Looking for an out side the waistband, high ride, thumb break retention holster for open carry of my 3" Model 65 while in the mountians or under a jacket concealed.

Any suggestions? I was looking at the Sourdough pancake, but others have told me I NEED a thubreak retention strap.

Thanks.

Hey, I use Galco, Gould and Goodrich, and what ever else I canfind a deal on. Do your self a favor and go to ebay and check of K frame holsters over there. I have gotten several deals on holsters and speed loader carriers for revolvers.

__________________
M.J.Hanna

Thanks!! Great suggestion panamajack!

Went and looked, first hit was a black Desantis thumb break scabbard for 3" S&W K frame! Wish me luck!

This place is awesome.

Check out Lobo Gunleather, he has a great pancake type OWB rig with thumbreak retention. Prices are good and quality top drawer. I have 8 Lobo rigs and use them all. Using them is their highest praise, I have a bin full of other rigs I don't use. Some spendier: some cheaper.

I have and use the same DeSantis holster you are looking at. Great holster in ALL regards.

Randy

I'm waiting for a Lobo OWB holster for a 686. Searched everywhere until I came to the conclusion that they had the best, IMO, OWB thumb break holsters.
Here is the link to what I order if you want to check out.
Lobo Gun Leather - ENHANCED PANCAKE STYLE HOLSTER

One more vote for Lobo Gunleather. I have one of his Avenger style holsters for my 3" 66 that also works for my 3" 65. I am about to order one just like it for my 4" M-19. Keep shootin and check 6

Check out Robertson trading post offers on gunsamerica.com They had Gould and Goodrich thumb break pancake holsters for $24. These were from corrections dept trade in along with 10, 64 revolvers. I got one for my 3" model 10 and the holster was in new condition.

__________________
Wheel guns are real guns too.

Another Lobo fan. Here's a picture of my 3 inch model 65 in a Lobo #1 pancake with hammer guard but no thumb break retention. You can get one with the thumb break, but I'm not a fan of them for concealed carry. I've worn this one while on horseback and on the ATV without any issues, it's a snug fit.

I've ordered several holsters from Lobo and my experiance has been great quality, good pricing, and he delivers when he says he will.

__________________
- Change it back -

I use these for my 2.5" barrel #66 and 3" barrel #64 & #65. I own two of the DeSantis holsters. No thumb snap, but the DeSantis is form fitted to the point that a snap is not necessary. The downside is this is difficult to access in a hurry. It does conceal very well, even under a light shirt.

I can vouch for Lobo gun leather as well. Absolute top quality!

__________________
Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13

Rodek Leathers. You won't find a better made holster and you won't beat his prices. $33 for a pancake style. Ed uses very heavy leather. Look closely at the stitching in the pictures. You'll notice how even and tight. Look at the edging and you'll see he finishes each piece. Ed is a perfectionist. If it's not 100% right it won't leave his shop.
Rodek Leather Works, Inc. - Home

He made the holsters for me in the late 90s. The one for the Glock was carried everyday for several years while in plain clothes. It is still like new. The one for the S&W 63 hasn't been carried as much but it's seen harder use. I carry it when hunting and fishing. It's been exposed to all kinds of nasty weather (snow, sleet, rain) and drug thru briars and across fences. It too is like new.

__________________
183rd FBINA

JeepinSoldier,

Galco Flex will fit your budget, and all requirments. You will not be sorry, so take a moment and look at it.

Rodger
_______
retired LEO

Just curious as to why you think you "need" a retention strap at all? I've carried my 3" 65 in this Kramer for nearly 2 decades without any problems.

Attached Images

Kramer 001.jpg (147.1 KB, 73 views)

__________________
Pray for Gridlock

+1
Lotsa good holsters mentioned in this thread. The sourdough works for me but I prefer no thumb break, hammer thong or strap. I think the sourdough has optional retention strap but isn't a thumb break.

My S&W #65 in one of the DeSantis holsters. The gun is covered pretty well, this is not a speed draw rig.

As you specify thumb break, galco Fletch is a solid choice.
A big plus is that it is a stock item.
Second from right:

__________________
-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Thanks for all the replies! Plenty to look at.

Asfor the thumb break - Going on the word of my brother. "Fall down an embankment or bounce around on a four wheeler - then reach for the gun when you need it and find that its not there."

He actually wears a tight belt slide when in civilization.

I have always carried a 1911 or M9 in a Bianchi UM84/M12 full flap, or one of the new Blackhawk droplegs. First time with the .357 and Im looking for a regular holster.

When I first started carrying about 35 years ago I regularly used thumb snap and strap holsters. I then learned that anything that snapped closed can also unsnap just as easily. Holsters that rely on straps and snaps usually do not have a great form fitting to hold the gun like a holster that was designed for retention with no snaps or straps.

Now I ONLY use Kramer Leather Horsehide Belt Scabbards which do NOT come with any snaps, straps, screws, etc. They are EXTREMELY high quality holsters (#1 in my book) that are stiff, properly manufactured and form fitted to hold the gun without any other devises, and will last a loooonnnnng time!!

They are not cheap, but are worth every penny IMHO.
When ever I need another CCW holster, this is what I order.


Chief38

With a properly fitted holster, you do not need a thumb break. Call Ken Null of Resaca, Georgia and he will fix you right up! Ask for the speed scabbard.