I'm very fond of Kramer OWB (Vertical scabbard and belt scabbard) and IWB (IWB#3) holsters. I prefer black horsehide. I also like Don Hume for J frame revolvers.

Cheaper than dirt has a holster wizard on their site. Just plug in the gun you have and pages of holsters pop up.

Another plug for Kramer black horsehide IWBs; just plain excellent worksmanship, quality, and service; and long lasting. Well worth the money and I can't say enough good things about them.

For less money, De Santis OWBs from RF Holsters out of NY are a good buy. http://www.rfholsters.com/rfholsters/dept.asp?dept%5Fid=11

Bob H:

This has been covered on this forum before, so I'll try to be brief, many gun stores have a box of used holsters that you can try before you buy. A lot of vendors at gun shows have the same. I've bought quite a few really nice, high quality, name brand holsters at bargain prices from these sources (El Paso Saddlery, Ken Null, Alessi, etc.) Best of all, I had a chance to try the holsters for fit before spending the big bucks.

Best of luck,

Dave

Regarding holster wear, of course we want to keep our guns looking like new. Who doesn't. But if a gun has been used, it just is not going to look like new, just like a car or cell phone. So you can leave it in the box and keep it new, or use it. And if you want to carry it for protection, the best thing you can do is shoot it, and often.

You can reblue a blue gun forever, and it will look good. S&W will even re-nickle (or used to). Stainless looks good for a long time, but the metal is relatively soft and will scratch and rub.

Elmer mentioned, and I saw one in a museum, the old cowboy guns whose muzzle was worn down almost to the lands, looking like someone had put one side of the muzzle to a belt sander. But it was still ready to do the job.

You could buy TWO guns. Keep one new for fondling and resale, and use the other for shooting and carrying.

Finally, it's good to keep it polite. I've recently received some (well deserved, and funny) ribbing, and society holds some of us to a higher standard of care (cops can't get mad or frustrated). But one guy gave me a little pat on the back, and that was nice.

KeithCarter
NRAc Life