Leather Lined Gun Box

[paduke]

I am a novice. I am contemplating a pistol case and lining it with leather. Since I have never seen one I am wondering if this is a good idea. I do know enough to use vegetable tanned leather and having been reading on the leather net about molding. However I am unsure about how well a leather lined case will protect the pistol. Does anyone have comments?

[spurdude101]

I would not put leather inside the case where it would contact the gun, unless it is for only a short time. Veg tan would be best, never chrome tanned as the chrome salts will affect the finish of the gun. Even letting a gun stay in a holster for long storage is a bad idea. Metal and leather just do not mix well over time. the one exception is if the gun is stainless steel. I would put the leather on the outside and felt or wool shearling on the inside.

[benlilly1]

Thanks for the question Paduke...and for the answer Spurduke. I learn something every time I log on here.

[footrat]

Veg tanned leather works fine for constant contact on any firearm that's been finished with a ferritic nitrocarburizing. For instance, the Tenifer finish on factory Glock slides, or anything that's been Melonited. Likewise, anything that's been Parkerized (Glock parks their slides on top of the Tenifer, as a cosmetic finish over the protective coat), or anything that's had a ceramic or moly resin finish applied will have no problems with constant contact with veg tanned leather.

As anecdotal evidence, I have a Glock 19 and a Glock 26 that have been holstered in veg tanned leather every day and night for 8 and 6 years, respectively. No issues, even where there's holster or other wear.

Just don't use open cell foam under the leather. It's always a good idea to throw a desiccant pack in any firearm box or case that will store a firearm for a while.

Edited March 28, 2013 by footrat