokin_Gun]

I have to say it's a guess as to what part of the World you live in... I am pretty fortunate to live in the arid Mojave Desert where the humidity rarely exceeds 10%. So I may sometimes place a revolver in a holster so as they aren't banged up, I don't store them in a holster for a prolonged period.
It is better not to store them in a holster unless it's to carry on a daily bases in my opinion.
I have 28 C&B's in my safe and 2 on display in a curio, 1 in a presentation case, all rust free.
I do use the gun socks or cloth cases you can get to protect them from each other...old socks work well too. :O)

SG

 

[Sagetown]

My experience with new holsters is that the moisture in them will cause your revolver to rust after a few months without re-oiling your revolvers, so if you plan to keep your revolvers in their holster, take them out periodically and wipe them down inside out with a good gun metal preservative. An old holster may never cause rust.

 

[mykeal]

On the other hand, too much oil on leather will make it soft - too soft for a gun holster. Happy medium: don't store your guns in leather holsters.

 

[Macmac]

A lot depends on what location it is, how muggy it is, how the leather was made and which salts are in the leather, how often you handle the piece and how often you oil it. How much of the piece is brass if any.

I have a Ruger Bear Cat that has been in the same holster mustly untouched except for a wipe down every 6 months that has no problem being in leather, and this gun belt has ammo loops holding .22's all this time with no green.

The leather is Mexiacan made, and seems dry. (oak tan I think, but soft)

I have an American made oil tanned gun belt that turns 30-30 brass green in 6 months. (High in tanning salts)

Ild say if you store carbon steel knives in a leather, you can use that leather for a holster and have no problem.

I just made this one last fall for a Ruger single six, but that isn't enough time for a problem, and I handle the gun frequently wiping it down when I am done.


on edit: If this holster is going to be smoothest leather out, for a full grain look, then you need to line the holster with a smooth grain or soft inside to protect blueing. The fuzzy inside grain of cow hide is abrasive and will chew up blueing in plain use. On the holster I made the outside (fur side) is in where the gun is. That fuzzy stuff cleans your knives..