Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Concealed Carry & Self Defense
o

Notices

Concealed Carry & Self Defense All aspects of Concealed and Open Carry, Home and Self Defense.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-21-2012, 02:09 PM
CigarGuy CigarGuy is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Clearwater, FL USA
Posts: 257
Likes: 34
Liked 59 Times in 26 Posts
Default K Frame AND L Frame holsters

Anyone had any luck with a "one size fits all" with the above revolvers? Got a 66 and a 10 in the K frame and a 686 in the L frame, and after outfitting with upgraded grips, and being cheap, I'd love to find one that fit both?
Any luck, anyone?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-21-2012, 07:02 PM
TAROMAN's Avatar
TAROMAN TAROMAN is offline
US Veteran
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: The wet side of Oregon
Posts: 6,290
Likes: 8,789
Liked 7,778 Times in 2,375 Posts
Default

My 3" 65-5, 3" 10-5 and my 3" 696-1 share the same holster. A S&W branded model 21 32.
My 4" 681-0 shares its holster with a plethora of 4" K frame guns. Its also S&W branded model 21 34.
__________________
-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Last edited by TAROMAN; 03-21-2012 at 07:03 PM. Reason: typo
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 03-21-2012, 09:51 PM
yugolovr yugolovr is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Monrovia Indiana
Posts: 718
Likes: 76
Liked 246 Times in 136 Posts
Default

The Bianchi 5 bh and 5bhl will fit both. There thumb break holsters don't know if that makes a difference.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-21-2012, 11:20 PM
wyo-man wyo-man is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 707
Likes: 523
Liked 353 Times in 168 Posts
Default

Fobus belt holsters list same holster for K and L frame (LK-4).

wyo-man
__________________
Live free or die
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-22-2012, 07:18 AM
CigarGuy CigarGuy is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Clearwater, FL USA
Posts: 257
Likes: 34
Liked 59 Times in 26 Posts
Default

Guess I shoulda mentioned they are all snubbies. And I'm thinking a nice leather. And IWB, I suppose.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-22-2012, 11:27 AM
Lee Barner's Avatar
Lee Barner Lee Barner is offline
US Veteran
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Springfield, MO
Posts: 3,951
Likes: 25,549
Liked 15,844 Times in 2,174 Posts
Default

don, PM sent. lee
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 03-22-2012, 11:31 AM
CigarGuy CigarGuy is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Clearwater, FL USA
Posts: 257
Likes: 34
Liked 59 Times in 26 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Barner View Post
don, PM sent. lee
"Stan", not Don.
Thanks. Answering now.....
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-22-2012, 05:02 PM
bronco45's Avatar
bronco45 bronco45 is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Moscow, Idaho USA
Posts: 2,656
Likes: 9,620
Liked 1,696 Times in 679 Posts
Default

2 biggest reasons for holsters is: conveinence and security. With one holster you get convienence but not so much security. I once found a Model 66 on a Mountian trail a 100 miles from civilization that fell out of a non-secure rig and the owner never felt it leave his person.

I found this 66 4 miles from the trailhead. Never did find the owner. Betcha he wished he had purchased a holster that fit his weapon properly!
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 03-22-2012, 05:27 PM
C Islander C Islander is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 10,129
Likes: 1,758
Liked 1,348 Times in 986 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bronco45 View Post
2 biggest reasons for holsters is: conveinence and security. With one holster you get convienence but not so much security. I once found a Model 66 on a Mountian trail a 100 miles from civilization that fell out of a non-secure rig and the owner never felt it leave his person.

I found this 66 4 miles from the trailhead. Never did find the owner. Betcha he wished he had purchased a holster that fit his weapon properly!
Excellent example of why you should always buy a good holster made for the gun you're going to carry.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 03-22-2012, 08:05 PM
Franciscomv Franciscomv is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 6 Posts
Default

I've got a couple of rigs that'll fit multiple revolvers, but they aren't for concealed carry. I use them while hunting, working around the ranch or just woodsbumming. They all use straps to keep the guns in place.

