Well, that does it !

[K-framer]

I've had it. Been trying to find a holster style/design that will work with my 6904 & 6906....and yet be even reasonably comfortable for summer wear. This time of the year, when not working (and I can't and don't carry at work), my usual dress is cargo shorts and an untucked t-shirt. I have tried every OWB holster type made.... and most of the IWB types (even some novel variations). I have also made several holsters, of various designs, in pursuit of the elusive goal of summer comfort while carrying. Everything I've tried digs into my back, side, butt, gut....you name it.... so that within from 15 minutes to an hour or so, I can't stand it any longer. Literally, IWB is agony for me - so that's right out, from now on. The ONLY OWB designs I've found, that are even remotely comfortable this time of the year, stand out from my body so much as to make concealing the gun nearly impossible.

Further, I've tried adding an undershirt, under my t-shirt or polo....but I am not used to that.....and with 90 deg. temps, it kills me (I am very hot natured). I've added LARGE bodyshields, of soft and thin leather, to every one of my holsters. Even that didn't do it.

In winter, with at least one shirt between the gun and my skin (and the aforementioned bodyshields) - no big deal. I use a jacket for coverage, so the issue of printing doesn't much come up.

Anyway, as I said, I've HAD it. The ONLY carry style that is at all comfortable for me, this time of year, is POCKET carry. Crazy, I know, with guns the size and weight of the 6904 & 6906. But, I am determined to make it work - it is my last resort. (The only other option is not to carry at all.) I doubt I'll find a pocket holster for these pistols, so I'll just make one (I've got some ideas on that already).

I have tried pocket carry a few times, with my cargo shorts and an old, thin leather holster....and it's not too bad. I don't seem to have any real problem with concealment and sitting in the car is not total agony, as it is with anything else. Of course, it feels a bit odd while walking, but I think it will be better with a proper pocket holster made for the guns.

Anybody else out there pocket carry a 6904 or 6906 (or similar) ? Am I crazy ? I mucked about quite a bit recently, with the idea of getting a smaller, more pocket friendly pistol as an EDC. However, I don't really like most of what's on offer, I don't need any more guns and I really LIKE my 6904 and 6906. I am VERY comfortable with them and I shoot them quite well. So, no "pocket pistols" for me. I will make do with the 6904 and 6906.

Anyone have any thoughts ?

(Sorry for the long post.)

 

[timn8er]

May I ask if you have tried a Don Hume JIT Slide belt holster? I've got two;one for my 3rd Gens & one for my M&P's. I find them comfortable & have no problems wearing them for eight or nine hours. Here's a pic:



I found mine on Ebay for about twenty five each shipped. Hope you find something that works for you!

 

[2ndshift]

Yes I have an idea. Its called a S&W 642.

 

[Lost Lake]

I carry quite comfortable with a Supertuck style I made from horsehide. I also LOVE my Lobo and my 3913, but usually don't carry that when I wear shorts.

IWB at the 3:30 position. Sit, walk, drive, work... it's all good.

I'm 5'10" and 240lbs. Maybe 1" of love handles on my hips, but the guns just squish into that perfectly.

.

 

[the deer hunter]

I had the exact same problem trying to carry my SR 9 C in summertime I eventually decided to go with a pocket pistol I just could not come up with anything that would work.

 

[2Paps]

I am using a leather lined kydex IWB holster and had similar problems. The solution that I came up with is to place a piece of mole skin on the offending portion of the holster. Mole skin comes with a sticky back so you don't have to worry about messy glues. I've just recently done this mod and have not had time to evaluate how long it will hold up.

Good luck finding an acceptable solution.

 

[Smithsrevenge]

I've run into the same issue. Except i have the squared trigger guard so the hunt for ANY holster that is leather *i hate kydex* is nearly impossible.

So I resorted to the chop shop.

I took a Desantis thumbreak pancake made for the Springfield XDM compact.

I sliced off the thumbreak. Leaving enough leather to act as padding on the inner side of the holster. Making a high ride OWB pancake open top.

Fits my 6906 perfectly. And seeing as its a pancake it holds very tight to the body.

