Need holster ideas for a 640

[BaaBaa]

I'm a new owner of a Model 640 .357. Haven't picked it up yet, still waiting for the background check to be competed. This is my first handgun. It was purchased so I can carry something to take down a bear if they come in on the sheep again this year and yet be easier to carry than the shotgun, which made working almost impossible. I've searched but no one seems to have this model.

I'm looking for ideas for holsters. I need something for concealed carry but also something for open carry.

Problem is I'm short and female and most of the choices dig into delicate parts. There doesn't' seem to be any place that has a variety of holsters to try so I expect I'll be buying several before finding ones that work for me.

I am looking at the Cornered Cat site and some of her suggestions but also thought I'd ask here.

[Hapworth]

Welcome to the forum...

For your purposes -- some concealed and some open carry, mostly outdoors gun use -- lotta folks here like Simply Rugged pancakes; your 640 would go in the "Silver Dollar" version:

http://shop.simplyrugged.com/ecommer...152&parent=669

With a few of the added options, it can be used interchangeably inside or outside the waistband.

I've never used Mitch Rosen products; they're thought to be good but expensive. They do however have an outside the waistband holster designed specifically for women, the NSP, which purports to be better suited for comfortable carry on a woman's waist/hip.

Rosen Product Line

Two companies that are much lauded on this forum are El Paso Saddlery and Lobo Gunleather -- have a look:

Concealment Holsters

Lobo Gun Leather - Home

For pure inside the waistband deep concealment, Alessi makes an excellent rig that is J-frame specific; I can personally attest to its quality and utility, though it took longer than it should have to arrive:

Alessi Gun Holsters

This is another one for which a woman's build was considered in the making; it's from Milt Sparks and they make superb holsters but the wait is incredible (look up the "PMK"):

Milt Sparks Holsters

I know you didn't ask, but with your indulgence I'll address it anyway: what's your experience with handguns; have you fired a 640 or any other J-frame before; and most importantly, have you fired .357 Magnum rounds from a J-frame?

Even to the pros around here, that's considered quite the punishing round in the smaller framed revolver, and finding a load that is bear-worthy and still manageable enough to shoot well is a challenge.

Things to think about and research -- and most especially, practice -- as you go forward.

In the meantime, I'm betting that the Simply Rugged Silver Dollar holster configured for IWB and OWB will suit your needs.

[BaaBaa]

Originally Posted by Hapworth

I know you didn't ask, but with your indulgence I'll address it anyway: what's your experience with handguns; have you fired a 640 or any other J-frame before; and most importantly, have you fired .357 Magnum rounds from a J-frame?

Even to the pros around here, that's considered quite the punishing round in the smaller framed revolver, and finding a load that is bear-worthy and still manageable enough to shoot well is a challenge.

Thank you for the wonderful links. I will be researching them.

You are right to question the choice of both gun and round. Sadly I was unable to fire any J Frame .357 guns before purchase. There is no place within a days driving distance that rents or has loaner guns and most of the folks I know who have .357 use larger weapons. However I did fire those and had no problem beyond the gun grips being too large and having difficulty reaching the trigger. It was a bit of a kick but the barrel was also not in line with my arm bones. My thumb did get sore but then it was all that was taking the kick as the rest of my palm was on the side or I couldn't reach the trigger. I was fairly accurate, got everything on the target, which for my first time firing a .357 I felt was good. I eliminated the lighter LadySmith guns in part because I felt the extra weight of the 640 would be better in that respect and most of the folks locally agreed.

I am planning on practicing first with 38 spec. ammo then moving up to the .357

I know it's a bit of a risk but without any way to really test it first I had to pick one and go for it. My husband also handled the gun and if for some reason it doesn't work for me he liked it.

There really aren't many handgun rounds that can reliably take out a charging bear and that is the prime criteria. After checking with the game warden, government trapper, several pool riders and other folks who go in the back country a lot or have had bear problems everyone uniformly suggested getting a steel frame .357 that fits perfectly and learning to shoot it very well. I know many women carry and shoot the .357 so I know I can learn to do it as well.

Worst case I sell it and try something else. At current prices I know I could sell it easily if It doesn't work out for me.

Just wish someone would put in a shooting range with guns to rent locally

[Hapworth]

Sounds like you've done your homework.

Experimenting with and affixing the best grips for your hand will go a long way to helping deal with recoil of a full house load .357, which is what you'll need for bear.