Like this one (sorry for the ****** pic):

For CC I prefer holsters that are molded to the specific gun model I'm carrying, since I rely purely on friction to keep it in place (I don't like snaps or straps on my CC holsters).
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 03-25-2012, 06:35 AM
chief38's Avatar
chief38 chief38 is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,759
Likes: 7,836
Liked 25,616 Times in 8,661 Posts
Default

Any time I have tried an "all in one" product, there has always been a compromise. If something is made for multiple item usage it is usually NOT great for any one thing; just my experience.

Most of us have a draw or closet FULL of holsters that get used only a few times. I know I have at least 40 of them that I have used less than 10 times each, and two that have been used almost daily for 10 years or so. One of these days I'll take some photos and sell them so they can hang in other guys closets.



Chief38
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 03-25-2012, 09:55 AM
Joe Kent Joe Kent is offline
SWCA Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 8,182
Liked 1,639 Times in 580 Posts
Default

Guys, using a holster originally made for a larger framed gun for a smaller framed gun is a lot like wearing shoes to big for your feet. You can do it , but after hiking a number of miles, you will most certainly be sorry. We have several Forum members who are absolutely superb holster makers whose prices for hand made holsters are more than reasonable. You should spend the few dollars needed to both carry and protect your several hundred dollars or more investment in your sidearm.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 03-25-2012, 10:06 AM
CigarGuy CigarGuy is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Clearwater, FL USA
Posts: 257
Likes: 34
Liked 59 Times in 26 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe Kent View Post
Guys, using a holster originally made for a larger framed gun for a smaller framed gun is a lot like wearing shoes to big for your feet. You can do it , but after hiking a number of miles, you will most certainly be sorry. We have several Forum members who are absolutely superb holster makers whose prices for hand made holsters are more than reasonable. You should spend the few dollars needed to both carry and protect your several hundred dollars or more investment in your sidearm.
<shaking head> I HATE the danged voice of reason! You are, of course, correct sir.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #14  
Old 10-19-2013, 10:23 PM
ibewbull's Avatar
ibewbull ibewbull is offline
US Veteran
Absent Comrade
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Wisconsin Central State
Posts: 971
Likes: 3,197
Liked 800 Times in 351 Posts
Default

I know this is an older thread but must chime in.

If you carry a K frame in an L frame holster the added wiggle room will do TWO things.
1 . Possibly cause it to end up on a trail like in post #8
2. Cause excessive wear on the bluing.

The choice is ours alone. Do you risk loosing or wearing excessively a $500 plus firearm by cheeping out? Or do we respect out weapon and put a nice pair of pants on it and protect ourselves as well as our investment. After all is $60 too much ?
I have and will continue to put a 3 inch in a 4 inch holster but frame size must jive.
Choose wisely and safety first.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #15  
Old 10-20-2013, 10:52 AM
LoboGunLeather's Avatar
LoboGunLeather LoboGunLeather is offline
US Veteran
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 7,518
Likes: 19,273
Liked 32,340 Times in 5,474 Posts
Default

The best results will always come with a holster formed specifically for the intended handgun. That said, I will add the following:

1. A K-frame revolver will readily fit into a holster made for the L-frames. The fit will be somewhat loose, so the need for some form of retention device (thumb-break, etc) should be considered.

2. Being somewhat loose the K-frame revolver will always be moving around somewhat inside the holster as your body moves. This can be expected to result in holster wear to the revolver's finish over time, so you might want to consider a good soft leather lining.

