Muncle’s Leatherworks
Eric Wilmarth – Owner/Craftsman
1805 Golf Course Road- By Appointment only / PO Box 201, Marfa Texas 79843
432-295-3245 / Pinsum1_184@hotmail.com
Thanks for your purchase of your Muncle’s Leatherworks product. Our products are warrantied to the original owner; any products with craftsmanship defects will be repaired or replaced at no cost. Normal wear and tear, misuse, or accidents causing damage to the product or personal possessions are not covered. Always make sure your firearm is unloaded when inserting into the holster for the first time.
Carrying a firearm, for sport or defense, carries risk and potential for injury or death. It is advised that you seek out proper training with your firearm. Practice with your new holster before using for carry.
Proper break in and care is required for warranty to be honored. Below are some tips and techniques for break in and care of my holsters.
Keep Animals Away-It may sound strange, but one of the most common reasons leatherwork is destroyed is from being gnawed on by animals. A leather item that is kept within reach of animals is doomed.
Keep the Leather Clean-Sweat, dust, dirt or blood can all damage a holster and firearm after long-term exposure, so keep your rig dry and clean. Usually a wipe down with a soft rag will suffice. If needed the rag can be slightly damp, and then let the empty holster naturally air dry. Do not use a hair dryer or other heat sources. The holster comes with a lacquer sealer already on it. If the holster becomes stained, you can us saddle soap lathered on a rag to remove the stain. Paste wax can be used to seal the area after cleaning. If you bring or ship the item to Muncle’s Leatherworks, we will clean it for free. Any shipping costs for holster cleaning are the customer’s responsibility.
Stretch the Leather to Fit-Your holster is fitted/product to be used with a particular gun/item. Any damage from trying to put a gun or item in a Muncle’s Leatherworks product it was not designed for is not covered under warranty. The fit may be very tight and requires some break in. Place your pistol in a Ziploc bag and push it into the holster. Let it sit until the fibers are stretched enough to allow easy draw but still have retention of the gun. Wearing the holster around the house will aid in conforming it to your body. Ensure that your holster is broken in and you are familiar with it before using it for defensive carry!
Don't Soften the Leather- You compromise the structure of the holster by adding large amounts of leather conditioners that aren’t designed specifically for holsters, you may actually be softening the holster to a point that it no longer properly fits your gun. It is critical to use only cleaning agents that are designed for leather holsters. Also don’t squeeze or wring the holster like you would a ball glove. The holster is stiff by design. It may soften from a little from regular use but should still be able to retain its shape and functionality for many years.
Minimize Perspiration-We all sweat every day whether we recognize it or not, and perspiration’s toxic mix of salts, oils and water will eventually break down the structure of leather fibers. It’s impossible not to sweat, but it may be possible to avoid getting a lot of sweat on your leather holster. If possible, keep a barrier of clothing between yourself and the holster to keep as much perspiration off the holster as possible. A barrier shirt will also aid in comfort.
Proper Drying-Moisture can damage leather and may lead to mold and other problems, so it’s critical to keep leather dry. Never use any heat to dry your leather. The use of blow dryers or laying the holster on warm air vents is a sure way to damage the leather. Instead, place the holster in a dry place with a moderate temperature and allow the leather to dry on its own. Heat can change the shape of the leather and will likely do permanent damage to your holster.
Avoid Exposure to the Elements-If you carry with a leather holster often it will eventually be exposed to the elements, but extremes of heat or cold can cause permanent damage to the leather. Don’t leave the holster in a hot place, particularly in direct sunlight. Leaving the gun on the dash of your car is a major mistake. Direct sunlight and heat will eventually break down the structure of the leather and will shorten the life of your holster. It can also damage your gun!
Storage – Do not use the holster for long term storage of your gun. The holster may collect humidity and you will not like what may have grown on the gun when you remove it. You can reuse the bag the holster came in to store the holster, but only after the holster is completely dry. Wipe your gun down after use in the holster, and store in a safe place. If you use the holster and gun for carry, check the holster and gun for cleanliness daily.
Wear of Gun Finish – All holsters from any brand/manufacturer will cause the finish of a gun to wear. Any holster maker that says their holster will not wear a gun’s finish is a liar. The main culprits are dirt/dust and a loose fit. Using a dirty holster is the same as using super fine grit sandpaper. A loose holster allows for vibration, more movement within the holster, and more wear. Any wear of your gun’s finish will not be covered by Muncle’s Leatherworks. If you are worried about finish wear you should leave you gun in the box. I recommend a vegetable tanned cowhide lined holster for blued guns. Cowhide lining with a tight proper fit will preserve a guns finish the best if kept clean. An unlined holster is the next best thing. A chap leather lined holster is ok as long as the smooth side is used, but beware of chemicals that may have been used in the tanning process. Chromium tanned fuzzy split leathers, including suede, are the worst for linings. They have chemicals and lots of areas to trap dirt. You can trust that Muncle’s Leatherworks products are designed to cause the least amount of wear of a guns finish as possible. If you have melonite/ceracoated or stainless finishes, an unlined holster will do just fine, but a lined holster may have a smoother draw.
Disclaimer – Muncle’s Leatherworks is not liable for accidents due to the misuse of any of its leather products. Follow the care instructions and the leather product will serve you many years of use and enjoyment. Thanks again for your purchase!