Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Gun Leather & Carry Gear
o

Notices

Gun Leather & Carry Gear All Holster and Gun Leather Topics


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-02-2020, 07:29 AM
bjmusico bjmusico is offline
Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Brighton, MI
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 2 Posts
Default Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?

Anyone have ideas for a good leather holster for .32 Hand Ejector with 3.25" barrel?

I'm not having much luck finding a nice holster for it, searched for both new and vintage used. Would love something in black leather that looks somewhat vintage, probably with a thumb break. Midway offers a DeSantis Mini Scabbard, that their website says will fit, but I'm a bit skeptical.

I believe mine's a 2nd model 5th change (ser#154884), not sure of year (~1912?). It's an old Jersey City Police gun (etched into backstrap) that was my grandfather's. I replaced the broken gutta percha grips, added a missing screw, and disassembled/cleaned/lubed. Shoots great and is my wife's most comfortable "home defense" gun for when I'm out of town (... better than nothing).

Thanks all!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-02-2020, 09:46 AM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

If memory serves me right, that gun is just a little smaller than a J Frame, and a J Frame holster would probably give a reasonable fit.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 05-02-2020, 10:18 AM
reccpd101's Avatar
reccpd101 reccpd101 is offline
SWCA Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 783
Likes: 1,112
Liked 1,087 Times in 426 Posts
Default

Yes, a little smaller than a J frame but probably is going to be a little loose in a thumb break. A good fit in a thumb break is necessary for it to function right. You should be able to find a bunch of vintage holsters with a strap over hammer design that will work well and are more period correct. Thumb breaks didn't show up much until the late 60s and early 70s. I have some leather from uncles of various generations that were elected sheriffs thru 1965 or so. All those LE holsters were strap over hammer. Most, but not all, were custom made locally by harness makers.
__________________
SWCA 3417 HF 642 NRA-TC

Last edited by reccpd101; 05-02-2020 at 10:21 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-02-2020, 12:33 PM
delcrossv's Avatar
delcrossv delcrossv is offline
SWCA Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Outer Uzbekistan
Posts: 4,656
Likes: 8,566
Liked 11,674 Times in 3,054 Posts
Default

Midway's holster finder shows 18 that will fit a 3.25".32 Hand Ejector.

Holsters by Gun Make & Model | Holsters & Belts
__________________
SWCA #3356, SWHF#611
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-02-2020, 12:52 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is online now
US Veteran
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,472
Likes: 88,957
Liked 24,780 Times in 8,482 Posts
Default

I have had good luck buying holsters on eBay. Since the barrel length on an I frame is slightly longer-3 1/4" v 3"- a 3" J frame holster with a thumb break MAY fit fine, as the longer barrel should push the revolver back just a smidge.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 05-02-2020, 01:00 PM
needsmostuff needsmostuff is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Tucson,AZ
Posts: 290
Likes: 333
Liked 595 Times in 132 Posts
Default

The Simply Rugged holsters are tough to beat for straight up versatility .
This one does ALL my J frames sized 3" to 4" . In a pinch a snub would be just fine and stay put.
Good protection and great retention with out being fancy. Holds the gun high and tight if going under a jacket. Can be used IWB or cross draw if wanted .


Last edited by needsmostuff; 05-02-2020 at 01:04 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 05-02-2020, 01:25 PM
Drm50 Drm50 is offline
Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Monroe cnty. Ohio
Posts: 6,923
Likes: 4,410
Liked 10,022 Times in 3,676 Posts
Default

I bought beautiful Lawrence holster here on forum last year for a kit gun.
Turned out it was for a 43 kit gun, 3.5” and my 34 wouldn’t fit at 4”. Had hard time offing it for a loss. Small frame holsters are a dime a dozen for snubbies hard to come by in 3” to 4” barrels. El Paso makes some nice ones that what I’ve got.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-02-2020, 08:20 PM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,815
Liked 20,511 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Muley Gil View Post
I have had good luck buying holsters on eBay. Since the barrel length on an I frame is slightly longer-3 1/4" v 3"- a 3" J frame holster with a thumb break MAY fit fine, as the longer barrel should push the revolver back just a smidge.
Exactly right!



