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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 02-07-2011, 12:06 AM
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Default Need holster advice (3" K frame)

Looking for a CC holster for my newly acquired 13-3. I Have tried some IWB holsters for my P2000 .40 but they are uncomfortable, especially when sitting down, and seem too visible. Of course the P2000 is a challenge to conceal in the first place. I feel like IWB is probably the most concealable but I don't really have experience with other types (except for my duty holster).

After doing some searches I found that a lot of the folks here like the Lobo IWB but I am also looking at the Silent Thunder leather-lined kydex IWB. I'm mainly looking into the custom made route because most major brand holsters are for the 2" or the 4" only.

Should I be looking at more than just IWB options? Any info/suggestions appreciated

Last edited by onegunshort; 02-07-2011 at 01:53 AM.
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  #2  
Old 02-07-2011, 08:52 AM
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If you find the P2000 to be uncomfortable when carried IWB, I suspect that the cylinder bulge (about 1-5/8" thick, plus holster) of a K-frame revolver coming between your body and your belt will drive you crazy.

There are many folks who carry IWB all the time with no difficulty. There are also many folks who simply cannot tolerate IWB carry for any extended period of time.

IWB-carry emphasizes concealment by containing the bulk of the holstered handgun inside the trousers, thus permitting greater flexibility in cover garments. This enhancement of concealability comes with trade-offs in comfort and accessibility.

Every holster design involves compromises among the four basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealability. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises among the other factors. There is no single "perfect" holster design for every person or every set of circumstances.

Since you have identified comfort issues with IWB-style carry, I would recommend a high-ride strong-side pancake-style holster for your 3" Model 13. This usually provides an excellent balance of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealability for most users.
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Old 02-07-2011, 06:45 PM
Black Knight Black Knight is offline
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I have a 3" S&W 65 that I carry in a DeSantis paddle holster. It works very well for me, check it out. Also they have on the belt holsters as well.
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Old 02-07-2011, 11:41 PM
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Google Bladetech and look at one of their IWB kydex holsters. I bought one for a 3" J frame and it is wonderful. Need to order several more for other handguns as well, just haven't gotten around to it.
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Old 02-08-2011, 03:03 AM
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You can check out my line. I carry a Model 66-1 2.5", Model 10 2" and 686 2.5" all the time in one of my The Slide OWB holsters.



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Old 02-08-2011, 10:29 AM
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http://www.bagmaster.com/cart/produc...20Holsters.htm

You may laugh, but they're comfortable for me with a 3" K-frame.
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Old 02-08-2011, 10:36 AM
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Of the holsters I've tried for my 3" Kframe, the Milt Sparks PMK OWB holster is the most comfortable for me. PMK
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Old 02-08-2011, 10:57 PM
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I use a PWL and an Alessi for my 3" HB, RB, #64 & #65.
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Old 02-09-2011, 01:18 AM
clif58 clif58 is offline
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Here's a 3" K frame in a Lobo enhanced pancake-
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  #10  
Old 02-09-2011, 03:00 PM
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Please check out Concealco-
AKJ Concealco IWB Holsters for Revolvers
Don't forget to order with the sweat shield.
I can carry a 65-5 all day comfortably.
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  #11  
Old 02-09-2011, 03:35 PM
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Thanks for all the info and suggestions. Someone who read my initial post about the Model 13 offered me a Desantis speed scabbard for cheap.....if that doesn't work out I think I'll try the enhanced pancake from Lobo.
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Old 02-10-2011, 04:05 AM
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I'm a fan of the Simply Rugged Sourdough with the IWB straps. They are great holsters.
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  #13  
Old 02-10-2011, 03:10 PM
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May be a little more "padded" than you like but I really like the Gould & Goodrich size 62 for my M13 carry
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  #14  
Old 02-10-2011, 04:03 PM
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kramergunleather.com I own 6 of them.
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Old 02-13-2011, 02:46 PM
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Just to keep the list of 3" K holsters going Don Hume Holsters also makes OWB (not sure about IWB). Very affordable, excellent quality.
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Old 02-13-2011, 10:42 PM
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I have a FIST #1A.



Good people to deal with.

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  #17  
Old 02-14-2011, 07:55 AM
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Here's a 3" 65 in a galco combat master.

