Holster recommendation for Model 27

[RobertoDeNuevoMexico]

I have a S&W Model 27 N frame revolver with a 6 1/2" barrel. I'm looking for a leather open carry holster for belt use, which also covers the trigger guard and trigger so it won't snag on a piñón or chamisa and accidentally discharge while I'm hiking through trails and arroyos here in the Southwest. I need to have the grip accessible, and visible to comply with NM OC laws.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[Highhawk1948]

For woods carry I like Simply Rugged holsters.

 

[Texas Star]

Is the Bianchi M-111 made for N-frame S&W's? If not, see if El Paso Saddlery can make one like it or try Lobo Leather.

If you use a good retention strap over the hammer, I seriously doubt that your strong trigger is going to get pulled by a vine or branch. You're not walking around with the hammer cocked, are you?

I like the old Safariland M-29, lined in green suede and basketweave stamped. No longer made, but the El Paso Model 2 is virtually identical. I own both. The holster is safe, I think. I wore one for years. But the Bianchi M-111 is more to your description and covers the gun well and can be used either strong side or crossdraw.

I have NEVER heard of a DA revolver trigger being pulled by foliage. Nor a DA auto trigger.

The late gun writer and LEO Alan "Skeeter" Skelton wore a Model 27 as his favorite handgun, and he was in New Mexico. Usually favored the basic Tom Threepersons holster with the trigger guard exposed above the leather. Strap over HAMMER, not over the trigger guard, as in some designs.

Even the old Lawrence No. 24 sits the gun deeply enough that I don't see how foliage would get hold of the trigger, let alone pull it.

Have you considered what the US Border Patrol wore for decades where you live? Worked for them! I prefer a higher riding holster, partly for sitting comfort. And it hides easier under a coat, if you have a CCW license. Undercoat carry is good in inclement weather.

Now, pay attention: I've read those Navaho Tribal Police novels by the late Tony Hillerman. If one of those skinwalker witches transforms himself into a vine in tight brush, he might be able to pull the DA trigger of a holstered M-27. Otherwise, I doubt that you'll have that problem.

Don't cheap out on buying a sturdy belt. It'll pay for itself in utility. And an old M-27 deserves really good leather.

www.epsaddlery.com

 

[bwelch47]

QUALITY LEATHER

Is the Bianchi M-111 made for N-frame S&W's? If not, see if El Paso Saddlery can make one like it or try Lobo Leather.

If you use a good retention strap over the hammer, I seriously doubt that your strong trigger is going to get pulled by a vine or branch. You're not walking around with the hammer cocked, are you?

I like the old Safariland M-29, lined in green suede and basketweave stamped. No longer made, but the El Paso Model 2 is virtually identical. I own both. The holster is safe, I think. I wore one for years. But the Bianchi M-111 is more to your description and covers the gun well and can be used either strong side or crossdraw.

I have NEVER heard of a DA revolver trigger being pulled by foliage. Nor a DA auto trigger.

The late gun writer and LEO Alan "Skeeter" Skelton wore a Model 27 as his favorite handgun, and he was in New Mexico. Usually favored the basic Tom Threepersons holster with the trigger guard exposed above the leather. Strap over HAMMER, not over the trigger guard, as in some designs.

Even the old Lawrence No. 24 sits the gun deeply enough that I don't see how foliage would get hold of the trigger, let alone pull it.

Have you considered what the US Border Patrol wore for decades where you live? Worked for them! I prefer a higher riding holster, partly for sitting comfort. And it hides easier under a coat, if you have a CCW license. Undercoat carry is good in inclement weather.

Now, pay attention: I've read those Navaho Tribal Police novels by the late Tony Hillerman. If one of those skinwalker witches transforms himself into a vine in tight brush, he might be able to pull the DA trigger of a holstered M-27. Otherwise, I doubt that you'll have that problem.

