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Old 08-27-2018, 11:29 PM
JayFramer JayFramer is offline
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Default J-Frame IWB?

I don't like pocket carry for one simple reason: I have too much stuff in my pockets and due to back trouble, do not carry anything in my back pockets.

It just isn't feasible to have a gun taking up the entire front right pocket, then having to shove my wallet, phone, keys, flashlight, knife, and anything else all in my left pocket. I've tried different setups but it's just too much and none of that can be left home.

Looking now for an IWB holster for a 642. I want something as slim and concealable as possible. A big thick holster in my experience can lead to too much printing with my body type.

What are some good low-profile IWB holsters for J-frames I should look into? Thanks!

-Jay
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Old 08-27-2018, 11:46 PM
eb07 eb07 is offline
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Galco stow and go appendix carried. Disappears.
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Old 08-27-2018, 11:48 PM
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Kydex --

Flashbang Betty

https://www.flashbangstore.com/products/betty-holster

And the same holster 're-named' for men as the "Eliot Ness"
Eliot Ness Holster - Thermoplastic IWB

The 2.0 version have the Utili-Clip.
I like the 1.0 version with the standard clip, have a few of them: J-Frame, Glock 43, and Bodyguard .380. Works good with running shorts with a drawstring, or pants with a belt.

Tip: Put some locktite on the screw that adjusts the cant on the 1.0 version - there is a single screw but can loosen. The 2.0 version uses a different clip and it also has two screws.
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Old 08-28-2018, 12:01 AM
JayFramer JayFramer is offline
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I have never tried AIWB but understand is is extremely popular now.

Can it be done in comfort when driving long distance? I have a moderate beer gut but not too fat, is this an issue?
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Old 08-28-2018, 12:20 AM
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Actually a J frame is probably the easiest gun to carry AIWB.

A semi auto pokes me (Glock 43) in the gut. But the curved handle of a J frame doesn’t.
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Old 08-28-2018, 12:59 AM
MetalMan MetalMan is offline
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If you want really deep concealment, try a Mika IWB.

If you want more of the gun exposed, a Milt Sparks VMII is the way to go.
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Old 08-28-2018, 01:08 AM
jerry52 jerry52 is offline
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garrett silent thunder kydex lined with leather
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Old 08-28-2018, 01:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JayFramer View Post
I have never tried AIWB but understand is is extremely popular now.

Can it be done in comfort when driving long distance? I have a moderate beer gut but not too fat, is this an issue?
And I would suggest a $20 test drive with a basic Bianchi suede holster - Bianchi 6 Inside the Waistband Holster Right Hand Colt - MPN: 10380

It doesn’t get any simpler... or more comfortable, based on 20 years or so of experience. You can and probably should upgrade the holster in time.
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Old 08-28-2018, 02:22 AM
crazyphil crazyphil is offline
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I cannot tell a lie. For me, comfort and inside the waistband do not belong
in the same sentence. One thing I know that is worth mentioning is the
offset clip. Many IWBs have the clip right over the cylinder which just
adds thickness to the rig.
The offset clip is illustrated on my two examples shown below.
On the left is a Garrity Inconspicuous. The one on the right is by Delfatti.
Unfortunately, both of those guys have rediculously long waiting periods.
The $20 test drive was a good suggestion. I second it. But get the offset
clip if possible. Good luck!
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Old 08-28-2018, 05:29 AM
dr. K dr. K is offline
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I’m a big fan of the original Remora no-clip holster. My j-frame rides in one with the soft/plush lining and full sweat shield. Because of the combination of grippy material, plush liner, and belt, the Remora actually has better retention than a lot of other holsters I’ve tried. The full sweat shield means no rubbing from the stocks on my side, and no sweat makes its way to the grip screws. My gun is bone dry and I’m comfortable even after 12 hours of carry in hot temperatures. They’re relatively inexpensive, too. Only thing to remember- take it out and put the whole thing, gun and holster, in your back pocket when you’re on the can. No clip plus no belt = gravity wins! Give one a try... I was skeptical but now I swear by em.
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Old 08-28-2018, 12:40 PM
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No experience with J frames at all, but Aliengear makes a very slim fitting Cloaktuck 3.0 for it. S&W J Frame IWB Holster - Inside the Waistband | Alien Gear Holsters

