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  #1  
Old 06-05-2010, 11:11 PM
tbird tbird is offline
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Question Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame

I saw an IWB holster for revolvers on one of the shooting shows the other night and it held the cylinder above the belt, does any one know who makes it? I can't seem to find anything on the net about it.
Thanks,
tbird
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  #2  
Old 06-06-2010, 09:33 AM
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LoboGunLeather LoboGunLeather is offline
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Every holster design involves compromises among the four factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealability.

IWB designs usually emphasize concealability, with some compromise of accessibility. Security is generally good because the bulk of the handgun is held closely into the body by belt tension.

The holster design you have described sounds like an attempt to increase accessibility. This may come with a compromise in security as the bulk of the handgun is not supported or secured by belt tension. Without some form of mechanical retention device such a holster would have relatively little retention ability.

Only the user can decide how much of one factor may be compromised in order to achieve the desired goals. Careful consideration and evaluation of one's usual activities are called for.
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Old 06-06-2010, 10:25 AM
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Quote:
The holster design you have described sounds like an attempt to increase accessibility.
It seems to me that this is an attempt to increase concealability by decreasing the cylinder bulge. A gun that sits lower IWB will be easier to draw because the cover garment won't have to be lifted as far, nor will the gun hand. Unless you are trying to hide an 8 3/8" barrel such a "cylinder above the belt" set up is a waste of time, IMO. I used to carry a 6" 686 (L frame) IWB all the time. The cylinder was under my belt and concealment was never an issue. I now hide a 5" N frame using the same set up, and I'm not a large guy at all (5'7"/200lbs). With the right belt and holster the cylinder bulge and concealment of a 4", or shorter, K frame should be a nonissue, even for smaller people.
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Old 06-06-2010, 03:28 PM
tbird tbird is offline
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Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame  
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LoboGunleather and flop-shank,
Thanks for the response, I am former military and law enforcement and have carried a 1911, BHP, 92F, Sig, commader and many different models of revolvers ( k - frame smiths are my primary choice)IWB until an injury and major weight loss has forced me to look at alternate method of carry. I can not have the extra pressure of the cylinder pressing on the hip. A high rise that places the cylinder above the belt line releaves the pressure, but in my current work can not afford to have any exposure at all while in public. Yes I have CCW Permit. As I stated I have seen this type of hostler on one of Midways shows just can't find the show now. Once again thank you for the imput , but at this point I am now at the point that if I can't find one of thse holsters I will have to resort to a much smaller weapon and would rather not if possible, but hey nobody said it was a perfect world.
Thanks again,tbird
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Old 06-06-2010, 08:22 PM
Chief RID Chief RID is offline
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Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame  
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What is your rig for the N-frame, flop-shank?
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Old 06-06-2010, 09:54 PM
flop-shank flop-shank is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chief RID View Post
What is your rig for the N-frame, flop-shank?
A 1 3/4" Beltman belt and a FIST 1A kydex/leather hybrid IWB holster.

tbird, you might want to look at a 3" model 60 if the K frame doesn't work out. It's the little full size gun. Seriously, my wife has one and I can put the lead out about as well as I can with an L frame .357. Five shots, .357, 3" barrel and adjustable sights. There is also a five inch model 60 FWIW.

Sorry to hear about your difficulties and best wishes as you learn how to live with and work around your infirmity.
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Old 06-06-2010, 10:44 PM
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tbird

I am sorry that I cannot identify the holster you saw, but I am sure someone here will be able to help you with the name if you are patient. I believe I have seen more than one maker of this type design, but am unable to recall any names right now.
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  #8  
Old 06-07-2010, 12:50 PM
FinnMike FinnMike is offline
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The only holster that immediately comes to mind is Hoffer's....
Ultrex Holsters

Oh - CABO as well
Cabo Holsters Home
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  #9  
Old 06-07-2010, 04:44 PM
flop-shank flop-shank is offline
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Actually, now that you mention it, someone on this board, I don't remember who, tried the Hoffner holster a while back. IIRC, it was an unworkable, unstable mess. It would be neat to see what Lobo could do with that concept. A cylinder above the belt IWB holster would be the ticket for my 7 1/2" Redhawk.
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  #10  
Old 06-07-2010, 05:58 PM
striking striking is offline
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Default Galco IWB

I recently bought a Galco OWB holster for my J frame (it also fits my SP-101) that rides high enough so that the cylinder is above my belt.

This not only minimizes the width at the beltline, but it keeps the barrel out of sight if my shirt or cover garment rises.

