Holster recommendations

[petemacmahon]

S&W model 10, 2 inch barrel, DAO bobbed hammer.
Looking for a secure strong side (right) holster. IWB or OWB.

Prefer leather.

I've got my favorite holsters for my 3 & 4 inch K frames, but the lack of appreciable barrel might be a problem here.

I'd appreciate responses from folks with real world experience.
Recommendations please, pictures too. Thanks.

 

[Onomea]

I like Mitch Rosen's 5JR. I have one for my Colt DS and one for my 4" M65.

On the Belt Holsters | Mitch Rosen Extraordinary Gunleather

 

[Igiveup]

For the same revolver I wear a Rodek Leather, pancake style with snap, brown,basket weave. I now have five of them, all look the same 'cause it is what I like, and cost around $50.

 

[crazyphil]

Here is my Model 10-5 with 2" barrel, along with three of my favorite
holsters. The stocks are Grasshorns. Left to right:

Ken Null's RSS (Revolver Super Speed) based on a Seventrees pattern.
The belt is by Haugen. The knife is a Puma Prince. Absolutely my
favorite. The faint of heart will OOH and AAH about the exposed trigger,
but there is no problem with a double action revolver.

Lawrence Special Agent pigskin. I searched for years before I found
this one. Probably my second favorite.

Bianchi 5BH. The newer ones are made in Mexico. The older ones
are better and can sometimes be found on the auction sites. When
all else fails.

After thought: I don't have this one for my Model 10 2", but I
do have it for my 642-1 and I like it a lot. It's made by Rudy
Lozano at Black Hills Leather. He makes it in plain leathers as
well as several exotics. This one is shark skin.

 

[s&wchad]

Garrett Holsters makes the Silent Thunder STX, which is convertible from IWB to OWB. It's leather lined kydex with tension adjustment screws. Their website lists K frames as an available model.

I purchased one for a 2" J frame from a forum member a few years ago. Neither of us knew what it was at the time, because there wasn't room for Garrett to stamp their logo. Mine has the optional QD belt loops. I usually pocket carry, but this has become my go to belt holster for a J frame.

Retention is excellent, it hugs close to the body and it's easy to put on/take off without undoing your belt. The leather lining eliminates the typical noise you hear when drawing from kydex and is easy on the guns finish. I typically prefer fitted leather holsters, but I can't find fault with anything about the Garrett.

 

[ContinentalOp]

FWIW, when I had a 2" 64 DAO I carried it in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II for a 3" 65. Worked great. I think using the slightly longer holster counters any stability issues you might have carrying a 2" K-frame. I currently carry a PX4 Compact in a holster for a full-size for the same reason.

 

[crazyphil]

That point made by ContinentalOp is definately worth considering.
I remember when I bought this holster made by Baker the Pancake Maker
I was disappointed to realize it was for a 3" while my Colt's Agent is a 2"
barrel. But then Red Nichols pointed out to me that with the cylinder above
my belt it would tend to tip outward. But the extra inch would tend to
prevent the tipping.

 

[N-frame Smith]

Here's one I had made for my 2" model 10. Paul at Warbird Leather made it for me. I highly recommend his work.

He's made about half a dozen holsters for me. He does excellent work and is very accommodating. He'll work with whatever cant and ride height you need. You can reach him at [email protected]

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I'm perfectly happy with my O'''Rourke Leather pancake holster for my 2" Model 15, which I have carried for years. They are a bit more expensive these days. I know that Serious equipment for serious buisness is also very good, based on a very nice pancake that he made for my 1917 (!). Galco is probably also still very good.

 

[petemacmahon]

Thanks everyone. Looking over all these, I decide to give the Garrett Silent Thunder STX a try. The one from Warbird leather sure is a looker, but I like to carry IWB (so the looks are wasted) and I liked the flexibility & utility offered by the Silent Thunder.

I'll report back after I try it for a few weeks.

 

[petemacmahon]

Garrett Holsters makes the Silent Thunder STX, which is convertible from IWB to OWB. It's leather lined kydex with tension adjustment screws. Their website lists K frames as an available model.

Reporting back. I'm 100% satisfied with my choice of the Garrett Silent Thunder STX!! So much so that I might also have to get one for my 3 inch 696 & my 3 inch M64. While I've had a Milt Sparks Executive special for my 696 for over 20 years(I actually use it for my M64 too, but the 64 sinks a bit lower without the underlug), it does not hold shape enough for holstering. But the Garrett sure does.

Thank you again, s&wchad, for the advice.