I have a 640-1 and am considering an OWB holster. I see retention holsters with a strap around an external hammer of say a M60, will this work with an internal hammer J? Thanks.

You don't have an external hammer on a 640 so no it won't work.
If you want a retention strap you need to find one that goes around
the trigger guard. Personally I prefer a holster that has good retention
without a strap.

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Yes, there are holsters with straps made especially for hammerless J frames. On some, the strap goes over the trigger guard. On others, the strap goes over the top of the shroud. I have 2 of those for my M&P340 and they work great even with Crimson Trace laser grips.

On the left is a De Santis 001-S1 and on the right a Bianchi75.









Note the differences in the length, angle and curvature of the straps ...yet both work great for me. I use larger LG305 grips with padded backstrap, but you can see the grips don't come into play.

If I owned only one it would be the DeSantis; it has several slight advantages that add up to a winner.

1) 3 slots and wider spacing provide more versatility for cant/positioning; belt loops aren't always in the ideal spot and I like to be able to shift the holster slightly between 3 & 4 o'clock when I stand, sit or drive.
2) it has a variable-retention screw
3) with my belt in the favored forward slot (lower) it is a bit higher riding but still very stable due to the airweight gun.
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Carry.."hope" isn't a strategy

Galco also makes a "Cop 3 Slot" thumb break holster specifically for the 640, I use and like that one quite a lot.

By the time in life that we think we know it all we find out that we cant
remember it. Sorry I wasn't aware of those made with thumb breaks
over the concealed hammer. Why? I don't believe a holster used for
concealed carry should have any kind of retention strap on it. I think
a 640 would be primarily used for concealed carry. If they cant see it
chances are they will not try to snatch it. I doubt you will be chasing
a bad guy down a dark alley, so not much chance it will fall out. If you
need it, that retention is just another chance to fumble the draw and it
takes an extra split second. There are a lot of good holsters without
straps. Chic Gaylord said: "With a properly fitted scabbard you should
be able to turn the holster upside down and shake it without the gun
falling out." I suggest you shake it over a bed or some similar soft
surface in case it does fall out. Blackhawk's Classic Speed Scabbard
would be a good choice.

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In Omnia Paratus

Me too; you're not so crazy. FWIW My Galco with 340PDhas been in use 8 years or so for me and several more for the prior owner (it came with the used gun). It rides high and tight even with just a jeans belt, and I've never felt it come out during any normal daily activities. I tried it with jumping jacks and no movement out of the holster.

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I have a Bianchi Cyclone 111 for my 642. It's an OWB belt sllde model with retention strap that goes over the hammer area. I like it.

On the Safariland site, they have a model for the 640 with the 2.125 barrel.

Lots of people like a strap.

Life is all about choices, and many choices are about risk assessment. What's the risk with a strap? It may cost me a "split second" longer to draw. But it is virtually impossible for the gun to leave my holster unintentionally.

What's the risk without a strap? It is possible, even if unlikely, for the gun to escape. I ask myself, even if all scenarios are unlikely, are some more likely?

a) I attempt to exit my vehicle in a hurry and the seat belt yanks my gun out...inconvenient, at least

b) I try to squeeze into a tight diner booth or a narrow theater seat and my gun goes skittering across the floor...or maybe worse, gets left behind...very embarrassing, at least

c) I get into a scuffle, which does not constitute a deadly threat, and my gun pops out or is grabbed against my will...potentially deadly

d) I lose a gunfight because the other guy drew and fired in 1.0 second and my best time is 1.25 seconds.

Presumably like the OP, I choose the strap.

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Carry.."hope" isn't a strategy

The thumb snap should add no additional time to your draw. It is essentially "in the way" of your thumb getting into position to shoot.

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I've been carrying j- frames and occasionally a K frame snubby off duty for almost 40 years. I have never owned a ccw holster with a thumb break. A good solid pancake style or iwb both carried just behind the hip and I have never had a retention issue.

Sent from my BNTV400 using Tapatalk

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I went back to a strap except for pocket carry after I was disarmed by a 1979 Chevy Malibu. I was carrying a then state of the art 469 in a Milt Sparks Summer Special made by himself. Bailed out to assist breaking up a street fight and left the gun wedged by the butt in the seat split. Now that's a REALLY embarrassing wedgie! I bought the holster after watching a colleague stand on his head and do push-ups while carrying a BHP in one.

I have also lost a M28 from a Safariland border patrol style thumb-break holster during strenuous activity. The snap failed to engage when I holstered it. Nothing is fool proof.

If you want a strap, they are out there. On the rare occasions I carry my 642 on my belt I use a Bucheimer paddle holster with a thumb break. Fits the shroud perfectly and I bought it by accident - it was advertised as for a 2" K Frame.

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Take a look at Blackhawk's modern rendition of a Berns Martin style OWB holster. Very reasonably priced, excellent retention with elastic band, and very swift removal of the weapon.

Perfect for hammerless revolvers.

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What lawandorder said I say amen.

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