I'm looking for a rough-out leather appendix IWB holster for a J-frame (332 Ti) that I can carry in gym shorts without a gun belt. Needs a single smooth spring clip (no fabric-biting), extended sweat guard high enough to cover the cylinder release latch, no reinforced mouth (slim is priority), and minimal leather footprint. Any leads would be greatly appreciated!
ISO: Rough-Out Leather AIWB Holster for J-Frame w/ Smooth Clip + Sweat Guard Needed
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Doriangray6
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Check out Craft Holsters. They advertise that they can customize holsters to customer specifics.
I have one of their off the shelf holsters for my 586 revolver and it's nicely made.
I have one of their off the shelf holsters for my 586 revolver and it's nicely made.
Custom Holsters | Craft Holsters®
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These once very popular & inexpensive suede clip holsters might work for you. For many years when I first started out I would use these holsters for IWC for EDC. The are very well suited for a 2" J Frame. They are thin, comfortable, simple and get the job done. I never worried about re-holstering ( they do collapse without the gun in them ) because once you pull out Roscoe, people can see it anyway. If you must quickly stash your gun away, simply stick it in a pocket or your waistband and holster it properly when you can with two hands.
BTW, I found the best position to use with these are butt forward on your weak side. It is the most concealable and most comfortable while sitting and driving. I am right handed and wore them at the 9 o'clock position. I actually modified one of the holsters so that the clip was at the very top of the suede. That allowed the Chief's Special and holster to actually be carried concealed below the belt with my shirt tucked in, I just pulled the shirt slightly loose on that side and no one was aware I was packing. A little slower to get at, but sometimes slower is better than not being armed at all. They are still available in different configurations. The ones with the unreinforced top is thinner and more comfortable IMHO.
BTW, these type of holsters conceal best when using factory grips. A Tyler T Grip along with the small factory grips does help greatly.
BTW, I found the best position to use with these are butt forward on your weak side. It is the most concealable and most comfortable while sitting and driving. I am right handed and wore them at the 9 o'clock position. I actually modified one of the holsters so that the clip was at the very top of the suede. That allowed the Chief's Special and holster to actually be carried concealed below the belt with my shirt tucked in, I just pulled the shirt slightly loose on that side and no one was aware I was packing. A little slower to get at, but sometimes slower is better than not being armed at all. They are still available in different configurations. The ones with the unreinforced top is thinner and more comfortable IMHO.
BTW, these type of holsters conceal best when using factory grips. A Tyler T Grip along with the small factory grips does help greatly.
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ColbyBruce
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Thanks guys! I will check out everyone's suggestions.
My most carried revolver is probably a 2" Model 64 that I've converted to DAO. I carry it in an old Bell Charter Oak holster - similar to what I'm looking for here. But they closed their shop awhile back.
The extended sweat guard is the main part I'm struggling to find (without going custom). As a result, some of my j-frames I use for carry while working out have rusted cylinder release latches
For now, I've just been carrying my 332 in the holster for my Model 64. It works. Just a little slow to draw since it sits lower in the holster.
My most carried revolver is probably a 2" Model 64 that I've converted to DAO. I carry it in an old Bell Charter Oak holster - similar to what I'm looking for here. But they closed their shop awhile back.
The extended sweat guard is the main part I'm struggling to find (without going custom). As a result, some of my j-frames I use for carry while working out have rusted cylinder release latches
For now, I've just been carrying my 332 in the holster for my Model 64. It works. Just a little slow to draw since it sits lower in the holster.
Matt_X
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I don't have a direct answer for you. All I can offer are some observations that perhaps will help in your search and in contributing to the discussion. I like these types of holsters for the reasons Chief38 mentioned. They really are thin and easy to conceal.
From what I'm reading, Bell Charter Oak used a clip that was/is very effective in holding to the waistline fabric of the pants or shorts. My experience with a few of the classic rough out holsters is that not all will hold fast to all clothing. It is sobering to do a bunch of draw or draw and dry fire excercises and have the holster stay with the revolver even once. Then try to figure out why it happens some times and not others and if anything can be done ot correct it.