I am extremely happy with it. Don't know if they make one for a K frame but the stock # on mine is: SIL156.
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  #11  
Old 06-07-2010, 09:00 PM
tbird tbird is offline
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Default Flop-Shank

I might have to try the 60 idea, me and autos just don't seem to work out since surgery. Really like 1911's but don't run well for me. XD service is the only one that works all the time so far. But as the wife loves to say, that old 66 has never jammed has it? Thanks for the kind toughts. I went back to college a few years ago and complete my BSE in Social Studies and have been teaching for 8 years now. Last surgery was a couple of years ago, but hey I am still above agound so its all good. Thanks again,
tbird
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  #12  
Old 06-07-2010, 09:02 PM
tbird tbird is offline
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Default Scout

Thanks, I believe FinnMike has found it.
Thanks again,
tbird
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  #13  
Old 06-07-2010, 09:07 PM
tbird tbird is offline
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Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame  
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Talking Finnmike

Thanks, you nailed it. It was the Ultrex that I saw, haven't heard of Cabo, but after looking at the K4 I might have to give it a try. You gave me something to think about and that can be dangerous. Now if I could just get Smith & wesson to make a light weight 3 inch 66 I would be all set.
Thanks again,
tbird
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  #14  
Old 06-07-2010, 09:11 PM
tbird tbird is offline
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Default Flop-shank

Thanks for the heads up on the Ultex,If you hear anything about the Lobo could you let me know I hear they have great products.
Maybe some one has tried teh Ultrex and I can get some imput. As teh Wife says autos may be the hot thing , but give me six for sure.
Thanks,
tbird
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  #15  
Old 06-07-2010, 09:13 PM
tbird tbird is offline
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Default Striking

Thanks for the alternative, may have to look at Galco and just see what they have. Always open to new ideas.
Thanks,
tbird
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  #16  
Old 06-08-2010, 11:41 PM
Goffman Goffman is offline
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Is the holster of which you are thinking?

SUMMER COMFORT INSIDE PANT HOLSTER
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  #17  
Old 06-09-2010, 12:24 PM
tbird tbird is offline
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Thanks, this was not it, but it is interesting may have t check one out.
Thanks,
tbird
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  #18  
Old 02-02-2022, 07:19 PM
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3rdgenfriend 3rdgenfriend is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by striking View Post
I recently bought a Galco OWB holster for my J frame (it also fits my SP-101) that rides high enough so that the cylinder is above my belt.

This not only minimizes the width at the beltline, but it keeps the barrel out of sight if my shirt or cover garment rises.

I am extremely happy with it. Don't know if they make one for a K frame but the stock # on mine is: SIL156.
I just purchased the same Galco for my Model 60 pro series at my LGS. Galco Customer service just told me the SIL156 is discontinued and is made for "up to 2 1/8" barrel Jframe with internal hammer". Mine has a hammer and 3" barrel and sights but the holster fits and is able to be snapped. It is tight, but works and will break in, and my barrel hangs out just a little. I got this Holster for $10.00 because it did not have the package, and I looked for more online and it does not come up anywhere as it is discontinued... If you can find one, may be a good solution. Also, I just purchased one made in Turkey from Pusatholsters, which is made for my exact model and is only $35.00...i am waiting for delivery... Just my two cents on holsters.
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Old 02-03-2022, 10:08 PM
URIT URIT is offline
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tbird, Can you write the show and ask them?

I carried a K frame for over 30 years. You might consider carrying your revolver IWB in front of your hip bone to relieve the unwanted pressure. I tried many different positions on the waistline and that's the best solution I found for the same problem. I use one of the Don Hume IWB holster.
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Old 02-04-2022, 03:59 PM
njdet354 njdet354 is offline
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Hoffners holsters in Houston Tx
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  #21  
Old 02-22-2022, 01:26 PM
walkin' trails walkin' trails is offline
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Bianchi, as I recall, used to, or may still make a pancake three-belt-slot concealment holster for four inch K-frames. They were popular in certain circles for LEOs who carried their four inch revolvers as investigator or off duty. I think the primary reason for wanting to raise the holster so high was to prevent the muzzle portion of the holster from being exposed when worn under a short jacket or untucked shirt.

I don't think Bianchi was the only company to make such a holster as the design was popular during the later part of the revolver era. Also featured a thumb break retention device. Other companies might have been DeSantis, Don Hume, and Strong, even possibly Galco.
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  #22  
Old 03-14-2022, 12:35 AM
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Realizing this is a bit of a dated thread; the Subject line caught my attention as I’ve just started using my latest Barranti Leather acquisition, their Summer Classic IWB sized for a 4” K-frame. While the entire cylinder is not above the belt, the adjustable loop of the holster allows the wearer some leeway in how the holster “rides.” I personally like mine canted forward as shown.

This is not my first Summer Classic; it has emerged as my personal favorite IWB holster for revolvers.
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  #23  
Old 03-14-2022, 05:49 AM
crazyphil crazyphil is offline
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I have found that revolver holsters with the cylinder above the belt line
can tend to cause the gun to tip outward, like the Black Hills pancake
on the left.

Revolver holsters with the cylinder below the belt line can cause
concealment to be a little more difficult, like the Lawrence model 27
shown 2nd from left.

3rd, 4th and 5th are all ideal with the cylinder right at the belt line.
KD's gator trim with Colt's Agent
Ken Null's RSS with 2" Model 10
Chic Gaylord holster on Chic Gaylord gunbelt with Charter Undercover.
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1911, 686, beltman, ccw, galco, j frame, k frame, kydex, l frame, leather, military, model 60, n-frame, redhawk, sig arms

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