K Frame AND L Frame holsters

[CigarGuy]

Anyone had any luck with a "one size fits all" with the above revolvers? Got a 66 and a 10 in the K frame and a 686 in the L frame, and after outfitting with upgraded grips, and being cheap, I'd love to find one that fit both?
Any luck, anyone?

 

[TAROMAN]

My 3" 65-5, 3" 10-5 and my 3" 696-1 share the same holster. A S&W branded model 21 32.
My 4" 681-0 shares its holster with a plethora of 4" K frame guns. Its also S&W branded model 21 34.

 

[yugolovr]

The Bianchi 5 bh and 5bhl will fit both. There thumb break holsters don't know if that makes a difference.

 

[wyo-man]

Fobus belt holsters list same holster for K and L frame (LK-4).

wyo-man

 

[CigarGuy]

Guess I shoulda mentioned they are all snubbies. And I'm thinking a nice leather. And IWB, I suppose.

 

[Lee Barner]

don, PM sent. lee

 

[CigarGuy]

don, PM sent. lee

"Stan", not Don.
Thanks. Answering now.....

 

[bronco45]

2 biggest reasons for holsters is: conveinence and security. With one holster you get convienence but not so much security. I once found a Model 66 on a Mountian trail a 100 miles from civilization that fell out of a non-secure rig and the owner never felt it leave his person.

I found this 66 4 miles from the trailhead. Never did find the owner. Betcha he wished he had purchased a holster that fit his weapon properly!

 

[C Islander]

2 biggest reasons for holsters is: conveinence and security. With one holster you get convienence but not so much security. I once found a Model 66 on a Mountian trail a 100 miles from civilization that fell out of a non-secure rig and the owner never felt it leave his person.

I found this 66 4 miles from the trailhead. Never did find the owner. Betcha he wished he had purchased a holster that fit his weapon properly!

Excellent example of why you should always buy a good holster made for the gun you're going to carry.

 

[Franciscomv]

I've got a couple of rigs that'll fit multiple revolvers, but they aren't for concealed carry. I use them while hunting, working around the ranch or just woodsbumming. They all use straps to keep the guns in place.

Like this one (sorry for the crappy pic):

For CC I prefer holsters that are molded to the specific gun model I'm carrying, since I rely purely on friction to keep it in place (I don't like snaps or straps on my CC holsters).

 

[chief38]

Any time I have tried an "all in one" product, there has always been a compromise. If something is made for multiple item usage it is usually NOT great for any one thing; just my experience.

Most of us have a draw or closet FULL of holsters that get used only a few times. I know I have at least 40 of them that I have used less than 10 times each, and two that have been used almost daily for 10 years or so. One of these days I'll take some photos and sell them so they can hang in other guys closets.



Chief38

 

[Joe Kent]

Guys, using a holster originally made for a larger framed gun for a smaller framed gun is a lot like wearing shoes to big for your feet. You can do it , but after hiking a number of miles, you will most certainly be sorry. We have several Forum members who are absolutely superb holster makers whose prices for hand made holsters are more than reasonable. You should spend the few dollars needed to both carry and protect your several hundred dollars or more investment in your sidearm.

 

[CigarGuy]

Guys, using a holster originally made for a larger framed gun for a smaller framed gun is a lot like wearing shoes to big for your feet. You can do it , but after hiking a number of miles, you will most certainly be sorry. We have several Forum members who are absolutely superb holster makers whose prices for hand made holsters are more than reasonable. You should spend the few dollars needed to both carry and protect your several hundred dollars or more investment in your sidearm.

<shaking head> I HATE the danged voice of reason! You are, of course, correct sir.

 

[ibewbull]

I know this is an older thread but must chime in.

If you carry a K frame in an L frame holster the added wiggle room will do TWO things.
1 . Possibly cause it to end up on a trail like in post #8
2. Cause excessive wear on the bluing.

The choice is ours alone. Do you risk loosing or wearing excessively a $500 plus firearm by cheeping out? Or do we respect out weapon and put a nice pair of pants on it and protect ourselves as well as our investment. After all is $60 too much ?
I have and will continue to put a 3 inch in a 4 inch holster but frame size must jive.
Choose wisely and safety first.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

The best results will always come with a holster formed specifically for the intended handgun. That said, I will add the following:

1. A K-frame revolver will readily fit into a holster made for the L-frames. The fit will be somewhat loose, so the need for some form of retention device (thumb-break, etc) should be considered.

2. Being somewhat loose the K-frame revolver will always be moving around somewhat inside the holster as your body moves. This can be expected to result in holster wear to the revolver's finish over time, so you might want to consider a good soft leather lining.

Back in the very early 1980's when S&W first introduced the L-frame revolvers there were very few holsters available for them. Many people carried their L-frames in N-frame holsters, and many found that they fit nicely into Colt Python holsters. These were not the ideal solutions, but they worked for a lot of folks for years.

 

[AZretired]

Using an L-frame holster for a K-frame is fine, at the range. For concealed carry you need one made for your gun.

 

[mc5aw]

The best results will always come with a holster formed specifically for the intended handgun.

+1

Ray ... Every rig you've made for me fits its respective revolver like the proverbial glove.

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I always buy holsters made for the gun but can say that I have a leather holster made for a Ruger Security Six which fits both a K and L frame nicely. The Security Six was a little beefier than the K frame. I've also been able to fit a GP100 in this same holster (although it's a tight fit), and the GP100 is beefier than the L frame.

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

Fobus belt holsters list same holster for K and L frame (LK-4).

wyo-man

I use LK-4 for 13 3", 66 2,5" and 686 4", IDPA- / range holster

 

[Jack Flash]

Guess I shoulda mentioned they are all snubbies. And I'm thinking a nice leather. And IWB, I suppose.

Not picking on you or anyone else, but I often wonder why exotic or even "nice" leather is used for an IWB holster. That is, one that is concealed / unseen.