Would like some comments from those of you who IWB a J Frame. Comfort level, security, stability and any other comments. I've carried a short barreled semi auto in a quality Kramer IWB. Even though it is not doing so, it sometimes feels like the bottom of the holster is trying to ride up above the belt level. Just a sensation. Does the J Frame do the same thing? Holster recommendations would be welcome. Thanks.

The very best IWB holster I have ever seen or tried is the Milt Sparks Summer Special.

Never had one of theirs seem to ride up.

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LEX ET ORDO

I began my carry days with a 4" N frame S&W; concealable even in the summer but a bit of a pain to wear... I then transitioned to several variations of S&W semi autos beginning with a 1076 in an Alessi IWB holster which was very comfortable for the size/weight of the gun. One of my favorite carry guns is currently a M&P 40c in a Milt Sparks IWB.

...but...

I "rediscovered" my J frames a couple of years ago and now carry a 642 in a Cutts IWB holster and I can honestly say that I don't even know the gun is there! The Cutts holster is not terribly expensive but it holds the gun securly with no thumb break and low enough where I don't fear anything coming "unglued." I carry at 4 o'clock and my only with were that the holster had a wee bit of forward rake to it as that's what I'm accustomed to with the Milt Sparks rigs. This is a tuckable holster, too, and I can conceal the J fram with only a T shirt tucked in!

I've aquired and used many different holsters over the years. Some were great for the application and some just didn't suit me. Everybody is different, of course, but I do like the Cutts for the J frame now.

Gary

I'm interested in the response to this post as well. I need an IWB for a 442. I've got two Galco Summer Comfort holsters, one for a 5"1911 and the other for my 686 3 inch. I'm happy with both in comfort and quality.

There are many fine options out there.

Slight nod for me -- with distinct caveats -- goes to the Alessi Deep Cover. It's specifically made for J-frame snubbies. The leather used is very thin compared even to most horsehide holsters, which is great for not taking up extra space, yet whatever they use to cure it keeps it exceptionally strong and resilient. I've been wearing one daily for a couple years with no discernible wear. Form-fit and holds the snubby well.

Two things, though, make the Deep Cover a standout for me: it's a low ride holster, which is harder to find for IWB, and it has the best clip I've ever used. The low ride allows the J to sit deep in the holster and very low in relation to the belt line; only the grip shows, barely. This makes for slightly more demanding hold when drawing, but in return it is notably better for concealment.

The clip used is designed to hook onto your pants, behind the belt rather than over it like most conventional clips. Result is you don't need a belt and the holster hooks securely and stays in place on draw, and since it's behind the belt it's that better concealed. Truly a top design.

The trade-off in choosing an Alessi Deep Cover, at least when I dealt with them (and I've encountered the same complaints from others since), is Alessi won't get your order out in the timeframe they claim, won't initiate communication any step along the way, will be hard for you to get in communication with, and will have bogus excuses why your holster isn't ready -- though it will eventually arrive.

It's a crummy trade-off, and only worth it if you have the time to wait and don't mind not knowing anything about how it's going. In return you do get what I think is the best J-frame IWB you can buy if consistent concealment regardless of build, garb and physical activity is your primary desire.

Every bit as good but in a higher ride configuration and with a conventional belt clip is Lobo Gunleather's Offset Belt Clip. It's excellent and equal to the Deep Cover in every respect regarding quality built. The higher ride slightly compromises perfect concealment in lighter garb or when leaning or bending over even in heavier clothing as all higher riding holsters will, but also makes for easier reach if you have to pull compared to a lower riding holster. The conventional clip does have to go over the belt.

Lobo Gunleather, a highly regarded member on this forum, has a well-deserved excellent reputation regarding the buying experience: professional, highly communicative, and fast turnaround, especially given the excellence of the product.

If wait and good communication are not an issue but top-quality and concealment for every occasion is, Alessi's Deep Cover might be for you. If a higher ride IWB is preferred or at least acceptable, and top-quality and tier-one customer experience are valued, Lobo Gunleather is the way to go.

Good luck; let us know what you do.

I carry my J frames in an old, worn down uncle mikes holster. It's been un-stitched and re-stitched to fit my 642 and 442 perfectly, and the clip was removed and reattached so the gun rides at my preferred height / angle.

I've never had issues with guns riding up, but I feel I like mine to ride lower than others do.

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- The Federalist #46 -

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I bought one. I have not used it much as I am not a J frame fan and only under the rarest of circumstances is it anything but a BUG. That aside, the design and workmanship of this holster are worth every penny.

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NHI, 10-8.

I paraphrased a bit...but I have 3 Alessi holsters..a Talon for my USP compact, a Talon for my 642, and a Watch-6 for my 1911. Excellent holsters..they hold the gun where it needs to be with no strap. I will say that the 642 Talon I have is so tight it's hard to get the gun to come out...but that will wear in over time. The Watch-6 gets used A LOT, and has had 2 or 3 years of use with little to no wear showing. The other Talon for the USP has had even more use...and same thing. Great holsters, average price for the higher end stuff...and totally worth it.

I started pocket carrying my M340PD a few years ago and do so constantly. Before I bought that I often carried my M640-1 IWB. I have a leather holster that worked great. But one holster I often used is a Bianchi Belly Band. With the gun behind the strong side hip it is very comfortable and disappears under a tucked in shirt. Believe it or not I acually carried my 3" M29-3 in that Belly Band, under a tucked in shirt. As long as it is bloused it is undectable.
It is real easy with a J-Frame. Give it a try.
Jim

Often overlooked for the 2" J-frames are the inexpensive IWB suede clip jobs. I've found mine in the $1 bargain bins at gun stores, left by folks who did not appreciate them. They will vary as to size and tension on the belt clip, but you can pick them up relatively inexpensively.

Or you can order directly from Bianchi: last I looked, it went for $29.95 and worth every penny, IMO. I use it daily with both .38 and .357 Js which are a bit beefier. Picked it up for $10 slightly used at a gun show.

I shy away from the more modern nylon IWB clips: have tried several and none pleased me. The suede jobs will conform to the gun in time and increase concealability. Also, some clip designs hold the gun deeper in the waistband, with just the grip showing.

I've never had a problem with these IWB clips as to printing or exposing the weapon. Hope this helps.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

If and when I do carry a J Frame it is with a Barami Hip Grip.

Stu

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NRA Benefactor/Cert Instructor

I use a Ramora IWB. I bought it for my 642 but then I retired it and began carrying a 640 Pro. I have found it to work very well even with the heavier gun. The only problem I had with it was when I first got it I kept thinking it was going to fall out of my pants. But it doesn't budge and there is very little printing. They are not very expensive and have a large line with many IWB and OWB choices.

I Carry My Model 60-7 in a Older DeSantis IWB Holster No Issues with Comfort at all, Not sure why they seem to have discontinued it it is smooth side out which Helps in the comfort department,If I was buying New today it would be something from Milt Sparks I own several Milt Sparks Holsters & have been very happy with each of them.

I carry a model 60 in a milt sparks vm2 or a vm2 style holster with a non reinforced mouth that sits about a half inch deeper.
very comfortable with a very active job