S&W Model 17 holster - any that are not custom?

[akadave]

I picked up a couple of older (50's) S&W model 17s. Would love to have a good crossdraw or strongside leather holster for woods carry. None of the companies that I have searched seem to have one for that particular revolver. Any suggestions?

Thanks

AkaDave

 

[elpac3]

I would look on eBay for a 6” K frame holster. I have picked up a couple of safariland for my k22 and combat masterpiece that way

 

[Baxter6551]

I have a model 17 that came with a S&W field holster which fits it perfectly. The coding on the back is 22 46 W. Maybe you could find one somewhere. But any K frame 6 inch holster should work.

 

[rednichols]

I picked up a couple of older (50's) S&W model 17s. Would love to have a good crossdraw or strongside leather holster for woods carry. None of the companies that I have searched seem to have one for that particular revolver. Any suggestions?

Thanks

AkaDave

For goodness sake, it's just a K frame Smith revolver, if any current maker is styming you it's because of the 6" barrel length with so many gunleather makers focusing on concealment holsters. Ebay is loaded with them, with holsters for that frame size and barrel length being made since at least the 1930s when the LAPD mandated "38 only" in Smith or Colt.

A Galco search for the 6" Smith K frame turned up at least this one. It's a good brand, maybe the best of the big makers:

 

[minconrevo]

Simply Rugged makes the holster as a regular item. I have one of them, for the purpose you mention. Galco is good stuff, as are others. Whatever you do, don't tote your M17 in a cheap holster. Your gun likes to keep its finish.

 

[Alk8944]

There are many standard production holsters for K-Frame S&Ws. Triple K and Hunter are two of them that are reasonably priced.

If you want a little better quality there is Craft Holsters: Craft Holsters(R) | Custom Made Leather Holsters

All you need to do is "Google" holster makers and you will find a bunch more of all qualities and prices.

 

[madmikeb]

I've been carrying mine in a Bianchi 5BHL for 40 years, works perfectly!

 

[chief38]

I believe Hunter used to make relatively inexpensive "generic" holsters that would fit that model. I also had a Bianchi holster years ago that fit a 6" Colt that would probably work for woods carry. Sorry, I do not remember the modle numbers.

I have no idea if they are still in production, but do an ebay search and see what you come up with.

 

[turnerriver]

Dave, welcome to the Forum. As the 6” K frame revolver has been a favorite for the past 100 years you’ll be able to readily find a vintage or currently made holster with a little searching.
Here’s a feature to look for that accommodates a target sighted gun-
This Myres holster has been maker cut to have the rear sight sit outside the top of the holster-it’s lined so the sewing indicates that the pattern cut was done by the maker.

Same thing, the border shows that this wasn’t cut by a later owner but by the maker.

This is a sewn in sight protector. There is a leather piece sewn into the holster that keeps the rear sight from cutting the holster, if well done the rear sight sits on the sewn piece away from the leather.

If not done precisely the inside gets cut up anyway.

Good luck finding the right holster, a little searching of the internet auction sites should get you what you want.
Regards,

 

[stansdds]

Welcome to the S&W Forums. For proper fit, just look to see if the holster is made to fit any 6 inch barrel K-frame. For a strong side/cross draw combo holster, the Bianchi Model 111 Cyclone comes to mind. Just make sure it is one of the later production versions, the first version of the Cyclone was cross draw only. Those made in Mexico are definitely the combo versions.

 

[Pisgah]

If K-frame holsters are hard to find it can only be a sign that the End Days have arrived...

 

[model17]

Gould & Goodrich #26 lined leather, on Ebay $20 or less. Have several (black & brown)that have held up well for the last 12 yrs.

 

[SSGRock]

I have a Triple K Style 440 Lightning Holster, Walnut Oil Plain Group 2 for my 29-4 83/8” barrel, UPC 3074544088. They probably have same holster for 6” K Frame. The style #440 is capable for Side - Crossdraw.

 

[Rangerone]

Ebay... Bianchi 111, look for the word "vintage" and stay away from anything made in Mexico.

Look at the photos carefully, white stitching is a good sign of care and/or storage. You want an even finish and chestnut brown was the original finish, darker might mean oil or water damaged.

Many are still in the original plastic bag packaging, and the quality was great.

 

[Ameshawki]

"K frame holster 6 inch" on ebay gets 156 hits.

 

[Frailer]

While I do own nicer holsters, my source for the “tramping around outdoors” variety is eBay. There are a *lot* of inexpensive, good-quality holsters out there, and many come attractively pre-battered.

 

[akadave]

Well found one immediately on Ebay. Factory S&W K frame 6 inch. Used but perfect for the purpose. Thanks guys!