J-Frame Holster Help!

[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

 

[F75gunslinger]

I have always liked Alessi holsters out of Buffalo, NY. They make a great product and have never had any issue with the holsters I have from them. They aren't cheap, but make an awesome product.

I have a talon IWB holster for my 642. The gun stays put in it and it won't come out when you pull the gun. The clip they use is a polymer plastic, but guaranteed for life if it ever breaks ( Short of catching it on something sitting down I don't know how you could break one. I've pulled mine out quite a ways and it has never broken on me ) . I use an inch and a half wide gunbelt and that clip pretty much snaps over it, so when you pull the gun, the clip is around the belt and it won't budge.

 

[Execpro]

I mentioned Cardini holsters on this thread for IWB carry. They make both leather and nylon. I have a mid rim bulge as I like to call it and carry AIWB at 11 o'clock. I prefer the nylon for its minimal padding,sweat guard and protection from perspiration. I don't wear a T shirt but wear my cover shirt untucked year round (advantage of being retired).
Pictured is the nylon holster with a J frame size Taurus M85 with 2" bbl. See post #21 for cost.

Have to again add my 2 cents and say that the only time you draw a loaded pistol/revolver from the holster is if you HAVE to use it! You practice your draw with snap caps or just dry fire the gun!
You remove the holster from your belt with the loaded gun INSIDE! JMO

Be SAFE and Shoot often!

 

[vrichard]

This Bianchi S&W Chief BL (made in USA) works for me.

 

[hotshot357]

I've been using a Cardini for two years. They are well made and very comfortable.

 

[Boudiepitbull]

I have used a Galco pocket holster and a Galco Sto-n-Go for IWB carrying a 640-1 .357 with a 2.25 inch barrel. The pocket holster works very well with some jeans and less so with others. I'm less satisfied with the IWB set up.

I recently acquired a sub compact 9mm for concealed carry and, taking my son's advice, went with a StealthGear standard Ventcore IWB holster with a Kydex shell. It works amazingly well. I went back to their website and saw they are now offering a Kydex shell for the 640-1 and immediately ordered a complete second holster set up. I've always been very old school and thought leather was the way to go but I may have to come to the conclusion that some other more modern alternatives may work as well or better. There is an 18 day lead time on orders, so I expect a 3 or 4 week wait but will report back on my level of satisfaction with the Kydex/revolver combo.

Just a word of caution... I also looked at Aliengear (which my son has for his Sigs and CZs) and saw awful reviews for their J Frame Kydex shell. According to reviews they failed to compensate for the difference in cylinder size between .38 Sp and .357 Mag cylinders and only offered a shell for a 2 inch barrel as if all S&W J Frame Centennials were the same. People reported getting out the Dremel tool to cut away material to make their J Frame fit...and then, only badly.

I'm glad I researched it before I ordered and I'm glad I took my son's advice and didn't go for the cheaper Aliengear.

 

[OLDSTER]

Galco Paddle Lite is an economical priced ( $45.00 range ) and comfortable paddle holster with a universal suede design that accommodates numerous J-frame size snub nosed revolvers

 

[mike campbell]

.... went with a StealthGear standard Ventcore IWB holster with a Kydex shell.
.

I have to say, of the several IWB's I've tried and hate, I hate this one the least. This one is the IWB concept well-executed, I just can't warm up to the concept. On those rare occasions when my lifestyle calls for IWB ... shirtsleeves and a tie ... I manage with ankle carry instead. Luckily, I'm old enough to not need to wear "skinny" pants, so my baggy dress cuffs work just fine.