Navy Holsters, Best repro.
 

Happily I will soon have 2 built navies, one with many original navy parts. My question is on navy holsters. For sure an original navy holster is way out of what I can afford , so I am looking for the best, most authentic reproduction available. Lugers at Random shows only a picture of one navy holster that does not have a strap/belt flap, just only one a post closure on the flap. I notice many originals seem to use both the strap/buckle and post style.
( post? not sure the correct name that is used on that type flap closure) I have been told that are complete repo navy rigs including the stock, but I cannot find them. Sarco maybe. Any recommendations on the best repro and where might I track a couple down.
Thanks.

Bill,
Sarco has the complete rig with repro Navy stock and holster/strap/mag pouch.
This type has the flap and post - similar to a police type holster.

The Belt wear holster has a buckle closure and belt loops on the back and no provision for attaching the stock of course.

I've also seen both types on ebay, but some of the colors of the leather are ugly!

Some of the repro holsters are a little small, and may require wetting and "boneing" to fit a pistol.
Just be sure to put the pistol in a suitable and sturdy plastic bag when inserting into the wet holster if you have to "stretch" it a bit.

I bought my repro holster and stock off ebay, but not together; same reason as you- originals are just too much! I can buy another luger for what a Navy holster costs! ;) Maybe someday I'll get lucky and find a "deal". :)

Some of the repro holsters are a little small, and may require wetting and "boneing" to fit a pistol.
Just be sure to put the pistol in a suitable and sturdy plastic bag when inserting into the wet holster if you have to "stretch" it a bit.

For what it's worth I recommend you stay away from WATER when attempting anything like this. I have found that water can more often than not negatively affect leather with unpredictable results due to rapid or slow shrinkage.

I use medical alcohol. It's cheap. A couple bucks a quart. Reuseable. Just pour it back in the bottle. Dries fairly rapidly but has little of the detrimental effects of water. Shouldn't disturb existing dye.

Worth thinking about.

How would you apply it??? Brush it on with a paintbrush, dunk the whole holster in a bucket of it, spray it on with a fabric softener spray bottle, what would you think best??? :confused:

Which medical alcohol?
Isopropyl( or rubbing alcohol) or ethyl(drinking alcohol;) )? 70 or 90%?

The rest of the % is water.

I would think that Rum would be the most appropriate for a Navy holster.
Norm

Go Navy!
dju

This ^^^^ is the method that I used for many years on new western boots that were a bit snug here and there. Works great!!

Hi Bill,
You don't specify whether you're looking for a Type 1 Navy holster, designed to be attached to a stock and worn on a shoulder strap, or a Type 2 that's worn on a belt. Here's a reasonably authentic looking Type 2 from India that's currently running on Ebay.
Regards, Norm
https://www.ebay.com/itm/REPRO-WWII-...kAAOSwEHhaojR1

I use either 70 or 90. Usually 70 as it's cheaper and doesn't seem to make any difference. I soak it for a few minutes.

Thanks all for your replies and great info!

One of each Holster
 

I am getting one of each just to have 2 different styles of holsters. MMM??? Not sure as how to properly post these links. Sarco is out of stock on the Navy holster stocks.

Also, when stretching the holster, to you apply the liquid used to both the "inside and outside" of the holster before placing the pistol in a heavy zip lock bag an inserting it into the holster ?


https://www.ebay.com/itm/REPRO-WWII-...72.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/German-WWI-...53.m2749.l2649

Also, when stretching the holster, to you apply the liquid used to both the "inside and outside" of the holster before placing the pistol in a heavy zip lock bag an inserting it into the holster ?

Depends on how much and where you need to stretch it!
Use the least amount possible.
If needed, insert the pistol as far as it will go(inside the bag) and see where the holster is too small.
Add water or IPA there; use a smooth stick or plastic handle to press and stretch the leather to the contour of the luger.

At least, that has always worked for me; I'm sure there are other "ways".