J-Frame Holster Help!

[Execpro]

Cardini Holsters makes a nylon holster with sweat guard for J frames. Can be used on gun with or without a hammer.
I carry AIWB and have used these holsters for years (642,360J etc.). They are lightly padded,prevent sweat from getting to your gun and are well made.
Saw one this morning on Ebay for $19.95 and free shipping.

Be SAFE and Shoot often!

 

[JayFramer]

So guys you think a snap loop holster would be more secure than a metal clip one? Something like this?

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[Jaysq]

Do the OWB Holsters conceal better than a IWB?

I don't think they conceal better but they are a lot more comfortable. One of the easiest ways to conceal OWB in the summer is to wear a Hanes light weight tee, tucked in, and a button type shirt over it. Leave the button shirt untucked and open. Should be no problem covering your OWB holster and I don't find it to be any hotter than just a tee.

Here is my 442 in a Wright Leather Works "Predator"

[/url]S&W 442 OWB by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[MetalMan]

For me, Mika pocket holster or Milt Sparks VMII (built for my 3” 60-15 but works equally as well with my 2” J’s).

 

[DevilDog72]

.......so.....

I think I have tried most all types of setups to carry my side arms over the years and have come to the conclusion that, for me, OWB is it for me. My EDC 19-4 snub, 66-3 snub all but disappears in a Lobo Enhanced Pancake and my 640 and 642 ride in a Galco Pancake without issue.

 

[DevilDog72]

My Commander sized 1911 and my Glock 17 hide very well with pancake holsters

 

[JayFramer]

Should I try appendix carry? I’ve only ever done 3:30 strong side... I have a beer ponch but not too bad. Maybe I’m too fat for it guys??

 

[kthom]

Do you like to sit down comfortably? That does not answer the question of whether you like to point your handgun in that direction while holstering and unholstering! As someone who knows, your physical size makes a BIG difference as does the size of your gun. Any dunlap disease that hangs over your belt in front will not likely be conducive to comfort with appendix carry! Only way to know for yourself is to try one and see how it fits.

 

[ContinentalOp]

My 2 cents, FWIW...

IWB vs OWB vs pocket, leather vs kydex, hip vs appendix...it all comes down to personal preference.

I find IWB more comfortable than OWB because when I've carried OWB it always felt like the gun was pulling away from me. And before you ask, it was a good quality holster/belt combo. Plus, I don't have to worry about my untucked shirt riding up and exposing the holster. I also don't have to re-size my pants' waists for IWB, though I do have to make sure my belt will accomodate it.

I've also worn both kydex and leather IWB. Even though kydex is thinner, it wasn't as comfortable as leather. It was still comfortable to wear, just not as comfortable. I think leather is a little more conforming to one's body shape.

I've never tried appendix carry, but have considered it. There are pros and cons, but between my, um, "tactical waist padding" and my habituation to carrrying a gun behind my strongside hip, I decided it's not for me at this time, but I'm open to re-evaluating and changing my mind later on.

I rarely pocket carry, and what I've found is that it's only faster than belt carry if you already have your hand on your gun in your pocket*. I can draw faster from my IWB holster, concealed under an untucked shirt, than from a pocket holster, if my hands are outside my pockets. It's also more difficult to draw from a seated position or while on the move if the situation dictates either of those options. So you should weigh accessibility/speed vs concealment.

But all this is what I've found for me, based on my experience and training. Different people have different needs/wants, so ultimately you'll have to do some experimenting to figure out what's best for you, or just stick as close as possible to what you're already familiar and comfortable with. There's nothing wrong with either approach.





* Stop snickering.

 

[JayFramer]

My 2 cents, FWIW...

IWB vs OWB vs pocket, leather vs kydex, hip vs appendix...it all comes down to personal preference.

I find IWB more comfortable than OWB because when I've carried OWB it always felt like the gun was pulling away from me. And before you ask, it was a good quality holster/belt combo. Plus, I don't have to worry about my untucked shirt riding up and exposing the holster. I also don't have to re-size my pants' waists for IWB, though I do have to make sure my belt will accomodate it.

I've also worn both kydex and leather IWB. Even though kydex is thinner, it wasn't as comfortable as leather. It was still comfortable to wear, just not as comfortable. I think leather is a little more conforming to one's body shape.

I've never tried appendix carry, but have considered it. There are pros and cons, but between my, um, "tactical waist padding" and my habituation to carrrying a gun behind my strongside hip, I decided it's not for me at this time, but I'm open to re-evaluating and changing my mind later on.

I rarely pocket carry, and what I've found is that it's only faster than belt carry if you already have your hand on your gun in your pocket*. I can draw faster from my IWB holster, concealed under an untucked shirt, than from a pocket holster, if my hands are outside my pockets. It's also more difficult to draw from a seated position or while on the move if the situation dictates either of those options. So you should weigh accessibility/speed vs concealment.

