Holsters: High ride or low ride?

[delcrossv]

Looking at these two Galco holsters for my 325 PD (the "snub" one).

Any recommendations for someone who has a little "overhang" above the belt?

Advantages/disadvantages of each?

Low ride:

High ride:

 

[Fishinfool]

Depends what you are trying to achieve. If its maximum concealability, probably the high ride, but there are issues there. You may find it harder to draw, though the shorter barrel on the 325pd is in your favor. You may also find the grips poking you in the ribs.

With the lower ride "pancake", the guns grip falls in at a more comfortable angle, less chance of rib poking. It does not have a thumb snap retention. I have holster with and without thumb snaps, but I prefer them when possible, especially in a field holster.

I would take holster #1 unless concealability were my number one goal. and even then holster #2 might have issues, especially with a heavier gun. The "pancake" design tends to hold the gun close and tight to the body, but sometimes a super high ride above the belt slots can cause a gun to sag away from the body.

Larry

 

[Echo40]

Any recommendations for someone who has a little "overhang" above the belt?

Make sure that you only eat when you're actually hungry, (i.e. feeling hunger pangs) only eat until the feeling subsides, don't eat after 8:00pm until at least 6:00am if you can help it, and try to work at least 20 minutes of cardio in every day.
That should solve your problem.

As far as holsters go, you'll never really no for sure what works for you until you've tried it. If you can go into a gunshop and try them on for size, then by all means do so, and experiment with all common positions. (Bending, sitting, crouching, kneeling, etc.) As well as with belt orientations.

 

[colt_saa]

First off, no matter which holster you decide on, buy a GUN BELT (unless you already own one). The Galco belts are nice, but I tend to buy mine from Bull Hide belts. He even has exotics at a reasonable price . . . Elephant, Water Buffalo, Sting Ray, Shark and even Bison

On to the holster . . . With the weight and balance of a 325 PD with it's light weight alloy barrel shroud, you want to use something that keeps the center of mass as far below the belt-line of possible.

I would rule out the Galco Silhouette (the one you are referring to as High Ride) because of this. I also dislike that the Silhouette leaves the barrel sticking out. If you look at the Factory picture, it would be VERY easy for that fiber optic front sight to catch on the draw

Silhouette Image Courtesy of Galco​

The Galco Combat Master (the one you are referring to as Low Ride) is a very nice holster and the one I would pick from what you have posted.

The Galco Concealable is what I would prefer if they were offering it for this firearm. Unfortunately the only Smith & Wesson revolver offering is for the J-frames

 

[uncleted327]

As someone who also has overhang I would avoid anything high ride unless you want a grip bulging out of your side constantly. Go with something that rides as low as possible to the belt line. The muffin top sticks out further than the belt and will push out anything higher than the belt along with it. Find a holster that keeps the top of the grip, while holstered, at just below the muffin and it will help you conceal and make carrying much more comfortable. 2 cents given.

 

[delcrossv]

Make sure that you only eat when you're actually hungry, (i.e. feeling hunger pangs) only eat until the feeling subsides, don't eat after 8:00pm until at least 6:00am if you can help it, and try to work at least 20 minutes of cardio in every day.
That should solve your problem.

Word of the day:

Context

/ˈkäntekst/
noun
the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed.

the parts of something written or spoken that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning.

 

[delcrossv]

As someone who also has overhang I would avoid anything high ride unless you want a grip bulging out of your side constantly. Go with something that rides as low as possible to the belt line. The muffin top sticks out further than the belt and will push out anything higher than the belt along with it. Find a holster that keeps the top of the grip, while holstered, at just below the muffin and it will help you conceal and make carrying much more comfortable. 2 cents given.

That makes sense, especially without the barrel to provide any lever to keep the frame and grip "in". I might go with Milt Sparks and get the best of both (I like thumb retention as well).

Thanks, that's helpful.

 

[flagman1776]

I'd go with the first one. I'd not call it low. To me low is like the old Police service with drop shanks or even swivel. This isn't low. I like the Avenger styles or 5BHL that the gun is about centered on a good gun belt. Closer to the support keeps it from moving around.

 

[ContinentalOp]

The universal answer: It depends.

Your body type, wardrobe, and holster construction (and not just high or low ride) can all factor in.

I will say this. It may be obvious to most, if not all, but remember that with a revolver, the weight is all focused around the cylinder, i.e. that's the gun's center of gravity. The higher it is, the more work the holster has to do to stabilize it. I've always preferred holsters that carry the cylinder about even with the belt as that is the most stable position, imo. I carry IWB, but I think the same principle applies to OWB.

Another thing to consider. When you're carrying a revolver with the cylinder at belt level, the cylinder can fall into the "gap" between your "overhang" and hip, helping with concealment.

Just my opinion.

 

[blues7]

I always liked a high ride until my shoulders began barking with the range of motion required for a fast draw from my chosen location.

(Rotator cuff issue from sports, work, lifting and life.)

Choose wisely.

 

[keith44spl]

I've used several........High, Low and in-between.

My last ever custom build for myself.

Kinda a mid-ride. Revolver cylinder rides about belt level.

Comfortable for all day wear....I've got a purty good rollover,
but it does tuck in nice and tight, conceals A-Okay.

I designed my holster to accommodate
both my 3 1/2 to 4 inch N frame and my Colt Commander.

.

 

[oldiegoldie]

I've used several........High, Low and in-between.

My last ever custom build for myself.

Kinda a mid-ride. Revolver cylinder rides about belt level.

Comfortable for all day wear....I've got a purty good rollover,
but it does tuck in nice and tight, conceals A-Okay.

I designed my holster to accommodate
both my 3 1/2 to 4 inch N frame and my Colt Commander.

.

nothing says "Western" like a Ranger belt with silver buckle set. nice one you have. i've worn one for many years.

 

[rwsmith]

REAL high...

I prefer shoulder holsters because my body shape makes waist carry 'problematic'.

 

[gnystrom]

I am 6'3" and have no overhang BUT the ride height with OWB may depend on your flexibility. Many people don't even know they have rotator cuff issues and drawing from some holsters will cause an issue.
As others have said. Try if you can, otherwise plan on a box full until you find the perfect one for you.
As others have said, get a good reinforced belt. My OWB belts all cost around $100 and they are worth every penny.

 

[delcrossv]

Re: Belts

I've been carrying for years and have a selection of belts. Thanks!

 

[medic15al]

Looking at these two Galco holsters for my 325 PD (the "snub" one).

Any recommendations for someone who has a little "overhang" above the belt?

Advantages/disadvantages of each?

Low ride:

High ride:

Low ride. The extra weight of the gun higher up will cause "flop over" bulging and can get uncomfortable.

 

[mikerjf]

I notice they’re both pancakes. For me they always interfere with one belt loop or another. I more go for the Avenger style (one slot on the back and one trailing).

 

[H Richard]

My only additional comment is, "How tall are you? I have had a couple of High Ride holsters, and found they are nearly unusable for me (I'm 5'9") and they put the gun butt nearly under my armpit. Much difficulty reaching the grip to draw. For someone over 6' + may work.

 

[AZretired]

Looking at these two Galco holsters for my 325 PD (the "snub" one).

Any recommendations for someone who has a little "overhang" above the belt?

Advantages/disadvantages of each?

Low ride:

High ride:

IMHO both of those are high ride. Look at where the trigger guard is vs. the belt line. The revolver just makes it look higher. A picture of an auto in that holster would look quite different.

 

[Kansasgunner]

Valid points from the previous posts. All I can add is my favorite style OWB holster for a k or n frame. This one holds a 2” Model 10. Maker D.M. Bullard. Works well for me.