Hi all. I recently purchased a used model 36 and was hoping to get some guidance regarding holster selection.

Some background: I have traditionally been carrying a Springfield XD subcompact in a Tucker Texas Heritage at about 4 o'clock. I have found that the gun prints more than I would like when bending etc as I am a skinny guy- 5'10 160. As a result, I had started looking into appendix carry but haven't made the switch yet.

So down to my questions. I am looking for an IWB, OWB and pocket carry holster for the 36.

For the IWB: What are your recommendations? I would like to spend less than about $80 and I am thinking that with the smaller grip of the model 36 I can stick with carrying at 4 o'clock. I'm currently looking at a Summer Comfort or similar model (Don Hume MSO or PCCH). Would you guys recommend looking into holsters with a sweatshield? Do you think I should consider trying an affordable holster that gives me the option for appendix carry i.e. Galco Stow-n-Go.

For the pocket holster: I am thinking of going with the DeSantis Nemesis. I have one for the XD and like the material and construction, but the pistol was just too big for this style of carry. I still used the XD nemesis to store in a backpack occasionally. Any benefits to leather pocket holsters?

For the OWB: This would kind of be my all-purpose holster. The main function of this would be carrying around my family's property (we have a ~70 acre winery on the Napa/Sonoma border). I have bigger autos for this purpose, but I see alot more rattlesnakes than mountain lions (have only seen tracks) and would like the option of loading snake shot in the mod 36. Also alot of the time I spend out there is riding on atv or bulldozer so I am thinking about a cross-draw for this purpose. This would also be a back-up as I usually have a mini-14 or 12ga nearby when working out there.

Thanks in advance for reading this whole thing. Any advice or experiences are much appreciated!

I use the Nemesis for my 36 in front pocket. You are right, it is a bit large, but then again, so am I!
;-)
Mrwildroot

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NO GUNS, NO PEACE, NO SAFETY!

Check out Mika's holsters, I have his pocket and IWB for several gun and love them. Also many members here have them also.

Mika's Pocket Holsters - Custom Made Pocket Holsters, Waistband Holsters, Vest Holsters, Tactical Pocket Mirrors And Much More.

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Dom

For IWB, keep it thin....many like the Don Hume are a bit thick, especially with reinforced mouths...with the j-frame, less is more.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

There's nothing wrong with trying an inexpensive holster first. If you eventually buy a priceier unit and it has issues, A cheapy can float you until your favorite is repaired or replaced.

I would, however, never carry a single snubby. Carry a pair (even if ones a full size gun) if at all possible. I think of concealed carry in terms of sports (and no, I don't think it's a game, but) you can play to win, or "not to lose". There is a difference. One does the minimum, one intends to win no matter what, even if the BUG is a NAA mini.

Mountain lions are a concern of mine too. Think of them as the physical equivalent of a very well fit, determined mid-size man when selecting ammo ect.

I've carried a 1 7/8" M36 or M60 for five years. I carry in my pocket. I've tried the Uncle Mike (to thin and floppy), a generic rough side out leather holster (to stiff and bulky) and finally a Bianchi "Pocket Change"....which was just right. Never went back and tried any of the others since and I've been using this one for over three years.



I wouldn't use anything else.

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G.P. Charlie

GPC.
Do you carry in a back pocket?
That square design seems suitable for that purpose...

Mrwildroot

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NO GUNS, NO PEACE, NO SAFETY!

Thanks for all the input guys. I have purchased a Galco Summer Comfort from a generous member of the site and will report my thoughts once it arrives.

Flop-shank: Point well-taken but I have additional factors that enter my carry equation given that I live in a very liberal city in Northern California. I have to balance the desire to stay alive if my safety is ever threatened with the desire to not go to jail, if you catch my drift. Concealment is a therefore a big deal. I'm a skinny guy and have enough to worry about keeping one gun invisible. I am considering an NAA Mini though.

PS: This post is all theoretical and I advise everyone to obey their local gun laws.

The square design allows for front or rear pocket carry..unless of course your front pockets are very tapered...on the rare occasion I pocket carry, I use my back pocket with a shirt over it...I don't like a gun in my front pocket and I'm used to having a gun at 3 or 4 o'clock so reaching into my back pocket is very natural...and if someone tells you to give them your wallet, that's what they think you'll be going for...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

sipowicz,

You sneaky dawg you!
;-)

MW

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NO GUNS, NO PEACE, NO SAFETY!

That is exactly my plan with my P3AT in my back pocket. Give me your wallet gun!

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Srigs

My quality built M36 leather holster was made by John O'Rourke: J.W. O'Rourke Leather Products -- Holsters, belts.

Something most people don't realize is that it is better to have a $100.00 belt and a $10.00 holster that the other way round....
Getting a proper gunbelt was the best thing I ever did for my carry rig...

