I've never used a holster that didn't have some sort of retention.
I recently bought a mdl 60 no dash so..........
Will some of you share your experience about carrying a "J" frame w/ 1 7/8 in bbl in an open top holster.
There are two I'm considering, a Galco paddle, and an El Paso Saddlery Crosshair.
I've never used a paddle holster before either.
Thanks in advance.
Scooterfiend

I use a Galco SM122, they call them Combat Masters now...
IMG_0268 (2).jpg

Two other good holster makers are. Simply rugged and lobo gun leather

If your model 60 has a hammer spur I suggest DeSantis Speed Scabbard.
The wings on each side of the hammer protects your covering garment
from being shredded by the hammer spur. Most of my holsters that I
wear to conceal a small revolver has either the "wings" mentioned above,
or the dog ear. Either way does the job.

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In Omnia Paratus

Barranti CCR shines wth a j frame.

I use Galco Combat Masters and similar from Warbird Leather. I know there are other great open-top holsters out there, but I’ve never had a need to look further.

Rather than brand, for the moment focus on 'style'. The old Threepersons approach isn't good enough on a 2" J frame because there's not enough frame to keep it in the holster.

The later Seventrees approach that nestles the entire pistol and guard inside the holster is the way to go when there is no strap.

Here's an example; I'm not recommending the method of belt attachment, or even the brand; so much as illustrating the grasp on the pistol:

p881315192-6.jpg

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Red Nichols The Holstorian

Here's a picture of a DeSantis Speed Scabbard that I mentioned
previously. It is my understanding that speed scabbard is kind of
a generic term for open top holsters. Some say holsters are for
revolvers and semi-automatic hand guns, while scabbards are
for long guns.

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In Omnia Paratus

I prefer an open top holster and I've carried my snubby that way for many years.

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Keep on Chooglin'

Take a look at the "Predator" by Wright Leather Works. I carry my Shield in one for over 3 years and now have one for my J Frame.
No problem with retention.Concealed Carry OWB Leather Holsters - Wright Leather Works LLC

[/url]S&W 442 OWB by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr

Lots of good info here.

When I carry a 2 in. "J" frame on my belt I use a Desantis Mini Scabbard. Larry

I especially appreciate the thought about the style of holster. Since the mdl 60 I have has a hammer, (I might have it bobbed) and it is sharp, I'll need the protection afforded by the higher top.
I have an El Paso Crosshair coming that should fit the bill.
If there's any interest I'll post pics when I get it.
Thanks again

I just make 'em myself... Here's one for my 640 Pro.

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Here’s a few that I use.

Bianchi Model 57
CCDFF3C7-24B6-43E6-97DB-953285E421B5.jpg

Don Hume 721OT
5F24BFE1-1C3F-43CB-9CEC-478368EB5E46.jpg

This is a K-frame holster made by Western Images Leatherworks, but they do make them for J-frames, too.
079878B2-AD9E-4B45-B3D8-97C84BE01C7C.jpg

I don’t have a problem with retention on any of them.

Bill

Keep an eye out for a vintage Roys of Arkansas open top pancake holster, recently one sold on Ebay for $31 plus shipping, I would of bid but I already have one and would never part with it, just have to find the same model holster for a Det Special.

Thanks for not bidding.

Its a great carry holster for my 940. Did not have the original bag, but it had never been threaded onto a belt.

Bill

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Bill

First the qualifiers. I'm 65, 6'4", 225lbs and active: firewood, snow shoveling, snowshoeing, hiking in the woods and lots of other outdoor work.

I use the two in the photos and have never, never had one come out without my assistance.

I s'pose if Moose -- the guy who's 7'4" and lives about 40 miles away -- ever picked me up by the ankles and shook me one of my revolvers might fall out. Luckily he's a friend.

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	Lobo Gun Leather Enhanced Pancake.jpg (86.7 KB, 44 views)

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Take a look at Blackhawk holsters. They have a J frame open with a bit of elastic retention but still very easy to extract the revolver.

Similar to old Berns Martin holsters.

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LEX ET ORDO

Well scratch the above can not find it on Blackhawk' web site anymore.

It was called the Speed Classic maybe find one used?

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LEX ET ORDO

I only use holsters with thumb break retention straps because I don't want my gun coming out accidentally even if I roll down hill.

Frankly, I'm not fond of paddle holsters, but I will say I've never carried a snubbie J-Frame in one.

The EPS Crosshair holsters all feature a tension screw, so you'll have plenty of retention. The only problem with tension screws is if you tighten them enough for retention while being active (running, jumping, etc.) it'll make it harder to effect a quick/smooth draw. You kinda have to fool with it to get it just right.

Here's a photo of that Speed Classic L&O:

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In Omnia Paratus

I agree, but they aren’t as readily available anymore. The NYPD used to mandate a thumb break for all guns. I saw a detective with a Serpa holster last year. A thumb break is secure and adds no time to the draw. Grab butt with 4 fingers and unsnap the break with thumb.

How do you like the speed classic Phil?

I have had good results with mine.

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LEX ET ORDO

Must confess, I haven't used it much, but enough to know
it does the job quite well for what it is intended.

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In Omnia Paratus

I've carried a J Frame of one sort or another for over 40 years as a back up and off duty weapon and I have never used anything but an open top holster. My favorite being an El Paso Saddlery Street Combat.

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Support your Police, & NRA

A good quality holster molded to the gun, and you should have no worries, unless you plan on running obstacle courses while carrying. And even then, a good holster should still retain the gun.

I use a Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip IWB holster for my 642-1, and I check it periodically with a shake test (unloaded gun, holstered, held upside-down a couple of inches above my bed, then give a few quick shakes). After 6 years it still holds the gun securely. I've even done breakfalls while wearing it with the gun still held solidly in the holster. They also make OWB holsters.

Lots of good holsters already mentioned. Like crazyphil mentioned, holsters with wings or a side shield can make carrying with a spur hammer more comfortable. Kramer Handgun Leather makes a good OWB holster with that feature. A little on the more expensive side, but his horsehide Belt Scabbard is very thin, but durable. I've read of people who said they've been knocked off their feet after getting hit by a car or doing somersaults and their guns stayed in their holsters.