Nothing against thermoplastic, nylon and Kydex holsters, but if you carry a gun as classic as a 1911, it deserves a fitting leather holster.
They are comfortable, break-in beautifully, develop an attractive patina, and a 1911 leather holster will also cushion and protect your gun.
They just require a little extra special care and maintenance than plastic holsters. Here are some high-level notes for your observation.
Basic 1911 Leather Holster Care
If you do have a 1911 leather holster, the biggest thing you should be aware of is that it will need some special maintenance from time to time.
First and most importantly, you need to keep the holster clean. Periodically wipe dust and grime off the exterior of the holster, and when you’re not carrying, remove your gun and wipe out the inside (or use compressed air to blast out dust).
If the exterior of the leather holster is particularly dirty, you can use a product like a saddle soap or another approved leather cleaner to help remove residue and other dirt.
You will also want to shield the leather holster from extreme temperature swings as well as against extreme swings in humidity, as leather is absorbent and excessive moisture will damage the leather in more ways than one.
The same goes for protecting the leather holster against sweat and precipitation. Moisture will cause the leather to swell, warp or crack, and it can cause delamination if the leather is not top or full-grain as well.
If your 1911 leather holster does get wet, remove the gun and place the holster in a cool, dry location with good airflow so that it will dry off relatively quickly. Leaving it wet will cause it to rot; drying it too quickly can cause it to crack.
Periodically, you will want to treat the leather with an appropriate leather conditioner like beeswax or neatsfoot oil, or a blend. Treatments like these will help prevent the leather from absorbing moisture and will keep it soft and supple so that it does not crack or delaminate.
However, leather holsters are often molded to fit a specific gun, so you have to be careful not to over-soften the leather with an excess of conditioner, as this can cause it to lose its shape, and will adversely affect fit and retention.
If possible, you should also not wear a leather holster directly against your skin for this reason. The leather will absorb sweat, which will damage it, but more importantly, if it absorbs sweat that will damage your gun.
Otherwise, if you keep to these observations, your leather holster will last longer and it will also safeguard your gun.
Protecting Your Gun
One more note on 1911 leather holsters; when you’re not carrying your gun, take it out of the holster.
Leather traps moisture and will seal it against the surface of the gun, which over time will cause pitting and corrosion.
The simple fix? While it’s comfortable to carry your 1911 in a leather holster, don’t store it in there. Whenever you’re not carrying, take your gun out of the holster and store the holster somewhere cool and dry.
In the Market for a New 1911 Leather Holster? Visit SARCO Inc.
Thinking about carrying your 1911 in a leather holster, or just need a new one? Take a look at what’s available over at SARCO.
They carry a wide range of leather holsters, along with 1911 handguns and 1911 accessories.
Visit their website or get in touch with them directly at 610-250-3960 if you are looking for something specific.
For more information about Pistol Parts and 1911 Accessories Please visit: Sarco Inc.
