Leather for K and L Frames Compatable?

[Pete99004]

I know that there is not much difference in the K and L frames as far as overall size goes and many (or all) grips are interchangeable between the two models - but when it come down to a leather holster - assuming you have two compatible gun models, will an L frame gun fit into a K frame holster OK? Or is the L frame into a K frame holster going to be to tight? And if you do stuff an L frame into a K frame holster, is it going to stretch it out so much that the holster is not good for your K frame anymore? I'm sure we have many members who have both K and L frames - are your holsters interchangeable?


Pete

 

[gboling]

Some will and some won't. You will never know until you try it. I have a 4" Model 14 that will not fit in a holster for my 4" 586, as the thumb strap will not snap over the target hammer.

Good luck

 

[Pete99004]

I can't "see" any visible differences between the two models - I can "feel" the extra weight, but I don't see anything. Must be the thickness of the frame around the yoke and the cylinder window. Grip areas look the same - but they don't have any impact on holsters anyway. Tried my 686+ 3" in a holster for model 66 and it seems very snug - didn't want to ruin my buddies holster so I didn't force it. I believe I could make it work, but I don't think he would be happy with me. I think his gun would wind up slopping around in it after having my 686 in it for any time.

Pete

 

[Pete99004]

Some will and some won't. You will never know until you try it. I have a 4" Model 14 that will not fit in a holster for my 4" 586, as the thumb strap will not snap over the target hammer.

Good luck

So your problem is with the different style of hammers, not really the frame or body of the guns?


Pete

 

[Chuck Jones]

My experience is some holsters yes, most no.

It's usually more forgiving getting a K gun into an L holster, than the other way 'round.

/c

 

[murphydog]

A tightly fitted/thick leather K frame holster will not accept an L frame; a generic K holster might. You are correct in that their grip frames are the same size, but the holster usually doesn't cover that area anyhow. Many L frames (586/686) have the full barrel underlug, and if a K holster is fitted this will not allow the gun to seat fully.

 

[PMRet]

I have a 4" Model 14 that will not fit in a holster for my 4" 586, as the thumb strap will not snap over the target hammer.

Does the 14 have a full lug barrel?

 

[robotoid]

My experience is some holsters yes, most no.

It's usually more forgiving getting a K gun into an L holster, than the other way 'round.

/c

I usually find the opposite, you can squeeze a L in a K holster, but a K in a L holster will be loose and floppy. Only in leather too, no plastics. Depends on how boned in the holster fit is too.

 

[C Islander]

The only holster in my holster box(we all have one of those) that fits both is a cheap nylon one. Good leather holsters, L's don't fit in K's, and K's are sloppy in L's.

 

[minconrevo]

It's always best to choose leather specific to the particular gun's configuration. A well-fitting holster will function more safely, while causing less wear to the gun's finish. If the gun cannot "flop around" in the holster, then it isn't near so likely to acquire finish damage.

Putting a L into a K holster is a bad idea in my book, even if happens to sorta fit.

 

[growr]

My L frames ride in a holster for a Colt Python and it fits REALLY well. Got it in a local gun shop for $5.00 Made by DeSantis and the thumb strap evens fits it properly.
Might work for you as well.......

Randy