I am looking into the HSR and 200AW. The 200AW covers the hammer, while the HSR does not. I could see both having advantages, but what is best for concealed carry? I know they are both outside waistband, but I have clothes that cover over both holsters easy.

My understanding (and I’m possibly incorrect here) is that the only difference between those two holsters is that shroud or cover that the 200AW features.

I own a 200AW and, as OWBs go, i would not consider it as concealable as, say, a pancake-style rig (even the Sparks site notes the 200AW is, to them, more of a “field” holster.) That said, I’ve found it to be a little higher-riding than I’d expected (this is a “plus” to me) and, with the right covering garment, I can carry a five-inch S&W Model 27.

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I like this thinking because the Sparks in question is a copy of the Hank Sloan holster done at the request of Elmer Keith to Milt in '72 (see "Hell I Was There"). It is a blending of Keith's Chic Gaylord (note the styling) with the retention device of Sloan (patented then); it is not true that it was Milt who added the hammer guard because the Sloan already had one in the Myres style (the Sloan was a J.M. Bucheimer holster with the device added).

The Sparks version shown is very thick by being lined, and so is relatively bulky and heavy. Originally it was unlined; te hammer guards were not really there to prevent shredding the lining of the jacket (and then getting caught in it) but to prevent the hammer spur from being hit by the elbow and cocked into single action; with disaster to strike when the gun was drawn and pointed).

Agreed that a well-executed pancake will conceal better, control the position of the gun butt better. IMHO the asymmetrical pancakes are the most comfortable and release the revolver better, otherwise the symmetrical types squeeze shut from the belt's pressure.

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The Holstorian

That's an excellent , iconic , classic holster .

Keep in mind that in the Hank Sloan era , concealment meant suits . Not saying that to necessarily steer you away , it's a great holster , just to actually conceal , you would need a wardrobe that the younger generation would associate with Paul Harrell .

For modern concept of concealment of 4 inch full revolvers OWB, a Pancake style will conceal the best .

There are an infinite number of interpetations , and preferences are personal & subjective . * For Me * , the original Magnolia Ark Roy Baker is still the best .

Yes , yes , it's symmetrical . Yes , the leather is thinner than currently associated with high end holsters . But the ride height , rake , and design with no excess leather extending past the muzzle gives excellent concealment of full size guns .

Re: the pancake-style - I recently came back across this DeSantis scabbard. It came to me well-used already but has plenty of life left. It made carrying this 4-inch 27-3 a cinch.

I may well be placing an order for Kramer’s take on the Belt Scabbard - virtually identical to the DeSantis but in lovely horsehide and with loops sized to-order (1.5-inches for me). I’ve had one before and sold it off when I no longer owned the gun I’d used it with. It was an excellent holster, and I see that Kramer catalogs same for a five-inch N-frame, to boot.

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Thanks for the cool back story to the holster. I wear Hawaiian shirts but I agree the less leather would likely be easier to conceal, makes sense to me. Do you think they will keep a heavy revolver like a 686 in the holster if I had to run with it? Or should I just avoid running if at all possible with any strapless holster.

I have 2 IWB SUMMER SPECIALS from MILT SPARKS for CC. They work very well for my body style.

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V/r,
Markham

Easy, don't carry a heavy gun in the design. Bill Rogers of plastic holster fame was wearing a Sloan with a K frame when the latter came out of the former while running and ended up in the street; inspiring him to create this plastic paddle version of the leather Seventrees that was an IWB:

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Speaking of Hawaiian shirts (and that I grew up there), Honolulu P.D. told me that they wear their shirts with a single thread holding each button. Drawing consists of ripping at the shirt front vs lifting the shirt, to pop the buttons away.

The truest approach to concealing a weapon, is to decide where you want to wear it THEN choose the weapon that will fit there; considering size and weight and power. Vs. "I have an L frame, who makes a holster for it". Unless one is forced to carry an issue pistol. Big pistols belong on the waistbelt vs under the arm, and with the center of gravity as low as can be achieved yet concealed.

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The Holstorian

I have both Milt Sparks HSRs and 200AW rigs. Spent MANY countless hours with N frames in them both carried in the field and concealed.






In practical carry there is very little difference between the two when not using a cover garment. That said, I actually prefer the 200 AW as I tend to wear a light jacket or shirt usually covering the gun, and No you don't need a blazer to conceal one, as I regularly wear a 5" M29 in the winter time.


If you really want optimal concealment though, I would opt for a Summer Special. Yes they make them for K, L, and N Frame revolvers and in fact I am having one built as we speak for a 4" M29.