breaking in a leather holster with oil?

[mbj0186]

I just bought a new leather holster my my XD 40. The guy at the gun show I got it from told me to oil my gun and put it in the holster to sit. Does anyone know if this is a good idea? I'm not familiar with leather holsters, all my previous holster's have been nylon. If not what are some good ways to break in a leather holster? e

At first I was kind of hesitant about using a leather holster, becuase I've heard of the finish being worn down by some on blue finishes. I decided to give it a try anyhow due to it's easy reholstering ability. Has anyone experienced a wearing of the finish on these types of guns with leather?

Thanks to all!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[cphilip]

Nope. Not oil nor water is what all the holster makers advise.

Just put the gun in a thick plastic zip lock and insert it fully and let her sit a few days. If need be double the bag and let it sit some more. It will relax eventualy and then wear in.

[Gunnutty]

You will see some wear from your leather holster on the guns finish especially blue. Just call them character marks, recieved in service and protection.

[QKShooter]

That technique is a really old one but, it is reserved for virgin vegetable tanned leather that has no pre~existing surface finish on it.
You are in effect saturating the leather with neats-foot oil & creating a heavily oiled Latigo Leather type holster.
Sort of a neat thing to play around with on a reenactment type Western Leather SAA Rig but, not such a great idea with modern daily carry wet molded gun-leather as it gets the leather overly soft and mushy and is also tough on nice clothes as the oil will migrate to your clothing.
Not something that the Cowboys cared much about but problematic for folks today.

[P95Carry]

True re bluing - it will whatever you do suffer some loss.

Muzzle area and cylinder front edges on revo's - and in essence any high spots that can rub! If a gun is to be carry - it must take the aesthetic penalty!

Look at my old M85 snub!! Heck - that has wear and character!

[Mark Garrity]

As stated above, don't oil it. Put the unloaded gun in a thick plastic bag (about 4 mil) or wrap it in wax-paper waxy side out and insert it in the holster and let it sit overnight. That should stretch it enough to loosen things up.
You will get some finish wear with any pistol/holster combo that sees lots of use, but your XD is tenifer-finished like the Glock and not blued, so it should be much more durable and less prone to wear.

[walther1]

P95 Carry,

I have always thoroughly enjoyed your photos. Thanks for sharing. For newbies and vets alike your photos always show great detail.

[P95Carry]

walther - thank you Sir

Part of me is a ''photoholic'' !!

[mbj0186]

I thank everyone for giving their input. This site has provided me more insight than I could have ever imagined. I'm glad to be a part of the forum. Once again thanks to all!