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  #18  
Old 02-14-2011, 11:07 PM
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Any other options?
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  #19  
Old 02-14-2011, 11:19 PM
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I used to carry a 3 inch Model 13 in a strongside pancake holster (a Kramer). It had the so called FBI cant (muzzle to the rear). That particular design/cant is a very effective way to carry--a good balance of concealment, speed and comfort.

I can recommend the Kramer, along with the necessary support gear--a well made belt designed to support the weight of the pistol and a carrier for spare ammo.

The pancake design is classic and is offered by most good makers. A well executed holster of this type will certainly meet lawful CCW requirements.
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Old 02-15-2011, 03:07 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Geronimo Jim View Post
Any other options?
Blade-Tech will also do some 3"
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  #21  
Old 02-21-2011, 09:32 PM
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Default Need holster advice (3" K frame)

Check out RGrizzleLeather!
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  #22  
Old 02-21-2011, 10:06 PM
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Bianchi Cyclone. Strong side or cross draw option. Fits 2" to 3" K frame (size 2). But it is an OWB holster.

Looks like this:

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Last edited by Dump1567; 02-21-2011 at 10:08 PM.
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  #23  
Old 10-31-2011, 08:13 PM
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I have a Simply Rugged holster for my 3" Ruger SP-101. I ordered this holster with an extra belt slot, and the IWB straps. I can't be happier with a holster. It can be carried high, low, or canted on the strong side, canted as a cross draw, or IWB. The gun sits low enough in the holster that the hammer is covered and not poking me. The price was right. I ordered the holster on a Monday, and was notified that it was being shipped that Friday. I am going to order Simply Rugged holsters for my 3" J frame, and 3" K frame.
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Old 10-31-2011, 09:29 PM
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How you dress will factor into your holster choice. Some of the OWB holsters suggested sit pretty low on the belt. That means you need to wear something fairly long over them. Otherwise, just reaching for something on the supermarket shelf, will scare the little old lady behind you, and maybe lose your permit too, depending on your state.
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Old 10-31-2011, 10:40 PM
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Let me be the third person on this thread to extol the virtues of Simply Rugged. These are superb holsters, tough, comfortable, and inexpensive. Their basic Sourdough Pancake model will cost in the neighborhood of $65, they deliver quickly, and the workmanship is near perfect. I have two of them, one for my 2" Model 64 and my 2 1/2" Model 19, and another for my 4" Model 27.
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Old 10-31-2011, 10:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Srigs View Post
You can check out my line. I carry a Model 66-1 2.5", Model 10 2" and 686 2.5" all the time in one of my The Slide OWB holsters.



Srigs, I have one of your holsters for my S&W Model 15. I am very pleased with it. This is a very comfortable way to carry a concealed 6-shot revolver.

No IWB for me.

Last edited by Warren Sear; 11-01-2011 at 12:29 AM.
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Old 11-11-2011, 08:38 PM
washburn832 washburn832 is offline
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I finally got a picture of my Simply Rugged holster. Thought I'd attach it.
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  #28  
Old 11-12-2011, 01:18 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rodcraft View Post
Here's a 3" 65 in a galco combat master.

Holy High Rise!
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Old 07-31-2014, 09:05 AM
Alpha Sierra Alpha Sierra is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RobC2 View Post
Holy High Rise!
No kidding. That is unsat. I know of no belt that can keep that holster from flopping out once a pistol is in it.
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Old 07-31-2014, 09:24 AM
at_liberty at_liberty is offline
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I have this for a 3" J frame and highly recommend the style. Here it is in the K frame size in 3 slot, allowing a crossdraw option. They also offer 2 slot for strong side with a good forward cant and high and tight fit. Works with belts up to 1 3/4, the wider the better.

DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard Holsters - Smith & Wesson Pistols, also fits Ruger, Dan Wesson 15, Colt, Taurus, Walther, Charter Arms. FREE S&H 001BAX7Z0, 001TAX7Z0, 001BCR1Z0, 001TCD8Z0, 001BBM9Z0, 001TD43Z0, 001TDK4Z0, 001BEL7Z0, 001BB12Z0,
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686, alessi, bianchi, bladetech, ccw, concealed, desantis, galco, j frame, k frame, k-frame, kramer, kydex, leather, m13, model 10, model 15, model 19, model 27, model 66, ruger, sile

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