Hubby and I have been happy using their Cloaktuck 2.0 and now 3.0, for several years on different IWB semi-auto carries. They are relatively inexpensive and can be returned for a full refund if your not satisfied.
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Old 08-28-2018, 05:54 PM
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I've been using a Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip IWB holster for carrying my 642 for several years and it has served me well. It features an offset clip, which not only provides for a reduced profile but also helps pull the grip into the body for better concealment. Mine features a reinforced holster mouth, which does add some thickness, but they also make a slimmer, unreinforced version. The price is good, about $55 IIRC, and a very good value for the quality. The biggest downside is that the lead time is a bit long, 12 weeks last time I looked (it's been a while, so it may have changed).

A VMII style holster can also be a good way to keep the profile slim. It can also help with comfort as it spreads out the belt pressure over a wider surface area. I don't have any direct experience with them, but TT Gunleather makes IWB holsters of this type for J-frames, and I believe their lead time is only 3 weeks now.

Kydex is a good option, but my experience is very limited, and doesn't include J-frames, so I can't help much there.

One tip I will share is that I would recommend trying to find a holster that carries the cylinder more or less in line with the belt. It may seem counterintuitive to carry the thickest part of the gun/holster directly under the belt, but I've found it to be the most stable way of carrying a revolver IWB.
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Old 08-28-2018, 06:17 PM
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I carry my J frame in an Alessi Deep Cover holster.
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Old 08-28-2018, 07:00 PM
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Cardini holsters make nylon and leather IWB holsters. I have 3 of their nylon holsters. All have sweat guards and don’t permit sweat to get to your gun. VERY comfortable!
I carried my 642 (which I traded), and carry my Colt Cobra and Taurus M85 in mine now. Started with the 642 about 6 years ago AIWB. Also have one for my Canik 9mm (Walther P99 clone).
I don’t like kydex because they are too stiff, however Vedder holsters makes the best IMO due to adjustments in ride height and cant adjustments.
N82 holsters would be my striker fired holster (hands down) for a striker fired pistol. They may make one for revolvers. You can check them out.

Be SAFE and Shoot often!

Last edited by Execpro; 08-28-2018 at 09:34 PM.
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Old 08-28-2018, 09:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jerry52 View Post
garrett silent thunder kydex lined with leather
I’ll second this recommendation. I carry my 442 in one. I’ve tried my usual 3:30 carry position, as well as appendix carry with the same holster. I’ll stick with the 3:30 since that’s where I usually carry, and it’s a more natural draw stroke for me.
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Old 08-28-2018, 10:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JayFramer View Post
I don't like pocket carry for one simple reason: I have too much stuff in my pockets and due to back trouble, do not carry anything in my back pockets.

It just isn't feasible to have a gun taking up the entire front right pocket, then having to shove my wallet, phone, keys, flashlight, knife, and anything else all in my left pocket. I've tried different setups but it's just too much and none of that can be left home.

Looking now for an IWB holster for a 642. I want something as slim and concealable as possible. A big thick holster in my experience can lead to too much printing with my body type.

What are some good low-profile IWB holsters for J-frames I should look into? Thanks!

-Jay
My top choices for J Frame IWB are:

(1) TT Gunleather's KX Lightweight or Slim IWB

(2) An old suede Safariland IWB with offset metal clip. Sits deep (#14, I think). This is not modern production. Look on eBay.

(3) Don't overlook the old Barami Hip Grip, Tyler T, and rubber (Hogue Handall or inner tube)

I prefer to have the revolver sit DEEP...with the cylinder at or, ideally, below the belt line.

Last edited by NCBeagle; 08-28-2018 at 10:16 PM.
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Old 09-01-2018, 09:30 PM
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Don Hume makes a nice IWB for the J frame. Reasonably priced and works well either behind the hip or appendix carry.
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Old 09-03-2018, 10:13 PM
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Ritchie Leather Hideaway. Super comfortable and so concealable you may lose it while wearing one.
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