This is the classic Bianchi small frame thumbreak holster with split cowhide liner. As a Bianchi dealer, my dad sold thousands of these beginning back in the mid 1960s. It's a thumbreak and the snap is correctly positioned on the body side for more natural breaking open the snap with the thumb.

It could be ordered for a 3" J frame. Back in the day we sold many for Pre war I frames with 3 1/4" barrel which were still being carried by some security guards, etc.
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 05-02-2020, 09:03 PM
Buick Buick is offline
Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Beautiful Eastern NC
Posts: 717
Likes: 170
Liked 1,587 Times in 444 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by delcrossv View Post
Midway's holster finder shows 18 that will fit a 3.25".32 Hand Ejector.

Holsters by Gun Make & Model | Holsters & Belts

Well i got bit by the holster bug from that link and bought a strong side slim jim, crossdraw loop holster, and cartridge belt for my USFA .45 single action lol.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-03-2020, 01:03 AM
bjmusico bjmusico is offline
Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Brighton, MI
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Thanks all! I found the ones on Midway, and the DeSantis Mini Scabbard will probably be my backup choice if I can't find anything more interesting. Good points on thumb break. I think strap-over-hammer may have been what I was thinking of. Now that everyone has provided me with a bit more knowledge, I'm going to dive back into searching. Maybe will take a chance on something vintage on eBay.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 05-03-2020, 10:08 AM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,320 Times in 4,181 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by needsmostuff View Post
The Simply Rugged holsters are tough to beat for straight up versatility .
This one does ALL my J frames sized 3" to 4" . In a pinch a snub would be just fine and stay put.
Good protection and great retention with out being fancy. Holds the gun high and tight if going under a jacket. Can be used IWB or cross draw if wanted .

With those two stag handled pieces, you could have made a holster and sheath out of an old boot top and still been styling! They really look great!

Froggie
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 05-11-2020, 09:57 PM
bjmusico bjmusico is offline
Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Brighton, MI
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Just want to "close-the-loop" on my holster question.

I ended up with a Hunter 1100-17 model holster. I got an older NOS version on Gunbroker, but I think they may still make it. Doesn't look like they offer it in black, so I got their standard brown version. The brown looks pretty good once it ages, and I can always dye it black if I want. My NOS is already darkening a bit from age.

Fit:
I think this holster is made for a J-frame, but is the closest fit I could find. Overall, it's the best fitting off-the-shelf vintage-style holster I've found. The holster length in barrel area is probably about 1" longer than it needs to be for the 3-1/4" barrel on my pistol, but not much. It's a close-ended holster, and better than the barrel sticking out (like DeSantis Mini-Scabbard).

The cylinder/grip/hammer area seems to fit well and allows a good depth. However, the securing strap, that goes over rear of trigger guard, is too long. It doesn't keep the position of the gun solidly deep enough in holster. If this strap was shorter/tighter, the fit would be very good. I plan to just take out the rivet holding the strap at back of holster, shorten the strap about 1", the re-rivet.

Thanks for all the recommendations!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Holster_1.jpg (66.7 KB, 34 views)
File Type: jpg Holster_2.jpg (73.8 KB, 27 views)
File Type: jpg Holster_3.jpg (89.6 KB, 21 views)
File Type: jpg Holster_4.jpg (101.7 KB, 21 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 05-12-2020, 12:55 AM
ramprat ramprat is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 39
Likes: 9
Liked 47 Times in 20 Posts
Default Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?

