HOLSTER QUESTIONS

[cpt-t]

Please don`t laugh at me for this. But I have a question about the type of Holster`s You Guys might recommend to me for a K-22 or K-38 with a 6 inch barrel. When I take my K-22`s or K-38`s out to shoot them at the range I carry them in a nice padded pistol case. But I think I would really like to start carrying some of them with me on walks in the woods for occasional small game hunting or just plinking down by the river. And I need a safe and secure way of carrying them. And I don`t want to take a chance on damaging the blueling on any of them. Am I just asking for problems. But I just enjoy shooting them so much, and I am so very proud of them. And they are just so accurate, they make even someone like me, look good like a good revolver shot. Thanks in advance for any of your expert advice.
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[EricR]

I think your question is a very good one. In fact, I'll be following to hear what recommendations folks have to pass along. With a small twist of fate, I could be moving onto some acreage with woods and will need some leather myself.

I haven't kept up with products but the first place I'd look would be at both Hunter and Bianchi manufacturers. Now, as to wear on bluing...it's gonna happen. Muzzle, clyinder, any place that has the most contact. In my case I have some shooters with pre-existing holster wear and I also have some stainless steel.

 

[JH1951]

For general carrying and protection within a semi-budget price range I would lean toward a Bianchi / Safariland "Cyclone" or "5BHL", I like the fact that they are lined and have a thumbsnap closure.
When I need one I generally search for a used one in nice condition. There are lots of them out there, they are usually well marked so you'll know what they fit, and if you shop a while you can find the ones that were actually made in America (which IMHO are of a better quality than the new ones). This has worked for me, it may for you as well.
Keep us posted!

 

[JP@AK]

I have carried a Model 17 in a Hunter holster for about 50 years. No complaints!

 

[Muley Gil]

Most of the holsters I have owned have been either Safariland or Bianchi. My favorite is the Safariland Model 29, which is a high ride, butt forward thumb break. This holster has a plastic front sight guide. I assume your M14 has a Patridge front sight. That style of front sight just chews up a regular leather holster. I prefer lines holsters too.

There are several used 6" Model 29 holsters on eBay right now. You want one that is marked S&W med frame on the back. Search under "Leather Safariland holsters".

 

[Inusuit]

I concur with the brands/styles of holsters recommended by other posters. Be advised that any holster regardless of material or make will cause some wear to the bluing to your revolvers at the points of contact. Expect some wear at the muzzle, front of the cylinder, etc. It's not what I would consider "damage" but normal wear that occurs with carry and use.

 

[Texas Star]

I think Muley Gil is right on (as usual) and will only add that El Paso Saddlery Model 2 is about identical to the former Safariland Model 29. I own examples of each.

Pay for the lining. It really does reduce finish wear to the gun. I carried one M-66-3 .357 for over 20 years in such holsters, and there's hardly any sign of holster wear. That was almost daily carry, not just for occasional woods trips.

I have one for a six-inch barreled M-19, and it carries high enough not to be a nuisance in a car seat. That holster also fits your K-22 and M-14 and has the same sort of front sight. The same size also fits the Manurhin MR-73 with 5.25 inch bbl. & the Ruger Security-Six with six-inch bbl.

Don't wear a holster on an ordinary dress belt. Get a proper gun belt. You'll be amazed at the difference.

 

[Nightowl]

I really like the Safariland leather holsters with their sight track. Ideal for Patridge sighted revolvers. As already stated, the Model 29 has the thumb break, but they also have one with the strap that works fine if you are not particular. I found mine on Ebay and sometimes Gunbroker, usually for around $50 or so.

 

[scooterfiend]

for a 6" revolver

I like a shoulder holster for a 6" revolver. It is more "out of the way" for me as apposed to one on my belt.
I use a Barsony, out of Oregon.
I have no affiliation w/ this company except being a satisfied customer.
I've carried a 4" mdl 34 and up to a 6" mdl 28. By tightening the retention strap it is versatile.
Good luck w/ your decision.

