Treatment for Leather Holsters

Quality holster makers like Bianchi and Galco are universal in their advice: Less treatment is best, and the best treatment for a holster is ongoing care.

Glycerin

Holster makers all recommend glycerin soap, used lightly, to condition a leather holster. Glycerin moisturizes, but does not soak the leather.

Oil

An oil-based conditioner will soak and soften the leather, and impart moisture, which can cause corrosion to the pistol.

Wax

Gunslingers supposedly waxed the inside of their holsters for a quick draw, but no manufacturers recommend the practice. Bianchi recommends spraying inside the holster with a silicon waterproof spray to protect the gun from moisture.

Break-In

Galco likens its holsters to baseball gloves: They will be a tight, stiff fit at first, which will loosen over time, without the use of oils or moisture to speed the process.

Storage

All manufacturers advise storing a holster out of direct sunlight, artificial heat or high humidity. All advise checking the gun daily, if you store it in the holster, for moisture and corrosion to both the gun and holster.

References

• Bianchi International: Product Care
• Lone Star Holsters: Leather Holster
• Galco Holsters: FAQ