bjmusico,

I carried a .32 Colt New Pocket revolver in a Hunter 1100 17 OE holster almost exactly like yours. The only difference was my holster had an open end while yours has the closed end. My New Pocket had a 3" barrel, so to eliminate the problem of my revolver slipping to far into the holster, I inserted a 1" long plug made of extruded styrene pipe insulation into the open end of the holster. With the plug installed, the revolver sat in the holster at the proper depth and allowed the safety strap function as designed. You can easily do this to your holster, but insert it from the top. The extruded styrene pipe or tubing insulation can be found at any decently stocked hardware store and is relatively inexpensive. If I remember correctly, I think a purchased a 4' piece of the stuff for $1.99. This method will eliminate you having to permanently modifying your holster and can be easily removed with a pair of needle nose pliers.
HTH
Gary
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 05-12-2020, 04:10 AM
bjmusico bjmusico is offline
Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Brighton, MI
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Great idea. I think I might even have some cylindrical foam that will work. Should do a good job of taking up the small amount of open space at tip of holster that barrel doesn't quite fill. Holster keeps it's form, but I would feel better if I filled in the empty space.

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 05-12-2020, 06:16 AM
nbedford nbedford is offline
Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Arkansas Delta
Posts: 414
Likes: 778
Liked 482 Times in 196 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bjmusico View Post
Just want to "close-the-loop" on my holster question.

I ended up with a Hunter 1100-17 model holster. I got an older NOS version on Gunbroker, but I think they may still make it. Doesn't look like they offer it in black, so I got their standard brown version. The brown looks pretty good once it ages, and I can always dye it black if I want. My NOS is already darkening a bit from age.

Fit:
I think this holster is made for a J-frame, but is the closest fit I could find. Overall, it's the best fitting off-the-shelf vintage-style holster I've found. The holster length in barrel area is probably about 1" longer than it needs to be for the 3-1/4" barrel on my pistol, but not much. It's a close-ended holster, and better than the barrel sticking out (like DeSantis Mini-Scabbard).

The cylinder/grip/hammer area seems to fit well and allows a good depth. However, the securing strap, that goes over rear of trigger guard, is too long. It doesn't keep the position of the gun solidly deep enough in holster. If this strap was shorter/tighter, the fit would be very good. I plan to just take out the rivet holding the strap at back of holster, shorten the strap about 1", the re-rivet.

Thanks for all the recommendations!
Thanks for the thread. I’ve got 3 4” I frame HE’s and I’ve been wondering how they’d do in a J frame holster. However from reading past comments; if I get a leather j frame holster I will probably water soak it and form it.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 05-12-2020, 07:36 AM
StrawHat's Avatar
StrawHat StrawHat is offline
SWCA Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 5,992
Likes: 9,195
Liked 13,464 Times in 3,975 Posts
Default

Another option for those looking for leather gear is right here on this forum. We have several members who turn out better holsters at reasonable prices. I am phasing out store bought with custom. Life is too short to carry an ugly holster.

The one on the left is for my 3 1/4”, 32 Hand Ejector.

Kevin
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 8E4CEDF0-3ED5-47F2-8AFD-0A4F338BF9D2.jpg (52.0 KB, 45 views)
__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 05-13-2020, 04:37 PM
ddixie884's Avatar
ddixie884 ddixie884 is offline
Member
Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector? Holster for .32 Hand Ejector?  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Avery,Tx
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 3,812
Liked 1,860 Times in 938 Posts
Default

Those are cool..............
__________________
dd884
JMHO-YMMV
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
.32 Hand Ejector Holster Search brjr51 Gun Leather & Carry Gear 10 02-19-2018 06:44 PM
Need Help With 1903 (Hand Ejector) Holster cordell S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 1 04-10-2016 08:27 AM
S&W Hand Ejector with Unknown Holster italiansport S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 2 07-25-2014 04:36 PM
S&W 32 hand ejector and holster bearcreek S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 8 03-22-2012 05:18 PM
44 special 3rd model hand ejector and holster Toyman S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 12 06-22-2011 12:43 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:38 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)