BBQ gun holster?

dyl · June 5, 2020, 11:04 AM

**edit** In case my scientific terminology is off, by BBQ gun, I mean a flamboyant showpiece only worn on special occasions

A friend of mine got himself a BBQ gun - a polished stainless commemorative Colt Commander with gold accents (gold plated mainspring housing, gold plated thumb safety and grip safety, slide lock...maybe hammer and bushing)

Are there any holster that *baby* the gun, and value preserving finish over retention as first priority?

I bet a lot of folks will have opinions about that priority. This is just seeing what's out there for his sake. Ideas?

aarondhgraham · June 5, 2020, 03:17 PM

The least abrasive lining for a holster will be smooth top grain leather,,,
When I make a BBQ Rig I usually use 3 oz calfskin.

Many people believe that a suede lined holster would be "softer" on the finish,,,
But there are two problems with suede lined holsters.

The first being that the nap of suede over time catches particulate matter,,,
Essentially turning a holster into an abrasive pouch.

The second being that suede leather is "chrome tanned" leather,,,
The chromium salts never rinse out completely,,,
Chrome salts are very bad on metal,,,
Especially if it ever gets wet.

The better the "mold" of the gun to the leather will also help the finish,,,
The closer the fit the less abrasion on the metal as it "hugs" rather than grips.

My last recommendation is to not get a dyed holster,,,
This really should not be a problem but if you are a purist an oil finish is kindest.

In every case though,,,
Never store the gun in the holster.

JMHO after 40 years working leather.

Aarond

.

dyl · June 5, 2020, 11:13 PM

aarondhgraham, thanks for the post, my friend read it tonight and knows what to look for now. Those were some great pointers and knowledge that isn't exactly intuitive. Much appreciated.

aarondhgraham · June 8, 2020, 09:02 AM

You are welcome.

Aarond

.

June 5, 2020, 11:04 AM	#1
dyl Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,310	BBQ gun holster? edit In case my scientific terminology is off, by BBQ gun, I mean a flamboyant showpiece only worn on special occasions A friend of mine got himself a BBQ gun - a polished stainless commemorative Colt Commander with gold accents (gold plated mainspring housing, gold plated thumb safety and grip safety, slide lock...maybe hammer and bushing) Are there any holster that baby the gun, and value preserving finish over retention as first priority? I bet a lot of folks will have opinions about that priority. This is just seeing what's out there for his sake. Ideas? Last edited by dyl; June 5, 2020 at 01:03 PM. Reason: clarification of "BBQ gun"

June 5, 2020, 03:17 PM	#2
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	Here's my 2-cents,,, The least abrasive lining for a holster will be smooth top grain leather,,, When I make a BBQ Rig I usually use 3 oz calfskin. Many people believe that a suede lined holster would be "softer" on the finish,,, But there are two problems with suede lined holsters. The first being that the nap of suede over time catches particulate matter,,, Essentially turning a holster into an abrasive pouch. The second being that suede leather is "chrome tanned" leather,,, The chromium salts never rinse out completely,,, Chrome salts are very bad on metal,,, Especially if it ever gets wet. The better the "mold" of the gun to the leather will also help the finish,,, The closer the fit the less abrasion on the metal as it "hugs" rather than grips. My last recommendation is to not get a dyed holster,,, This really should not be a problem but if you are a purist an oil finish is kindest. In every case though,,, Never store the gun in the holster. JMHO after 40 years working leather. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

June 8, 2020, 09:02 AM	#4
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	You are welcome. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

June 5, 2020, 11:13 PM	#3
dyl Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,310	aarondhgraham, thanks for the post, my friend read it tonight and knows what to look for now. Those were some great pointers and knowledge that isn't exactly intuitive. Much appreciated.