Above the belt line IWB holster for K frame
- Thread starter tbird
- Start date
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Every holster design involves compromises among the four factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealability.
IWB designs usually emphasize concealability, with some compromise of accessibility. Security is generally good because the bulk of the handgun is held closely into the body by belt tension.
The holster design you have described sounds like an attempt to increase accessibility. This may come with a compromise in security as the bulk of the handgun is not supported or secured by belt tension. Without some form of mechanical retention device such a holster would have relatively little retention ability.
Only the user can decide how much of one factor may be compromised in order to achieve the desired goals. Careful consideration and evaluation of one's usual activities are called for.
IWB designs usually emphasize concealability, with some compromise of accessibility. Security is generally good because the bulk of the handgun is held closely into the body by belt tension.
The holster design you have described sounds like an attempt to increase accessibility. This may come with a compromise in security as the bulk of the handgun is not supported or secured by belt tension. Without some form of mechanical retention device such a holster would have relatively little retention ability.
Only the user can decide how much of one factor may be compromised in order to achieve the desired goals. Careful consideration and evaluation of one's usual activities are called for.
flop-shank
US Veteran
It seems to me that this is an attempt to increase concealability by decreasing the cylinder bulge. A gun that sits lower IWB will be easier to draw because the cover garment won't have to be lifted as far, nor will the gun hand. Unless you are trying to hide an 8 3/8" barrel such a "cylinder above the belt" set up is a waste of time, IMO. I used to carry a 6" 686 (L frame) IWB all the time. The cylinder was under my belt and concealment was never an issue. I now hide a 5" N frame using the same set up, and I'm not a large guy at all (5'7"/200lbs). With the right belt and holster the cylinder bulge and concealment of a 4", or shorter, K frame should be a nonissue, even for smaller people.
Thanks
LoboGunleather and flop-shank,
Thanks for the response, I am former military and law enforcement and have carried a 1911, BHP, 92F, Sig, commader and many different models of revolvers ( k - frame smiths are my primary choice)IWB until an injury and major weight loss has forced me to look at alternate method of carry. I can not have the extra pressure of the cylinder pressing on the hip. A high rise that places the cylinder above the belt line releaves the pressure, but in my current work can not afford to have any exposure at all while in public. Yes I have CCW Permit. As I stated I have seen this type of hostler on one of Midways shows just can't find the show now. Once again thank you for the imput , but at this point I am now at the point that if I can't find one of thse holsters I will have to resort to a much smaller weapon and would rather not if possible, but hey nobody said it was a perfect world.
Thanks again,tbird
LoboGunleather and flop-shank,
Thanks for the response, I am former military and law enforcement and have carried a 1911, BHP, 92F, Sig, commader and many different models of revolvers ( k - frame smiths are my primary choice)IWB until an injury and major weight loss has forced me to look at alternate method of carry. I can not have the extra pressure of the cylinder pressing on the hip. A high rise that places the cylinder above the belt line releaves the pressure, but in my current work can not afford to have any exposure at all while in public. Yes I have CCW Permit. As I stated I have seen this type of hostler on one of Midways shows just can't find the show now. Once again thank you for the imput , but at this point I am now at the point that if I can't find one of thse holsters I will have to resort to a much smaller weapon and would rather not if possible, but hey nobody said it was a perfect world.
Thanks again,tbird
flop-shank
US Veteran
A 1 3/4" Beltman belt and a FIST 1A kydex/leather hybrid IWB holster.
tbird, you might want to look at a 3" model 60 if the K frame doesn't work out. It's the little full size gun. Seriously, my wife has one and I can put the lead out about as well as I can with an L frame .357. Five shots, .357, 3" barrel and adjustable sights. There is also a five inch model 60 FWIW.
Sorry to hear about your difficulties and best wishes as you learn how to live with and work around your infirmity.
tbird
I am sorry that I cannot identify the holster you saw, but I am sure someone here will be able to help you with the name if you are patient. I believe I have seen more than one maker of this type design, but am unable to recall any names right now.
I am sorry that I cannot identify the holster you saw, but I am sure someone here will be able to help you with the name if you are patient. I believe I have seen more than one maker of this type design, but am unable to recall any names right now.
FinnMike
Well-known member
The only holster that immediately comes to mind is Hoffer's....
