K vs. L frame Holsters.

[revho]

Greetings friends,

Looking at the holster's that people are selling on this site, I see an overwhelming amount of K frame holsters. I know there are size differences mainly internal and the cylinder between the two frames, so my question is, is it safe to assume a K-frame OWB holster will fit my 686-3 (L frame) with a 4" barrel? Would it be the same for other holsters like IWB or others?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[scooter123]

The answer to that will depend on the holsterr. I have a Galco Silhouette for the K/L frames and it will find both quite well. However I would expect that a holster that relied on friction for retention would not fit the larger L frame properly. I would advise that you contact the holster maker for your particular choice and inquire if it will be suitable for your 686.

 

[k22fan]

No.

[...] is it safe to assume a K-frame OWB holster will fit my 686-3 (L frame) with a 4" barrel?
Kevin

The holsters in question might fit but it's better to remember that assume is spelled to make an *** of u & me.

In times past better quality leather holsters were carefully fit for each frame but K frame leather holsters used with L frames or Colt Troppers would stretch enough to fit fine after awhile. Thereafter they'd have a sloppy fit for K frames. I don't use plastic holsters but I've read posts by members who couldn't use their unfluted cylinder revolvers in plastic holsters that were made for the same model with a fluted cylinder so I wouldn't assume they'd stretch enough. Also most K frame holsters were made for guns without full lugs and the full lug common on L frames sometimes interferes with using them.

I suggest trying your gun in any used holsters that were not marketed for you revolver or at least get the seller to test the fit before agreeing to buy one.

Gil

 

[Vern]

Underlug

The answer is in the ejector rod shroud or underlug. The problem you will face with the 586/686 is that it has a full length underlug while the all 19's and 66's I've seen have half length underlugs. Depending on how tight your holster is, you might not be able to squeeze an L frame into a K frame holster. At least you shouldn't be able to do it on a good holster. On the other hand, a K frame will be a little loose in a L frame holster.

Full length underlug:

Compared to this:

Vern

 

[xopher88x]

I highly, HIGHLY recommend contacting forum member Srigs of Side Guard Holsters, he personally carries a K frame and will make you one of the best holsters you'll ever own. Just tell him what you have for a weapon and what you need for a rig and he'll work something out. He worked holster magic for my previously too-bulky-to-carry 686, it's now one of my better concealing pieces. Side Guard Holsters - Home Page of Custom Leather Holsters

 

[Smith357]

I have crammed an L frame into a K frame holster only to stretch it so the K frame is loose.

This Buchiemer Federal Man was originally for a 6" K frame. After cramming a 586 in it for a week it is now too loose for my Model 14.

So sometimes you can get an L frame into a K frame holster, but don't expect a K frame to fit right after the leather has been stretched.

Some holsters are made with adjustable tensioning screws that make it possible to use that holster with both K & L frames. This Safariland 568 paddle hoslter can be adjusted to fit either a K, L, GP100, or Python perfectly.