Looking for feedback from folks who have experience with any of the OWB holsters that use the easy on/off belt loops. I’m talking about the pancake style holsters that use the snap-loops with the buttons rather than having the belt slots cut into the holster. Considering one for a 642. What are the tradeoffs when compared with the pancakes that have the belt slots? How much concealability do you give up, if any? Will they hold the gun just as high, and just as tight to the body (assuming it is a quality holster)? Any specific makers/models you’d recommend if I decide to go that route?

Thanks!

I have older LOBO Gunleathers snap holsters for a 642 and one for a Shield. Great holsters, pulls the gun in fairly snug and for the price point the best quality going. Compared to belt loops, not as snug.

However for my Glock 43 I invested in a R. Grizzle Leather Georgia Snap2 holster and love it! Pulls the gun in super tight and his work is very nice. The Price was more but if you saved up the pennies I believe it to be worth it. Compared to belt loops I see no difference.

Good Luck.

Snap-on pancake holsters hold the gun at the same height and just as tightly to your body as one with belt loops. As for the downside, they are more expensive and take up more real estate on your belt. Folks at Alessi don't recommend snap-ons for revolvers. The stiff spring in the belt strip tends to hold the revolver cylinder too tightly. Ryan Grizzle disagrees.

If I'm in situations which require disarming, I tend to use a pocket holster or a clip-on Kydex IWB. A snap-on needs a longer cover garment, like any OWB, and takes two hands and a loose belt to put on.

I haven't gone out of my way to find snap-on holsters. The belt-loop variety works well, and I don't use them all that much. I find I can conceal a large revolver (or pistol), under a light jacket or vest, in a shoulder holster (Alessi). It's easy to put on and off, and is ideal for carry while driving.

I've used snap-on holsters a few times, and occasionally I'd find a snap undone.

Much prefer belt loop holster or deep paddle-style like the Blackhawk and others.

I think they are more secure, with the belt loops being the most secure of course.

Can you elaborate on this? Alessi does sell snap-ons for revolvers. Where on their site does it say that they don't recommend them? And what do you mean by the "stiff spring in the belt strip"?

The pancake holster with slots are better for retention and concealment when the belt is sinched up tight the pistol is pitched(pancaked) between both layers of material. I have used nylon, kydex, and leather, in my opinion leather holsters are the best. I make pancake holsters to sell, there's nothing better than leather in my opinion. There is one negative to leather, it sometimes will squeak when a person is walking.

For a M642 Airweight? They weigh nothing and are barely larger than your overstuffed wallet. One of the EDCs in my lineup has always included a S&W J-frame, which I've belly-carried (appendix-carry, nowadays) in a well-worn (and restitched a number of times in 40+ years) Safariland metal-clipped IWB. The leather is thin and flexible, with slick-side in and sueded-side out, to keep the thing secured by friction AND the very nicely polished stainless spring clip. You don't even need a belt... it grabs the waistband on those Levis quite securely. Lift the front of your T-shirt and yank that puppy out!

That reminds me... there's a few pulled stitches on it now. Need to get out the handy-dandy awl soon!

My experience is with leather "J" frame IWB holsters. I had a prejudice favoring belt loops with snaps over spring clips. My rationale, having zero experience with either, was that loops would be less likely to pull loose from belt and less likely to follow the revolver during my draw.

I still strongly prefer loops with snaps. My reasons have changed.
- Spring clips are so strong that they are more likely to tear off a piece of pant before they pull loose or follow the revolver.

- Despite my not unsnapping belt loops before removing or putting on holster, loop fasteners are significantly easier for my arthritic hands to put on or remove. Spring clip is too strong and too poorly placed for me to get a decent grip.

- Possibly because of differing designs, possibly the difference between leather and metal, loop fastened IWB holster is quieter in general use. I specifically include just "banging into things" by accident during my day.

Hope this helps.

I use to carry a colt commander in one of the alessi snap on holsters and loved it for the ease of use when constantly going in and out of restricted areas. Never had a problem with snaps coming undone or loss of security

I have grown to prefer snap on holsters, though I still have regular slotted pancake holsters for some guns. The snap holsters hold and conceal my guns just as well as the slotted holsters. I don't have to take my holster off and on throughout the day, but at the end of the day when I get home tired I like being able to easily take the holster off without having to undo my belt. That's a small and insignificant reason to prefer them, but that's enough for me.

I have snap holsters by Alessi, UBG, TT Gunleather and Warbird, and I like them all equally well.

I like snap holsters. Two main reasons....(1) easy on and off, and (2) more comfortable. Most pancake or slot type holsters cause the belt to bend in a way that creates pressure points, at least that is my experience.

When I don't carry IWB, I like the TT Gunleather Elite Snap for K Frame revolvers and the Galco Side Snap Scabbard for a 3" 1911. Holds tight and secure.

TT Gunleather Elite Snap



A Galco Side Snap Scabbard with CZ P-01. Also works with Glock 19.



Secure enough for a day of hiking / sweating in the NC Sandhills and looking for reptiles