Holster Question

[snappy]

Do any of you have any recommendations for a good, comfortable IWB holster or for that matter a OWB holster for a S&W 642? I have been carrying some of the times in a Uncle Mikes IWB but I don't feel real comfortable with the retention or lack of retention I should say that it offers. I'm not opposed to OWB either if I can find a good holster that hugs my waist good and is not easily detected. Thanks in advance for any replies, great site.

Snappy

J Frame snubbie club member #1965

[MCPreacher]

For a high quality holster that won't dent your wallet, I bought a "Sable" (Askins Avengers style) from these guys. Actually, I bought two, one left and one right, and they both arrived within a week!

They don't have a big selection of IWB holsters, but there are a couple.

http://www.shado.com/

I have no interest in the company, just a happy customer

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f260/preacherspulpit/Guns/Rossi_ShadoHolster.jpg

[MIke Oswalt]

http://www.gunnersalley.com/c=QpC39eAwNw28oCXvuhPuI0nPB/product/JIT/Hume_JIT_Slide_Belt_Holster.html

It's hard to beat the Don Hume JIT for value, retention and comfort.

[MCPreacher]

http://www.gunnersalley.com/c=QpC39eAwNw28oCXvuhPuI0nPB/product/JIT/Hume_JIT_Slide_Belt_Holster.html

It's hard to beat the Don Hume JIT for value, retention and comfort.

That is a kickin' price! Saved that puppy to my favorites.

[G27Chief]

The most useable and comfortable holster I own for IWB is the C-TAC. Rigid polymer material, with the flexiable leather tabs to hold your choice of attachments. For OWB I have used for some time a Sam Andrews version of a belt slide, as well as a JIT slide from Hume. For pocket carry I use a Sam Andrews pocket holster or one of the 5.11 kit holsters. I have had some use for a galco ankle glove, and this is the most comfortable all day holster for ankle wear I ever found. Mine is for the centennial version, due to the bobbing of the hammer spur.

Just for nostalgic reasons, I will once ina while slip on one of the older open top holsters of yesteryear. These holsters carry the weapon close in, and are easy to slip on and off. The tab of these was designed about 2" wide and slipped under the belt held in place for drawing by an extra tab of leather sewn at the bottom of the "paddle". Most I have seen were Baurer Bros. [sic] or Bucheimer. I remember as a kid looking at one of these holster holding a GBI issued model 36 of a neighbor or ours. A relative that was the sheriff in a neighboring county favored this holster, and had several containing various J frames in .32 and .38 There was a tension adjustment screw located near the muzzel end, some were polished brass, others plated. I ofter browse e-bay seeking a decent specimen of these for my collection.

[Moonfish]

Here's a pic of my Bucheimer Concealer (model CLW-11) circa late 70's. I purchased it new with a matching belt from Wald's Police Supply in Dallas. Still have both, although the belt seems to have shunk though the years. It's got a few miles on it, but it still looks great. A good quality holster, like a good quality gun, will last a lifetime.

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/40925/2748956380100900487S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/41281/2571606030100900487S600x600Q85.jpg

[The Goose]

I carry my j frame in a Don Hume JIT slide OWB. A great and inexpensive holster. Can be carried under a loose untucked t shirt no problem.

[G27Chief]

That is purtty! nothing like classic gun leather.


Here's a pic of my Bucheimer Concealer (model CLW-11) circa late 70's. I purchased it new with a matching belt from Wald's Police Supply in Dallas. Still have both, although the belt seems to have shunk though the years. It's got a few miles on it, but it still looks great. A good quality holster, like a good quality gun, will last a lifetime.

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/40925/2748956380100900487S600x600Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/41281/2571606030100900487S600x600Q85.jpg

[snappy]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I just ordered a Hume JIT and wil see how that does, sounds like it may just fit my need and for the price it can't be beat. I'll post back when I get it and let you know what I think, thanks again.

[JayAK]

I am new to CCW .... I just got a M85 SS taurus......

It has a hammer....do I need somthing over the hammer or is it ok???

I like the JIT holsters you guys are talking about....but I know nothing about revolvers.....so is it ok to have the hammer exposed or?........

[MCPreacher]

I am new to CCW .... I just got a M85 SS taurus......

It has a hammer....do I need somthing over the hammer or is it ok???

I like the JIT holsters you guys are talking about....but I know nothing about revolvers.....so is it ok to have the hammer exposed or?........

With a good quality leather holster, you do not need anything over the hammer (thumb break etc).

[JayAK]

Thank You.....

I think I will check out those JIT holsters !

