Store WWII Luger in Holster?

[JonnyP]

What are y'all's thoughts on storing an old Luger in an original holster? Not talking about daily use as that would certainly rub the finish, but what if it just sits there? Seems reasonable that many Lugers were once stored in their holster for decades by some WWII vet. Anyone with first-hand experience witnessing the result?

[HerrKaiser]

Generally not advised. The acids in the leather can eat away at the finish of the Luger while stored. Would recommend a silicone impregnated gun sock like a bore store for the Luger.

[JonnyP]

Thanks for the recommend, HerrKaiser. I'll see about getting some gun socks.

[f100]

There’s many great ways as has already been mentioned by an expert. An expert I follow shows your proper protective coating applied ( like G96 ) . Saran wrapping it over that , keeps it oiled and protects it from acids etc and rubs going into the holster that was deigned well enough to protect it through a war. Keeping your complete kit together. I do that and when I remove it , it’s still oiled perfectly. “ G96 Gun Oil is designed for comprehensive firearm care, offering cleaning, lubrication, and corrosion protection in a single product. Unlike the aerosol G96 Gun Treatment, G96 Gun Oil comes in a liquid form, making it suitable for precise application on all firearm components, including polymers. It is formulated to work in extreme conditions, from -50°F to 350°F, ensuring reliable performance in both cold and hot“

[wlyon]

I feel we worry to much about storing lugers. Keep them out of the holsters. Give them a good coating inside and out with light oil ( I have used 3in1 oil for 50+ years) Mine hang on a wall. The correct holster is stored below the luger. If I or anyone looks them over I redo the oil with an oily cloth. I have never had a firearm rust even when I lived in a high humidity State. Bill

[Peteyboy]

I store my handguns in either their original boxes or in their holsters. Of course a wipe down with oil, CLP, but then I store them in VCI paper. In fact, I use new, original S&W VCI paper. I know the wisdom is not to store them in leather holsters, but I have not had a problem with this procedure and I live in Florida. Plus it keeps the complete rig together. I also store the magazines the same way.
This is the way I do it, a bit different, but it works for me.
Pete

[wlyon]

If it works for you that's great. However I have seen many forearms ruined by holster storage and gun case storage. Recently a neighbor brought over a luger carbine in it's original case. . It was a red disaster. The rust had already created pits. The owner said he had not removed it in years. Better to be safe than sorry. Bill

[Eugen]

I bought a NAZI stamped Femaru 37m at a decent discount due the the firearm being stored in its leather holster. There was rust pitting on the front of the slide and also the front sight. I appreciated obtaining what was otherwise an excellent pistol for a much lower price. Years later I acquired at a local auction a Colt Model N1908 1918. I got a swell discount on it as well due to it being stored in a holster. The otherwise minty Colt was noticeably discolored on the left side due to moisture damage. Leather holsters are like sponges for moisture.

Highly humidity conditions in your storage area can dramatically affect your firearms, storing firearms in holsters just increase the opportunity for damage. I wouldn't take any chances.

[Kiwi]

I keep a stainless steel carry gun in a leather holster. Stainless seems OK after 40+ years. Do not do this for any blued gun.

Second wlyon on the 3 in 1 oil for blued guns. Oil on cloth patch and wipe all surfaces.