Hi,

I'm looking to buy a shoulder holster for an S&W Mod. 649 with a 2 1/8" barrel.

I carried it in an IWB for a long time but I've gotten older and lazier and have developed a "gut" and it ain't as easy to draw as it used to be. I really need to get of my *** and exercise.

Anyway, my main concerns are balance and retention.

Most of the shoulder rigs I see pictures of are for semi-auto handguns. In the pictures almost invariably there is the handgun on one side and one or two magazine holders on the other.

My guess is the mags help balance the handgun on the other side. Or am I wrong about this? I think I might feel funny with an extra 2 lbs. or so hanging from my left shoulder with no "counterweight" on my right shoulder. (I hope I explained that so you guys can understand what I'm asking).

The Mod. 649 is a small stainless steel revolver but weighs a lot for it's small size at 23 oz. unloaded, so I figure it's about 30 oz. loaded with 5 rounds.

Does anybody here who owns a revolver of comparable size and weight use a shoulder hoslter they are happy with?

Or if not happy exactly, pleased enough with it that they have no major complaints about it and still use it when needed?

I'd hate to spend the money on a shoulder holster and end up dumping it in the ol' holster box where it sits gathering dust.

Thanks,

Mike

I've got Galco holsters for a K-Frame and a Glock. The Glock holster has an off-side double mag pouch. The revolver one can be equipped with a holder for speedloaders or speed strips, but I don't have that attachment. They both have "tie downs" to attach to the belt. That makes the counterbalancing less important, at least for me.
I bought a rig last year that I absolutely love, and you might too. It's a shirt holster from Kramer called the Confidant. Costs about 60 bucks. It has a pouch under both arms that will hold a J-Frame or an auto the size of a Glock. Incredibly comfortable. I have it on right now with my S@W 340PD and hardly know it's there. Not a quick draw rig, but for me it'll do.

When I was in uniform during the winter I carried my 49 and then 649 in this Bianchi # 209 under my jacket. Also used it while in plain clothes and off duty.
Very comfortable.

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183rd FBINA

I have an Alessi Bodyguard....great rig...but to be honest, I hardly wear it....shoulder holsters are great if you wear a sport coat all the time or never take off your jacket....if IWB is uncomfortable, why not try an outside the waistband holster.....my Sp101 hides under any t-shirt in my Lobo rig....

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I've got a Galco rig that carries 640's in vertical position (I'm uncomfortable with horizontal carry...) with dual, opposite side speed loader pouches (with no tie down available). It's convenient, comfortable, gun's accessible when seated, and like most Galco stuff, high quality and priced to match, but usually available from inventory. As Sip said, shoulder holsters require a commitment to wearing a covering garment, generally only feasible in the winter, and then only at higher elevations, around here...

I have an Andrews Monarch rig that can carry my 649, 638 or convert to 1911. Carry's two speed loaders on the weak side. Very comfortable but as stated it needs a good cover garment. Colombia sun block shirts work good for me. For me they are at their best when driving long distances.

Another option if you don't like IWB is to try it BPB..between pants and belt....very comfortable and conceals well...

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