ALAS! A LEATHER HOLSTER FOR S&W MODEL 52

[MaverickDMD]

Like many on this forum, I've searched everywhere for a holster for the S&W Model 52, with no luck whatsoever. One for the Glock 17 is kinda close, a Beretta's is shaped wrong and a 1911's is way too small. Taking one more Hail Mary chance, I ordered the Barsony #33BR. It is an ambidextrous leather holster described vaguely as for "full size" 9mm/.40/.45 calibers. It's $70 USD - and lo and behold it fits!

For now it's slightly snug but I'm sure that a week with the plastic bag trick will loosen it up. The leather is of good quality and thickness, it's stitched strongly and it has a nice slight negative cant to it as well. The only thing I will add is a button of nylon or felt to the back of the snap.

Now I've finally got somewhere to safely stow my prized 52, while I walk out to count the bullseyes (hopefully) on my target!

 

[Sevens]

I am one of few who totes a 52 in a holster, but for a very specific task. It hunts with me once a year on a 3-day prairie dog hunt. It is a rifle trip but the 52 gets it's chance when I'm out looking for kills. Over the past handful of years, I average one dog each trip.

One thing I absolutely demand from a 52 holster is that I've got something very much over my rear sight which is razor sharp. This sight needs to be protected and just as much, everything I get near needs to be protected from it.

If you could comment on this aspect of the holster, I'd appreciate it! The pictures suggest the pistol is tucked down in there nicely but if not, this is a deal breaker for my needs.

 

[D Brown]

I hope this is not a silly question... Did you look for holsters for the S&W Model 39? I'm guessing there are more listings for that model than there are for the 52.

I like the one you found!

 

[crazyphil]

Sevens, it looks to me, in the pictures, like the leather goes up high enough and wraps around the rear sight providing the protection you demand. And the retention strap should keep it in position. Looks like a well thought out design.

 

[Sevens]

52 is a full inch longer than the Model 39 and is going to sit much differently in a holster unless it is a "slide" type where the muzzle is free to protrude.

 

[Sevens]

Sevens, it looks to me, in the pictures, like the leather goes up high enough and wraps around the rear sight providing the protection you demand. And the retention strap should keep it in position. Looks like a well thought out design.

I agree, but asking the guy who just took delivery of one is even better than a picture !

 

[crazyphil]

Sevens, touche

 

[MaverickDMD]

Hi Sevens - the rear sight is buried a good 3/4" into the holster so it is well out of harm's way. Barsony also makes a flap holster that might be better if you're bushwhacking or in wet weather.

As for the model 39, yes its barrel is an inch shorter so it's of little help.

 

[Sevens]

That's great news, I may be shopping for one of these, thanks!