Holster question...

[Gatillo]

Hello, I'm looking for a holster to use for IDPA matches for my S&W Model 66-2, with a 4 in. barrel.

I'd really appreciate any suggestions and any comments on your experience with this model in competition.

Thanks!

 

[jack the toad]

Holsters are a personal preference that is hard for me to recommend. As you may know there's a multitude out there. It may help if you narrow your choice down. Do you prefer IWB or OWB? I'm assuming strong side carry. I prefer open bottom with no strap or thumb break.
As to my personal choices, I don't care for ***, MOB, cross draw, etc. Although cross draw has limited applications for me.
IWB- CompTac MTAC, Milt Sparks VM2 and currently some unmarked cheap kydex (Bladetech???) that for $15 used works pretty well. This is not a complete list however.
OWB- I've tried quite a few that worked well. ie; Simply Rugged Sourdough, El Paso Saddlery, Orourke, DeSantis, Galco to name only a few.
I'm not for sure if ***/MOB & cross draw is even allowed in IDPA.

 

[H Richard]

I don't shoot IDPA, but I will assume that there are rules regarding holsters. Be sure t check the rules first.

 

[chief38]

In my neck of the woods, most LGS have a "bargain box" of holsters for sale that usually go for $10 buck or less. Since your M66 4" K frame was a very popular gun size, I would think you could pick up a nice holster relatively inexpensively. Since this is strictly for competition, color, scratches, or some honest wear won't matter a bit. Just a suggestion......

Chief38

 

[growr]

Start by reading the rules on holsters on the IDPA/USPSA websites. The trigger guard must be covered if it is an on the belt holster. If it is Inside the Waist band then you are good to go.
My k frame revolvers usually are in a Kramer #3 or a Milt Sparks VM-2, I am also using a few DeSantis on the belt holsters as well.

You need to decide on a number of things....what material do you want..Leather, kydex, hybrid, nylon etc. Do you want IWB or OWB? Do you want or need a retention strap? (not required for IDPA), how much is too much to invest...etc.

Most of mine are found either online on eBay or in local gun shops box of holsters, pawn shops, and gun shows. most of my holsters have less than $10.00 invested.

I LIKE high quality products at a significant discount.....OK...I am frugal in this area. Some would say I am cheap...just like a bargain when I find them.

Randy

 

[European]

As other have suggested, I'd start by looking at the IDPA rule book. I can however recommend the Galco Combat Master, which I use for IPSC-revolver competitions in my local club. It rides a bit high but it's fast to draw from and secures well the revolver without any strap.

 

[AZretired]

El Paso Saddlery "Street Combat". A great pancake type all leather holster at a reasonable price. Great for concealed carry too.

Sent from my Ally

 

[Gatillo]

Thanks to all for the replies and suggestions. There were definitely some makers mentioned I hadn't heard of. I am looking for a right-hand OWB model.

During last Sunday's match, I paid lots of attention to the wheel gun users' equipment and asked some questions.

So far, I've narrowed it down to a Safariland in leather and a Blade-tech in kydex. The Blade-tech is more expensive, but I already own a Blade-tech for my competition CZ and love it's performance. Right now, I'm leaning towards the kydex.

 

[sierra255]

I would suggest a Galco "Fletch" or the Galco "Combat Master". High and tight and both offers good concealability at a price that will not break the budget.

 

[PeterCartwright]

I've owned a Sourdough Pancake for my 4" K frames for several years. When I ordered the holster, I also got the inside the waistband loops for the leather, but I didn't mount them. (They come with Chicago screws). This week, just for kicks and giggles, I mounted the loops. What I discovered is I'd had a wonderfully comfortable IWB holster for my K frames all along. Does a great job of hiding the gun and it's comfortable too. I'm thinking I'll use it for IDPA "outlaw" matches this Summer.

PC