[BigBluefish]

For IWB carry, I've found the DeSantis Cozy Partner to be very comfortable and secure.

As for the need for hammer and thumbreak: a well made holster will be able to securely hold your model 85 without need of a thumbreak, either through molding or the use of an adjustable tension screw, which changes the 'tightness' of the holster around the gun. That said, a thumbreak will make the holster more secure, though it may slow down draw speed some: some say yes, some say no.

Another issue with a hammer is that it can abrade the lining of your jackets, and catch on your shirts and sweaters. I personally like 2" snubs with a bobbed hammer (no spur for thumb cocking) or no exposed hammed at all (Centennial). That said, I used to tote a Charter Undercover around in an IWB holster, and I never had any problems with the hammer being exposed.

[22collector]

Grandfather Oaks for IWB = approx. $25-25
Bianchi minimalist Love this holster for OWB - $35 I did remove the rubber o ring that you were to use for retention cause I have a body guard and it didnt work too well.
I must have tried 15 holster both IWB and OWB before finding one of each that I liked. Good Luck on your search

22

[LSP972]

http://www.gunnersalley.com/c=QpC39eAwNw28oCXvuhPuI0nPB/product/JIT/Hume_JIT_Slide_Belt_Holster.html

It's hard to beat the Don Hume JIT for value, retention and comfort.

Dunno about the retention part, but I'll heartily endorse the other two qualities. I have one of these for a J that I use as a range holster. Carrying a snubby J frame in a belt holster, for "real", always seemed a bit bizarre to me; IOW, if you're going to go to that much trouble, why not strap up a REAL gun?:supergrin:

Seriously, to me the J frame is a pocket gun. But if I was going to tote one in a belt holster other than on the range, I would get something like that pictured in MCPreacher's post.

.

[JayAK]

when you say pocket gun.....how would one put the gun in their pocket....I have tried and it prints like mad.....

maybe I wear my jeans too tight lol

thoughts?

not on my jean styles please lol.....

[gunsmoke92]

http://www.gunnersalley.com/c=QpC39eAwNw28oCXvuhPuI0nPB/product/JIT/Hume_JIT_Slide_Belt_Holster.html

It's hard to beat the Don Hume JIT for value, retention and comfort.

These are awesome. After seeing this, I went to the website, took a look and ordered one for my G30. Arrived today, and I must say, I'm impressed. This tucks the gun in nice and tight. Thanks for the link.:supergrin:

[LSP972]

when you say pocket gun.....how would one put the gun in their pocket....I have tried and it prints like mad.....

maybe I wear my jeans too tight lol

There's your answer.

In loose-fitting pants, a J frame in a pocket holster looks like a wallet. I wear nothing but 5.11 pants these days; comfortable, yet acceptable in any but formal settings.

Carrying a concealed weapon is an art, not a science. You have to find what fits YOUR physique, since we're all different.

If you choose to wear tight jeans, then pocket carry isn't a viable option.

No free lunch...

.

[JayAK]

I have a hard time finding loose jeans as I have rather large thighs...from lifting weights....

OWB it is I guess...

does anyone carry in the cargo part of a cargo pant??? do they even make cargo pants anymore???

[LSP972]

Be careful... all those heavy squats will trash your lower back... ;)

I know lots of folks who carry in a cargo pocket. There are two caveats: one, unless you are an NBA basketball star, you will have to lean or squat slightly for your arm to get into the pocket. Translation: slow draw.

Two, you need to be certain that the gun sits upright, and STAYS that way through your normal daily routine.

Number two is the biggest complaint I've heard from folks who carry in a cargo pocket; the gun ends up on its butt or top strap, and they have to fish it out. Translation: DEADLY slow draw.

You can solve your pants problem if you're willing to pay the tailor costs. One on my colleagues back at state police was a power lifter, and had thighs the size of a telephone pole; with a 30" waist. He wore Dockers and jeans that he had done special; dunno exactly what, but he was able to carry a 642 in his right front pants pocket just as easily as the rest of us.

.

[cowboywannabe]

if i can carry IWB i can carry something more substantial that a 5 shooter J frame.

but if you choose to do so, i would like to add the Milt Sparks Watch Six to your choices for consideration.

[JayAK]

Be careful... all those heavy squats will trash your lower back... ;)

I know lots of folks who carry in a cargo pocket. There are two caveats: one, unless you are an NBA basketball star, you will have to lean or squat slightly for your arm to get into the pocket. Translation: slow draw.

Two, you need to be certain that the gun sits upright, and STAYS that way through your normal daily routine.