Highly comfortable, carries nicely and doesnt dig. Plus its tight enough to my strong side that if i throw a short sleeve button up on, *buttoned or not* it fully conceals the gun.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Like timn8er, I like the Don Hume JIT belt slide holsters.

Got several, this one is for my Beretta 92fs Inox.

My colt LW Commander.

Glock 19, gen. II.

Glock 26, gen. 2 1/2.

 

[Smithsrevenge]

Like timn8er, I like the Don Hume JIT belt slide holsters.

Got several, this one is for my Beretta 92fs Inox.

My colt LW Commander.

Glock 19, gen. II.

Glock 26, gen. 2 1/2.

And where do you find these? I'm looking for one for my 6906 as well and on the DH website they are listed as "showroom" only for $27.95. .....Thats a long drive from Maine haha

 

[ColbyBruce]

I purchased some of these from the classifieds here and a local forum.

 

[timn8er]

"And where do you find these? I'm looking for one for my 6906 as well and on the DH website they are listed as "showroom" only for $27.95. .....Thats a long drive from Maine haha" Smithsrevenge

Like I said in my post, I found mine on Ebay. They're not used, they are brand new & I believe they come from Don Hume. You may have to dig, but they can be found.
update:
Actually, I found you one on Amazon. Check out the description. Even though it doesn't mention a 6906, I'm sure that this is the one you need. It fits several 3rd Gens.

Amazon.com : Don Hume JIT 33 S&W 457/4013/4516-1 RH : Gun Holsters : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/610gDHE6MCL.@@AMEPARAM@@610gDHE6MCL

Just to make sure, I tried the holster with all the pistols mentioned, plus my 4513TSW & my 6906. It works with all my 3rd Gens. I remember also that I used the holster for the last class I took, & I used my 6906. It worked well, just make sure you have a sturdy belt. Hope this helps you!

 

[elm_creek_smith]

The Don Hum JIT is an excellent choice if you can find one. If you're having real problems, contact Bell Charter Oak holsters through the Vendors section on this site. Lefty can help you.

ECS

 

[K-framer]

I've got a couple of the JIT slide holsters - one Don Hume and another, a close copy. Same issue as all the others I've tried - the gun digs into my side. I'll bet that all of you guys, who've recommended this one, wear an undershirt or a t-shirt tucked in and a loose cover shirt.

As I said in my original post, I can't stand that. I am so hot-natured that I burn up that way - and get drenched in sweat (even more so than normal). If I could stand to wear an undershirt, or t-shirt tucked in, that would solve the problem. Believe me, I've tried. I do dress that way in the winter months - and the comfort issue goes away. But, summer is a b^%&* !

I also (as I stated already) added large body shields of soft, thin leather, to ALL of my OWB holsters, including the JIT slide(s). Doesn't really help.

I am working on a pocket holster for the 6904/6906, but I can already see what will be the over riding problem with this - weight. 27 ozs + ammo just makes for a serious chunk of something to schlep around (in your pocket). I don't think that the overall size will be a real problem, as I've had no problems with concealment so far. But, the weight (of the pistol) is definitely better balanced when carried on my hip (in a holster).

I really DON'T want to buy another pistol, just to solve this problem. But, I may have to. I really miss my CS9 right now !!!

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

 

[timn8er]

I've got a couple of the JIT slide holsters - one Don Hume and another, a close copy. Same issue as all the others I've tried - the gun digs into my side. I'll bet that all of you guys, who've recommended this one, wear an undershirt or a t-shirt tucked in and a loose cover shirt.

As I said in my original post, I can't stand that. I am so hot-natured that I burn up that way - and get drenched in sweat (even more so than normal). If I could stand to wear an undershirt, or t-shirt tucked in, that would solve the problem. Believe me, I've tried. I do dress that way in the winter months - and the comfort issue goes away. But, summer is a b^%&* !

I also (as I stated already) added large body shields of soft, thin leather, to ALL of my OWB holsters, including the JIT slide(s). Doesn't really help.

I am working on a pocket holster for the 6904/6906, but I can already see what will be the over riding problem with this - weight. 27 ozs + ammo just makes for a serious chunk of something to schlep around (in your pocket). I don't think that the overall size will be a real problem, as I've had no problems with concealment so far. But, the weight (of the pistol) is definitely better balanced when carried on my hip (in a holster).

