Model 19, 4" shoulder holster?

[Jeff Napoleoni]

Good morning, I have this M19, 4". I have a nice vintage hip holster for it. Now I'm shopping for a shoulder rig for it. I've been looking at the usual suspects but the information is generic. Do any of you carry a K frame? Advice is appreciated.

 

[.357magger]

For years I carried my Model 66 no dash 4" in a Bianchi X-15 medium shoulder holster during my time in Investigations. VERY comfortable, all day long, and just about perfect for long working hours in/out of cars. I still have it, and use it, usually under sport coat, coat, or jacket.

 

[crazyphil]

This one is a "Dirty Harry" shoulder holster made by Lawman Leather.
Made for Model 19 with 4" barrel and similar revolvers. About fifty years
ago my Dad had a Model 19 and let me shoot it, so I had to have one too.
Then I bought the Dirty Harry for both my Dad and myself. I still have
mine. Shown in the photo with Model 67 Combat Masterpiece.

 

[sigp220.45]

I'll throw in another vote for the venerable Bianch X-15 medium.

This one is a small, but you get the idea.

 

[cowboy4evr]

go to the website for " Cochise Leather " . It's a one man shop , Dave LeFeour . He has made several shoulder holsters for me including one for the K-frame Smiths . I'm a lefty so I needed a custom rig . I highly recommend him . Regards Paul

 

[.357magger]

I'll throw in another vote for the venerable Bianch X-15 medium.

This one is a small, but you get the idea.

Is that a Colt 1903 Hammerless?

 

[sigp220.45]

Is that a Colt 1903 Hammerless?

Yep. Its a .380, which some folks call the 1908.

 

[.357magger]

Yep. Its a .380, which some folks call the 1908.

Thanks. I have both calibers in the Model M, but you've answered a question I've been wondering about, namely if the small X-15 would be a good fit. Only have a vintage OWB for them so far so...thanks again.

(P. S. SWEET looking stags )

 

[jcs266]

My Bianchi X15 "medium" fits:

K frame 4" Model 10
L frame 4" Model 686
Glock 17

It's a great holster

 

[SASABERANGER]

RE: K frame shoulder rig

Have tried the Bianchi X rigs for several guns. Never could get comfortable with the elastic under my right armpit. I really dug into the armpit.
Tried the Galco with the double shoulder X and it is great. Used several different systems for revolvers and autos. I have used them for the military, Federal LEO and personal carry. I literally lived in one for two days with no discomfort. The El Paso Saddlery rigs, DeSantis rigs and several others should be equally comfortable. I prefer the Cross X double shoulder design over the systems that use the elastic.
Thom Braxton
SWCA &1474

 

[stansdds]

Have tried the Bianchi X rigs for several guns. Never could get comfortable with the elastic under my right armpit. I really dug into the armpit.
Tried the Galco with the double shoulder X and it is great. Used several different systems for revolvers and autos. I have used them for the military, Federal LEO and personal carry. I literally lived in one for two days with no discomfort. The El Paso Saddlery rigs, DeSantis rigs and several others should be equally comfortable. I prefer the Cross X double shoulder design over the systems that use the elastic.
Thom Braxton
SWCA &1474

That has been my experience as well. The elastic strap digs into my armpit, and digs, and digs, and digs deeper. Also, the strap attaches to the top of the yoke and the adjustment buckle always seems to land somewhere from the top of my right shoulder to the back of my neck. I do not find that buckle to be the easiest thing to conceal. A far better design is the "spider" harness, initially designed by ******* Leather, perfected under the ownership of Galco. There are now many similar designs.

 

[BAM-BAM]

For years I carried my Model 66 no dash 4" in a Bianchi X-15 medium shoulder holster during my time in Investigations. VERY comfortable, all day long, and just about perfect for long working hours in/out of cars. I still have it, and use it, usually under sport coat, coat, or jacket.

Ditto....................

 

[rednichols]

Good morning, I have this M19, 4". I have a nice vintage hip holster for it. Now I'm shopping for a shoulder rig for it. I've been looking at the usual suspects but the information is generic. Do any of you carry a K frame? Advice is appreciated.

55 years' experience as a designer/maker for the big makers and the big agencies, suggest that you don't do this . Shoulder holsters, despite the occasional 'love it' comments you'll get, are ideal for small aluminium frame pistols from .25 to .38 and with short barrels. Once one gets up to the 1911 and the K frame, the steel pistols are just too damned heavy esp. when the pistol is loaded. And Glocks etc. make up for the polymer frame with the 18 round magazines when loaded up.



I'm not saying 'doesn't work'. I'm saying that the odds of your finding the combination to be too heavy and then blaming the holster designer/maker, are about 90 percent. All that weight on the one side makes you lopsided . Want a shoulder holster? Choose a small, lightweight pistol. Want a big pistol? Choose a belt holster (and ignore the advice to choose wisely with the belt itself; instead, choose wisely of the holster and you'll be able to use any belt you like).

 

[stansdds]

Ohhh, gotta agree on the weight issue. Of my handguns and shoulder holsters, the best feel comes from the *******/Galco spider harness, my S&W Model 439 on one side, two spare mags on the other side. Less comfortable is my Model 6946 and two spare mags, the difference is only in the amount of ammo, but the extra ammo weight is noticeable across my shoulders after a few hours. Sonny Crockett went from a Bren Ten to the S&W 645. The Bren Ten is a hefty pistol, plus ammo, it had to be one hefty rig. The 645, being a single stack, would be a little easier on the shoulders, but I have actually tried it and it is still a heavy weight to tote all day. Sonny was and is my hero, more power to him!

 

[majick47]

Agree with Red best reserved for small light weight revolvers and compact pistols for comfort and concealment. Also what looks cool in TV shows and movies may not work for most people in everyday circumstances.