I think I have decided on a Lobo IWB holster with 1.5" belt loops in cordovan brown.

The CCW will be a S&W 442/642/M38/M49 with the standard 1.875" barrel. I plan to carry appendix style at 1:00.

Am I forgetting anything? Do I need the side or hammer shield? Any issue with the gun falling out due to no strap?

thanks!
-Kyle

I've never had a gun fall out of an IWB without a strap....it will also be well molded for your gun for a snug fit. If you plan to cary an exposed hammer...a little leather behind the hammer is always a good thing.....I assume you are getting a straight drop since it is for appendix carry....no need for a cant....

__________________
Thirty characters. Exactly...

As Sipowicz had noted, appendix carry benefits from a neutral cant holster.

The hammer shield option will not provide any benefit with your shrouded-hammer revolvers.

Glad to hear from you anytime.

__________________
Life of the party until 8:00PM

sipowicz,

Thanks! I didn't think about the cant.

Ray,

I just sent you an email. Look forward to hearing from you.

thanks,
-Kyle

You made a good choice Kyle. Ray just sent me an email today to tell me that my latest order is complete and on the way.

As the man said, you don't really need the hammer shields for shrouded-hammer models but I like inner and outer shields for revolvers with an exposed hammer. Protects you and your clothes.

Let us know how you like your new holster when it arrives.

Just got an email saying my holster is on it's way! Here's the pic:

I got my holster yesterday, and although I have not carried with it yet, I am very pleased!

Very nice!

__________________
Thirty characters. Exactly...

This holster was designed for 1:00 appendix carry. Is there any reason that I shouldn't carry it like this from time to time? Should it be more in the small of my back?



thanks,
-Kyle

Nice looking holster,
Seems like it rides kinda high though...?
I carry in about that same position, but it seems like you would want a deeper riding holster for that position...?
I like it best when the cylinder is right at the belt line, but that is just me!

Looks great, try different spots until it feels right.

EDIT!! Now I see what it is... your belt is not a 1.5", so there is room for the belt loops to ride up... If your belt were 1.5" (pretty standard size for belt loops on holsters... it would force the holster to ride lower... Perfect set-up you have there!

The location is fine but now you see where cant comes into play. For around 4-5 o-clock, some cant towards the front makes it easier to grab and draw the gun. Neutral cant in the back like that makes it somewhat awkward. If you wish to carry in the back, you'll want to get a proper holster. As wheelyfun66 pointed out, you'll want a proper belt, also.

This example was designed for behind the hip carry- notice the extreme cant:

Thanks for the help guys! You are right, the belt is 1.25" wide. I agree about the cant, but I may experiment with it some.