February 04, 2014
By Brad Fitzpatrick
concealed carry , and leather holsters also have several attractive advantages. They're oftentimes more comfortable than synthetic holsters, and they're also quieter when carrying concealed.
Despite their many advantages, leather holsters are more susceptible to wear and damage than other holsters. Even though today's modern leather holsters are durable and robust, there are some basic steps you can take to prolong the life of your holster and protect it from the elements.
Properly care for leather holsters by following these seven tips, and you'll be able to use your holster every day for several years.
Keep the Holster Clean Sweat, dust, dirt or blood can all damage a holster after long-term exposure, so keep your rig dry and clean. Usually a wipedown with a soft rag will suffice, but sometimes you'll need to use a leather care product.
A bar of glycerin soap or a product specifically designed to clean holsters like
Galco's Leather Lotion is your best bet for holsters with a smooth finish.
Avoid Exposure to the Elements If you carry with a leather holster often it will eventually be exposed to the elements, but extremes of heat or cold can cause permanent damage to the leather. Don't leave the holster in a hot place, particularly in direct sunlight.
Don't Soften the Leather Leather holsters are typically molded to fit a particular gun, and that process requires the leather to remain firm so that it properly fits the gun. If you compromise the structure of the holster by adding large amounts of leather conditioners that aren't designed specifically for holsters, you may actually be softening the holster to a point that it no longer fits your gun.
Keep Animals Away It may sound strange, but one of the most common reasons holsters are destroyed is from being gnawed on by animals. A dog views your favorite holster as a sweat-stained chew toy, so keep your rig out of the reach of man's best friend.
Minimize Perspiration We all sweat every day whether we recognize it or not, and perspiration's toxic mix of salts, oils and water will eventually break down the structure of leather fibers. It's impossible not to sweat, but it may be possible to avoid getting a lot of sweat on your leather holster.
Proper Drying Moisture can damage holsters and may lead to mold and other problems, so it's critical to keep holsters dry. That being said, never use any artificial heat to dry your holsters. The use of blow dryers or laying the holster on warm air vents is a sure way to damage the leather.
Stretch the Leather to Fit Leather holsters are oftentimes fitted to a particular gun, but initial fit is usually very tight and requires some stretching of the leather to allow for a smooth, resistance-free draw.