 

[H Richard]

The holster I wish I had and have seen pictures of is a full flap sheepskin lined basketweave. I dont know a mfg or if anyone is still making one, but it would offer the utmost of protection for carry. You might check with a few of the custom holster makers.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I like the Bianchi Cyclone 111 cross-draw for woods carry. I've got 3 or 4 for 2 1/2-4and 6 inch K and L frames...... and one for my 4" Nframe.

I find cross-draw easier when dealing with a 6" barrel.

May sound silly but I like having the gun's butt in front of me.... I walk but also ride an ATV in Penn's Woods..... visual check is easy...... or check with your left hand.... it's also out of the way if you have a small day pack... and can be covered by a vest or jacket but still very accessible..... walking or seated.

 

[DRYHEAT]

For vintage photography of K-22 w/holster this nice Eubanks is fine. But for actual carry and use I would want to take my 1947 baby in EXACTLY the same holster H Richard described! YMMV

 

[Grayfox]

I agree with Bam-Bam. With a six inch barrel, I find crossdraw more comfortable and convenient. The Bianchi Cyclone 111 is an excellent holster for this.

 

[kraynky]

After many years of woods carry, I've pretty much settled on stainless guns for that chore. Holster wise, I've decided I keep my guns safer and less susceptible to bumps and bruises by carrying them in a Simpley Rugged chest holster. Can't find a photo of one in this phone, but they are very comfortable to wear, and the harness system allows for easy holster change if my needs change. That's where I finally landed anyway.

 

[rburg]

I've got a few nasty old Heisers but kind of refrain from using them because o the wear issue. But just last fall our poster here "bengalsfan" offered me a Heiser for a 6" with fleece lining. So I just paid his price. Shocked my wife that I didn't even try to cheat him down a little. I've been looking for one of those for a long time. Something I've learned is there's a time to dicker and a time to just swallow your pride and pay up. This was one of those times.

So now my pistol carrying appliance is an open holster, not the Safariland full flap I bought a while back, also with fleece lining.

Probably should discuss the fleece a little more. There used to be a spray can of spot remover or a cleaner. I wonder how that stuff, if still on the market, would work with powder residue on wool.

Remember, the problem isn't so much wear and tear as you're going out the door, or even falling down the bank to the river. Its after you burn up a bunch of dirty economy rounds an soot up the gun real good. Few of us have the presence of mind to carry along an oily rag to wipe the gun down with. Besides, its a magnet for spontaneous combustion. The chances of putting wear on a gun with fleece is significantly less, unless you've got a dozen shooting sessions of abrasive slurry waiting for the hike.

 

[jimmyj]

A nylon web holster available at Wal-mart

 

[flagman1776]

Bianchi 5BHL.

 

[Texas Star]

For vintage photography of K-22 w/holster this nice Eubanks is fine. But for actual carry and use I would want to take my 1947 baby in EXACTLY the same holster H Richard described! YMMV

I think you'd both be making a mistake about that sheepskin lining. Ditto for pistol cases.

I use lined holsters, but the lining is sort of a suede called Elk suede, I think. It's green on old Safariland holsters and brown on El Paso and Bianchi.

 

[Walkingwolf]

I prefer a Jordan holster, but good luck finding one. Easy quick access to a gun, low ride so that the gun is within reach without moving clothing.

I got lucky as ebay seller policeholsters had one for my GP in basket weave. You will have a hard time finding one in six inch. My next choice is a loop drop holster and a cartridge belt for wearing with a jacket. During summer weather I use high ride holsters.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

For vintage photography of K-22 w/holster this nice Eubanks is fine. But for actual carry and use I would want to take my 1947 baby in EXACTLY the same holster H Richard described! YMMV

That Eubanks is the exact holster I use as a field holster , nothing wrong with them . I'll pass on anything sheep skin lined but a coat.

Eddie