Leather & Sweat

[bigtiller]

I have an outside the waistband Mitch-Rosen formed leather holster for my Ruger LCR. After a vigorous afternoon walk the holster may get a little damp.

What is a good way to keep its form and retention capabilities while drying out?

 

[Depmandog]

Moistening leather is how the leather is initially formed. If you ever played baseball / softball - there was nothing worse than a brand new ballglove - all stiff and unyielding. Moisture from your hand and use, allowed the leather to mold to your hand - fitting "like a glove"

My son in law just purchased a new in the pocket holster for his CCW. I took it, moistened the leather and inserted the pistol. Then spent 15 minutes forming the leather to all of the curves of the pistol. Leather will "shrink" slightly when it dries. Think back to a good pair of worn leather work gloves. They are always a tad tight when you put them on. That's because you took them off - they were damp from sweat - and when they dried out the leather tightens up (and retains form).

So to answer your question - keep your pistol in the holster while its drying. Doesn't hurt at all to oil the gun - you want an oil finish on the inside of the holster.

I hope this helps - and nice looking setup you have!!:thumbsup:

 

[murphy1244]

That's the way I do it too. Helps to have SS finish.

 

[Tollster]

Like he said, keep it in the holster. I have molded Hunter Veggie tanned holsters to the pistol by soaking them in water, then sleaving a ziplock over the pistol and inserting it back into the holster for a few days. The holster then shrinks to conform to the pistol. Followed with a lot of oil and elbow.

 

[bigtiller]

Thanks for helping out guys. I have used several types of pocket holsters but this is my first leather one, and for the price of it, I am hoping it lasts a long time. With this heat, I sure am glad I didn't get a leather inside the waistband model.