Is it me or are most revolver holster just wrong?

[bluesman99]

I am a new proud owner of a new (used) 642 airweight .38 without lock. I must admit all my other handguns are autos so please bear with me. I am 5' 10" and 150 pounds (read skinny) and I find that the 2" snubbie is really thin compared to most autos in similar calibers. This is of course with the exception of the fat cylinder. I am looking for a way to carry this good sized handgun concealed. I also carry small pocket pistols, and there is absolutely no way I can conceal this relatively huge frame in my front pocket.

I noticed that with most most of the IWB holsters, the belt goes right across the cylinder, the widest part!!! Not a really good design for comfort for sure!! If I slip the J frame into my waistband at the 4 O'clock position and put the cylinder just below my belt it practically disappears and hugs my body perfectly, and is totally comfortable even sitting on my bony butt. I don't even need to buy pants a size bigger to acomodate some big IWB holster. Someone must sell some kind of minimal, yet secure holster that holds a j frame like this?? Help any suggestions!

 

[bluesman99]

I am a new proud owner of a new (used) 642 airweight .38 without lock. I must admit all my other handguns are autos so please bear with me. I am 5' 10" and 150 pounds (read skinny) and I find that the 2" snubbie is really thin compared to most autos in similar calibers. This is of course with the exception of the fat cylinder. I am looking for a way to carry this good sized handgun concealed. I also carry small pocket pistols, and there is absolutely no way I can conceal this relatively huge frame in my front pocket.

I noticed that with most most of the IWB holsters, the belt goes right across the cylinder, the widest part!!! Not a really good design for comfort for sure!! If I slip the J frame into my waistband at the 4 O'clock position and put the cylinder just below my belt it practically disappears and hugs my body perfectly, and is totally comfortable even sitting on my bony butt. I don't even need to buy pants a size bigger to acomodate some big IWB holster. Someone must sell some kind of minimal, yet secure holster that holds a j frame like this?? Help any suggestions!

 

[dewingr]

I find pocket carry with my 642 to be very comfortable and I'm about your size. I use a Side Guard Holsters Rough Out pocket holster.

For IWB carry I prefer to carry my 642 at about the 1 o'clock position, called appendix carry. I find it very comfortable with an old style IWB holster that I received in a trade. The holster that I use is very similar to a model that is sold by Bell Charter Oak holsters called the Deep Drop Bandit. This is the most comfortable way for me to carry my 642. I can easily conceal it under a tee shirt.

Here's a picture of my holster.

 

[The Big D]

OP: You contradict yourself repeatedly thus your post makes no sense. Please consider a revision(s) so we can possibly help you.

Be safe.

 

[sparky9]

You just gotta find what works for you. I used to be your size

and IWB works well for me and my M36 snubby, even with the belt on the cylinder.
Check the threads on holsters in this section and you can do some holster searching online.
As has been said here before, you'll have a drawer full of holsters before you find the ONE that totally works for you.
Good holster hunting!

 

[tom turner]

I'm also confused by the post, for a little J-frame is super easy to conceal . . . just put it in a thin pocket holster and put the thing in your front pocket . . . especially the J-frame model you've got.

Heck, I went out of town this evening to visit a hunting buddy friend of my dying in the hospital with lung cancer. No way I'm gonna not tote on the road. Well, I've never seen a hospital with so many big NO GUNS signs . . . warning that you can't carry inside and are subject to search.

Geez, I nearly crapped in my pants, for my little J frame was in the front pocket of my Dockers tan slacks. NOT! I walked in anyway, past security, nurses, the front greeter/stopper who asked me where I was going. NO BIG DEAL!

I visited my dear friend for probably the last time, then left. By then, you had to use the ER exit . . . then walk around the whole hospital in the dark. I knew I'd have to when I went. Like I said, there was no way I was gonna not be packin.' I nodded to the security guard giving everyone the evil eye outside, walked past him and went on to my car. No one knew I was packing.

Like I said, it is REAL EASY to conceal a J frame, and unlike a mousegun jam-o-matic, they shoot very, very well too!!!

CHECK THIS OUT . . .

Here's a J-frame, next to a slim and trim 1911 compact. Pretty darn similar in width at their widest points . . . but the J tapers thinner everywhere else.

Yep, my holster is just a cheap ($12 or so) Uncle Mikes #3 pocket holster. It's all you need:

On the waist? Here's another great way to carry a J-frame. Holster by Mitch Rosen:

IWB is another way, but isn't as comfortable for me:

IMHO, no handgun is a versatile for CCW all-purpose use than an Airweight J-frame. My blued Model 37 is my "always" CCW gun . . . including tonight.


T.

