J frame pancake or OWB for concealed carry

[wrangler5]

Check out a Lobo Enhanced Pancake. I've been carrying a variety of J frames in one for years and could not be happier with it.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Here's a shot of my lined Lobo Enhanced Pancake with my M&P 340. It works equally well with my 640 Pro and 940. Also works with 36s, but I don't carry any of them in it because of the hammer. I wear it at 4 o'clock, and I wear one of several vests -- no printing. The vests were my "altering my wardrobe to accommodate ccw." I've grown to like them a lot.

I've also become a belt and suspenders guy. My primary belt is a Milt Sparks 1¾" (same size as the loops on the holster). I never know the holster is there. A good belt is as important as the right holster for comfort and security.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[wrangler5]

In case you don't like black holsters here's a Lobo Enhanced Pancake in dark brown, with my daily carry 632. It has 1 1/2" slots which fit the Lobo belt of the same color that I wear with virtually all my clothing, including dark business suits.

BTW, the holster has the "body shield" that covers the thumb latch but is not big enough to cover an open hammer on a J frame. I don't have any open hammer J frame carry guns so that isn't an issue for me, but if you like to carry a Chief's Special or equivalent I believe Lobo can put a larger body shield on the holster upon request.

 

[slabsides52]

Vote 4 for a vintage Roy's Pancake holster, I still use them for both my S&W J's and a Colt Commander. An older Bianchi Shadow or Model 8 are close seconds. All of these have thumb-straps and can be found lined.

I like both of these features, the strap for security and the lining to reduce bluing wear. Both of these pull the gun, including the butt, tight into the body to reduce printing.

 

[raylan007]

R. Grizzle

I use the Simply Rugged and it works fine. Sits a little low.
My next J-Frame holster will be from R. Grizzle, the High Country holster.
I have this for my S&W autos and find it the best belt holster for me.
It is high and fits close for a Shield and M&P 9C size, it is almost as concealable as inside the waist band with the short barreled Shield.

R. Grizzle is worth the wait and the money, well spent. You won't find a nicer artist. If you go for the Grizzle don't forget to ask about getting your holster lined if you have a gun worth protecting and I assume that is the case or we wouldn't be talking Grizzle. Great guy, fantastic craftsman.

 

[GT_80]

Here is my Wright Leather Works "Predator". This holster will hold your J Frame snug against your body. The fit and retention are perfect. I also have a Predator for my Shield. Leather Concealed Carry Holsters & Belts | Wright Leather Works LLC

S&W 442 OWB by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr

That is a beautiful piece of leather! Looks like it fits perfectly

 

[GT_80]

I have been wearing the blackhawk off and on, and I have gotten used to it. Around my house it is very comfortable, and wearing a large shirt it's pretty good- working outside, it is a little annoying when I lift my arms sometimes you can see the bottom of the holster, but if that is an issue, I usually use my Bianchi IWB leather holster, and tuck my shirt in the belt clip in front, and it stays put.

The OWB holster is best for comfort and driving I have found. The Blackhawk is definitely cheaper leather than others I have seen, it scratches easily, but I need to lube it up with some oil a little, and it will be fine.