642 CCW holster

[Bchild]

Hello all,

I recently acquired a hammerless 642 airweight. I seem to be having an issue finding a holster that does not make me dig down past my belt to easily and quickly draw it. Most seem to be made to ride a little low in the belt line. I have been shooting it and I am by no means a revolver marksman but I feel I can defend myself and my family with it if I had to.

I think my biggest problem would be fumbling with a good clean draw at this point. I am not opposed to an OWB as long as it can be easily hidden with a loose t-shirt. Either leather or Kydex as long as it meets my criteria. As far as price goes it cannot break the bank or my wife will break me...

Any help and advice is appreciated!

 

[crazyphil]

My very favorite for carrying my 642 OWB is the Price Western #320
Gaylord speed scabbard shown on Spark's gunbelt.
Lower left is an IWB by Garrity called the "inconspicuous".
Lower right is an IWB by Lou Alessi called the hard shell talon.

 

[Jingles]

I use two different IWB's for my 642 and 640 just for the reasons you outline. When I want max concealment I go with my Sideguard Quick Clip (light colored one). It sits a lot lower on my belt and really does a good job hiding a gun. When I am around the house and don't care as much about "printing" I go with a Don Hume H715-M W.C. It sits higher on the belt and offers maximum access while still maintaining concealment. Both are very comfortable. You can see in the picture how much higher the Hume holster holds a gun - about 1'5" higher than the sideguard. Don't compare the grips because they are different styles, but look at how much higher the sideplate screw sits on one gun vs the other. The belt clips were lined up with a straight edge for the pic.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I use the Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip IWB holster. I like that the cylinder is more-or-less lined up with the belt. This helps make it more stable when carrying. However, it does not in any way impede my draw. The cant helps with that. The cant on my holster is 15 degrees.

Here's another image showing the gun on my belt:

You can see how much space there is between the front of the grip and the top of the belt line. It doesn't impede my draw at all. I also carry under an untucked shirt.

Also, the offset placement of the clip behind the cylinder lowers the holster's profile and pulls the butt of the gun into the body, both of which help with concealment.

On top of that, the cost is very reasonable, in my opinion, about $55 if I remember correctly. The one downside is the wait time is around 12 weeks, I believe.

 

[DevilDog72]

It is really hard to beat a pancake style holster for OWB concealment. This is an old Galco Mdl 122. Lobo makes a really good holster, Simply Rugged or you can check on Ebay.


By the way... welcome to the Forum

 

[Muss Muggins]

I use a Galco Tuck and Go and a SnubbyFan original (Snubby is a member here and makes very nice holsters.) No problems with the issue you describe.

 

[getoff]

i use a holster (if you can call it a "holster") from SOCO Kydex for my J frames. super minimal, fairly innovative, and well made. it uses very little kydex and doesn't cover much of the gun, but works really well.

 

[Mike in Reedley]

Don Hume JIT Slide. 30 ish new, bought a used one for $20. Belt slide with a rear tab that pulls the holster in tight to the body.

 

[tops]

DeSantis mini scabbard. Larry

 

[Bchild]

I use two different IWB's for my 642 and 640 just for the reasons you outline. When I want max concealment I go with my Sideguard Quick Clip (light colored one). It sits a lot lower on my belt and really does a good job hiding a gun. When I am around the house and don't care as much about "printing" I go with a Don Hume H715-M W.C. It sits higher on the belt and offers maximum access while still maintaining concealment. Both are very comfortable. You can see in the picture how much higher the Hume holster holds a gun - about 1'5" higher than the sideguard. Don't compare the grips because they are different styles, but look at how much higher the sideplate screw sits on one gun vs the other. The belt clips were lined up with a straight edge for the pic.

When I click on the link for the Don Hume it shows me one for the public defender. It also shows me a different model for the airweight on the website. I think my web surfing skills are degrading also and that doesn't help.

 

[Jingles]

When I click on the link for the Don Hume it shows me one for the public defender.

Here's a link directly to the Hume site

H715-M W.C. [H715-M] : Don Hume Leathergoods, manufactures high quality leather and nylon goods.

 

[Skydog67]

I realize this is asking a lot...and that there are always trade offs between convenience, concealability, comfort, etc. But has anyone found an OWB holster that is as quick/easy as those single clip IWBs, and yet still holds close enough to the body to conceal with just a t-shirt?

And for the pancake style holsters...how much concealability is lost if one opts for the easy on/off belt loops (with the snaps) rather than the belt slots?

 

[mini14jac]

Don Hume JIT Slide. 30 ish new, bought a used one for $20. Belt slide with a rear tab that pulls the holster in tight to the body.

The JIT is a great lightweight holster.
I've used one for years.

 

[crazyphil]

Don Hume JIT Slide. 30 ish new, bought a used one for $20. Belt slide with a rear tab that pulls the holster in tight to the body.

Here's a couple of photos of Hume's JIT belt slide.
With Taurus model 85 on the left and S&W model 60 on right.

 

[bowzette]

I had a LCP and a Sideguard that worked well. Like you when I draw the gun I want a handful of combat grip not pants or shirt. I also have a Simply Rugged pancake for a model 65. He makes the Silver Dollar Pancake for the J frame size revolvers. It is OWB and holds the 65 high and tight to my body. But you have to thread the belt through the slots in the holster to put it on or take it off.

 

[bowzette]

I had a LCP and a Sideguard that worked well. Like you when I draw the gun I want a handful of combat grip not pants or shirt. I also have a Simply Rugged pancake for a model 65. He makes the Silver Dollar Pancake for the J frame size revolvers. It is OWB and holds the 65 high and tight to my body. But you have to thread the belt through the slots in the holster to put it on or take it off.

Operator error-"LCR"

 

[Eagle 477]

Kramer has been a favorite of mine for numerous short barreled revolvers and semi autos their IWB has good retention and just the amount of forward tilt.. My 642 talo sits in a Kramer IWB

Bob

 

[dirty & hairy]

I too prefer high riding holsters for concealed carry. Tried many, use only two, both Richie leather products. For OWB, IMO the vertical speed scabbard is hard to beat. For IWB, the stakeout (pictured) is easy to wear and draw from. Both are great designs and of the highest quality.

 

[dirty & hairy]

This is the above mentioned vertical speed scabbard. Very secure, rides high and tight just north of the hip strongside. Also works great for crossdraw.

 

[gnystrom]

I use the Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip IWB holster. I like that the cylinder is more-or-less lined up with the belt. This helps make it more stable when carrying. However, it does not in any way impede my draw. The cant helps with that. The cant on my holster is 15 degrees.

Here's another image showing the gun on my belt:

You can see how much space there is between the front of the grip and the top of the belt line. It doesn't impede my draw at all. I also carry under an untucked shirt.

Also, the offset placement of the clip behind the cylinder lowers the holster's profile and pulls the butt of the gun into the body, both of which help with concealment.

On top of that, the cost is very reasonable, in my opinion, about $55 if I remember correctly. The one downside is the wait time is around 12 weeks, I believe.

Eric at Sideguard makes a wonderful holster. I am sure he will work with you on placement of the leather strap or clip which would effect the ride height. Be careful as a revolver carrys it's weight up high and you need to make sure everything stays put when you bend over. Here is my minimalist with a strap vs.the clip.