j-frame holster question

[gdeiss]

I have two or three j-frames that occasionally see pack-along duty on fishing, hunting, or hiking trips. I'd like to get a simple but well-made holster to carry them in, something on a pancake theme perhaps. Two of the revolvers have 2" barrels (models 642 and 34), and one a 3" tube (a model 60).

My question is this: is it reasonable to assume that a holster made for the model 60 would also be OK for carrying either of the other two revolvers? Last week I wrote a fairly well-known holster maker and posed the same question. I received a fairly sarcastic and derisive reply suggesting that I buy my holster somewhere else.

Either he was having a bad day or I asked a terribly inappropriate question. At any rate, I'd still like to have an answer to the question; any helpful and/or instructive advice you may provide would be appreciated.

Greg

 

[snubbyfan]

My snubby holsters are made with a model 60 mold. The thumb break also fits other J frame snubbies. The holster with molded retention is a little snug on my 442 but it does fit and retains well. Since my holsters are custom made I can modify them any way you like.

 

[-db-]

If shaped/boned well, a holster for a regular 2" J-frame should hold a hammerless version well. Note that a hammer strap/thong will probably not work properly with a hammerless gun, though. A 2" gun can get lost in a holster made for a 3" gun, however. I would search for dedicated different holsters for the 2" and 3" guns.

 

[Horace & Daniel]

Greg, never assume anything when it comes to holsters. I would be wary of carrying and hiking around with a 2-inch snubbie in a holster designed to fit a 3-inch wheelgun.

There are plenty of good holsters out there. And, for your purposes, I'd be certain the holster had a thumb break.

 

[Old cop]

If you're looking to save money than any holster made for a 2", with an open bottom, should allow you to carry your 3". I've done this and it works fine. If a holster maker sent you a snotty response then shop elsewhere.

 

[gdeiss]

Thanks for the info so far; I wish the aforementioned holster maker had been as helpful. Thanks, too, Old cop, for the 2" holster with an open bottom idea; I hadn't thought of that.

 

[vrichard]

This is what I use for a 2in.mdl.60
Bianchi # 8L (pan cake)
Bianchi # 5B
Dick

 

[srsmyth]

I just bought a Bianchi #5B [ Thumb Strap] molded for a 3" J-frame model 650 and my 2" J-frame model 63/34 snaps in tight. I wasn't planning on that however when I bought the holster. That holster has a closed bottom. It looks like the one vrichard has.
Steve

 

[kaaskop49]

Mernickle Holsters located in Nevada produce a great belt scabbard that rides high and holds the weapon securely without 'choking' it. And they are not snotty!

 

[H Richard]

Simply Rugged makes a pancake that is high and holds the gun very secure with no need for a strap. You can't lose a gun from them, and are very comfortable to wear. Just Google "Simply Rugged Holsters".

 

[corgiS&W]

Thanks for the info so far; I wish the aforementioned holster maker had been as helpful. Thanks, too, Old cop, for the 2" holster with an open bottom idea; I hadn't thought of that.

I have a PWL shoulder holster for a 3" 686 that holds my 4" 66 just fine. About 1/2" of the barrel protrudes, but that's no problem.

 

[gdeiss]

A local shooter suggested I try an Uncle Mike's Kydex Hip Holster. He happened to have one of his own, so played around with it for a while. Though not pretty, it functions well with the revolvers I'd carry in it, and the price is right as well. Thanks to all for the advice and info.

 

[hotrod150]

I can't see why a 3" revolver shuldn't work just fine in a 4" holster-- it'd just leave some unused holster hanging down. But I can where a 4" revolver in a 3" holster might allow the front sight hang up in the draw.

 

[Fox4Alpha]

I agree Leo. I have carried my 3" M-60 in a Galco open bottomed holster made for my wife's 2" M-60 for years. Fits fine and is secure.

 

[BlackSky]

+1 for the bottomless holster. I don't worry about barrel length with my J frame holster.