Model 19 2.5" CCW Holster Suggestion

Shakey357 · Nov 26, 2015

I'm sure that I haven't found all of the posts on this; so I'm throwing it out as a general question. I have a Model 19 2.5 and I'm looking for holster suggestions (everyday CCW) from members still carrying this fine revolver. I currently have a late 70's vintage Safariland scabbard (OWB) that's great but aging out quickly. I'm open to both OWB and IWB suggestions.

Here are a few that I have "computer browsed" that seem like good candidates. Anyone currently use one of these?

Bell Charter Oak Magnum Holdout (IWB) or Kodiak Scabbard (OWB)
C. Rusty Sherrick U.S. High Ride (OWB)
Simply Rugged (Have a pancake for S&W 3 inch - like it)

I'm open to suggestions. The BCO Kodiak looks like a modern version of the old-timer I currently have. However; an IWB would make this a much more useful revolver for daily carry.

I look forward to hearing from members. Happy Thanksgiving!

Jaysq · Nov 26, 2015

Take a look at Wright Leather Works Concealed Carry Leather Holsters - Wright Leather Works LLC

This photo below is my 640-1 in one of their Predators. I have carried my Shield in one for over 2 years and the fit and retention are still spot on. Their craftsmanship is second to none. This holster will hold your gun close to your body.

S&W 640-1 005cf by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr

epj · Nov 26, 2015

Looking at holsters for a 2-1/2" 66, which is of course the same gun. I'm sort of leaning toward one that El Paso Saddlery calls the Double Agent. It's a pancake style that can be worn strong side with forward cant , or cross draw with forward cant. Lobo makes similar as their 1-D model. I'm probably going to order one of these in the near future. Haven't decided which brand yet. Need to look a little closer at the details of each.

Buford57 · Nov 26, 2015

The old Bianchi #3 Pistol Pocket IWB holster worked fine for me. You still see them on eBay from time to time.

Vom Brunhaus K9 · Nov 26, 2015

Jay Pee suede inside pants with belt clip works fine for me and can use it also for my model 10 .

bronco45 · Nov 27, 2015

I like and use the Bianchi Pistol Pocket for my K frames. Thumbreak retention, adjustable cant 360 degrees, can be worn with FBI butt forward cant, neutral or no cant, crossdraw cant and a snap system that is far superior to the metal clip. Stiff thin leather and reholster with one hand.

Been using one since 1980, still a great revolver rig!

GunarSailors · Nov 27, 2015

I am really fond of my G&G holster.

dmar · Nov 27, 2015

I think it's really hard to beat a Milt Sparks holster. I use their VMII for IWB carry, and wouldn't change it for anything...

jimmyj · Nov 27, 2015

LOBO DUAL CARRY PANCAKE HOLSTER

Decker · Nov 27, 2015

I've become quite fond of the Don Hume J.I.T. holsters.

I used a generic Yaqi Slide holster for a Lt.Wt. Commander I had and it work well, but the J.I.T.'s take that concept and refined it quite a bit to where you would choose a formed fit holster for whatever pistol you want to carry.
While the J.I.T. will work for any pistol that they make a holster for, I wouldn't carry anything heavy in it. For heavier pistols, I go with my Milt Sparks VMII and similar others.

But for about $20 a piece, it's cheap to buy one for almost ever carry pistol you have. Cheaper Than Dirt! - Search Results

My most frequent carries in J.I.T. holsters are my S&W 642, Colt Defender 9mm, 6906, and Colt Lt.Wt. Commander.

Just one thing; like when any holster is used, you NEED to have a good gun belt, a REAL gun belt that is the proper width and supports you weapon as it should be.
You can always tell when people use a regular dress belt because you can see their piece flop around under their shirt.

jimmyj · Nov 27, 2015

Belt Slide: A lesson I learn:
These type holsters that allow the barrel or slide to extend pass th holster bottom should have a retraining strap as when sitting (car seat) the cushion can push the barrel or slide up and out of the holster. This happen to me on a cold night stakeout settling down in the car seat, I hear a "Clunk" and my investigation found my Model 64 down between the door and the car seat.

