Finally found a fault with the DeSantis Nemesis

[Malysh]

I was given a new Nemisis for j frames from a good friend awhile back. I found this inexpensive front pocket holster to be a decent one for summer carry with an Airweight. When I got the holster, I had a Mod 640 and a 1962 Mod 37 to use with it. I don't like the weight of the 640 in front pocket carry( I DO use a decent belt with my cargo shorts), and I found the hammer of the Mod 37 hung up in the pocket sometimes when withdrawing the revolver. I did not have the hammer bobbed since the Mod 37 is such a nice old one.

Because of this I rationalized I needed a newer Centennial Airweight(my Centennial Airweights are all very old 4 digit ones and I wasn't about to start carrying them either), or a Bodyguard Airweight for use in the summer with this holster. I bought a very nice late 60s Bodyguard Airweight and I got a surprise when I carried it in the Nemesis.

The abbreviated hammer consistantly hangs up in the topstrap channel area of the Nemesis, causing withdrawal of the revolver to catch and bring the holster out with the gun. No good!

So although I think the Nemesis is a good cheap pocket holster I wanted to share my experiences with it using a Bodyguard. I think it is less than ideal for that specific j frame.

I just bought a barely used Galco horsehide pocket holster for the Bodyguard for $20 shipped and it works perfectly, BTW.

I also missed a great deal on a Kramer j frame pocket holster from member Twin Carry last week! That would have been my first choice.

 

[cmort666]

Massad Ayoob recommends holding your thumb at the top edge of the holster when drawing a revolver with a hammer from a pocket holster. It keeps the hammer from catching in the pocket.

I went for a late night walk in soft fabric athletic shorts last night. No belt, just a drawstring. The shorts didn't fall down and the gun stayed put. However, when I got home, when I went to remove my 3" Model 36 from the holster, holster and all came out. I guess the pocket isn't confining enough for the edge of the holster to catch on.

This is the first time I've carried while in exercise clothes. I won't carry (or own) anything smaller than a 2" J-frame and none of my shorts has a belt or would support a clip-on IWB. My current setup is better than nothing, but clearly not adequate.

 

[Pat_Jones]

I carry my model 38 bodyguard, made in the mid 70's, in a nemesis with no problems on the draw. perhaps yours has broken in such that it contacts the hammer in a way mine doesn't.

 

[Malysh]

Originally posted by cmort666:
Massad Ayoob recommends holding your thumb at the top edge of the holster when drawing a revolver with a hammer from a pocket holster. It keeps the hammer from catching in the pocket.

Ayoob's advice is merely good common sense! It IS worth writing about and mentioning here, though. It's like making sure a novice knows to keep their index finger pressed to the back of a semi auto slide when re-holstering the pistol

I do the same depending on the pocket holster, but it takes more effort than it should with the bodyguard hammer and this Nemesis. I have to change my gripping position just enough to make unnatural for me. With the Galco, you can dismiss using the thumb to get the revolver started because the extra leather which forms the edges of the holster have contours front and back to catch the material the holster inside the pocket. Many pocket holster mfgs. who offer the product in leather have some type of "hook" contour to make sure the holster doesn't come out with the revolver. The downside is this type of pocket holster seems to print through the garment a bit more than a Nemesis does.
I am still experimenting with these two holsters. I may get a Mika because they are inexpensive and try that one as well.

You have more guts than I do carrying a handgun in exercise shorts! I wouldn't even attempt that. I don't think the excercise clothing fabric is good for supporting even Airweights or scandium guns. Sounds like a Plaxico Burress moment waiting to happen. Could you tolerate carrying in a waist holster aka "fanny pack", like the Galco Escort when wearing exercise clothes??

I don't like carrying anything smaller than a 38 spec. even in highly concealable handguns. A 9mmK is just a little bit too light a caliber to make me comfortable. When clothing and climate permit I am usually carrying a 45acp or a 9mm pistol.

 

[Malysh]

Originally posted by Pat_Jones:
I carry my model 38 bodyguard, made in the mid 70's, in a nemesis with no problems on the draw. perhaps yours has broken in such that it contacts the hammer in a way mine doesn't.

I think that is an excellent point. I had considered it myself but I did not mention it in my posts. No two pieces of leather or layers of nylon are going to crease exactly the same.
It's ironic I bought the Bodyguard Airweight as a rationalization I needed another gun for summer pocket carry and then had some problems with my pocket holster.
I guess I just missed having one with my Centennial and Chief's Special Airweights.

ANY excuse to by another gun!