Mrwildroot

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NO GUNS, NO PEACE, NO SAFETY!

IWB: Kramer IWB clip
OWB: Galco Speedmaster or Galco Stinger
Pocket: Mika

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Centennial Every Day

No, I carry it in my right front pocket and a Bianchi speed strip in my left rear pocket.

This thing absolutely "disappears". I can go all day and not even notice it. As I am writing this right now, I just a few minutes ago got up and got dressed. I thought"did I put my heat in my pocket yet". I just thought of it as I am typing this and I've not reached down and "felt" to see if it is there.

Yuppers, it is. You just don't notice it.

I haven't tried in ny my rear pocket. There is no reason why it wouldn't work.

Best of all, it is inexpensive. I think MSRP on it when I bought it was $14.95! Hey, you can't beat that with a stick...and the quality is excellent too.

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G.P. Charlie

As an added thought, the J frame grips shown in the above photo are Bianchi, however I don't use that one, the little finger grove "things" add to the bulk. I use the Bianchi Compact Pro instead. This design reduces the bulk by a considerable amount. They are thinner and don't cover the back strap. Here is a picture of them:



I would reccomend these to anyone using a J frame.

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G.P. Charlie

Thanks for that info.
I have seen both the square and rounded pocket holsters...guess the pants themselves aren't that much of an issue...

Like the grips as well!

MW

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NO GUNS, NO PEACE, NO SAFETY!

+1

I carried the same gun in the same holster all week. Works just fine.

Here is my pocket choice and my OWB choice. I have not carried my J-frame IWB although I would think it would be OK with the correct holster.


El Paso Pocket Max review by me


Lobo Gunleather Model 1 Pancake (to be reviewed)

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Oklahoma Shooters Rock

i use the Desantis Insider for IWB. It is by far my favorite holster.

BurkLee, that's a nice looking rig at a good price. When you review it, can you show pics from the top? I want to see how thin it is...I might pick one up for my SP101....but I hate thick leather.....guess I'm a bit spoiled by my Del Fatti LP....

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Just for fun, try to pick up a S&W "Hip Grip" and try it out, it doesn't get any thinner than that. It's another option and I think that it legally qualifies as a holster.

OWB CARRY . . .

I've been totally blown away with the Mitch Rosen OWB holster for my Model 36. I'm stunned how much better it rides and tucks, plus the workmanship is from another planet. NOW I know why they sell for what they do. HIGHLY recommended. I'm a lefty. Here's mine. Although it has no strap, it "clicks" into the holster with a perfect little click that holds it securely while also releasing the gun easily when drawn. Amazing:




POCKET CARRY . . .

I carry a M37 "Airweight" brother to this gun as my "always" pocket gun, in an Uncle Mike's #3. Why not the Nemesis? I couldn't find one locally when I was ready to buy. Both are fine . . . the Nemesis a tad better. The aforementioned Bianchi is also a good choice, as is the Mika. Best thing about the Uncle Mikes? It is cheap and does the job . . . sitting in my front pocket as I type this.



IWB . . .

I have a brand new, well-known open-topped leather IWB holster that I absolutely HATE. Why? I'm a big guy who needs to lose that inner tube and big belly . . . and IWB does not get along with a guy whose middle protrudes past his gunbelt!!! NOT the holster's fault, so I won't mention the well-known maker.

Here's the holster. The photo was taken just before the first, and last, time I tried it on!!!




BACK POCKET CARRY . . .

Ditto . . . us "larger guys" have enough protruding in all directions, from belly, "inner tube" on the side and butt already, so rear pocket carry ain't my cup of tea either.

We are all different. No one combination is best for all people. When I was rail-thin, my preferences would have been different. Hopefully, I'll get that way again as I work to reduce my weight.

For now though, that Rosen OWB that puts in tight on the outside of the belt is sooooo comfortable and concealable!

T.

I'm curious Tom...is this Rosen holster the one he calls "Upper Limit" or the "5JR" model? That looks EXACTLY like what I'm looking for!

Looks like an Upper Limit (straigh drop).

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Centennial Every Day

On Rosen's website, he states that the Upper Limit is a high riding holster. This one looks rather low to me.

My Upper Limit rides pretty high in comparison to other holsters. You need to keep in mind it's for a 2" J frame which gives it the impression of riding lower. The one Tom illustrates (thanks for the advice BTW) and the one I have are cut for a 1.5" belt.

It's the most comfortable J frame belt holster I've owned. It takes a little time to break in to your body contour. It feels great with a Model 60 and is very secure on the belt.

I forget I'm wearing it....works for me.

Lots of good advice here. I carry mine every day in a nice Bianchi OWB
that was well used but perfectly broken in and intact that I found in the
$5 box at a gun show. Lots of these guns were carried by plainclothes cops, so lots of old holsters out there. Goes great w/ my old flat-latch Model 37. Good luck.