But all this is what I've found for me, based on my experience and training. Different people have different needs/wants, so ultimately you'll have to do some experimenting to figure out what's best for you, or just stick as close as possible to what you're already familiar and comfortable with. There's nothing wrong with either approach.





* Stop snickering.

Thank you! Very good explanation. I messaged Side Guard holsters to see about there “min clip” holster. Looks very good.

 

[jchodur]

THANKS MURPHYDOG

Thanks for the link murphydog. I first checked Mika's website and could not find any reference to any special deals. Unfortunately by the time I checked the link you furnished me he already sold seven square J frame holsters but only had six available. At least the one I made from a mouse pad works fine!

JCHODUR

 

[JayFramer]

Like I said, pocket carry doesn’t work for me. I not only have to give up one of my two large front pockets but also have to put my knife somewhere else to were it’s not handy in the right hand. I also do not like the looks of cargo shorts, and wear jeans most of the year anyway. Trust me, I’ve tried it, with a Mika pocket holster mind you, and also don’t like the weight or feeling in the front pocket and it feels less secure when sitting down or reclining.

I get it guys, I really do, you like pocket carry and it works for you but please focus on the subject at hand. There is already a Mika pocket holster thread running right now if you want to talk about them.

 

[chief38]

Laugh as you may, these inexpensive Suede, thin, comfortable IWB holsters with metal clips are what I use when I carry that way. While they are not easy to re-holster single handedly, that is not a major concern to me. If I pull Roscoe out, the secret is up anyway. Two handed re-holstering would be required or the revolver could temporarily be put into your waist band or a pocket. For me, regular leather is too thick, bulky and uncomfortable for IWB.

All day comfort is easily achieved and even if you sweat on the holster, they dry fast and are as good as new. The gray one (basically retired now) is super old (clip moved so as to not be over cylinder) and the dark brown one is almost as old but still in great shape after 40 years. The tan one is still brand new.

 

[jerry52]

Garret silent thunder

 

[HardToHandle]

Laugh as you may, these inexpensive Suede, thin, comfortable IWB holsters with metal clips are what I use when I carry that way. While they are not easy to re-holster single handedly, that is not a major concern to me. If I pull Roscoe out, the secret is up anyway. Two handed re-holstering would be required or the revolver could temporarily be put into your waist band or a pocket. For me, regular leather is too thick, bulky and uncomfortable for IWB.

All day comfort is easily achieved and even if you sweat on the holster, they dry fast and are as good as new. The gray one (basically retired now) is super old (clip moved so as to not be over cylinder) and the dark brown one is almost as old but still in great shape after 40 years. The tan one is still brand new.

Truth on the basic IWB holster. An old timer gave me similar advice 20+ years ago and in spite of repeatedly trying to find a better mousetrap, it still holds true. AIWB has many advantages in concealment, weapon control and, for me, plain comfort. Comfort does mean a t shirt for me, but it reminds me of 1950-60s Army uniforms with the white triangle at the neck.

In sweaty conditions, kydex does have a role. You may consider the PHLster, which has the relocated holster clip and just a clever design -
City Special Revolver Holster - PHLSTER Kydex Holsters and Medical Accessories

 

[chief38]

BTW (if anyone would like to try) I carry IWB at the 9 o'clock position and I am right handed. It is the ONLY time I ever carry Butt forward but find this position much more comfortable for IWB carry. It's also way easier to grab from a driving position or sitting down in a chair at a restaurant.

Many do, however I don't care much for IWB 4 o'clock strong side. To each his own........ If I can't be comfortable all day I am not a Happy Camper!

 

[mike campbell]

I have at least 8 J-frame holsters. All the ones I actually wear away from home have retention straps. This DeSantis 3-slot has ridden my hip for 20,000+ hours. One slot gives a forward cant but I found I prefer the slightly higher ride from the vertical slot. As others have said, an undershirt and an untucked shirt offer excellent comfort and concealment. I've never been a fan of T-shirts so I've lined the backs with adhesive moleskin and it works well against bareskin.

 

[dirty & hairy]

I've had this Side Guard Minimal Snap for almost two months and I absolutely love it. Very well made and the snap is fantastic. Wearing it appendix carry (new to me) and I'm quickly learning to like it. This is a great holster IMO.

 

[fiasconva]

You may want to check with lobogunleather.com to see if they can make you one out of horsehide, if they have any available. It will be thinner and much more sweat resistant than a cowhide one. They do great work.

 

[EdinDenver]

Blackhawk Holsters Size 06 works for me and my 340 M&P