Gum Trag Questions

[markush]

I've been using Bag-Kote outside and in on my holsters. I like what it does on the exterior but it seems to do next to nothing on the inside. I just picked up some Gum Trag and this stuff really does slick up the flesh side! I have 2 questions...What is such a slick interior going to do for retention on my pancake holsters? All my stuff has passed the upside down and shake lightly test...Is Gum Trag going to change that? Second question is how does it hold up to abrasion? Is it going to roughen up pretty quick with pistol and revolver cylinder edges sliding across it?

[markush]

How about this...does anyone slick up their pancake holster interiors with Gum Trag? If so is there still good retention?

I'm trying to avoid ruining a finished holster with Gum Trag if it's going to let the gun slip out like a wet bar of soap.

[markush]

I feel like I've been shunned! Does nobody use Gum Trag on holster interiors or am I asking a silly question?

[katsass]

I've been using Bag-Kote outside and in on my holsters. I like what it does on the exterior but it seems to do next to nothing on the inside. I just picked up some Gum Trag and this stuff really does slick up the flesh side! I have 2 questions...What is such a slick interior going to do for retention on my pancake holsters? All my stuff has passed the upside down and shake lightly test...Is Gum Trag going to change that? Second question is how does it hold up to abrasion? Is it going to roughen up pretty quick with pistol and revolver cylinder edges sliding across it?

OK, the old grumpy guy will give it a go; I don't use that stuff, never have, BUT almost all of my holsters are smooth inside from my method of construction. Tight stitching and good molding take care of retention. Mike

[Steven Kelley]

I don't use it either. The leather I use is pretty smooth on the flesh side. There are no strands or loose flesh at all, so putting gum trag on there really wouldn't make it any smoother. Where are you buying your leather? I bought some at Tandy once that was very "fleshy". Since going to Wickett & Craig, I've had nothing but good smoothe leather to work with. I'm kind of against coating my holsters with a bunch of unnecessary stuff.

[markush]

I don't use it either. The leather I use is pretty smooth on the flesh side. There are no strands or loose flesh at all, so putting gum trag on there really wouldn't make it any smoother. Where are you buying your leather? I bought some at Tandy once that was very "fleshy". Since going to Wicket & Craig, I've had nothing but good smoother leather to work with. I'm kind of against coating my holsters with a bunch of unnecessary stuff.

It's Hermann Oak from Springfield. I've got some of both their craftsman and B grade. The flesh side does start out tight and slick but It seems after I vinegaroon and wet mold it starts to lift up into a bit of nap. Then with use it starts to loosen up a bit more from the edged or corners of the gun abrading it. I've been using the Bag-Kote and that hasn't seemed to keep that "nap" from appearing.

When I tried the Gum Trag on some scrap pieces that had been both vinegarooned and not, the Gum Trag made both really slick, like waxing it up. That's where I am now...wondering if the Gum Trag could make it too slick...

[malabar]

I don't use gum trag, I use Aussie Leather Conditioner, which is a beeswax compound. After stitching, I case the holster, bake it, let it totally dry, and then usually dip it in vinegaroon. When it is complete;y dry again, a rub a little Aussie inside the holster. My holsters are usually far too tight at that point, and the Aussie lays the fibers down and allows a little give, just enough to make for a smooth draw.

tk

[Frank]

I do use gum trag to finish the inside on all of my western holsters, unless they want them lined. I can turn the holster upside down and shake them, the gun will not fall out. I have never used it on a pancake, or CC holster though. It's a slicker finish but not so slick that the gun will just drop out. I won't use anything else on the inside. I just like the way it works. When you mold a holster properly, I do not think the inside finish has much to do with the gun falling out. Just my opinion. I hope it helps a little.

Frank

[Reaper]

KG Industries Leather Silicone Cream....

Work it into the inside of your holster and let it dry. It will make it slick as Kydex without loss of any of the retention qualities of the molded leather....

You should be able to get 15 - 20, full size pistol holsters from a small bottle of it and it will make a huge difference.

http://www.kgcoatings.com/lubricants/kg-9-micro-ptfe-leather-kote/

[Matt Alsaker]

I don't use gum trag, I use Aussie Leather Conditioner, which is a beeswax compound. After stitching, I case the holster, bake it, let it totally dry, and then usually dip it in vinegaroon. When it is complete;y dry again, a rub a little Aussie inside the holster. My holsters are usually far too tight at that point, and the Aussie lays the fibers down and allows a little give, just enough to make for a smooth draw.

tk

I've used gum trag when experiencing similar issues on the flesh side. It has worked for me and I've never had any retention issues. I like the idea of the Aussie Leather Conditioner and am going to give that a try. We have used Aussie Leather Conditioner with great success restoring horse tack and saddles. It's a great product.