I'm getting a 1 7/8" barrel 337 (which is the alloy/titanium J-frame, rounded backstrap). Now I need a holster for it. The gun will be open carried (visible and exposed). It's going to be carried for many hours on end, often in hot weather, often when hiking in the wilderness, or doing yardwork around the house. I want something that is very light (no point getting the lightest centerfire revolver and then putting it in a big monster holster), but it also needs to be very safe (gun mostly covered so even in heavy brush nothing can contact the good parts, and a retention strap over the top would be good). It does not have to be small or concealable though, as I won't be concealing the gun - so IWB or pocket holster are probably the wrong thing. Good looks don't matter - this is a piece of utility equipment, not a fashion accessory.

Any good ideas? If I look for J-frame or 337 holsters, I find nearly only concealment holsters. I don't even know whether kydex, leather, or nylon would be more appropriate.

P.S. I have nothing to do with the "open carry" movement, and I don't plan to carry the gun in populated areas. It would be pretty silly to openly display a 337 for their political purpose, as the gun is so small bystanders might easily miss it.

For my 642 I used a SERPA

comes with both belt loops & paddle attachment. Weighs VERY little.

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Bill - SWCA #2327

A Fobus would work too, similar to the one in the photo above but relies on plastic tension (if that is a real phrase) for retention. Weighs about 2 ounces.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Just a thought-

With a decent holster and belt, you might barely notice the additional 10 oz of a 640. After all, the holster and belt will probably weigh a couple of pounds. That gun would be MUCH more fun to shoot and easier to control.

But with a crummy holster and belt, even the 337 will be a PITA.

I used a Uncle Mikes nylon ambi belt slide for several years before I went back to leather holsters. It has a thumb break and the trigger guard is covered. I have mostly Gould & Goodrich leather holsters that I use now. They are plain but rugged holsters.

Even with a light revolver, get a good gun belt. Even a light gun is more weight than most belts can carry without sagging. I have a 511 that I use now. It carrys my model 19 and 28 with speed loaders without sagging. G&G and several other holster makers make them too.

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Romans 13:3 & 4

I've got one of the Serpas as pictured above. Decent holster, secure, but it doesn't cover much and sucks for concealment. I usually use a simple leather pancake with my j-frame.

A friend bought one of these clamshell style holsters from Rays. Secure, well made, conceals well, and really protects the gun. A lot of holster for $35.



Clamshell Leather Belt Holster 123 | Ray's Holsters & Gun Bags | Holster, Gu

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

I have 4-5 of these. They re my favorite utility holster.

Uncle Mike's Sidekick hip holster. Not fancy but it works.

I can't post a picture, but I've used an El Paso Saddlery number 2 thumbreak for years and miles of open carry, especially when walking the dogs in the Arizona heat.

Slim

I knew I shouldn't have looked again. WC145, I followed your link & bought a holster (a different model but still a deal at $35.) If you move fast, treelogger, they have free shipping too.

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Romans 13:3 & 4

Fobus paddle holster. Love mine and it's light.

Glad I could help!


On Fobus - IMO and experience they're junk. They may be lightweight and handy but they will not hold up to hard use, I had one come apart in training, holster and gun fell on the ground, paddle stay in my pants. I haven't used one since.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

This is a nice holster for the money. I have 2 for my J frames, although I got them from a different supplier.

https://www.gunleather.com/cart/shopexd.asp?id=19

I have found that leather, nylon (ala Uncle Mikes) and other flexible materials make carrying the gun a lot more comfortable. They can conform to the body, keep the gun close and limit its ability to move around when walking or running. I have a Blackhawk serpa holster and Fobus mag carrier for off duty and they don’t conceal or carry as well as my G&G leather or even my inexpensive Uncle Mike's belt slide. I use the G&G and a nylon mag holder. The plastic collect dust in the locker.

That's my experience, your results may vary.

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Romans 13:3 & 4

El Paso Saddlery #77 Tortilla with fishscale stamping. For a lighter holster, but with less coverage, the 1920 Tom Threepersons they offer is a classic field holster.

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Centennial Every Day

Update: gun has arrived, is sitting in safe. Haven't had time to shoot or carry it yet. Uncle Mike's nylon holster (the open carry model) was found at retail store, hanging lonely on the wall. Followed me home; at the low cost (about $15), I couldn't say no. Ray's leather holster (as described above) has been ordered. Since the gun is the -PD model in black (which would look pretty ugly if too much holster wear happens), I splurged for the suede lining. The El Paso Saddlery ones also look very tempting ... but a bit more expensive. I'll save that information for future reference.

Thanks for all the help!