Rubber grips, though not as pleasing to the eye (but all right on stainless steel) really are a functional improvement for shot control. Take a look at Hogue and Pachmayr's products. Consider something a little larger than the concealed carry sized grips the 640 ships with, while still not overfilling your hand.

Did you consider the Ruger SP101? If the 640 works out, great (I love the 640, and you were quite right to go all steel for the recoil absorbing characteristics). But should the 640 end up going to your husband, look at the SP101. Similar in size to a J-frame, also all steel, but a little beefier all the way around and often considered a good go-to piece for people who need a smaller revolver that can still nicely manage .357.

As for ammo -- for your considerations, I'd be looking at something heavy and with a hard nose to penetrate a large animal as much as possible. Not the right round for self defense against humans, but a better choice against four-legged trouble.

Think I'd go straight to Buffalo Bore and select one from their line-up, though some of the hunters on the board can probably better advise. From looking at BB's offerings in .357, all the tactical, lower-recoil short barrel stuff is hollow point, so that's out. From their full house load .357, there's really only the hard cast, lead flat nosed 180 grain which I imagine would be a monster in a J-frame.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=100

Or consider their .38 Special +P Outdoorsman load:

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=288

Buffalo Bore is considered high quality, boutique loadings that push the edges of a given round's performance capability. In short, they tend to boom a bit bigger -- but you do pay for the privilege in wallet, hand and firearm.

Also, I'd carry some bear spray.

Buffalo Bore has an interesting read in their FAQs section about hunting and/or defense against bears; worth a look:

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...duct_list&c=62

Hope you never have draw down on anyone or anything...

Good luck.

[littleriver1]

You might look at Bianchi 56 Serpent OWB. It worked for me.

[BaaBaa]

Originally Posted by Hapworth

Did you consider the Ruger SP101?

Yes, I handled one of those at the shop as well and it just didn't feel right. The number one criteria was first and foremost I had to like the gun and think I'd have fun shooting it or I won't practice enough. The Ruger just didn't look or feel or handle like something I'd enjoy. I was not really thrilled with the exposed hammer either.

[CPO15]

Regarding the rubber grips; you may wish to consider the Uncle Mike's Boot grip, I found them to do a good job on recoil and they're smaller/shorter so the may not poke your "tender parts".

AND, they're on closeout sale:


Product: J Round Boot Grip Uncle Mike's (No Logo)


On the holster; call Ray Cory at Lobo. He makes a Enhanced Avenger, a tunnel and loop holster which is supposed to be great for comfort and field use, rather than for high concealment. I've got two of his holsters (but not the avenger) and have been happy with his price, quality and ship time.

Good luck.

[Alnamvet68]

My youngest daughter and myself use the El Paso Saddlery Combat Express holster; small enough to aid in concealment, and stiff enough to retain your weapon. Midway and Cheaper Then Dirt are two places you can buy this holster at a good price...

cex.jpg

[snubbyfan]

That's a very good choice for a .357 J frame snubby. It has the full grip and a covered backstrap, should handle recoil well.
I have a J frame holster looking for a good home. It's made for a 1 7/8" barrel but should fit a 640 nicely. It has molded in retention so if you need it you don't have to fumble around with snaps, clips or buttons, just yank your gun out. The holster's handmade of 9 ounce vegetable tan leather so it won't encourage corrosion. I'm asking only $45 including shipping in the contiguous States.

[Hapworth]

Originally Posted by BaaBaa

Yes, I handled one of those at the shop as well and it just didn't feel right. The number one criteria was first and foremost I had to like the gun and think I'd have fun shooting it or I won't practice enough. The Ruger just didn't look or feel or handle like something I'd enjoy. I was not really thrilled with the exposed hammer either.

Settles that one.

[andyo5]

I own a 642 hammerless. I am right handed, and carry the gun in my right side pants pocket without a holster. The gun is the only thing in the pocket when I carry it, to avoid tangles with keys, etc. and to avoid scratching the gun. It tends to disappear in my pants pocket.

[BaaBaa]

Originally Posted by Hapworth

Buffalo Bore has an interesting read in their FAQs section about hunting and/or defense against bears; worth a look:

Thanks, that was very interesting. We don't officially have any grizzly bears here but I'm not so sure. What we do have is a huge population of black bears. Generally most will run away from people but last summer/fall they were far more bold. Our laws allow us to kill any bear or other predator that is "worrying or harassing" our livestock or poses a threat to our lives with no repercussions.