Holster Suggestions for a 649

Snapping Twig · #1 10-30-2013, 11:59 PM

I was at the LGS recently and had in mind to check out a holster for my 649. Something strong side OWB and concealable.

All they had was inferior stuff, cheaply made.

Then I started to check out Bianchi, Galco, etc and found them ambiguous, showing a holster but without a revolver in them and truthfully - very bland.

I'm interested in a dark brown high quality thumbreak type with perhaps a bit of a design on it - or not.

Any suggestions? Know a small maker, someone that puts quality and pride into their work?

Here's what I intend to put in it.

kaaskop49 · #2 10-31-2013, 11:14 AM

Don't know about a thumbstrap, but definitely give Jim Mernickle a call. He's in Nevada, having moved his shop from Canada. A family company, very friendly. To business: He makes an OWB scabbard which can't be beat, IMO. Holds the gun firmly when upside down, yet draws easily. ALL snub J's fit in it, including the 2.125" Mags. I have several for different frame sizes and mfgrs.
Can't find the address or phone when I need it. Google him or Mernickle Holsters. They're in Fernley NV, I believe.

palmetto99 · #3 10-31-2013, 12:44 PM

Sounds like you are looking for a nice custom or semi-custom. For over the counter, I have had good luck with Blackhawks speed scabbard. Sits high and tight. BTW, I never had much love for the humpbacks until I bought one. you got a nice one there.

CH47gunner · #4 10-31-2013, 02:24 PM

I like this one & I don't have to take my pants off to get it on & off.

Galco Paddle holster w/ S&W M649

Double-O-Dave · #5 10-31-2013, 03:32 PM

Snapping Twig: I have a Model 649 that I frequently carry in a jacket pocket during the cold weather months in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I sometimes use a Bianchi 9R shoulder holster to carry a Bodyguard in (Model 38, or a Model 638, or a Model 649). Bianchi quit making the Model 9R about 20 years ago, but they are easily found on sale on flea-bay. One nice feature of the 9R is that you can easily remove the shoulder holster straps and have a nice break-front belt holster (no thumb break, though). I think the best thumb break holster made for all of the 2.0 inch barreled J-frames, irrespective of the design (exposed hammer, Centennial, or Bodyguard) is made by Bianchi, the Model 55L (aka "Lightning"). They sell for around $45.00 new, and come in either brown or black color. You can "Google" "Bianchi 55L for sale" and get plenty of hits to choose from.

I just purchased a used Model 55L and am waiting for it to be delivered, else, I'd post a photo for you.

Best of luck,

Dave

flintsghost · #6 10-31-2013, 04:25 PM

Using a thumb break with a 649 is a little like having an anchor for your car. You definitely don't need it and there are other ways to secure the gun. The best professional concealment systems made, IMHO and others, are by K. L. Null of Resaca, Ga. His designs are not made for novices but do provide a secure carry platform that does hide very well.

snubbyfan · #7 10-31-2013, 04:39 PM

I do custom leatherwork and I've found that a molded holster retains my snubby just fine. Here's a couple of different color owb snubby holsters, a custom 3" belt and a backpocket holster.

growr · #8 10-31-2013, 05:06 PM

Our own Lobo has fabulous holsters....give him a call.

Randy

Hapworth · #9 10-31-2013, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by growr

Our own Lobo has fabulous holsters....give him a call.

Randy

I second that. Lobo Gun Leather - Home

hotrod150 · #10 11-02-2013, 12:11 AM

There's lots of good commercial custom holster makers out there, including at least one (Lobo Leather) on this forum. But if you're looking for a mass-produced (quicker to get and generally less expensive), I like the looks of the Blackhawk Speed Classic. Forward cant, with a shallow trigger guard pocket and an elastic front to retain the gun. I've seen them online for under $40.
I don't know much about Bianchi's current products, but I've owned several of their older holsters and they were sure nice.