I am in search of a shoulder holster for my new Model 69 4.25" L Frame .44 Mag. It needs to be concealable so a cross body chest style is not suitable. I prefer a horizontal carry holster but vertical can be ok. Want a quality holster.

This revolver just does not show up in the "Search by Gun" listings among holster sellers. I've tried comparing specs for this revolver with other S&W L Frames but in the couple of tries there have been minor differences in dimensions that concern me about fit. Galco makes holsters for a 4" L Frame but say that the 4.25" won't fit.

Recommendations will be greatly appreciated, especially if you have actually purchased and used a suitable holster for this revolver.

Galco horizontal have open muzzles and should fit.

Another vote for the Galco MC104. I use it regularly to carry my 2.5" 686 and 396. It will work perfectly for your 69.

Attached Images

8967A9BA-B534-45E9-B702-FC691BF813E3.jpg (62.4 KB, 44 views)

__________________
213th FBINA

The Miami Classic II will work well for you because it's horizontal with an open muzzle. I use it for carrying my Para Ordnance 1911 and it's comfortable.

Before going with a horizontal carry with a revolver, check the overall length of the gun compared to the overall width of your body. If you're skinny, that gun will be longer than you are wide and either the front or back will likely print by sticking out. I'm a pretty wide guy, so I don't have that issue with my Para.

Thanks to all and it was interesting to see the consensus around the Galco horizontal Miami Classic II. It was even more interesting because Optics Planet had this system on a DEEP sale today which made it a no brainer to order. I own a couple of Galco holsters so look forward to stretching the leather and I need to get my hands on it to see which tie downs I need (and may already have them).

Sadly, my skinny days are well in my past.

Galco makes excellent holsters but also take a look at offerings from El Paso Saddlery.

As someone who wore a shoulder holster extensively, I suggest one that has pouches for speed loaders and/or other accessories on the opposite side of the gun to help balance the weight. Falco makes at least one style.

BE Mike, This will be a mystery to be solved when the delivery arrives from Optics Planet. What I ordered was advertised as "Miami Classic II Shoulder Systems" and the pics all show the holster with harness and magazine carrier for the off side. (Optics Planet Listing) All variations (sizes, handgun type, color, handedness) of the "system" use the same pic with a carrier for two magazines so I am hoping that the revolver-specific holsters will include speed loader pouches or possibly the loose round carriers. It is due to be delivered this week.

Larry

Galco shows speed loaders pouch standard.

If your pistol carries too heavy and wants to pull down because of its weight, they offer a tie-down that attaches to the cartridge carrier side that runs to your belt. That's what that black plastic loop is for.

Attached Images

IMG_3438.jpg (38.9 KB, 134 views)

__________________
Death? Smile back...

Having a shoulder holster that doesn't attach to a belt, the gun flops around enough to be annoying and print, if trying to conceal.

That's why I like my vertical rig. Hooks to the belt on both sides. Doesn't fly forward when you bend over.


,

__________________
Death? Smile back...

I've used shoulder rigs in the past. I recommend nice wide straps. Skinny straps and heavy gun are uncomfortable.

__________________
Go ahead... make my day.

Thanks. I already own the Galco wide straps and was planning on using those when assembling this rig.

My delivery of the Galco Miami Classic arrived today and it did, in fact, come with speed loaders. Again, the Optics Planet listings all showed the same pic with magazine holders so I was hoping that this was just being loose with the web layout.

I already had the wide straps and was pleasantly surprised to find that I had a still unopened set of tiedown straps.

I'm now starting what has typically been a lengthy process of stretching the leather by wrapping my revolver in successively more layers of freezer bags.

Well, as reported my holster came with speed loader pouches but... Now I cannot find speed loaders!!! The Model 69 is a 5-shot .44 magnum and I cannot find this on Amazon or Midway. Optics Planet has an HKS that says 5-shot .44 special but it does not list my Model 69 but does list the Model 629 but that is a 6-shot and the Optics Planet photo shows 6 shots.

Any ideas?

When I had a Model 69, I used the HKS speedloaders made for the Charter Arms .44. They worked fine. .

Here's one source. Pricey: Smith & Wesson Model 69 Five Shot 44 Magnum Speed Loader – Speed Beez

Might find something here, though I can't make the filters work on my iPad: Speed Loading - .41/.44/.454 Caliber - Page 1 - 5 Star Firearms

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I'm now fully equipped. Good overall but would have liked some slightly different features.

I ordered a Miami Classic from Optics Planet at a very steep discount. The holster was specifically labeled as being compatible with the Model 69 and it was. The holster leaves the muzzle sticking out about 2 inches but it isn't horrible. I own other Miami Classics and am used to setting them up.

I already had a set of the wider shoulder straps that I substituted for the ones that came with the holster. I also already had a set of the belt tie-down straps I had never used. An unexpected challenge was that Galco has a new system of posts to connect the two sides of the shoulder straps and my old wide strap had the traditional holes. But a trip to Ace Hardware for screw and post fasteners fixed things right up.

I ended up ordering a cartridge case to replace the speed loader case that came with the set. I did find one speed loader available for this firearm but the overall length of the speed loader and .44 magnum cartridges was going to test the space in the loader!!! I needed to go through a stretching process for these as the two sides are unexpectedly tight on .44 mags.

I wish that the holster protected more of the revolver barrel.

However, this fits under a shirt and I can wear a backpack over it and still have good access to the revolver.

My last Miami Classic was for a 1911 and I also own a Vertical system for the 1911. In both of those cases stretching the leather was a monumental effort taking days and successively deeper layers of freezer bags wrapped around the firearm. This holster was tight but one day of one layer of freezer bag fixed things right up.

The HKS for the Charter does work but its not a perfect fit.
The only one I could find myself.
Five Star used to make one but its been unavailable for a while.

Took the Galco holster and Model 69 out in the world for the first time. We're in a national forest with black bears, fewer cougars, and possible 2-legged varmints. The Galco Miami II worked well and was comfortable with the wide straps and tie downs. The revolver didn't seem to print and straps of a day pack did not impede access to the grip and all was comfortable.

I do need to raise the leading edge of the revolver side one notch but will wait until I have access to Lock-Tite screw lock before disassembling as I need to use the rig off and on for the next week.

You might consider getting the 2.75 inch barrel m69. I have both barrel lengths and have come to prefer the shorter one.