Holster for EDC J Frame

[Jbearhair]

Great advice. I might also suggest a Mitch Rosen Express Line or a Simply Rugged for OWB.

Check out the Milt Sparks PMK.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I am unsure if this Bianchi is discontinued or not but I have owned two for years.

 

[ladder13]

Big DeSantis fan, lots of good for not so much $$$’s.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Have you looked at pocket carry for convenience? It's only a J-frame after all- small and light. My EDC is either a 642-2 or a M&P9 PC Shield Plus, and both fit nicely into my Malabar Gun Leather bullhide pocket holster or my Sticky Holster. I carry those in cargo shorts or slacks (no skinny jeans for me!) without a problem, and there's no need for a cover garment. The handgun draws easily and the holster stays in my pocket. The moonclips are cool, but bulky. I use Speed Strips for spare ammo. Good luck with your search!

 

[HardToHandle]

I’m thinking in an OWB with a belt loop on the back that has snaps so it can be easily removed.

Like:
DeSantis Mini Scabbard Mini Scabbard Minimalist OWB Leather Holster | DeSantis
But with snaps like:
DeSantis Quick Snap- Quick Snap Leather Holster | Black or Tan

Anybody have an OWB that is quick on and off, but carries well?

So…. I think you have a good concept there. The 340 is so light that it is a good candidate for a one snap type removal holster. Even when placed at or above the waist line, the weight of such an AirLite type revolver would still carry well.

If someone makes something like that, I’d probably buy it. It would be worth the price of admission just to avoid the occasional public bathroom situation (when needing to sit down).

Recently I have been carrying a 442 in a Don Hume JIT, a minimalist slide holster. The JIT requires a belt, but is more holster than such a lightweight gun needs.

 

[31FordA]

I’ve been carrying my 340 in a DeSantis Mini Scabbard for years, works great. The 340 is light enough that you don’t even know it’s there. One of the guys at work carry’s his Shield in the Mini Scabbard, and used to carry a SP-101 in one. It’s a good holster for not a whole lot of money.

 

[billj47]

442-1 holsters

I like the Versa Carry IWB and their OWB models.

 

[Walter Rego]

I have been considering a paddle holster as being able to quickly remove the gun and holster for comfort in driving and put it back on when I reach my destination seems to be a convenient feature to have.

But I am also concerned about concealability. Some videos on YouTube show the user wearing the paddle outside of his pants. Is that just for illustrative purposes ? It seems to me that wearing the paddle inside the waistband is the way to do it and I don't see any discomfort in doing so unless you are going commando. A T shirt tucked into your pants and a pair of underwear seems to be the way to dress for a paddle holster. And a proper belt to hide the exposed outer clip.

Anyway, some comments that are concerning are that the typical paddle holster carries the gun much further away from the beltline than for example a good pancake holster therefore compromising concealability somewhat. Before I spend $100 for another holster that will end up in the box o' unused holsters in my closet, I would like to get some opinions.

Concealment would be under a light jacket or baggy shirt in most cases.

 

[Dave Baird]

I admit, I seem to be VERY concerned about comfort as well as concealability and safety. I am currently carrying a Taurus 85 Ultralite in a Bianchi suede half shoulder holster under a shirt. I also have one of the inexpensive elastic (like a belly band) holsters with a shoulder strap that wrap around my chest, again, under a shirt. I hardly know they are there and NO one sees them. I don't hang out in quick draw locations like city streets, so the tad longer it takes to get the weapon out should not affect my need. I'm all about total concealability when it comes to CCW. Dang perps now look for guns on people who aren't as careful.

 

[crc4]

I've used a paddle holster for decades with my M49. It fits tight against my body and no one can see I'm carrying it either strong side or weak side. I added industrial Velcro to the paddle top and bottom and inside so it doesn't move on the belt, but remains easy to install and remove.

I've never carried IWB or appendix as I consider that unnecessary for my purposes. I'm also not fat and no beer belly. This holster doesn't have that wide paddle which may contribute to it sticking out from the body and is likely uncomfortable. Mine has a 1.5 inch paddle that allows it to be closer to the body and very comfortable.

I prefer a paddle over a pancake holster for easy of use and a zero cant with all my sidearms. I'd gladly trade all of my pancake holsters for a nice paddle holster anytime.

 

[Shibadog]

With a J, esp an Airlite, I’d look hard at a pocket holster. I’ve worn out a couple el cheapo Uncle Mikes with my old 638 and it’s in my pocket as I write this sitting in a Mika. You can literally forget it’s there. You can also casually walk with your hands in your pocket w/out attracting any attention. I’ m a Jeans guy and my Levi’s have nice deep pockets. A speed strip will live happily in the watch pocket and you’re gold. The only place I’ve seen where a draw is restricted is from a sitting position, period. Highly recommend

 

[GFU]

Ken Null makes a couple great non-traditional shoulder holsters specially for the J frame. They are synthetic materials so no issue with sweat while hiking, extremely light, with a long proven track record. Great option for daily carry and special circumstances such as hikes, biking, or long drives.

A lager more traditional belt holster that has worked brilliantly for me is the TT Holster with two sets of dual snaps. Absolutely secure, conceals well, and carries great. Easy on off. Reasonable wait time, very good fit and finish. This one is for my Colt Cobra which is about half a size larger than your J frame. (Between a J frame and a K Frame)

 

[Well Armed]

For the 15-20 seconds it takes to loosen your belt and put it through the holster loops, it is not worth the extra bulk, snaps and sloppy fitting, over engineering to use a specialized easy on and off holster IMHO. After all, how many times a day do you put it on and take it off? After 45 years of EDC It's RARE I put it on or take it off more than once a day.

Everyone of us have ignored advice or have just had to experiment with dozens of different types of holsters. The OP will likely buy a snap holster anyway, and it will end up in a holster pile or sold. We all are guilty of having to learn the hard way.