Buford57 · Nov 27, 2015

jimmyj said:
Belt Slide: A lesson I learn:
These type holsters that allow the barrel or slide to extend pass th holster bottom should have a retraining strap as when sitting (car seat) the cushion can push the barrel or slide up and out of the holster. This happen to me on a cold night stakeout settling down in the car seat, I hear a "Clunk" and my investigation found my Model 64 down between the door and the car seat.

I agree and extend it in practice to all holsters. I had the butt of a 469 snag on a seat cushion and extract itself from my Milt Sparks Summer Special when I exited my car in a hurry. (Actually I think the extraction started when I sat down, but wasn't complete until I stood) The man who convinced me to order the Summer Special did so by standing on his head and doing the hula. His BHP stayed put.

Alk8944 · Nov 27, 2015

Take a look at the Bianchi 111 Cyclone. It can be worn either strong-side forward cant, or cross draw.

Aircrewman · Nov 28, 2015

Another vote for the Bianchi "Pistol Pocket." It is the one that I currently use for my M-66 2 1/2". Best holster that I have ever used for any IWB gun.

scooter123 · Nov 28, 2015

I have a Galco IWB I purchased recently for a 2 1/2 inch 19-3 I lucked into about a month ago. For the 70 dollars spent it's a well designed well made holster I am completely satisfied with. BTW, all of my holsters are Galco's and the reason for that is that every single one has proven to be well designed and well made. In fact the Skyops I've been using to carry my P239 since 2008 is still going strong in spite of being used every day winter or summer.

PS: Was a time when I just didn't understand all the fuss about snub nosed revolvers. Used to think that short barrel wouldn't have a sight radius long enough to be useful or a barrel long enough to be effective. Now that I have the 19-3 mentioned I now understand the appeal. That shorter barrel means a sight picture with just a whisker of daylight which allows more consistent sight alignment and the balance of my model 19 is just perfect.

CH4 · Dec 4, 2015

FWIW, when I carry my 19/66 2.5" OWB, I use a Galco Combat Master.

DevilDog72 · Dec 4, 2015

sooooooooo many choices

For concealed carry of my 19 snub I use a Lobo Enhanced Pancake. For open carry I use a Bucheimer thumb break.

sierra255 · Dec 13, 2015

Another vote for the Galco Combat Master which houses my 66-1. Off the rack and no waiting period. For IWB I use the Bianchi Model 100.

chief38 · Dec 13, 2015

The thinner, stiffer, stronger and lighter an OWB holster is the better I like it. So far to date, my longest lasting (around a dozen or so years old) and absolute best holster I've had is my Kramer Leather HORSEHIDE Belt Scabbard. I also have the double thick HORSEHIDE Belt and Ammo Dump Pouch. I've worn this Rig every week (at least 3 times per) for around a dozen years now and the damned thing is still as stiff and retentive as the day I got it. The ONLY thing i have ever done to it is hit it with an occasional treatment of Kiwi black Shoe Polish - that's it.

I no longer will use holsters with retention straps, snaps, velcro, screws, etc. The holster I am talking about is custom made, molded perfectly to my M60-7 and like I said, is still as good as new! It covers the trigger guard and is very simple in design. I would highly recommend looking at one.

chief38 · Dec 13, 2015

As far as IWB carry is concerned I am more than likely the minority here because I prefer the old fashioned thin, suede "pouch type holster". They are the thinnest (most comfortable to me) and I have offset the clip on one. As you can see, they last virtually forever! The grey one with the clip I offset (left) is almost 50 years old, the brown one (center) is 35 years old and the light tan one (right) is still unused - but about 20 years old.

Re-holstering with one hand is difficult, but not important to me. If I pull out my gun it's to use. I can always stick it in my waist band and not the holster itself for a quick, temporary re-holster if need be.

When I do IWB carry it is at the 9 o'clock position (I am right handed) Butt forward. Out of sight with a light shirt over it, deep down in pants, simple, comfortable and efficient. they are cheap enough to try last time I bought one - if still out there.

Model 19 2.5" CCW Holster Suggestion

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