Anyone here carry a S&W Model 27 with a 3.5" barrel?

What holster are you using and who is still making holsters for this barrel legnth?

I Carry My 31/2" Pre 27 in a Tom Threeperson holster from El Paso Saddlery. They do still make them

I used to have a 3.5" 27 and now have a 3.5" 29. I gave up trying to have holsters made that fit "perfectly" after several tries. It seems none of the custom makers I talked to (and I contacted quite a few) has an actual 27 to mold a holster from and so they guesstimate it using a generic 4" N-frame dummy and cut the leather shorter. I was surprised that even old timers like Sparks and Alessi didn't have a 3.5" model to work with.

I've bought holsters from Milt Sparks, Fist, and 5 Shot and they all ended up being too long, sometimes just a tiny bit and sometimes quite a bit. All of them worked fine of course, it's just the principle of it that drives me nuts. I love to see a well made holster with the leather boned over the muzzle to protect it, and they can't do that when they're using the wrong gun. Plus I'm sure the shorter 27 cylinder and corresponding shorter OAL adds to the trouble. The only good thing about it is that when I got the model 29, which is a bit longer due to the longer cylinder, the holsters still worked okay.

I sold some of the holsters and currently only use the 5 Shot SAP (Snap Attachment Pancake) holsters for OWB, and Mark Garrity and Mitch Rosen IWB's which were actually made for 4" guns. I don't mind the longer leather for IWB because I feel it makes the holsters more comfortable and stable.

Here's some pics of my holsters. I highly recommend John Ralston at 5 Shot Leather, he does outstanding work and is very accomodating.
5 Shot SAP with elephant:


5 Shot SAP with crocodile:


Mark Garrity Incognito Deluxe


Mitch Rosen ARG

I have one. I think about carrying it sometimes, but I rarely do. I carry N frames often, but always opt for a big bore (even if it's a .44 Spl (and it often is)). It is a great handling, great shooting, finely made revolver, though. I would like one converted to .44 Spl, like Keith44Spl has. Nice leather NframeSmith! Similarly, I carry mine in an IWB made for a 4" gun by LOBO.



But it also fits beautifully in an OWB Milt Sparks PMK I had made years ago for a 3" 29-4.

This is my TT holster with shark trim made for my 325, but it also fits my 3.5" 27s very nicely with no barrel protuberance. Highly recommended.

Attached Images

DSC00542.jpg (101.0 KB, 85 views)

That's a great looking holster! Tim made me one of his snap holsters for my 3" 686; I really like his work and highly recommend it also.

Yep,



Su Amigo,
Dave

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Hi:
I am very pleased with Ray's custom made holsters @lobogunleather.
Ray is a fellow Forum member and his work is outstanding and reasonable.
Jimmy

I buy my sw 27 3.5" next week , I paid it 300 euros , great condition with the box no scratches.bubbajoe 45 your iwb holster is very nice.If it's possible to buy it, I WANT THE LINK
I will carry mine with a gk leather holster ( it's a french product, like me) but good quality
GOD BLESS U

I would carry mine if I had a job and money for holsters, although I'd carry my 4" 29-2 first, since I'm partial to .44 Special.

i carry my 3.5in pre 27 in a IWB horsehide from lobo even in oldnavy cargo shorts, with a good stiff belt i forget its there

I second Ray at Lobo. I carry a 4" 27 in an open-bottom version of his, with a matching ammo carrier.


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I hope I copied that right

I couldn't find anything for my 686 3" plus so I ordered the pmk from Milt Sparks (12-18) week wait but well worth it IMHO.