Back in the very early 1980's when S&W first introduced the L-frame revolvers there were very few holsters available for them. Many people carried their L-frames in N-frame holsters, and many found that they fit nicely into Colt Python holsters. These were not the ideal solutions, but they worked for a lot of folks for years.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 10-21-2013, 02:07 AM
AZretired's Avatar
AZretired AZretired is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: New Mexico & Arizona
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 735
Liked 1,460 Times in 644 Posts
Default

Using an L-frame holster for a K-frame is fine, at the range. For concealed carry you need one made for your gun.
__________________
Support your Police, & NRA
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 10-21-2013, 06:59 AM
mc5aw's Avatar
mc5aw mc5aw is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The free state of PA
Posts: 5,224
Likes: 5,721
Liked 8,584 Times in 2,782 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather View Post
The best results will always come with a holster formed specifically for the intended handgun.
+1

Ray ... Every rig you've made for me fits its respective revolver like the proverbial glove.
__________________
I'm with the banned ...
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #18  
Old 10-22-2013, 10:17 PM
357-RevolverGuy's Avatar
357-RevolverGuy 357-RevolverGuy is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: North Carolina, USA
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 1,305
Liked 1,961 Times in 664 Posts
Default

I always buy holsters made for the gun but can say that I have a leather holster made for a Ruger Security Six which fits both a K and L frame nicely. The Security Six was a little beefier than the K frame. I've also been able to fit a GP100 in this same holster (although it's a tight fit), and the GP100 is beefier than the L frame.
__________________
Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 12-15-2019, 12:39 PM
S&WshooterFIN's Avatar
S&WshooterFIN S&WshooterFIN is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: NATO Finland
Posts: 340
Likes: 1,974
Liked 1,221 Times in 236 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by wyo-man View Post
Fobus belt holsters list same holster for K and L frame (LK-4).

wyo-man
I use LK-4 for 13 3", 66 2,5" and 686 4", IDPA- / range holster




Last edited by S&WshooterFIN; 12-15-2019 at 04:34 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 12-15-2019, 03:40 PM
Jack Flash's Avatar
Jack Flash Jack Flash is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,293
Likes: 33,760
Liked 10,949 Times in 3,947 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by CigarGuy View Post
Guess I shoulda mentioned they are all snubbies. And I'm thinking a nice leather. And IWB, I suppose.
Not picking on you or anyone else, but I often wonder why exotic or even "nice" leather is used for an IWB holster. That is, one that is concealed / unseen.
__________________
They lack our altruism.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 12-15-2019, 09:12 PM
Kronos's Avatar
Kronos Kronos is offline
Member
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Western WV
Posts: 424
Likes: 22
Liked 406 Times in 199 Posts
Default

In general unless a holster is made of a hard synthetic material like kydex and is molded for a specific handgun,leather or nylon can fit a range of guns-go look at holster makers like DeSantis or Bianchi and lot of the leather and nylon holsters fit a verity of models i.e. the one for the model 66 fits the 586,686,Ruger GP100 et cetera.

I never trust a non kydex material to retain a gun so I also want a retaining strap and long as the thing fits reasonably well it won't go anywhere.
__________________
Life's a grave,dig it!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 12-18-2019, 01:38 PM
Grayfox's Avatar
Grayfox Grayfox is offline
US Veteran
K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters K Frame AND L Frame holsters  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Bartlett, Tennessee
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 2,924
Liked 18,639 Times in 4,777 Posts
Default

WHOA! ZOMBIE THREAD!

Well since its here, I'll throw in my 2 cents.
You spend hundreds for a gun, can't you spend a little more for a proper holster? Security and comfort are much more important than saving a few bucks.

As for myself, I like good quality boned leather. I got no more use for a plastic holster than I do for a plastic gun.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Tags
681, 686, bianchi, concealed, fobus, k frame, l frame, leather, model 21, model 66, smith & wesson, smith and wesson

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
(ALL SPF)S&W holsters, J frame magnas and K frame speed loaders. ds8514 Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 5 02-23-2016 05:00 PM
ALL SOLD -- K Frame LH Holsters & J Frame Grips-Esmeralda+T.A.C. tjtoolbox Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 8 05-23-2012 06:01 AM
N frame, J frame n/o stock holsters plus inert Korean era rifle grenades(museum qual) .357magger Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 5 09-02-2009 06:26 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:07 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)