Holster for EDC J Frame

[nksmfamjp]

I have a S&W j frame 340. I converted to moon clips and love it for ccw. I carry IWB mostly, but sometimes….hiking, driving or other times I would like to carry more easily.

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?

 

[chief38]

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.

Nothing is better than a solid horsehide holster that will stay put. Look at Kramer's Horsehide OWB scabbard for your revolver. IMO it's the best you can get at any price.

 

[sprscientist]

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.

Nothing is better than a solid horsehide holster that will stay put. Look at Kramer's Horsehide OWB scabbard for your revolver. IMO it's the best you can get at any price.

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

 

[nksmfamjp]

I know about and have used said holsters….looking NG for something different.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

For backpacking I carried a Colt Agent in an Uncle Mikes padded Nylon on the adjuster straps on the pack's hip belt. Easy access, no interference with movement or pack adjustment. inexpensive as I only used it once. (I won't be backpacking anymore!) I think I found it in a bargain bin for $4.

My EDC Model 49 no dash is usually in a DeSantis Nemesis. But on occasion I use either a tan Galco "Small Of the Back" or a OWB black Bianchi 8L "Chief" at 3:00 or 3:30.

I have several GalcoSOB's in several sizes and find them best when I'll be stand or walking instead of driving.

Ivan

 

[Baxter6551]

For easy on and off that carrys well I would have to highly recommend a Kramer paddle or MSP paddle horsehide holster. Expensive compared to DeSantis and there is a wait to get it but you won't be disappointed in my opinion. Maybe post in WTB section see if anyone has one you could get used? Don't worry about a used one - you can't wear them out. Photo is of Seecamp to give you the idea.

 

[Onomea]

I know about and have used said holsters….looking NG for something different.

Hope you find a holster that works for you.

What does NG mean?

 

[sprscientist]

For the snap-on loop type OWB, I'd check out RGrizzle and Nightingale. I've used both and they are exceptional holster makers.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

I used to carry OWB with my 686, a much bigger gun than you are describing and had little issue with it. Just wore long Hawaiian shirts or windbreakers and it was much more comfortable than IWB set ups. You have to dress around it, but no doubt OWB is more comfortable for what you are describing. Desantis makes fine holsters, I use a Nemesis for pocket carry and enjoy that if you are open to pocket carry. My OWB was a Galco Outdoorsman and it worked quite well for me. I am sure you will be fine with most reputable companies and if it's for this specialized role I wouldn't shell out too much.

 

[326MOD10]

Agreed with the R Grizzle Leather.

Ryan does great work but you will have a wait time.

I have one for my Glock 43, Sig P365 and P365XL, and they pull close to the body and take nothing more than a t-shirt to cover. As long as the t-shirt is long enough.

With a J Frame it should conceal easier.

I also have an older Lobo Gun Leather for a J Frame that has the snap attachments. It does the trick for the J Frame, but I don't carry it any longer.

 

[nksmfamjp]

Hope you find a holster that works for you.

What does NG mean?

iPhone miss-speller at work!

 

[Rpg]

I have a number of holsters that have snap attachments. I use the holsters routinely, however I have NEVER used the snap feature.

The snaps on a good holster are difficult to unsnap when on the belt. Most have to loosen the belt to access the snaps. They certainly aren't quick. Using the snaps is much more time consuming than just unbuckling your belt and sliding the holster on or off the belt.

It's a feature that doesn't interest me.

 

[tops]

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

?

I have one for a M36 and another for a P238. I had rather undo belt and slide holster off than mess with snaps. Larry

 

[Onomea]

I know about and have used said holsters….looking for something different.

How about look at paddle holsters? On and off easily — or so is the claim; I have not used one — and no snaps.

Here's a Kramer: Kramer Leather - MSP Paddle Gun Holster

 

[326MOD10]

I have tried the paddle for a J Frame and still have one for my 5903TSW but the issue is they don't conceal well.

Some makers may be different but the ones I have tried tend to push the holster out farther from the body.

Kramer makes great gear and I have not tried his MSP so not sure about that one.

You guys are overthinking the snaps.

The holster I have from RGrizzle has two snaps a top and bottom that are very secure. Because of the two snaps, on both sides of the holster, they pull the holster in pretty tight to the body. It is probably pulled in closer than loops and I have had zero issue with the snaps coming undone unless I catch them on something. Then it is only the bottom one the pops and I am able to snap it back pretty discreetly.

 

[BSA1]

I have a Mitch Rosen snap-on holster I like for a SIG P239.

Well I don't see revolvers listed so they are no help. I would consider a paddle holster. I have use them in the past and liked them.

 

[majick47]

A few of the holsters mag/cartridge pouches I have the snaps have failed and had to be repaired. I'd stick with a standard belt loop holster, found the pancake style the most comfortable and concealable. With a J frame the size and weight of the holster is minimal, can't remember any need to remove the holster from my belt during a normal day.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

I have a S&W j frame 340. I converted to moon clips and love it for ccw. I carry IWB mostly, but sometimes….hiking, driving or other times I would like to carry more easily.

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?

I ordered a Milt Sparks VMII with magnet loops for this reason. People saying you won't take it on and off, that may not apply to them. For me, and others (perhaps you OP) quick on and off is a huge plus as I am a teacher and can't carry at my job or where I work out at the YMCA. So that's at least two times most days not including before bed that it would come off. The magnet loops were only 12$ more which to me is worth it. Whether that is worth it to you depends on your situation.

 

[Sgt. Buzzard]

As a retired geezer I agree 100% with chief38. His advice has to do with security and concealment. I've used the DeSantis three slot, thumb break forever. Strong side mostly and cross draw when on long drives. Snap on, clip on, blah. Think professional.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Do have this Paddle.
Not necessarily that concealable but easy to get on-off!

 

[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.