I purchased a Model 66 with 2.5 in barrel last week as well as some 5.11 tactical covert casual shirts and am in the market for a holster. I would like to carry in the 4 o'clock position either IWB or OWB. Any owners out there with experience carrying a 66 or similar model feel free to chime in about what works and what doesn’t. I look forward to hearing from the experts.

These are what I have for my Model 10 snubie and for my J-frame 649,
Concealed Holsters | Holsters | Page 1-50 | Ray's Holsters
The holster I have is the 123 clamshell

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My suggestion is a Sourdough pancake from Simply Rugged Holsters in AZ. I have two for my 22-4 and SP-101. Great holsters and great quality.

Simply Rugged Holsters, Prescott AZ
[email protected]

I have a 19-4 that I carry and I have 2 that I rotate from time to time, the first is a ROYS ORIGINAL and the other is a MILT SPARKS PMK, I dont think you can find any better.

Reason for Edit: Inability to read.

The part that was accurate said, "I'm no expert.", so we'll retain that.

To reply to the OP's question, the only holster I own for my 2.5" 66 is a Simply Rugged Pancake. It came with the IWB tabs, but I've only worn it O.W.B. I can recommend it for that style of wear.

I carried a 2 1/2" 19 in a Bianchi Pistol Pocket (IWB) for a few years in the 70s. It concealed very well and was "reasonably" comfortable.

Check out Lobo Gunleather. I don't have a 66, but Ray made me a No 1 Pancake for my 2.5" 686 that I'm very pleased with. It rides great at about 4 o-clock.

Gotta agree with the recomendations for Simply Rugged as well. I have a Sourdough Pancake that does a great job, both owb & iwb, for my 3" guns.

One more thing to consider is hammer shields. There will be different opinions on this, but I like em. Inner one protects you, outer one protects your clothes, and both add a little protection for the gun.

Roy Baker Pancake Holster if you can find one.

Rule 303

I'm actually waring my 2 1/2" M66-1 as I type this. Had to take it off to look at the brand. It's a DeSantis OWB holster. I wear it at the 3 O'Clock position. Since I'm in Iowa and it's a balmy 11 degrees I'm wearing a sweatshirt that easily covers it. Backed up with my 340PD in the off side pocket and a couple of Speed Strips I feel pretty well prepared.

Lobo Leather Belt Slide.

LoboGunleather The only thing I would add...don't need a thumb break as all 3 of my Lobo holsters pass the 3-shake test.

+1 for Sourdough Pancake. THE best and most comfortable holster I have found for the 2-1/2" Model 66.

Attached Images

SimpRug5.jpg (27.4 KB, 382 views)

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Don Hume JIT is what I use. Inexpensive and it works very well.

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Dave

If you're left handed, I've got a virtually new Lobo pancake in cordovan color for a snub K frame that I'll sell you to try. Drop me a PM if interested.

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MARK

Very cool gun. When I carry mine, it is usually in an old Bianchi 9R shoulder rig.

I own holsters from Bianchi, DeSantis, Bruce Nelson, Milt Sparks, Cobra, Greenblat, Don Hume, Old West Reproductions, El Paso Saddlery, etc, etc, and I am currently on what I believe to be the best of the best. That would be the Kramer Horsehide Speed Scabbard, and here are my reasons:

Kramer's Horsehide leather holsters are thin, light weight, super strong, very stiff, and they have excellent gun retention qualities, but still allow for a quick and unrestricted draw. They do not have or require any snaps, straps or gizmos to retain the gun; they are so well molded and fitted, they work correctly all by themselves. I have bought the belts and ammo pouches to go along with the holsters as well. About the only negative I can think of is the price. Yup, they are expensive, but IMHO they are worth the price!

I am not saying there aren't other makers that have great products, but so far Kramer's are the best I have tried to date.

So far I have his holsters for"
S&W M60 - 2"
S&W M65 - 3"
Colt Det. Spl. - 2"



Regards,
chief38

I have three Lobo Holsters and they are all great. I have one IWB and two OWB.

I really like the three slot option that allows cross draw when driving etc.

Attached Images

lobo holster dual carry.JPG (65.1 KB, 244 views)

Mark,

Do you still have the Lobo LH holster? Is it a 3 belt loop style? I have a model 66-3 K frame snub 2.5".

Theo in Huntsville

My Model 19-4 2.5" in a Kramer Belt Scabbard. Rides and conceals well, and comfortably. No snap and doesn't need one; great retention. Spend some $ on a good belt.

It's like a 66, but blue.

Attached Images

19 M1 003.jpg (81.9 KB, 274 views)

If this offer still exists, I am interested.

Yeah, I've been known to make a few for the 19/66 snub guns....for like 40 years.

Cheers;
Lefty

OWB:
I use a Wright Leather Works Predator as 4:00 with my J. I love it, I got one on order for my 2" K. Good leather and very comfortable. Looks nice too.
Predator Pancake Leather Holster | Wright Leather Works LLC

Lefty and Eric might have a differing opinion. LOL

IWB:
I use Eric's Quick Clip at 4:00 for my 4" K. His holsters are made from the most badass, thick and durable leather I have ever seen. They won't let you down.
Side Guard Holsters - IWB Holsters - Quick Clip

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an actual conservative

Bianchi 5 carried my S&W Model 19 2.5" for years...

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Made my dog proud

Congrats on your M66. These old S&W's live on, and I notice S&W has brought back the 4" M66.

For my money, I use leather from both Lefty at Bell Charter Oak and Ray at Lobo Gunleather.

Anyone carrying a wheelgun needs to look at BCO's website; very well made leather and he offers designs I haven't seen anywhere else.

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909