IDPA Holster Suggestions for Mod 19, 4"

Sghiandhu · Apr 4, 2013

Hi,

It's really hard to find good modern (& IDPA compliant) holsters for revolvers and older pieces that are not in the current mass-market of polymer pistols. Old holsters have exposed trigger guards, poor retention, etc.

What strong-side holster do you suggest (either OWB or IWB) for a four-inch S&W Model 19?

I ordered a Fobus Roto, but it DQ'ed immediately for several reasons:
*sticks out too far, i.e., "daylight rule"
*too high for bad shoulder & wrist in FBI cant
*too flexible, pulling and torqueing up & away from the body during the draw due to drag and arm/wrist problems.
It might certainly be OK for someone else.

I'm happy with my Blade-Tech for my 45 commander, so I might go back to them. Is there a particular model or suggestion to make to them?

As I'm short-waisted, something that puts only the grip above the belt would be best. A thin leather lining, a' la Tucker Gunleather, would be nice to preserve the finish.

I don't do IDPA as a gamesman, but as a way to practice use and handling of all my guns as any might be used defensively. I won't win in the competition, but that is not my goal.

growr · Apr 5, 2013

I use a Kramer and a DeSantis for my k frame revolvers.Works just fine for me....might work well for you also. Plenty of holsters on eBay which is where I find some of mine.

Randy

OKFC05 · Apr 5, 2013

I use the Safariland model 567/568 (paddle) holsters for S&W K frames.
They are approved for IDPA and USPSA/Production and hold up better than cowhide without the harshness of kydex. They are lined.
http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/competition/PDF/Competition%20gear%20legal%20for%20use.pdf

haris1 · Apr 5, 2013

19 holster

All the holsters mentioned above are good.Desantis is excellent for concealment but it will stick the butt against your body which is great for concealment but not as fast a presentation as some of the kydex holsters like blade tech which positions the grip a little away from your belt. Remember, Kydex is very rough on finishes. I have a 625
that one IDPA shotter drew thousands of times and he wore the lettering off the barrel!!!
The other thing you may consider is a bianchi 5BHL. Its a thumbstrap model but its not so concealable and rides a little bit lower. If cutting the thumbstrap off is IDPA legal, this may be a great choice for you.
They are often on ebay from 20-30 bucks

BobR1 · Apr 5, 2013

My first SSR Revolver was a 4" 64-2 HB. I have a Lobo Enhanced pancake for it.
My latest SSR Revolver is a 4" 686-5. I went with a Lobo Enhanced Avenger for it.

I have Pancakes for every revolver I own. They are my choice for concealed carry. So I also use Pancakes for competition, with the one exception of the Avenger for the 686. To tell the truth, I would have ordered a pancake for it, if I had it to do over. The Enhanced Avenger is supposed to not ride quite as tight to the body, which is supposed to help getting a grip on the revolver. The main difference I notice is that my Fiber Optic Front Sight digs into the front of the Avenger. Something I have not had a problem with, with pancakes.

Lobo Gun Leather - Home

The big boys who are Gamers will recommend a Kydex holster. No doubt a kydex holster will produce a quicker draw. However I would never conceal carry using one.

Are you going to use Safariland Comp III Speed Loaders??
If so send me a PM.

Bob

Sghiandhu · Apr 10, 2013

Hi, Guys!
Thanks for your useful and great replies. I'm sorry that I couldn't get back to thank you sooner.

growr: I've got several DeSantis holsters, but the options for the Model 19 seem to be a thumbsnap, and a Level II Duty Holster. There are some nice Kramer products but prices are upscale. I've checked ebay, but haven't found any with covered trigger guards or modern design. My luck.

OKFCO5: The Safariland 567 (w/ belt loop) looks like a good possibility. Too bad they don't have a for a Colt D Frame also.

haris1: Yes, I'm wary about Kydex's wear on finish. This 19 is a family connection piece, and still in very new condition.

The Bianchi 5BHL looks nice as a traditional general purpose holster, but the trigger guard is exposed, and I suspect removing the thumbstrap would be very doubtful in a retention test.

BobR1: Thanks for turning me on to Lobo Leather. I hadn't heard of him before, but he shows some very nice work. I had very much liked the Bianchi Askins Avenger I used to have for my 45, but it tends to carry high (and a little off balance with the Commander length) but very secure and fast. It's also good to see that Lobo has models for older classic pieces. He has definitely come forward to the short list. Do you know what his lead time on ordering is (since payment is beforehand)?

growr · Apr 11, 2013

You are right in that Kramers are NOT a cheap holster....you pretty much get what you pay for...

Randy

cyberiad · Apr 11, 2013

Sghiandhu said:
What strong-side holster do you suggest (either OWB or IWB) for a four-inch S&W Model 19?

I don't like leather or IWB for IDPA and don't mind what kydex does to the finish. I use the Ready Tactical revolver holster Ready Tactical

Tanners Owner · Apr 28, 2013

I second safariland. I've been using the paddle holster in idpa for my S&W M-15 with good success. This is the only paddle holster I like.

Howard B · Apr 28, 2013

I vote with cyberiad. Ready Tactical. If you order their speedloader holders, specify the "deep" model if you use Safariland Comp III or jetloaders. I use Ready Tactical with my M66, M625, and Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp, as well as with autos.

IDPA Holster Suggestions for Mod 19, 4"

Sghiandhu

growr

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OKFC05

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haris1

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BobR1

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Sghiandhu

growr

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cyberiad

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Tanners Owner

US Veteran

Howard B

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