IWB For a 66 2.75 " ?

Does anyone make a IWB for a Smith & Wesson 10061 66 K-Frame .357 MAG ? I will probably change the grips to something with a little profile than the stock grips . Reason I'm asking this I would love to carry the 66 2.75" CC this summer if practical . Picking up the new 66 today as a matter of fact. Really looking forward to shooting and carrying it ! I'm a summer time tee shirt guy but I guess a good paddle holster would work with a short sleeved shirt outside the belt .

There are plenty of options. I used a Milt Sparks Summer Special II with a 3" 65 and it worked very well for me, sometimes as long as 12+ hours in summer heat under an untucked shirt. Their VMII is another good option. VMII-style holsters, including those by other makers, have belt loops mounted fore and aft of the holster body, which can provide improved comfort because it spreads the belt pressure over a larger surface area, can help keep the gun stable, pulls the butt of the gun into the body, and can help keep the profile thinner. While I haven't used them for K-frames, I've used IWB holsters from Side Guard Holsters, Kramer Handgun Leather, and TT Gunleather and they're all well-made, good quality gear.

There are also production holster makers like Galco, Desantis, Bianchi, Gould & Goodrich, etc. that may have some options for you, but I'm not that familiar with their product lines.

If you can't find a holster that exactly matches your gun, you should be fine selecting a holster for a 3" 66, or a 3" K-frame if they don't give specific model compatibility. If in doubt, you can contact the maker and ask before ordering.

One other holster suggestion. I usually recommend that anyone interested in a revolver holster should look for a design that holds the cylinder about even with the belt. You can usually tell by looking at the relationship between the belt loops and where the holster is molded for the cylinder. While it may seem counterintuitive to stick the widest part of the gun under the belt, I've found this to be the most stable, comfortable, and concealable arrangement.

Also, if you don't have one already, a good, purpose-built gun belt will help support the gun and keep it concealed and comfortable. I prefer double-layer leather belts. My preferred maker is Beltman, but there are other good options. For a less expensive belt, you can use a nylon belt, like the Wilderness Instructor belt, especially their 5-stitch or reinforced models.

While I don't have experience with them, the paddle holsters I've seen look like the only way to conceal them is under an unbuttoned suit jacket or sport coat, or a heavier winter jacket.

Just my opinion. Hope it helps. Good luck on your holster hunt.

P.S.: If you don't have one already, be prepared to have a holster box. Finding the right holster is a trial-and-error process that we've all had to go through. A holster that works great for me may be not-so-great for you.

I've used a Milt Sparks summer special for my 3" 66 and 65 since the mid-80s.

A bunch of other makers offer their version.

I've gone to the Wilderness Tactical Frequent Flyer 5 stitch belt for everyday use as it's infinitly adjustable for length.

In the winter months I carry either a 2 1/2" Model 66 or a 3" Model 686+, The difference in weight is only about 3 oz.

The keys to carrying a handgun like a 2 1/2" Model 66 that'll weigh in at around 36 oz loaded comfortably all day long are:
- a well made double thickness leather gunbelt - ideally with a polymer stiffener sewn between the layers; and
- a well made IWB holster.

I use two holsters depending on the need.

The first (left) is a Wild Bill's Concealment Covert Carry. It's a tuckable design that I use with a tucked in shirt when I have to wear one. Wild Bills is located down the road Garner NC.

The second (right) is an IWB or OWB (reversible clips) Next Holster Guardian holster that is not tuckable, but very comfortable. Like Wild Bill's, the company is located here in North Carolina and everything is American made by actual Americans.

My understanding is the company was founded by a guy who left WBC due to creative differences, and it's a win win for us as you do get two different approaches, both in very comfortable and quiet all leather construction, as opposed to kydex or hybrid leather/kydex.



The Guardian is flat when it arrives, but in a couple days it will be molded very nicely to your hip contour.





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Both of the above holsters will stay open inside your waistband when the holster is removed. The WBC Covert Carry uses a double thickness leather with insert approach, while the Next Holster Guardian uses a lower profile approach where the square blocked front of the holster keeps it open.

The rear, single clip design of the WBC Covert Carry creates some space that works well for a slip over speed loader carrier to be carried in front of the holster, where it is very well placed for the FBI, Universal or Stress Fire reload techniques.

Adding to the excellent suggestions thus far would be the Kramer IWB holster and the Lobogunleather line of holsters as well.

All of my Kramer holster are horsehide....not a cheap solution however.

Randy

BB57 said:

Both of the above holsters will stay open inside your waistband when the holster is removed.

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This is an important point that I missed in my post. I only use IWB holsters with reinforced mouths that stay open after the gun is removed. While some people ignorantly claim "I don't need to speed re-holster," it's not for that purpose. It makes for a safer, more fumble-free re-holster. It's easier to insert the gun without having to point the muzzle towards your body to wedge the mouth open, stick your fingers in the path of the muzzle to open it up, or remove the holster to insert the gun. It also facilitates practicing, by making more efficient use of time because you don't have to try and use one of the aforementioned methods to reholster in an unreinforced holster every single time.

Just my opinion.

Thanks all for the excellent suggestions given . It will be most helpful in going through all the suggestions and coming up with a couple .

Thanks again !
Rich

growr said:

All of my Kramer holster are horsehide....not a cheap solution however.

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Same here. There are a couple of advantages to horsehide. One, it's denser than cowhide so the leather can be made a bit thinner and still retain excellent durability. I have a 1.25" horsehide belt from Beltman that works great and gives very good support, but is a tad thinner than my bullhide belts from the same maker. Second, because of that higher density, it's also a little more moisture resistant than cowhide, which can be important for IWB carry in hot weather. I've worn my Kramer horsehide holster on some sweat-inducing hikes and they show no signs of wear even with no care on my part.

I believe Milt Sparks offers a horsehide option on some of their holsters.

Now, is that difference significant enough to justify the extra cost? I don't know, but if it's an option and I can afford the horsehide version of a holster, that's what I'm going to go with.

Again, just my opinion.