Hey all - new to the hobby and the S&W community, but thrilled with my newest .45 ACP acquisitions: 625-3 / 3" and 625-8 / 4"

Asking for recommendations (and photos, if possible) for a holster that conforms to my preferences:

- OWB
- belt slide
- leather
- thumb break
- open muzzle preferred
- able to serve either 3" or 4" barrel length

I've done a fair bit of online research and found a few that come close, but always keen on hearing from experienced owners. Including a pic of one I found from D.M. Bullard that comes fairly close.

For reference, I'm not doing any competition stuff, just backyard target shooting & open carry around the property.

Thanks everyone, much appreciated.

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Try a Tom Threepersons style by Lobo Gunleather. A vendor here on the forum.

Protects the barrel and especially the muzzle of the weapon and has good retention. Order a 4" and you can also carry your 3" in the holster.

Any holster for a S&W
4" "N" frame will work

There is nothing like a good leather holster, and if I intend to carry concealed, that's what I use. If it has to be leather for OWB, check out TT Gunleather. I use his Snap Removable Pancake for my 2.75" 325PD.

For pure practicality, it's hard to beat Kydex for OWB carry. Your 4" 625 is a primo game gun for IDPA and can be used for USPSA and ICORE also. Buying a Kydex holster now will save you from laying out more cash later once (not "if") you get involved with gun games. There is a very satisfying "snick" when the gun seats itself in a Kydex holster. They are both stainless, so no finish wear concerns (actually I haven't noticed excessive finish wear with Kydex on my blued guns either). I recommend Blade Tech - they offer a plethora of belt attachments and other options.

Otherwise, if it absolutely has to be leather, check out TT, he makes a really nice product.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

This is a Desantis Dual Angle Hunter, and a 6.5" N frame. They make a 4 inch in same design. Works great for open carry and/or hunting. Can wear it strong side or in cross draw. Because I have a long tube I find myself wearing it cross draw more often, but either position works. Top notch saddle leather, construction, stitching, lining, fit, etc. highly recommend.

Lotsa good craftsmen on the forum, check their stuff.
I also have had good luck with SR sour dough pancake (and other brands) holsters.
Simply Rugged Holsters - Leather Holsters, Leather Gun Belts, Leather Ammo Pouches and Leather Accessories

Thanks for all the recos! Appreciate the great advice...

If the thumb snap is not critical to you, I have several Kramer "MSP Paddle" holsters and been very happy with them. Even with big guns such as an H&K USP 45 and a couple of N frames, they work well and can be used for concealed carry with a good belt.

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NHI, 10-8.

I picked up a Cordovan Brown IWB belt loop style holster fitting a 5" N-frame for my 625-8. Put dark brown grips on it and it looks real sharp in the holster.