Couple questions on gun belt care and holsters

[Zef_66]

Okay, when I am carrying my XD40, use a selection of holsters depending on where I am going, what I am doing, who I am going with, what I am wearing, etc.

But I find that with all of them, they all squeak when on the belt. Not sure why, but anyone else experience this? And how can I fix it?

Second question has to do with my gun belt. I bought a Rafer S gun belt. I love it, but when my holsters ride on my belt, it is wearing the belt a little and causing it to get dry and flake. Anything I can do to keep the belt in good condition?

FWIW:

Gun Belt
Comp-Tac Minotaur MTAC Holster
Galco Skyops Holster
Desantis Scabbard Holster

[Xringshooter]

If it's a good leather belt use some saddle soap. Cleans, protects, softens. It's gylcerine based. You could probably use some neutral color boot polish that has silicon in it to help protect and soften. Also good for leather holsters to help keep them from drying out.

[God's Country]

I'll second the saddle soap

[Zef_66]

Is saddle soap readily available at Walmart or the like? Or do I have to visit a harness shop or order it online?

[God's Country]

I can't remember where I got mine. Its one of those things you buy and have for ten years. Mine is kiwi brand so I would think it's easily obtainable. I would think any good hardware store would have it.

[soberbyker]

Haven't tried it on a holster but I use Mink Oil on all my motorcycle leather and boots, it's good for waterproofing, conditioning and preserving all kinds of leather.

[Zef_66]

And I thought I had read somewhere that oil and stuff on holsters is not good. That is can made it too soft, or slippery, or do something to the gun....ah hell, I don't know what I read.

But is it okay to put it on the holster?

[God's Country]

You need to be careful with any product you put on a holster because it can soften the leather. I have not had any problems with saddle soap. Don't work it in hard. It's not something you use often. The mink oil I wouldn't use on a holster JMO.

[God's Country]

Just to be clear, because often I am not. I have no idea if the saddle soap will cure your squeaking, but that I feel the saddle soap used appropriately will aid in proper care of your holsters.

[soberbyker]

Originally Posted by God's Country

You need to be careful with any product you put on a holster because it can soften the leather. I have not had any problems with saddle soap. Don't work it in hard. It's not something you use often. The mink oil I wouldn't use on a holster JMO.

As I stated, I've never used it on a holster, just on my motorcycle leathers, it helps with waterproofing, it means I stay somewhat dry an extra 15 minutes if I get caught in the rain on the bike. I have used it on my boots too, and it keeps them from getting to dry and cracking which is what the OP had mentioned being a problem. It does soften, albeit very little, just a thin layer for the most part, like polishing your shoes, a little heavy on seams (for the waterproofing).

My daily holster is plastic, I have one leather holster a friend gave me for my 357 magnum revolver but since I don't open carry I haven't used it yet. If I go to another Pitt shoot I may use it then, so I have no experience with leather holsters, sorry if the Mink oil was a bad suggestion for a holster.

Bill

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