Can anyone recommend a J frame shoulder holster

10Mad · Jul 11, 2022

Hey all. Although it’s not quite time yet to be wearing a jacket I wondered if anyone has a recommendation, good or bad, for a J frame snubby specific shoulder holster. The other thread had some good hands on info for bigger guns but I didn’t see much that would apply to the little guys. I can’t see wearing a full Miami Classic that weighs 2 or 3X what the gun weighs unless that’s the best version out there. Any experience with this is greatly appreciated

haywood · Jul 11, 2022

Call Dan he can make what you want

Fishinfool · Jul 11, 2022

I would google "upside down shoulder holster for a j frame" and take a look. I carried a 4 inch L frame for years in a Safariland version, and found it comfortable and lightweight. I attached a pic of my old rig, and would assume models for the smaller J frame would be even more comfortable and compact. And a nice bonus is the upside down style holster allows for easy gun draw with either hand.

Larry

BloodyThumb · Jul 11, 2022

I have used a Bianchi 9r for years. I never found anything better for a J. Mine is still in good shape and someday I may sell it as my boys have no use for J frames these days.

Here is an example borrowed from online.

Bianchi 9R Brown Leather Upside Down Shoulder Holster Rig For Smith S& – vintagegunleather

ColbyBruce · Jul 11, 2022

The best I ever used. Not sure if Bianchi still makes this or not, 209 Silent Partner.

10Mad · Jul 12, 2022

Thank you for the suggestions. I’m surprised at all the favor for the upside down type. A quick search looks like a current version may be tricky to find.

flintsghost · Jul 12, 2022

Try K L Null's SMZ - it is the lightest and most comfortable I've used and
currently he makes it for $85 plus postage. He usually delivers in 3 weeks or so.

K.L. Null Holsters, LTD | Custom Handmade Holsters and Accessories

THE PILGRIM · Jul 12, 2022

I’ve also had a Bianchi 9r for years.
Fits my 2 inch 66.
I never could seem to get the harness adjusted quite right.
Just took a look.
Mine is marked #9R 1
38/357
S&W

sigp220.45 · Jul 12, 2022

I got this no-name rig off eBay a couple of years ago. I like the set-up. I use it with a 2” Model 12, but I’m sure they come in J frame sizes.

S&W629 · Jul 13, 2022

CLASSIC LITE 2.0 SHOULDER SYSTEM: Shoulder Holsters | Galco Holsters

rednichols · Jul 13, 2022

10Mad said:
Thank you for the suggestions. I’m surprised at all the favor for the upside down type. A quick search looks like a current version may be tricky to find.

Ixnay on the odernmay. There are no contemporary inverted holsters that can be relied on to retain a revolver, nor can the oldest of them which is the 1940s Berns-Martin that originated the style.

The only acceptable inverted that uses elastic from the vintage category is the Bianchi Model 208/209, based on testing of all of them; and of the spring inverted, is the Bianchi 9R-1 and -2. Only these two styles were developed to pass a retention test, the others were just something holster makers offered because everyone else did.

So you buy them on auction sites, but ask the seller to run a finger through the spring opening while expecting a loud 'pop' as the spring snaps shut. Reject all other 9Rs.

The 'good ones' all look alike but nothing like the rest of the makers', having a hammer spur guard built into them and a pair of belt slots on both sides of the holster, too. They can be marked only 9R, 9R-1, and 9R-2 but to distinguish the style from the prior, inferior 9r without the hammer guard, we here call all of the 'good ones' the "9R-1".

JoeJGillham · Jul 14, 2022

Hey, I’m a big fan of shoulder holsters for smaller handguns, such as the J-frame Smith & Wesson. I find that shoulder holsters are not only versatile and easy to conceal, but can be very comfortable.

Greymann · Jul 15, 2022

Another vote for a 9r.
I have a 9R-2 works great.

.

shawn mccarver · Jul 15, 2022

Ken Null is a great choice. The SMZ is great, but you might also ask about the SKR. It is no longer on his website, but nothing is ever really out of production with Ken. The SMZ is explained and demonstrated in this video:

Ken Null SMZ Shoulder holster - YouTube

10Mad · Jul 17, 2022

After checking out the details of the recommendations I believe the Galco Classic lite is more in line with what I’m comfortable with. Does anyone have any experience with that particular model in snubby guns

crazyphil · Jul 17, 2022

I will give the 4th vote for the Bianchi 9R. I had one for years and
wore it often. Great little holster.

ColbyBruce · Jul 17, 2022

10Mad said:
After checking out the details of the recommendations I believe the Galco Classic lite is more in line with what I’m comfortable with. Does anyone have any experience with that particular model in snubby guns

I had a very similar model holster/harness/mag pouch for a S&W 3913. The rig was secure and comfortable to wear; however, that is a lot of leather wrapped around one’s body and it could become uncomfortable very quickly in most Georgia weather. It was a modular system, the total cost of all the components was around $150.00 way back then. Due to the horizontal placement of the holster the muzzle of the firearm is usually always pointing at someone.

jeeps · Jul 17, 2022

Like a good leather pancake for snubbys.

majick47 · Jul 17, 2022

Can't go wrong with any of the Bianchi 9R series of shoulder holsters, very comfortable/concealable with a S&W or Colt snub.

John Patrick · Jul 17, 2022

10Mad said:
After checking out the details of the recommendations I believe the Galco Classic lite is more in line with what I’m comfortable with. Does anyone have any experience with that particular model in snubby guns

I have a Galco Classic Lite for a compact 9mm semiauto. Hardness is good, holster sucks. I would spend the $s for a fitted holster.

The relative weight of the holster and revolver is immaterial, imo. You can wear a big, heavy gun in a shoulder holster without issue.

Can anyone recommend a J frame shoulder holster

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