Don't cheap out on buying a sturdy belt. It'll pay for itself in utility. And an old M-27 deserves really good leather.

www.epsaddlery.com

Agree on the quality leather.

 

[alwslate]

The Bianchi Cyclone mod 111 is hard to beat for an outdoor holster
and it can be worn crossdraw or strong side. It has a thumbsnap and
the trigger guard is covered. It is made for just about any S&W
revolver including the 6 1/2" N frame, in fact I have one. It's marked
S&W lg. fr. 6-6 1/2" Rev. on the back. I don't think you can beat it
for the price.

 

[Aircrewman]

Bianchi made a flap holster for many years that was a belt holster that covered the entire gun. It was beautifully built and was lined with a soft leather. This could be the answer to your concerns for protection of your model 27. They can be found for sale as used on Gunbroker and Ebay as well as other forums with "for sale" categories.

 

[Texas Star]

Bianchi made a flap holster for many years that was a belt holster that covered the entire gun. It was beautifully built and was lined with a soft leather. This could be the answer to your concerns for protection of your model 27. They can be found for sale as used on Gunbroker and Ebay as well as other forums with "for sale" categories.

I have one, but the OP specifically STATES that he wants an exposed handle in an open top holster.

 

[S.B.]

Supported trigger guards were once popular in America but, have lost favor in todays world. Maybe some custom holster maker makes one yet?
Steve

 

[Texas Star]

Supported trigger guards were once popular in America but, have lost favor in todays world. Maybe some custom holster maker makes one yet?
Steve

What does that mean? The basic Threepersons style supports the trigger guard and is available from many makers, inc. El Paso, which I cited.

The Bianchi Model 5 is such an item. But the exposed trigger area IS NOT what the OP wants.

 

[S.B.]

By supported I was speaking of a covered trigger guard? You don't hear that term much anymore.
Steve

 

[Texas Star]

By supported I was speaking of a covered trigger guard? You don't hear that term much anymore.
Steve

Steve-

Thanks. That clarifies. The M-111 Bianchi Cyclone that I recommended does have a covered trigger guard.

In fact, many modern holsters have covered trigger guards. I think Jeff Cooper started a trend along those lines back in the 1960's. He felt it was safer for the IPSC sport, which his writing largely founded.

 

[Muley Gil]

"I like the old Safariland M-29, lined in green suede and basketweave stamped. No longer made, but the El Paso Model 2 is virtually identical. I own both. The holster is safe, I think. I wore one for years."

I did also, most of 25 years. The Safariland Model 29 is my favorite holster, bar none. I even had David Keith make me a copy, with his excellent workmanship.

I never felt unsafe with the uncovered trigger guard.

 

[Mike C2]

Galco Phoenix suede lined (model 128 I think if memory serves) was my answer to that question for my Pre 29 4 screw. It can we worn strong side or cross draw and I find that it is ideal in the cross draw position when using my jeep.

 

[CScott]

I agree that the Bianchi 111 Cyclone is a good one. I use it for my 6 1/2" Mod 29-2 when I want to take that big gun along.
I got it at "The Outdoorsman" in Santa Fe several years ago. If they don't have one in stock, let me know and you can check mine out.
Scott

 

[loeman]

I'm sure I hike and fish in very similar conditions as you. For years my field belt holster of choice has long been a thumb-snap Bianchi 5B for my Md 681, Md 686 and Ruger Security Six. I know the trigger guard is exposed but that's the way I've always field carried and have never had any issues. As stated above, be sure to get a quality belt. I use my vintage Bianchi 2.25 inch belt and a couple of others made by Bullhide Belts. Hope to see you on the trail someday! I can often be spotted in the Pecos Wilderness in the vicinity of Hermit's Peak.

 

[Nightowl]

The Safariland Model 25 is the same holster as the Model 29 except it has the over the hammer strap, rather than the thumbsnap. I really like the sight track in both holsters. Especially with a Patridge front sight.