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Old 03-29-2016, 03:48 AM
crazyphil crazyphil is offline
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Default BELL-CHARTER-OAK HOLSTERS

Lefty Lewis is well known on this forum. He is the Proprietor of
Bell-Charter-Oak and a former lawman in New York. I showed
his Gaylord Combat Speed Scabbard previously, but it's worth
another look, below left carrying my S&W Model 67 Combat
Masterpiece.

Lefty also makes one of the best IWBs (inside waist bands) that
He calls "Chicago Rockers". Below center is a brown one with my
Taurus Model 85. At right, the black one with my Charter
2000 Undercover.

As an instructor I found out long ago that a lot of women (and
some men) don't wear belts. I came to believe that one of the
best options for them is an IWB, with a clip that will grip the
waist band fabric tight enough that, on the draw, the holster
will not come out wrapped around the gun. I have tested a lot
of IWBs, but have only found a few that will pass this test.
Bell-Charter-Oak's "Chicago Rocker" is one of them.

I have no quarrel with those who's IWBs do not cling tight to
the fabric, because they do not claim that they will.

For this kind of carry it is also important that the gun carried is
light enough to not drag the waist band down, causing the gun
and holster to sag.

Those who carry in this way every day tell me that the appendix
position is best for speed and comfort. So, if this is your choice,
the holster needs to be ordered with a neutral or rear cant.
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Last edited by crazyphil; 03-29-2016 at 03:51 AM.
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Old 03-29-2016, 08:08 AM
mj2008 mj2008 is offline
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I have an owb of his for my Colt DS. Carry's real good. I requested that it be cut higher enough to cover the hammer spur on both sides. Very well made holster.
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Old 03-29-2016, 10:15 AM
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Erich Erich is offline
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Nice post. I do appendix carry and use Lefty's deep Summer Heat IWB with my Detective Special and LCR, and have a Chicago Rocker for my 36-1.

BELL CHARTER OAK CUSTOM HOLSTERS (607) 783-2483
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Old 03-29-2016, 12:48 PM
mj2008 mj2008 is offline
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Anyone have his Co-Pilot? Was thinking of getting something for my J frames that would be good for driving.

Last edited by mj2008; 03-30-2016 at 07:09 AM.
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Old 05-15-2016, 09:16 AM
njr njr is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Erich View Post
Nice post. I do appendix carry and use Lefty's deep Summer Heat IWB with my Detective Special and LCR, and have a Chicago Rocker for my 36-1.

BELL CHARTER OAK CUSTOM HOLSTERS (607) 783-2483
Does the rocker push the grip in? Thinking of also getting one for my three inch 36-1. What are the chances I could wear this and get away With a normal - sized t-shirt? A t-shirt one size up?

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Old 05-15-2016, 11:36 AM
crazyphil crazyphil is offline
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I wear T shirts from either Berne or Duluth. They are about 3" longer
than run of the mill T shirts. I have long sleeve and short sleeve to wear
depending on the season. Both are cut generous enough that I just order
my normal size instead of one size up. You could probably get away with
a normal length T shirt because all that is above the waist is the grips.
Assuming you wear your pants high enough.
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Old 05-15-2016, 11:52 AM
njr njr is offline
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Right. However the problem is the grip showing through the t-shirt with the rocker ride height. Does the grip or the butt of the grip show through? I have a square butt.

Does the holster construction push the grip against the torso to aid in hiding the grip?

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Old 05-16-2016, 02:07 AM
crazyphil crazyphil is offline
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njr I think whether or not the guns grip prints through the T shirt is not so much the construction of the holster as the fitness of the wearer. Some of us, as we get a little older, tend to accumulate extra weight around the middle. In the appendix position that extra weight will push the grip out and the outline will show through a T shirt. On the other hand, if you are fit, reasonably flat in front, you should not have a problem. I'm 81 and don't work out or watch my diet the way I once did.
Consequently an IWB, in appendix position, is not for me.
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Old 05-16-2016, 09:52 AM
njr njr is offline
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Thanks CP. I'm reasonably fit and flat in front. Could stand to lose another ten, go to the gym when I can fight through chronic sleep loss and lack of training partners.

I was experimenting with different ride heights and positions with the two vs three inch and given my fitness level (15% body fat? ) I'd say i can get away with a t-shirt and a snubby in the summer heat holster between the first and second belt loop.

I might try a Chicago rocker with the three inch but I'd have to wear a guayabera.

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