IDPA Holster for S&W Model R8

[Bratastic007]

I am new to IDPA, and considering attending my first IDPA event in the next several weeks.

I have a HK P2000 that would work well for use, but my strong preference would be to use my S&W Model 327 R8. The problem is that I don't have a holster for it that is acceptable for use in IDPA. (I have a lawman leather goods shoulder holster on order, but shoulder rigs are verboten by the IDPA).

Does anyone have a suggestion for a side holster (IWB or OWB) for my R8 that would be IDPA approved? I believe the big requirement is that it be practical for concealed carry and all-day wear, and must be 100% concealable with a jacket on.

Any suggestions, especially from those who also do IDPA, would be much appreciated.

 

[Steve_NEPhila]

R8 holster

I have an R8 as well and the first thing I ordered when I bought it was a soudough from Leather gun holster, concealed carry holster - Simply Rugged Holsters? - Proudly made in the USA

I would post some pics, but it is late. The holster is top quality (I have a few others for my other smith wheel guns) and they run about 60 bucks. In my opinion, these are the finest holsters for revolvers out there. Rob Leahy is a fine holster maker. Check them out.

 

[Bratastic007]

Thanks for the suggestion! I will look into them. If it isn't too much trouble, I'd also love to see some pictures when you get the chance.

 

[Steve_NEPhila]

no prob, I will have them up tomorrow.

 

[Bratastic007]

Any pics yet?

...I don't mean to be a pain, I'd just be very interested in seeing that holster...

 

[haggis]

I assume the 327 R8 is an 8 shot revolver, and unless they have changed the rules, 8 shot revolvers are illegal in IDPA. They can be used in USPSA Revolver but can only be fired six times before reloading. They are legal for ICORE, and they can be used in USPSA Production with all eight shots.

Buck

Added: I researched the IDPA equipment rules, and it is possible to use 7- and 8-shot revolvers in IDPA, but you can only load six rounds. That will require you to index the cylinder upon closing or skip past empty chambers, neither of which is a desirable thing to have to do.

 

[Bratastic007]

I'm aware of the restrictions on revolver use (limiting them to 6 shots, regardless of cylinder capacity) that you pointed out.

It kind of stinks, since I own 2 revolvers--one 5 shot and one 8 shot, and I'm told neither works.

My hope is that I can use 8 shots in the confines of my local IDPA group, with the explicit understanding that the scores don't count for anything official. I am the only guy who would be participating in the "modified revolver" category anyhow, so I don't see the harm.

 

[OKFC05]

My hope is that I can use 8 shots in the confines of my local IDPA group, with the explicit understanding that the scores don't count for anything official. I am the only guy who would be participating in the "modified revolver" category anyhow, so I don't see the harm.

The harm is using local rules and calling it IDPA is that people who go from such clubs to a sanctioned match often get rather rude with us match directors because "that's the way we do it back home." I'm also talking about the people who just see the rules being ignored and expect it. The requirement is to only put 6 cartridges in the speedloader. It's not being fair to the other shooters to expect special exceptions.

People who follow IDPA rules in local matches understand the rules and do better in sanctioned matches.

 

[H Richard]

Simply Rugged makes a good holster, but may be a little more difficult to draw from. I prefer Lobogunleather, ( he posts here also). Attached are pictures of an N Frame 4" Simply Rugged and a Lobo Gun Leather for a 2 1/2" Mod 19. I also have a Lobo for my 2" J Frame. Both mfg. are reasonably priced, and decent turn around time.