Concealed Carry Options for S&W 625-8 Apex Custom 45 ACP/4"

[YkcorCal]

What is the best concealed carry holster options for my new Smith & Wesson 625-8 Apex Custom 45 ACP/4"? I am particularly interested in the new Kydex options for concealed carry if there are any for this revolver.

It came with two Kydex holsters to compete in matches with but I want a holster to carry it concealed around the house. The two shown stand to far out from the body for concealed carry every day.

 

[FUBAR-M1A]

Lobo gun leather pancake holster.

 

[ContinentalOp]

OWB or IWB?

I believe Clint Smith carries a N-frame in a Milt Sparks Summer Special holster.

Holster makers I've had experience with and can recommend are Kramer Handgun Leather, Side Guard Holsters, Milt Sparks, and TT Gunleather, in no particular order. They each offer IWB and OWB models. I'm not sure if they make holsters for your model, but it shouldn't take long to check their websites for info.

For kydex, I can recommend JM Kydex, but I don't know if they offer any models for your gun. I'm not too familiar with the kydex market.

With a gun like that, a good gun belt is going to be very beneficial. I like Beltman, but each of the holster makers I listed also make belts. For nylon belts, Wildnerness Instructor or Frequent Flyer belts, particularly their reinforced models, would also work.

 

[delcrossv]

I've been asking around about N frame CC holsters and the answer I'm getting is "pancake". I'm deciding between Lobo and Simply Rugged.

For IWB I called Milt Sparks and they recommended a Versa Max. I may try that with the 325 as it's 3". But once it gets longer than that it seems the consensus is pancake.

 

[1sailor]

Is one of your sideplate screws missing?

 

[dr. mordo]

You will be hard pressed to find a kydex concealment holster for a 4" N frame. Good luck.

I've concealed a 4" M29 extensively in a Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake, and I highly recommend them. Mine were squeaky at first, but after wearing them for a couple of weeks the squeaking stopped.

I've been carrying my 3" M629 lately, but posting this makes me want to break out the M29 again.

 

[StrawHat]

Not plastic but good leather.

My choice.

Kevin

 

[jim lock]

Always carried mine in a shoulder holster, under a light weight nylon jacket even in warmer weather, very concealed and comfortable.
Jim

 

[Sgt 45]

Dale Fricke makes them. I have one of his to carry my 625JM AIWB. Quite comfortable and because the 625 re-loads so quickly, it's now my EDC

 

[badge]

Milt Sparks Summer Specials and N Frame Smiths go hand in hand for me. They conceal very well and are comfortable. As Doc Mordo said,.... Kydex in this venue will be tough.

 

[Sgt 45]

Fricke is Kydex

 

[hyena]

I've got a 4 inch N frame. I can't imagine concealed carrying it. Heck I bought a 640 Pro but went back to my 642 because it's lighter. You guys are really dedicated!

 

[steelslaver]

I carry an N frame, but mostly a 325 PD. Always use a pancake with some forward rake, myself. With a 4" barrel an extra long shirt would be advised. All steel N frame is going to take really good belt.

During hunting season I carry a 4" full under lug N frame (dual 45). Once again a pancake, on a heavy belt, keeps gun close to body, no problems getting in truck and driving. I live in Montana so people don't worry about "a guy with a gun" I have never had anyone comment on me carrying, but it is hard to keep an N frame from printing some with just a shirt.

 

[keith44spl]

I only carry N frames and or a Gov't Model concealed and or open.

May carry this'n for a change,

.

 

[YkcorCal]

I have not found the concealed carry holster I want for my Apex JM 625 .45 yet so I am still looking for the perfect OWB set up.

I'm thinking about some type of active retention system like a thumb break on my concealed carry holster. What do others think? Is some type of retention needed on a concealed carry holster in your opinion or not or do you prefer an open top? Horse hide or cow hide? I have a Speed Beez holster for competition (IDPA, USPSA Legal) and another similar one that seems to be made of Kydex but both stand too far from the body for concealed carry. I am looking for something that holds the gun tight to the body so it does not print. I am considering mostly pancake and crossdraw holsters.

My thinking is that I may want to carry my 625 .45 in a crossdraw holster as I may also carry my .45 auto on my right hip (two gun rig) with my small fixed blade knife forward on my right side for easy access so it can act as a retention defense and close quarters defense of both myself and my firearm if needed. I have trained many years in different martial arts but due to age have slowed down considerably. I believe in being trained and prepared so that I do not necessarily have to use deadly force. Being vigilant and aware of ones surrounding helps avoid situations. Fortunately I have had the benefit of exceptional trainers.

 

[ContinentalOp]

For concealed carry I prefer open-top holsters. I rely on their molding to retain them. I do a shake test, in which I put the gun in the holster and hold it upside down a couple of inches above my bed. I then give it a few shakes. If the gun doesn't move, but I can draw it easily while wearing it, the holster is good to go. Beyond that, I don't think a strap or some other kind of active retention device is necessary since the gun is concealed. But there's nothing wrong with wanting extra retention if that's your preference.

I have a preference for horsehide when that option is available, but I have no problem with cowhide holsters, presuming it's a good quality holster. As far as I know Kramer Handgun Leather offers all of their holsters in horsehide as it's a focus of their production. Milt Sparks offers horsehide options on some of their holsters, but other than the SSII I don't know which ones.

Just my opinion.

 

[biku324]

I carry my 625-8 4" in an El Paso Saddlery 'Crosshair.' Quality leather, and it keeps the revolver close/tight to the body.

 

[YkcorCal]

Thanks for the suggestions! I will check them out!

 

[YkcorCal]

I find the Galco PHOENIX Strongside/Crossdraw Holster quite interesting. Doses anyone have any first hand experience with it?

 

[delcrossv]

Lobo gun leather pancake holster.

I found it to be floppy with my Pre 29. Wound up giving it to the kid for his 29-3. Nicely made, but not stiff enough around the belt holes for a heavy gun. YMMV.

Looking at a Milt Sparks or AE Nelson now.