 

[Pat_Jones]

The holster you are looking for is the DeSantis Insider. I have one for a j frame and it fits just like you describe.

 

[bluesman99]

Charter Oak holsters called the Deep Drop Bandit

Pat and Dewinger, those are exactly the type of holsters I am talking about!!! Thanks. The Cylinder rides below the belt allowing the thinness of the J frame to shine! Anyone else have deep holsters like that that they like?

 

[bluesman99]

Pat on the desantis site the insider is a relatively low cost non molded holster. The clip looks different than yours.
Desantis insider.

How is the retention with the non molded holster? Do you feel confident being active with it? Is it comfortable sitting?? thanks!!

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Every holster design involves some degree of compromise of the four main elements: comfort, concealability, accessibility, and weapon retention. There is no perfect solution for every person or every set of circumstances.

Placing the revolver's cylinder lower inside the waistband may increase retention and concealability, but decreases accessibility. The lower the ride, the less grip is accessible.

The J-frame revolvers are among the easiest of handguns to conceal, but the cylinder does create something of a lump. Personally, I find that that lump is more concealable when it is placed directly under the waistband, the belt carrying the transition over the cylinder smoothly and leaving the grip frame fully accessible. This is not the case for all users.

Pocket carry, in a well-designed holster, and in the right trousers, can be very concealable. But no one will argue that this is the most accessible means, and some find this method uncomfortable. The trousers selected will require a relatively full cut and pockets of sufficient depth to fully enclose the holstered revolver. Slim-cut trousers or jeans would not be the best choice.

There are a number of less expensive IWB and pocket holsters on the market, usually cordura nylon which is pretty durable stuff. I would suggest purchasing a couple and trying them for a few weeks. This will help you to identify what features are most desirable for your needs. Those holsters that you do not choose to keep can be sold easily in this forum's classified section to others who prefer that type, recovering much of your investment.

After you have gained more experience in what works best for you, then you can select higher quality equipment and invest a little more money with reasonable expectations of long term use and satisfaction.

 

[BarbC]

I just use the same little Bianchi Pro 100 for the J frames.

It doesn't slip even on polyester slacks and is thin enough that it doesn't make my waistband too tight.

 

[anchors]

I'm a tad heavier than you but I carry my mdl 36 SB with S&W target grips in a Tucker cover-up which is adjustable for cant.With the longer grip I just adjust the cant a little more forward.

 

[JamesArthur60]

Here's another brand to confuse you, Don Hume:

 

[tbone2]

Google Barami Hip Grip. I am built about the same as you and this is the best I have found. Conceals with a t-shirt just fine. Check it out!

 

[bluesman99]

The Hip grip looks really interesting. Do you fell very confident with it? is it really secure, or are you constantly checking to see if it is OK?? Does the cylinder ride below the beltline?? thanks!

 

[Rugskipper]

My 642 disappears in my front pocket with this.
http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/pocket.htm
Comes out fast and slick as a whistle too.

 

[bill2000]

+1 on the Barami Hip Grip. Been around for years and that speaks to its usefulness. I find it totally secure, have never had any problems with it. The only negatives are that its small and smooth. A T-grip and some sandpaper can solve those issues. Check it out, you won't be sorry. Oh, did I mention that its cheap?

 

[tbone2]

Originally posted by bluesman99:
The Hip grip looks really interesting. Do you fell very confident with it? is it really secure, or are you constantly checking to see if it is OK?? Does the cylinder ride below the beltline?? thanks!

I feel very confident with it. It stays in position at about 4:30 and I don't feel the need to check it. The cylinder does ride below my beltline. Being made of slick plastic keeps my shirt from sticking and getting caught up. I thought about a T-grip as well but I would suggest on shooting without it first and then if you think you need it spring for it. I didn't feel like it would help me any. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[biggs357]

I don't care for iwb only because i don't like buying pants in another size,I carry all my guns this way.

 

[Pat_Jones]

Originally posted by bluesman99:
Pat on the desantis site the insider is a relatively low cost non molded holster. The clip looks different than yours.
Desantis insider.

How is the retention with the non molded holster? Do you feel confident being active with it? Is it comfortable sitting?? thanks!!

That picture was taken when i was using a different (weaker) belt clip on the holster, I have since returned to the original clip. Good eyes.

It is a very unstructured holster, but because the belt runs over the cylinder it offers the best retention of any holster that I own for the J frame. However, re holstering is not a one handed affair the holster collapses when empty. I usually slip the holster off the belt and put it back on with the pistol already in it. If I ever have to draw in anger I will re holster in my front pocket.

It is a very comfortable holster for me. This and my DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster are the only two holsters I have that I can forget I'm wearing.