1969 .38 Special J Frame w/ 3" barrel HOLSTER HELP

[dieselmutt]

I just inherited my grandfathers old revolver and would love to use it as a CCW. However, I have noticed there are plenty of holsters for 2" but not so many for 3" barrels.

I do not care as much about looks of the holster as I do functionality and price. IWB or OWB would work fine. I tend to think OWB would be better as I am a bigger guy and think my "love handles" would be smashed rather tightly against the gun on a IWB holster Also, I live in Indiana and the law is silent about the gun being carried concealed or open. I do not care if the gun peeks out from time to time but, also do not want to blatantly carry it on my hip.

Any help to know where to look for an inexpensive 3" J frame holster would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[C Islander]

I've got a Don Hume 715 IWB, and a Don Hume JIT OWB. They are both well made and inexpensive.

 

[samwood]

Check out www.loboleather.com, Ray has provided holsters for several of my 3" J-frames. I am particularly fond of his snap-loop pancake holster.

They are very fairly priced.

 

[Cooter Brown]

Check out www.loboleather.com, Ray has provided holsters for several of my 3" J-frames. I am particularly fond of his snap-loop pancake holster.

They are very fairly priced.

I'll second the suggestion to look at Lobo. Ray's a member here and puts out a quality product, and like Samwood said, for a fair price.

There's something I learned from my grandfather when it comes to tools--and a carry holster is a tool--never confuse inexpensive with a bargain. Most of the time you'll end up dissatisfied at some point and buy the better quality you should have in the first place, and pay for the same real estate twice.

For what it's worth, a nylon holster seems to eat up bluing at a faster rate than a good fitting leather one.

 

[ffbigdawg]

I carry a 3 inch Model 36 in an Don Hume IWB holster. It's great quality for the price. Also keep an eye out for used holsters on the auction sites. That's how I started my holster bin.

 

[Pointblank2U]

I second the Don Hume recommendations.

 

[Hapworth]

Check out Bobby Mac's -- he specializes in snubby leather.

 

[ispcapt]

Rodek Leather Works, Inc. - Holsters
Ed will make you a very nice, heavy duty pancake for about $33. Turn around time is usually 1 week. You pick the color and pattern.
Here's one he made for my Glock 22. On his webpage the one for the S&W Mod 63 he made for me.
Ed has been making holsters for at least 30 yrs that I've known him. They look good, are very rugged, hold their shape, and last.

 

[Old cop]

Regarding not caring if the gun peeks out from time to time, please reconsider. Concealed means concealed. You never want to give up the element of surprise when carrying (bad guys will take you out first then take your gun), and you do not want to draw unwanted attention from law enforcement.

While I support everyone's right to open carry, my 30 years in law enforcement have shown that open carry is unwise at best. Allowing your gun to show or print when CCW can have unintended consequences.

 

[European]

Another option would be a Galco Combat Master, which is available for 2" J frames. The barrel of your "3 revolver would simply protrude a bit.

 

[Hapworth]

Regarding not caring if the gun peeks out from time to time, please reconsider. Concealed means concealed. You never want to give up the element of surprise when carrying (bad guys will take you out first then take your gun), and you do not want to draw unwanted attention from law enforcement.

While I support everyone's right to open carry, my 30 years in law enforcement have shown that open carry is unwise at best. Allowing your gun to show or print when CCW can have unintended consequences.

Agreed on all points, and in some jurisdictions you can be cited if you're carrying concealed and it prints or makes an accidental "appearance".

 

[feralmerril]

Here is the only picture I have of my 3" 36 with its holster. Its the top gun in the holster, a pancake off brand I bought at a gunshow but its a good one! EDIT: Opps! Reread that you want concealed. This works fine though with the shirt untucked.

 

[mkk41]

Bianchi made their excellent Model 15BHL for the 3in. They turn up on Ebay.