Hello All around,

Friend of mine asked me to send him a holster for his Colt DS. As I have only Smiths, I wonder if the DS will be more comfortable in a K or J frame holster or is it a different animal all together and not fit properly into either? Anyone Know?

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QM3

Colt DS is between J & K frames, too big for a Jframe holster & loose in a K frame holster.

Bianchi and others used to mark their holsters for Colt.

Some of those marked SM REV might work, but you may be stretching one really made for a J-frame.

Same applies to holsters for the Ruger SP-101.

"Most" nylon holsters intended for a J frame will work for a DS. At least mine seems to be OK in them.

My Colt DS actualy fits my Mika pocket holster better then the J frame it was made for.

If however, you are dealing with a "fitted" leather holster (like a Krammer, etc.) I imagine you will be out of luck with something made for a J or k frame.

Ruger SP101 holsters worked for mine....

Most Ruger SP101 holsters will also work for a Colt DS. Since the Ruger is still in production, you will have a much easier time finding a holster marked for a Ruger SP101 as opposed for one marked for a Colt. I have both Colt DS and Ruger SP101 and both guns fit the holsters I have. (squidsix's reply was not there when I drafter mine)

Although a bit tight my Cobra fits any of my J frame holsters.

I have a Simply Rugged holster made for my Cobra for 60 bucks. Why not get one that fits your gun? I'm sure Lobo could also make one.

The Colt Detective Special is built on their 6 shot "D" frame. It is larger than the S&W 5 shot J frame and smaller than the S&W 6 shot K frame. Any holster you find that is marked for the Colt Cobra, Colt Agent will also fit the Detective Special. I also imagine some generic nylon holsters will fit as well. Good luck.

Cheers;
Lefty

Ok, thanks! Now I've got the picture.

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QM3

I just tried a DS in all three of the Bianchi J Frame holsters pictured, it fit them all perfectly...

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"Shall not be infringed"

I just received a Lobo Leather shoulder holster for my Colt Magnum Carry, which is basically the same frame as the DSII. I tried to put a S&W 66 in the holster and it will not get past the cylinder.

I would recommend considering the Lobo holsters. See attached.

Attached Images

	Lobo Leather 024s.jpg (179.4 KB, 82 views)
	Lobo Leather 023s.jpg (163.8 KB, 72 views)

The one thing about holsters sometimes people forget is that they are often leather and they will stretch if they are leather. An older holster will have a worked in feel. Being that the Colt Detective Special is between the J and K frame try buying the holster made for the gun. The J frame will be very tight and you will have to work the holster in but sometimes holsters can be made to fit two sizes such as a J Frame and a D frame from Colt. The K frame may be too big and when wearing in could become a very sloppy fit with a smaller gun. Another note which nobody has brought up is to have it lined if your Detective Special is blued so that the finish is protected. It isn't as important with a nickel finish.

You might be able to jam a Dick Spl. into a J-Frame holster, but the cylinder flutes molded in the leather will not line up with the gun, causing a more difficult draw from the holster. It will not be as secure as if the cylinder did line up correctly also. If you are seriously considering daily carry of your Dick Spl, buying a good leather holster designed specifically for it might be a good idea. Otherwise it's kind of like trying to use a GM power steering pump and jamming it into a Ford. Just my opinion of course.

Chief38

Ray at Lobo made one of his pancakes for a friend's DS...he absolutely loves it....you should think about steering him to a custom made rig....the DS deserves a home of it's own. And your friend can experience that giggly feeling you get when your holster arrives....

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

You know, I think that's exactly what I'll do and keep my S&W J and K holsters. I'll also tip him off to Lobo.....

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QM3

I have 2 Lobo holsters made for my DSes and they are worth every cent. One is an OWB pancake style, the other is a IWB with straps and snaps and they are the only holsters I carry my DSes in.

You could sell your holsters. I am sure if they were kept in good condition people will buy them. Especially when many holster can be quite expensive and buying a used one can save a lot of money.