I really DON'T want to buy another pistol, just to solve this problem. But, I may have to. I really miss my CS9 right now !!!

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

Well, with me anyway, you'd lose that bet, because I've never been one to wear an undershirt. I have no comfort issues & wear a loose fitting shirt to cover. Sorry it doesn't work for you. BTW, if you had mentioned in your original post that you had tried the JIT Slide & didn't like it, I wouldn't have wasted your time by suggesting it, & my own by posting suggestions.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

What kind of belt did you use? If you happen to be using a flimsy department store belt that could be the cause of your discomfort. A stiff belt designed to carry a handgun does not have to be cinched up as tight thereby less pressure placed on your body.
I carry a Glock 23 as my EDC for off duty using a Galco Summer Comfort IWB holster and a Galco belt with no comfort issues at all. Even have a Gould and Goodrich paddle magazine carrier on the off side. My clothing is most always a polo shirt one size larger and jeans or khakis. 5'10" and 205 pounds, BTW.

 

[CA Escapee]

I realize you're talking about an OWB holster. I don't know if you're interested in an IWB. I was in a shop today and looked at DeSantis Cozy Partner IWB holsters. They're not made for a particular model, but two or more models roughly the same size.

Bill

 

[K-framer]

Timn8er,

I'm sorry if I "wasted your time". I did state that I had tried basically every style of OWB holster. I don't really see that it is reasonable to have expected me to mention the JIT Slide specifically, let alone the brand and model of every other holster I've tried. Do you ?

As for me, I appreciate your efforts, anyway. So, from my perspective, you did NOT "waste my time".

Kframerbluvr,

The belt I use is not a specific "gun belt", as sold by one of the holster makers. However, it is 1.75" wide x almost 1/4" thick and pretty stiff. Nevertheless, you may have hit on something. I do pull my belt pretty tight, in order to prevent any rocking of the gun in the holster. I see your point. An even stiffer belt might just be the ticket. Thanks ! I'll give that one a try. Couldn't hurt, as they say.

CA Escapee,

Thanks for the idea. I have tried a number of IWB holsters, though not everything on the market, of course. Not one them was comfortable at all, for me. In fact, sitting (like in the car, for example) tends be sheer agony for me. So, I have a strong feeling that the IWB types are not the way forward for me. I appreciate the effort, though.

As for the suggested solution of "a S&W 642"..... actually, I looked at and strongly considered a 442. You're right, that would solve the problem. I just recently dropped 38 Spl - and revolvers, in favor of 9mm (and the autos I now have). However, never say never. A J-frame as a pocket carry gun is a heck of an attractive idea, I must admit !


Finally, my continued thanks to everyone. I appreciate your trying to help. Apparently, I am a difficult case. (Not the first time I've heard that !)

 

[Rpg]

You need a good belt and a good holster. You should get them from the same maker.

I use only Del Fatti or Milt Sparks. Expect to pay 300-400 for the set. You won't find the good ones at your LGS.

Do not think a 'one size fits all' holster comes anywhere close to one made precisely for your handgun - right down to the sight configuration and grips

You can buy a lot of $30.00 holsters and Sears belts and end up with a box full - and spend more money than you would have if you get one good rig to begin with.

The belt is under appreciated! It does much more than keep your pants up.

 

[Joe Kent]

Another thing may be to change your wardrobe. In the summer and warmer times I purchase button up square bottom sport shirts{not quite Hawaii style but close} . I then wear a 1 1/2 inch gunbelt and a Elpaso HighSlide outside the belt for both 45 Gov't and snub 681's, for J-Frames, I use one of Lefty's{Bell Charter Oak} Visaversa., and for Hi-Powers and Sigs, nothing beats LOBO's advanced Avenger. The Shirt is loose and not form fitted so it is easy to hide a "fighting Pistol or Revolver" as well as extra ammo. Try the shirt first with your current holster.

 

[wildenout]

shtfgear.com and rgrizzleleather.com are my fav's! Just sayin..