The clips on some (many) are bright finished or have other features that can attract the eye if not covered. Some were intended for narrow belts, others for wider pants belts, and some are pretty snug and do seem to work clipped on the waistband under the belt.
Another characteristic that varies a lot is placement of the clip relative to the cylinder and the trigger. This positioning makes a big difference on whether the gun will tilt forward changing the cant, as well as whether the butt rotates away from the body or toward when worn in various postions around the waistline. Without a belt, and on lightweight garment, this is going to be even more pronounced.
Be very interested in what you find. perhaps the seperate belt under the shorts will be a better solution?
This is a 1970s Buchemier Clark Model 61 for a 2" J with a 1.75" belt clip.
Same model from 1980 or 81 which was used AIWB but note that cant is forward and probably intended for 3-4 o'clock carry.
Don Hume H715 size 3-2
Although it looks similar, it is slightly smaller overall, a little wider at the bottom, more vertical cant, and fits the gun and the pants differently than the B-C model 61.
Personally for AIWB, I think a clip further forward would better keep the butt rotated in. In the summer this can be an issue - at least with me.
Final note. These do not retain the pistol when laying down.
From what I'm reading, Bell Charter Oak used a clip that was/is very effective in holding to the waistline fabric of the pants or shorts. My experience with a few of the classic rough out holsters is that not all will hold fast to all clothing. It is sobering to do a bunch of draw or draw and dry fire excercises and have the holster stay with the revolver even once. Then try to figure out why it happens some times and not others and if anything can be done ot correct it.
The clips on some (many) are bright finished or have other features that can attract the eye if not covered. Some were intended for narrow belts, others for wider pants belts, and some are pretty snug and do seem to work clipped on the waistband under the belt.
Another characteristic that varies a lot is placement of the clip relative to the cylinder and the trigger. This positioning makes a big difference on whether the gun will tilt forward changing the cant, as well as whether the butt rotates away from the body or toward when worn in various postions around the waistline. Without a belt, and on lightweight garment, this is going to be even more pronounced.
Be very interested in what you find. perhaps the seperate belt under the shorts will be a better solution?
This is a 1970s Buchemier Clark Model 61 for a 2" J with a 1.75" belt clip.
Same model from 1980 or 81 which was used AIWB but note that cant is forward and probably intended for 3-4 o'clock carry.
Don Hume H715 size 3-2
Although it looks similar, it is slightly smaller overall, a little wider at the bottom, more vertical cant, and fits the gun and the pants differently than the B-C model 61.
Personally for AIWB, I think a clip further forward would better keep the butt rotated in. In the summer this can be an issue - at least with me.
Final note. These do not retain the pistol when laying down.
@Matt_X These look great! They look similar to my favorite Bell Charter Oak holster, which actually has a slight reverse cant - which really helps with AIWB. The Bucheimer above looks like what I'm imagining. The slight additional leather material on the body side - to cover more of the frame/cylinder release latch. A separate belt may end up being a better solution!
Matt_X
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I think Philster is the main underbelt company right now, and they just are for kydex and plastic holsters. Maybe there's others. Elastic belly bands seem to want to move toward the waist if you're a runner or average to slim build. Maybe there are better ones but hard to know unless you see in person. otherwise all we have is each others experiences to provide any real insight past the advertising and promotions.
@Matt_X I've been wanting to check out the PHLster Enigma. When you mentioned separate belt, I was just thinking of a regular belt with holster worn under the shorts. I remember carrying that way over 20 years ago when I was in an "NPE" and it worked well enough. With the light weight of the 332, it might be a better solution. Thanks for taking the time to share!
Coyote56
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Give TT Gunleather and Palmetto Leather Works a call.
Both are excellent sources for what you are in search of. Palmetto is exceptionally good at bespoke one-off holsters.
Both are excellent sources for what you are in search of. Palmetto is exceptionally good at bespoke one-off holsters.
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