Holster For Chief's Special?

[njr]

I had a Kel-Tec PF-9 that was 99+% reliable with the right ammo but finally decided to sell it and am now waiting for a 1964 Blued Model 36 I bought on gunbroker (Serial #482,xxx). I really love how a revolver hides, especially IWB and especially since I'm usually wearing t-shirts.

I looked at the "micro" (really subcompact) 9mms but didn't like the reliability issues and I wanted a hammer for reholstering safety. I was considering a Sig P290RS but given the price and the fact that it was just out of the beta phase of development, plus the fact that it was not that aesthetically pleasing put me off. Next, I almost bought an LCR but it's butt ugliness put me off. I came back to the old model 36 because of it's classic lines and material said real gun to me and it is tried and tested. Reading on this forum about it's ability to handle up to +p+ loads cinched the deal for me, and I am now the owner of a pre- Bangor-Punta Chief's Special round butt with diamond grips in NRA good condition. Huzzah.

So, I'm thinking of getting an Alessi IWB with thumb-break to wear at 230, with a 15 degree? cant. Anyone have other suggestions? I'm thinking something in leather so that the wear on the revolver is minimal. I like non-reinforced mouths for comfort against the skin. I alternate between sitting, standing and driving. I drive a truck for a living but can't carry at work. I live in Illinois so I won't be able to carry until December at the earliest assuming the carry bill goes through. Up 'til now I've only carried while on road trips mostly during the Spring and Summer.

I've read some threads about holsters but wanted to brag about my first (and probably only) Smith and Wesson and thought I'd share some of the specifics of what I was looking for to make the sifting easier.

Thanks.

 

[snubbyfan]

Welcome from the panhandle of West Virginia.
I carry my 442 either on my belt or in my pocket in one of my homemade leather holsters.
I did make one for IWB but I never could get comfortable with it. I might redesign and try again.

 

[njr]

Thanks, snubbyfan. Pretty nice looking holsters.

 

[chief38]

I have been totin' my CS for many years now and the two best holsters I've found so far are:

#1) Kramer Leather HORSEHIDE Belt Scabbard

I have had the Kramer for around 10 years or so and wear it very often - still looks and works like new. The best IMHO. I also use a Kramer 1 1/4" Horsehide Belt and ammo dump pouch along with it.


#2) DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster

I have been using this one for at least 12 or so years and while it does show a little wear, it still functions fine. For another $25 bucks I can get a new one if this one ever gets to the point of needing replacement. Best to wear in large pocket blue jeans such as LL Bean Jeans.

 

[hotrod150]

I carry my Chiefs A-IWB and really like my Ace Case #2 non-tuckable. It's made of soft glove leather for comfort, with some sort of fabric lining so it should be easy on the gun's finish. Cheap also at about $20 or so.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I carry a 49 no dash usually, but sometimes a 36. I have DeSantis and Galco IWB and OWB holsters and still prefer pocket carry. I gone to a horsehide pocket holster, made bulk and sold locally. I used a Nemesis, the rubber surface would get coated with lint and dust, so about once a year I would "De-lint" it with a sticky lint roller that you use on clothes, worked great! Ivan

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

I had a Kel-Tec PF-9 that was 99+% reliable with the right ammo but finally decided to sell it and am now waiting for a 1964 Blued Model 36 I bought on gunbroker (Serial #482,xxx). I really love how a revolver hides, especially IWB and especially since I'm usually wearing t-shirts.

I looked at the "micro" (really subcompact) 9mms but didn't like the reliability issues and I wanted a hammer for reholstering safety. I was considering a Sig P290RS but given the price and the fact that it was just out of the beta phase of development, plus the fact that it was not that aesthetically pleasing put me off. Next, I almost bought an LCR but it's butt ugliness put me off. I came back to the old model 36 because of it's classic lines and material said real gun to me and it is tried and tested. Reading on this forum about it's ability to handle up to +p+ loads cinched the deal for me, and I am now the owner of a pre- Bangor-Punta Chief's Special round butt with diamond grips in NRA good condition. Huzzah.

So, I'm thinking of getting an Alessi IWB with thumb-break to wear at 230, with a 15 degree? cant. Anyone have other suggestions? I'm thinking something in leather so that the wear on the revolver is minimal. I like non-reinforced mouths for comfort against the skin. I alternate between sitting, standing and driving. I drive a truck for a living but can't carry at work. I live in Illinois so I won't be able to carry until December at the earliest assuming the carry bill goes through. Up 'til now I've only carried while on road trips mostly during the Spring and Summer.

I've read some threads about holsters but wanted to brag about my first (and probably only) Smith and Wesson and thought I'd share some of the specifics of what I was looking for to make the sifting easier.

Thanks.

