J-Frame Holster Help!

[JayFramer]

Hey guys.

Been thinking on carrying a J-frame 442 for CCW. Used to own a 642 years ago and used Bianchi hip grips. They were slippery and hard to get ahold of, even with Tyler-T's, and never felt as secure as a good holster.

My issue with the IWB holsters I've tried is they all seem to be too bulky and print. It gets HOT where I live and I wear a T shirt 90% of the year. So I'm looking for the lowest profile, least printing holster for IWB use. Wanting something with a clip of some kind, I don't like the Remora type holsters, no thanks. Also looking for something with a canted draw as I find having the grip canted forward greatly reduced printing especially when bending over.

Can't think of a better place to ask than this. Any help here guys? Thanks in advance,

-Jay

 

[crazyphil]

I would recommend a pancake style with a high ride. It will hold close
to your body and the T shirt should cover it.
One that holds your 442 cylinder about belt level so it won't sag.
Here is a photo of a Black Hills model to illustrate what I'm talking about.
2nd from left, if you want a little bit more budget friendly the DeSantis
Speed Scabbard is a good choice.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Not what you're asking about specifically, but Bob Mika is running a clear out sale on a bunch of his pocket holsters in this forum for $24 shipped (normally you wait 2-3 months for them). I swear by them and ordered a couple more ..... just ..... because. They are the best IMHO for J Frame pocket carry.

 

[JayFramer]

I do not pocket carry. I carry a wallet and cellular telephone in my twin front pockets, along with a pocket knife and flashlight. I do not carry anything in my back pockets due to back issues as well as increased likelihood of damaging things from sitting down and also it's much easier to get pickpocketed with things in the back pocket.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I've had good results using my Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip IWB holster to carry my 642, even on hot, muggy days. The clip is offset so it lowers the profile of the gun, as well as pulling the grip into your body for better concealment. When you order you can specify what cant you want; mine is 15 degrees. The model I have has a reinforced holster mouth, but they also make a non-reinforced version if you want to go thinner.

 

[crazyphil]

If you are going for a clip-on IWB, this is something to be concerned
about: 15 or so years ago I did a study of IWB with clips. I had seen
incidents of the holster coming out on the draw wrapped around the gun.
So I studied, and tested, just about every clip-on IWB on the market at
that time. My test consisted of 100 draws for each holster. If it came
out with the gun, even once, it failed my test.
Only 3 passed the test with 100 draws and no failures.
Left to right:
Bell Charter Oak's Chicago Rocker
Garrity's "Inconspicuous"
FIST'S 1K (Kydex)

PS I changed the third one after I checked up on my memory.

 

[The Big D]

Try a holster with a j-hook.

If you want to try a j-hook IWB holster I will send you one. PM me with your info.

Be safe.

 

[ContinentalOp]

My Side Guard holster has never come out with the gun, and I've done a lot of practice draws, probably several hundred over the years I've been using it. The only times the holster comes off the belt is when I intentionally remove it.

 

[JayFramer]

Thanks, guys! Ill try out the Side Guards.

 

[DRJ]

I carry my j-frames ether in a Mika pocket holster or a Lobo enhanced pancake owb. Both work well for me.

 

[JJEH]

I recommend Jason Winnie.

 

[jchodur]

KalamazooKid ,

Where in this forum are the Mika pocket holsters advertised? I cannot find them.

jchodur

 

[3rdRRU_PhuBai]

KalamazooKid ,
Where in this forum are the Mika pocket holsters advertised? I cannot find them.
jchodur

Mika's Pocket Holsters

 

[Mike in Reedley]

For OWB carry, look at Don Humes J.I.T. Slide holster. It's small, conceals well and not terribly expensive. I have this model holster for; J, K, L, N frames, 1911, Kahr P9, M&P 45 and High Power. I like them.

 

[JayFramer]

Do the OWB Holsters conceal better than a IWB?

 

[murphydog]

KalamazooKid ,

Where in this forum are the Mika pocket holsters advertised? I cannot find them.

jchodur

Here is the current link to the thread here on the Forum:

orphan pocket holsters looking for a good home

 

[murphydog]

Here is my reasoning in IWB vs. OWB vs. pocket carry; your situation may differ...

For me, IWB is the least comfortable (holster and/or grip frame dig into the side of the abdomen, heat and sweat buildup) and forces the most change in pants waist size (or stretch). Both this and OWB require a long enough shirt to cover the gun and holster, but in the correct position (4-5:00) either prints minimally.

As mentioned above, a good option is pocket carry, with cargo pants (enough pockets for your usual stuff, and a dedicated front one for the holster and gun). I've never needed to do so under duress, but with this carry method you can have your hand on the gun, ready to draw without attracting too much attention. While backing away from the threat if possible...

So, to me it's a comfort or clothing fashion compromise with each way. Good luck in your decision.

 

[just plain joe]

You may wish to consider the V3 Stingray from Clinger Holsters. I have been running one for my SigSauer P320 Carry and my S & W 340PD for about a month. Granted, this is not a long period of time in the greater scheme of things. That being said I have found no shortcomings. Previously, I had rocked with leather IWB holsters. I have now opted for kydex which is rigid and permits easier one-handed reholstering.

HTH.

JPJ

 

[JayFramer]

You may wish to consider the V3 Stingray from Clinger Holsters. I have been running one for my SigSauer P320 Carry and my S & W 340PD for about a month. Granted, this is not a long period of time in the greater scheme of things. That being said I have found no shortcomings. Previously, I had rocked with leather IWB holsters. I have now opted for kydex which is rigid and permits easier one-handed reholstering.

HTH.

JPJ

Seems like it would be bulky and print badly.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

For the best combination of comfort, accessibility, concealment, and security a good pancake-style holster is tough to beat. I carried a full-size 1911 pistol in one of my Enhanced Pancake model holsters for years, using nothing more than an untucked shirt for cover, completely comfortable all day every day, and I have even fallen asleep in my recliner with the holstered pistol strapped on.

Your J-frame snubby should just about disappear.

Have a look at the Lobo Gun Leather website, then contact Matt or Mark Fedders (the good folks who purchased the company from me when I retired). No better quality, no better customer service.

 

[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.