Lined holsters?

[SelfProclaimedExpert]

What is a lined holster lined with? I guess I've never gotten curious before while in a holster store.

Chamois? Something similar?

 

[Old Fuff]

Some holsters are lined with a soft, thin leather like pigskin. This is not a good choice if the gun drawn in an out frequently because the lining may be worn through in short order, and you often see this in older holsters.

An alternative is to make the holster with two layers of regular leather equal to half of the thickness of what you want the holster to be. For example, rather then make a holster out of thick 8 to 9 oz. leather you would make it out of two pieces of 4 oz. stock glued back to back. That way you have a smooth side inside and out.

The latter method is far better for a rig that will be well used rather then a showpiece.

 

[SelfProclaimedExpert]

So, the ideal leather surface for the gun to contact is the smooth outside, rather than a soft suede?

 

[Old Fuff]

Generally yes, although it's questionable if a lining is necessary at all in a correctly made and fitted holster. Linings are mostly a cosmetic thing. What really wears the finish on a gun is if the fit is loose enough so that the gun can bounce or move around while you walk. All leather is to some degree abrasive when it rubs on metal surfaces. Some one-piece holsters are intentionally made with the "rough" side out. Facing the rough (back) side with another piece of leather doesn't make it work better, but it makes it look better.

 

[C.R.Sam]

I like tight fitting, rough side out.
And try to keep inside clean. Dust, grit etc accumulate if not removed occaisionaly.

Sam

 

[Ala Dan]

I have an old Safariland leather J-frame holster that
has some type of pigskin (as my ole' bud Old Fuff
said) or suede lining. It was bought way back there
in 1971; and given to my late father for his then NIB
Smith & wesson model 30.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Old Fuff]

Ala Dan:

That lining is made from a special silicone treated suede that is supposed to protect the gun's finish. It works up to a point, but you can eventually wear through it. Then Safariland hopes you will buy another one ....

 

[Ala Dan]

Att: Old Fuff

Thanks for the info there, Old Fuff! While the holster has
been in the family for umpteen year's; my father NEVER
carried a gun. It was simply there just in case he decided
to do so.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Old Fuff]

In that case it should last forever .....

 

[Archie]

A soft liner...

such as pigskin or even the rough side of leather, will hold dirt and debris more than the "hard side".

The hard side of leather will also harbor grit, but is easier to clean.

Stuffing your shootin' iron into a holster full of sand, or even dirt may add some character, but is not recommeded for nice finishes.