I carry my J-Frame 49 (no dash) Bodyguard in a Milt Sparks Versa Max II IWB holster. Can't beat it for comfort, stability, and concealability.

 

[njr]

Thanks everyone, I'll look at the Kramer and Sparks again. However, it seems for the price, the quality of the Alessi is one of the best.

Parenthetical note: just heard a disturbing story tonight of a coworker who was robbed while driving: gun stuck in face, pulled out of cab, busted up jaw, got up, started fighting the three scumbags, took a severe beating for $20 and a gold chain. Then, these scumbag bosses wanted to suspend coworker for "being combative". What scum. Interesting that I just got out of a Kali/Silat seminar on gun disarms, among other topics. Will have to review with instructor for disarms in truck. Actually have trained for car fights before.

Anyway, just a little reality. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[sipowicz]

So, I'm thinking of getting an Alessi IWB with thumb-break to wear at 230, with a 15 degree? cant. Anyone have other suggestions?

2:30 seems a bit far forward for a 15 degree cant. I would think a straight drop would serve you better...cants are better suited for 3:30-4:30. And with the small size of a J-frame, a 0 degree cant even works well at 3:30-4:30. Also, a thumb break is nice added security but for a concealed gun in the waistband I question it's necessity. I use a simple Lobo Clip for Appendix carry and it works quite well. Since you like a thumb break, I assume you like added security so you might want to get one with a snap or solid loop if the metal clip doesn't give you enough peace of mind...it's a custom rig so you can pick your best option.

 

[njr]

Thanks Sipowicz, that's definitely helpful. I like 330, 400 for concealability but 300 to 1200 for security and sitability. I guess 230 is a compromise between the two favoring the security and sitability. At the same time, I'd rather not have the muzzle pointed at my leg when I sit down, thus I was thinking cant. Would a backwards cant work in terms of muzzle direction and draw? Thinking about it sitting down, probably not: the muzzle would be pointing towards the leg or even groin. How much does the retention strap compromise concealment? Thanks.

 

[hotrod150]

Reverse cant (muzzle forward) works well for a draw from appendix position, if you can make it work with your body shape-- no poking, no printing. My EDC is a model 36 or 60 in a neutral cant Ace Case soft IWB holster, carried at about 1 oclock. If you're concerned about access while driving, 3 oclock & back can be pretty hard to get at esp when belted in, while appendix carry works pretty good. I actually have a model 60 in a holster mounted inside my SUV's console, plus usually am carrying on my person also.
The incident you escsribe is a good argument for always keeping the doors locked-- it won't necesarily keep out a bandit but might buy you enough time to grab your weapon so you can defend yourself.

 

[sipowicz]

. At the same time, I'd rather not have the muzzle pointed at my leg when I sit down, thus I was thinking cant.

No matter what the cant, there is no way to avoid it pointing at your leg when sitting down if it's in the front...getting used to a holstered gun pointing at your body is something you have to get used to....it's not going to go off in the holster...it's the draw where you have to be concerned...and the best draw is from 3:30 on back if you don't want the muzzle covering any part of your body...

 

[Biginge]

I am kinda fond of my femoral artery that hangs out in that 1-2 O,clock position. I gotta go with Sip.

 

[hotrod150]

I'm kinda fond of my femoral artery too, but since I never holster a cocked gun or holster one with my finger on the trigger, I'm not too worried about an accidental discharge with a DA revolver. YMMV however.

 

[Biginge]

Somebody told me about sixty years ago to never sweep anything you didn't want to kill with the muzzle of your gun. I have never killed anything I didn't intend to. My femoral artery and I are still singing together off that same page.

 

[njr]

Another related question: anyone know of a good leather holster maker that makes it with the push button instead of the strap over?

 

[M29since14]

...getting used to a holstered gun pointing at your body is something you have to get used to....

I am having trouble getting used to that sentence - and the idea of pointing a loaded gun at any part of me. I know it is not going to go off for no good reason, but...

I like the Lobo holster. Looks like a good one. I will have to look into that.

 

[Sebago Son]

A suggestion....

I've been wearing this rig from Bell Charter Oak for a year now.

This is "Half Breed".



It's slick ...



and secure.





My pal Lefty Lewis is the owner of BCO and he is also a highly regarded member of this forum...

BELL CHARTER OAK CUSTOM HOLSTERS (607) 783-2483

 

[sipowicz]

Another related question: anyone know of a good leather holster maker that makes it with the push button instead of the strap over?

Most all CCW rigs are either open top or a push button (thumb snap) Strap models are for range and field use. All the makers we have suggested to you can make a thumb snap...if they can't, they should bow their heads in shame.

 

[mc5aw]

Sip ... Didn't Ray @ Lobo make you a custom J-frame rig a while back? I recall you mentioning it ... or am I mistaken?