 

[Frenchy]

For those wearing fabric type pocket holsters, try putting 2 wide rubberbands around it. It help keep the rig in place on the draw.

I personally use a High Noon Pocket Grabber.

 

[cmort666]

Originally posted by Malysh:
You have more guts than I do carrying a handgun in exercise shorts! I wouldn't even attempt that. I don't think the excercise clothing fabric is good for supporting even Airweights or scandium guns. Sounds like a Plaxico Burress moment waiting to happen. Could you tolerate carrying in a waist holster aka "fanny pack", like the Galco Escort when wearing exercise clothes??

The gun's not going anywhere. The "problem" is the holster coming along for the ride when the gun's drawn.

I try not to dress or carry in ways that are out of character for me, and the fanny pack is definitely out of character. While cleaning up, I recently found some stick on velcro which I used to use to stick a computer joystick to a desktop for flight simulators. Something like that on the holster and in the pocket should work well, even if I have to do a bit of sewing to make sure it doesn't come out in the wash.

I don't like carrying anything smaller than a 38 spec. even in highly concealable handguns. A 9mmK is just a little bit too light a caliber to make me comfortable. When clothing and climate permit I am usually carrying a 45acp or a 9mm pistol.

I used to own a .380 "St. Etienne" marked PPK/S. I sold it to a friend years ago. It was an amusing gun, but inadequate in power, and kind of uncomfortable to shoot.

 

[GatorFarmer]

Has the style of the hammer changed a bit over the years? I have a recent production 638 and have had no issues using it with a Desantis Nemesis.

 

[Malysh]

Originally posted by GatorFarmer:
Has the style of the hammer changed a bit over the years? I have a recent production 638 and have had no issues using it with a Desantis Nemesis.

I think Pat Jones' post above hit the nail on the head. Any pieces of leather or nylon layers that are folded will have variations in the creases, making them all slightly different. In my case, the creases at the top strap area of the holster act as a catch for the hammer protuberance of the Mod 38. The design is the same as when it was first released, I am pretty sure.

 

[spine60]

I have a nemesis pocket holster for my j-frame 340 M&P. It seems sort of thick and large in my front pocket? Are all pocket holsters this thick and also it seems large does anyone trim these down? Thanks, Greg

 

[WR Moore]

Originally posted by Malysh:
Ayoob's advice is merely good common sense! It IS worth writing about and mentioning here, though. It's like making sure a novice knows to keep their index finger pressed to the back of a semi auto slide when re-holstering the pistol

I do believe you meant the thumb on the back of the slide. The index finger is otherwise occupied staying clear of the weapon.

 

[Malysh]

Originally posted by WR Moore:

Originally posted by Malysh:
Ayoob's advice is merely good common sense! It IS worth writing about and mentioning here, though. It's like making sure a novice knows to keep their index finger pressed to the back of a semi auto slide when re-holstering the pistol

Yes, my mistake but I think it was obvious I meant thumb.

I do believe you meant the thumb on the back of the slide. The index finger is otherwise occupied staying clear of the weapon.

 

[sontavaman]

DeSantis issues for the j frame

the nemisis is a great pocket holster for about 3 months of serious daily carry. I'm in law enforcement and carry a 360 with me at all times (except when working out). What I have found is that the tacky outside of the nemisis looses its grippy feel and becomes slick. In addition, the holster stretches and allows the weapon to sink to low into the holster. I have also noticed that the nylon material on the inside of the holster has rubbed alway the finish on the revolvers trigger guard and a few other places. I have just replaced the nemisis with a galco. It seems nice, I hope the squeeking stops soon.

The nemisis is cheap, but wears out fast, and may damage your revolvers finish.

PS. I have fired 1600+ rounds of speer gold dot+p and love my little 360. With practice, they will amaze you with their precision and accuracy.

 

[Rule3]

sontavaman,

The you must have received a defective one. I have used a Desantis Nemesis for a 642, Ruger 380 and a Kahr PM9 for everyday carry and never had a problem. The holster stays in my pocket everytime and here in hot humid Florida they work great in cargo/Docker shorts. I pour sweat when outside and do not worry about my guns.

I like them better than my Mika(which is better for a full hammer snub)

The High Noon Pocket Grabber is a great holster also for those that want leather.

Uncle Mikes now makes a bad copy of the Nemesis but it's cheap and still works.

Desantis also makes a sticker version, the Super Fly

http://www.desantisholster.com/stor...ction=prepare_detail&itm_id=11915&itm_index=0