Ultrex Holsters
Oh - CABO as well
Cabo Holsters Home
Ultrex Holsters
Oh - CABO as well
Cabo Holsters Home
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flop-shank
US Veteran
Actually, now that you mention it, someone on this board, I don't remember who, tried the Hoffner holster a while back. IIRC, it was an unworkable, unstable mess. It would be neat to see what Lobo could do with that concept. A cylinder above the belt IWB holster would be the ticket for my 7 1/2" Redhawk.
Galco IWB
I recently bought a Galco OWB holster for my J frame (it also fits my SP-101) that rides high enough so that the cylinder is above my belt.
This not only minimizes the width at the beltline, but it keeps the barrel out of sight if my shirt or cover garment rises.
I am extremely happy with it. Don't know if they make one for a K frame but the stock # on mine is: SIL156.
I recently bought a Galco OWB holster for my J frame (it also fits my SP-101) that rides high enough so that the cylinder is above my belt.
This not only minimizes the width at the beltline, but it keeps the barrel out of sight if my shirt or cover garment rises.
I am extremely happy with it. Don't know if they make one for a K frame but the stock # on mine is: SIL156.
Flop-Shank
I might have to try the 60 idea, me and autos just don't seem to work out since surgery. Really like 1911's but don't run well for me. XD service is the only one that works all the time so far. But as the wife loves to say, that old 66 has never jammed has it? Thanks for the kind toughts. I went back to college a few years ago and complete my BSE in Social Studies and have been teaching for 8 years now. Last surgery was a couple of years ago, but hey I am still above agound so its all good. Thanks again,
tbird
I might have to try the 60 idea, me and autos just don't seem to work out since surgery. Really like 1911's but don't run well for me. XD service is the only one that works all the time so far. But as the wife loves to say, that old 66 has never jammed has it? Thanks for the kind toughts. I went back to college a few years ago and complete my BSE in Social Studies and have been teaching for 8 years now. Last surgery was a couple of years ago, but hey I am still above agound so its all good. Thanks again,
tbird
Finnmike
Thanks, you nailed it. It was the Ultrex that I saw, haven't heard of Cabo, but after looking at the K4 I might have to give it a try. You gave me something to think about and that can be dangerous. Now if I could just get Smith & wesson to make a light weight 3 inch 66 I would be all set.
Thanks again,
tbird
Thanks, you nailed it. It was the Ultrex that I saw, haven't heard of Cabo, but after looking at the K4 I might have to give it a try. You gave me something to think about and that can be dangerous. Now if I could just get Smith & wesson to make a light weight 3 inch 66 I would be all set.
Thanks again,
tbird
Flop-shank
Thanks for the heads up on the Ultex,If you hear anything about the Lobo could you let me know I hear they have great products.
Maybe some one has tried teh Ultrex and I can get some imput. As teh Wife says autos may be the hot thing , but give me six for sure.
Thanks,
tbird
Thanks for the heads up on the Ultex,If you hear anything about the Lobo could you let me know I hear they have great products.
Maybe some one has tried teh Ultrex and I can get some imput. As teh Wife says autos may be the hot thing , but give me six for sure.
Thanks,
tbird
3rdgenfriend
Well-known member
I just purchased the same Galco for my Model 60 pro series at my LGS. Galco Customer service just told me the SIL156 is discontinued and is made for "up to 2 1/8" barrel Jframe with internal hammer". Mine has a hammer and 3" barrel and sights but the holster fits and is able to be snapped. It is tight, but works and will break in, and my barrel hangs out just a little. I got this Holster for $10.00 because it did not have the package, and I looked for more online and it does not come up anywhere as it is discontinued... If you can find one, may be a good solution. Also, I just purchased one made in Turkey from Pusatholsters, which is made for my exact model and is only $35.00...i am waiting for delivery... Just my two cents on holsters.
tbird, Can you write the show and ask them?
I carried a K frame for over 30 years. You might consider carrying your revolver IWB in front of your hip bone to relieve the unwanted pressure. I tried many different positions on the waistline and that's the best solution I found for the same problem. I use one of the Don Hume IWB holster.
I carried a K frame for over 30 years. You might consider carrying your revolver IWB in front of your hip bone to relieve the unwanted pressure. I tried many different positions on the waistline and that's the best solution I found for the same problem. I use one of the Don Hume IWB holster.
njdet354
Well-known member
Hoffners holsters in Houston Tx
