Model 36 owner seeking general holster guidance

J

jdub3

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Hi all. I recently purchased a used model 36 and was hoping to get some guidance regarding holster selection.

Some background: I have traditionally been carrying a Springfield XD subcompact in a Tucker Texas Heritage at about 4 o'clock. I have found that the gun prints more than I would like when bending etc as I am a skinny guy- 5'10 160. As a result, I had started looking into appendix carry but haven't made the switch yet.

So down to my questions. I am looking for an IWB, OWB and pocket carry holster for the 36.

For the IWB: What are your recommendations? I would like to spend less than about $80 and I am thinking that with the smaller grip of the model 36 I can stick with carrying at 4 o'clock. I'm currently looking at a Summer Comfort or similar model (Don Hume MSO or PCCH). Would you guys recommend looking into holsters with a sweatshield? Do you think I should consider trying an affordable holster that gives me the option for appendix carry i.e. Galco Stow-n-Go.

For the pocket holster: I am thinking of going with the DeSantis Nemesis. I have one for the XD and like the material and construction, but the pistol was just too big for this style of carry. I still used the XD nemesis to store in a backpack occasionally. Any benefits to leather pocket holsters?

For the OWB: This would kind of be my all-purpose holster. The main function of this would be carrying around my family's property (we have a ~70 acre winery on the Napa/Sonoma border). I have bigger autos for this purpose, but I see alot more rattlesnakes than mountain lions (have only seen tracks) and would like the option of loading snake shot in the mod 36. Also alot of the time I spend out there is riding on atv or bulldozer so I am thinking about a cross-draw for this purpose. This would also be a back-up as I usually have a mini-14 or 12ga nearby when working out there.

Thanks in advance for reading this whole thing. Any advice or experiences are much appreciated!
 
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I use the Nemesis for my 36 in front pocket. You are right, it is a bit large, but then again, so am I!
;-)
Mrwildroot
 
There's nothing wrong with trying an inexpensive holster first. If you eventually buy a priceier unit and it has issues, A cheapy can float you until your favorite is repaired or replaced.

I would, however, never carry a single snubby. Carry a pair (even if ones a full size gun) if at all possible. I think of concealed carry in terms of sports (and no, I don't think it's a game, but) you can play to win, or "not to lose". There is a difference. One does the minimum, one intends to win no matter what, even if the BUG is a NAA mini.

Mountain lions are a concern of mine too. Think of them as the physical equivalent of a very well fit, determined mid-size man when selecting ammo ect.
 
I've carried a 1 7/8" M36 or M60 for five years. I carry in my pocket. I've tried the Uncle Mike (to thin and floppy), a generic rough side out leather holster (to stiff and bulky) and finally a Bianchi "Pocket Change"....which was just right. Never went back and tried any of the others since and I've been using this one for over three years.

Bianchi-23170-rw-20444-151561-1.jpg


I wouldn't use anything else.
 
Gutpile Charlie said:
I've carried a 1 7/8" M36 or M60 for five years. I carry in my pocket. I've tried the Uncle Mike (to thin and floppy), a generic rough side out leather holster (to stiff and bulky) and finally a Bianchi "Pocket Change"....which was just right. Never went back and tried any of the others since and I've been using this one for over three years.

Bianchi-23170-rw-20444-151561-1.jpg


I wouldn't use anything else.
Click to expand...

GPC.
Do you carry in a back pocket?
That square design seems suitable for that purpose...

Mrwildroot
 
Thanks for all the input guys. I have purchased a Galco Summer Comfort from a generous member of the site and will report my thoughts once it arrives.

Flop-shank: Point well-taken but I have additional factors that enter my carry equation given that I live in a very liberal city in Northern California. I have to balance the desire to stay alive if my safety is ever threatened with the desire to not go to jail, if you catch my drift. Concealment is a therefore a big deal. I'm a skinny guy and have enough to worry about keeping one gun invisible. I am considering an NAA Mini though.

PS: This post is all theoretical and I advise everyone to obey their local gun laws.
 
Last edited:
The square design allows for front or rear pocket carry..unless of course your front pockets are very tapered...on the rare occasion I pocket carry, I use my back pocket with a shirt over it...I don't like a gun in my front pocket and I'm used to having a gun at 3 or 4 o'clock so reaching into my back pocket is very natural...and if someone tells you to give them your wallet, that's what they think you'll be going for...
 
sipowicz said:
The square design allows for front or rear pocket carry..unless of course your front pockets are very tapered...on the rare occasion I pocket carry, I use my back pocket with a shirt over it...I don't like a gun in my front pocket and I'm used to having a gun at 3 or 4 o'clock so reaching into my back pocket is very natural...and if someone tells you to give them your wallet, that's what they think you'll be going for...
Click to expand...

sipowicz,

You sneaky dawg you!
;-)

MW
 
sipowicz said:
The square design allows for front or rear pocket carry..unless of course your front pockets are very tapered...on the rare occasion I pocket carry, I use my back pocket with a shirt over it...I don't like a gun in my front pocket and I'm used to having a gun at 3 or 4 o'clock so reaching into my back pocket is very natural...and if someone tells you to give them your wallet, that's what they think you'll be going for...
Click to expand...

That is exactly my plan with my P3AT in my back pocket. Give me your wallet gun!
 
Something most people don't realize is that it is better to have a $100.00 belt and a $10.00 holster that the other way round....
Getting a proper gunbelt was the best thing I ever did for my carry rig...

Mrwildroot
 
mrwildroot said:
GPC.
Do you carry in a back pocket?
That square design seems suitable for that purpose...

Mrwildroot
Click to expand...

No, I carry it in my right front pocket and a Bianchi speed strip in my left rear pocket.

This thing absolutely "disappears". I can go all day and not even notice it. As I am writing this right now, I just a few minutes ago got up and got dressed. I thought"did I put my heat in my pocket yet". I just thought of it as I am typing this and I've not reached down and "felt" to see if it is there.

Yuppers, it is. You just don't notice it.:)

I haven't tried in ny my rear pocket. There is no reason why it wouldn't work.

Best of all, it is inexpensive. I think MSRP on it when I bought it was $14.95! Hey, you can't beat that with a stick...and the quality is excellent too.
 
As an added thought, the J frame grips shown in the above photo are Bianchi, however I don't use that one, the little finger grove "things" add to the bulk. I use the Bianchi Compact Pro instead. This design reduces the bulk by a considerable amount. They are thinner and don't cover the back strap. Here is a picture of them:

PachCompPro.jpg


I would reccomend these to anyone using a J frame.
 
Thanks for that info.
I have seen both the square and rounded pocket holsters...guess the pants themselves aren't that much of an issue...

Like the grips as well!

MW
 
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