Hey guys! I recently got a S&W Model 10-5 Snub in .38 special and I was wondering if anyone knew any good shoulder holsters. I have a belt holster for it already, but I was looking for a good shoulder holster. I've seen a few for the model 36, but will they work with the larger 6 shot K frame? I'd also prefer if the holster was cheaper (less than $100, maybe <$50) and vertical :P THANKS!

Me239:

Welcome to the forum. The Bianchi Viper is a ballistic nylon, vertical shoulder holster that might meet your needs. One advantage of it is that the right sized holster will fit 2.5 inch, 3.0 inch, and 4.0 inch revolvers and medium framed semi-autos (H&K P7, S&W 6906, M&P 40C, etc.) You can usually buy them new/unused off the on-line auction site whose name rhymes with "flea-bay". The Ken Null "City Slicker" is size specific (J-frame holsters for J-frame revolvers) but have the advantages of very modern, and excellent design, fast to get into action, and one size holster will fit all barrel lengths. The Bianchi 9R has been out of production for at least 20 years, but are still very popular. They can be found frequently on "flea bay" but usually sell quickly, and at outrageously high prices ($100+). One big advantage of the 9R is that some version were made with belt slots, so you could remove the shoulder straps and use it as a belt holster if desired. If you get the one sized for ".38 and .357 Magnum revolvers, it will hold 2.0 inch J-frames as well as 2.5 inch barreled K-frames (Model 19/66). It is an inverted, vertical shoulder holster that I really enjoy. Also, because of the design, I can draw left-handed from it, if I have to. If you like that inverted shoulder holster design, Safariland used to make a Model 19 for 3.0 - 4.0 inch barreled K-frames that can usually be found at reasonable cost at "flea bay".

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Dave

Thanks for the reply! I'll definitely look into the Viper. It's good to see all your options before you make a purchase. I was looking at the Uncle Mikes Sidekick vertical shoulder holster size 0 and was wondering if anyone had any experience with that. I have an Uncle Mikes sidekick on my belt for my 44 and love it, but was wondering if the same quality carried over to their vertical shoulder holster. The $33 price tag is really tempting as well :P Thanks!

Probably NOT what you're after... but I carry my '47 2" M&P .38 (pre Model 10) in a cut down Victory S.H. Total cost $21.

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Bill - SWCA #2327

I looked up that company, but all I can find are the newer looking nylon holster that goes across the entire chest. Here are some pics (bad quality cell phone) of the gun if that helps/if anyone is interested.

Pacific Canvas & Leather Co. INC

Look at page 5 too.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

I like that cut-down Victory holster. Looks awesome & the price was sure right! I've always been partial to those tanker-style rigs. I bought a Berns-Martin Lightning upside-down rig (on this site) for my 2" j-frames, but didn't care for it, the draw seemed very awkward to me. I sold it (on this site) & bought a Desantis horizontal shoulder rig (on this site) & it's very nice. Not the greatest for my everyday dress (t-shirt & jeans), but great to throw on to wear under a jacket. See below.
Me239, are you looking for a concealed-carry shoulder rig, or an open-carry or woods rig? Either way, haunt the for sale forum here-- there are some good shoulder holster deals that show up from time to time.

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I have used an Uncle Mikes shoulder holster for about 25 years. It carries the revolver horizontally. I use it for 2-3 in K frames. Works fine and easy to adjust. Hides weapon perfectly and an easy draw.

Dryheat, I was looking at the photo of your shoulder holster rig and I don't see a belt loop. I believe those originally had one, to keep the gun from flopping around. Did you leave that off when you cut it down?
I'm a (very) amateur holster maker & am thinking about making one up like that.

I'm looking for something that fits both roles. I'd like to be able to draw be able to draw and carry easily with my pockets being obstructed. I'd prefer it to be a concealable one since, after all, it is a 2" snub. Plus the shoulder holsters for woods rigs look a little floppy (could be entirely wrong and it could be adjustable) and meant for a larger revolver. I'm currently talking to another forum member about purchasing a horizontal shoulder rig capable of being concealed.

There's a nice looking Safariland upsdie rig for a K snub on the "other stuff for sale" forum right now. $60.

I'm a little late to the discussion but if money is no object, have you considered an Alessi shoulder holster?

That's exactly what I'm looking for! I have a Victory Model with a 2 1/4 inch barrel. And I've been looking for IWB holsters but the ones I've ordered have been too small for the frame. I'm yet to find a holster to fit just right. I like yours, where'd you get it!? Any info would be great! Thanks!

I found it at a large gun show in Phoenix, AZ
You could try the interwebs: WTB: S&W Victory S.H.

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Bill - SWCA #2327

I love shoulder holsters as well. Try looking on eBay for an actual S&W leather shoulder holster. This one shown is for a model 19 but they made them for mod 10's as well.


These are great holsters, very Steve McQueen-ish from Bullitt.

I have a 9R Bianchi for my J frame Smiths. Would Love this one for my K frame.