Number two is the biggest complaint I've heard from folks who carry in a cargo pocket; the gun ends up on its butt or top strap, and they have to fish it out. Translation: DEADLY slow draw.

You can solve your pants problem if you're willing to pay the tailor costs. One on my colleagues back at state police was a power lifter, and had thighs the size of a telephone pole; with a 30" waist. He wore Dockers and jeans that he had done special; dunno exactly what, but he was able to carry a 642 in his right front pants pocket just as easily as the rest of us.

.


good post...and I suffer from what your friend did...I too have large thighs and a 32 inch waist....it is hell finding pants ....so he had them altered at a tailor?

the slow draw part is what keeps me away from the ankle holster...

[RemSp10]

These are awesome. After seeing this, I went to the website, took a look and ordered one for my G30. Arrived today, and I must say, I'm impressed. This tucks the gun in nice and tight. Thanks for the link.:supergrin:

ok gunsmoke92. Now we know what you carry your g-30 in, BUT you have to save face and SHOW us what you carry your snubbie in.:supergrin:
And yes they are nice, I have one for me .45 colt, G-19 and 22 and of course my snubbie.
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p132/TooShot/38andUpdatedColt45005jpg-1.jpg
The yellow on the grip is due to poor picture taking.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p132/TooShot/Guns001-1.jpg
The holster on the lower left is a Cobre Gunskin also nice

[gunsmoke92]

[QUOTE=RemSp10;9771116]ok gunsmoke92. Now we know what you carry your g-30 in, BUT you have to save face and SHOW us what you carry your snubbie in.:supergrin:


Yes, that would be appropriate, wouldn't it. I carry my S&W 640-1 in a Galco model 158 IWB, and my S&W model 34 in a Bianchi OWB holster.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gunsmoke92/guns/snubby2.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gunsmoke92/guns/snubby1.jpg


Sorry for the picture quality, and the fact that that I don't have a pic of the Bianchi.:cool:

[LSP972]

....so he had them altered at a tailor?



Yup.

.

[snappy]

Gunsmoke92, that holster looks uncomfortable to me, is it? Maybe that's a dumb question because you are in fact wearing it. It sure rides low, looks like the cylinder would dig in to your side pretty good. Am I wrong?

[JayAK]

Yup.

.

why have I not thought of this....

lol

[Thick45]

I've tried different holsters, and from a standpoint of comfort, finally settled on an OWB Pancake holster. For me, I like them to sit 'high and tight'. I want the gun to sit in the holster securely. If I run, jump, or fall down, I want to feel as if the gun will stay in the holster, but when I go to pull it, I want it to come out cleanly. I should be able to put it on when I get up in the morning, and not take it off until I'm ready for bed that evening, and it should present NO comfort issues for me. I should be able to get in the car and take a road trip of several hours, and not feel any discomfort...

So, these are what I've settled on. They might not be fancy or pretty, but they are completely hand made, and they meet my requirements, and since I made them, I didn't have to wait for several months (or years)...:supergrin:.

With that said, there are in fact some good options available, but I like a good, secure, high ride OWB Pancake the best. The light brown holster up top holds a Model 36 Chief's Special (all steel), and the weight is 'unnoticable'..

[Thick45]

Here is a better view:

[gunsmoke92]

Gunsmoke92, that holster looks uncomfortable to me, is it? Maybe that's a dumb question because you are in fact wearing it. It sure rides low, looks like the cylinder would dig in to your side pretty good. Am I wrong?



After looking at the picture, it gives the impression the gun rides higher in the holster than it actually does. Actually, it's very comfortable. The cylinder and trigger guard are completely covered by the holster, so the only part that is exposed is the back of the frame, which is quite smooth, and the grip. A T-shirt covers it nicely in the Summer, and because it's tuckable, I can wear it at work under a dress shirt. Not fancy, but it works well, and with a speed strip in my pocket, I'm well armed.:cool:

[gunsmoke92]

After seeing Thick45s' post, another holster you might consider is an OWB from " Simply Rugged". They make a pancake for the snubbies for a very reasonable price. I believe their website is at simplyrugged.com

[StuntPilot]

Based on this thread, I bought the Don Hume JIT from gunnersalley.com, to carry my 340PD. I got it for when I can't use the Uncle Mikes #3 pocket holster.

The JIT is a great buy at $22!

[bamarammin87]

Gunsmoke I'm confused...which holster is that IWB you're "modeling"?


and where did you get those grips, Remsp10??

[gunsmoke92]

[QUOTE=bamarammin87;9938179]Gunsmoke I'm confused...which holster is that IWB you're "modeling"?

It's a Galco model 158 USA.