I've carried my Model 36 no dash for a few years in a pocket holster, along with some 158 grain lead SWCs. I decided that I also wanted an IWB holster as another option when pockets were too tight, or printed too much. I also decided I wanted to try the best+P ammo I could find. We all know that the best holster and ammo are both very subjective.
I chose the Don Hume, IWB with thumbreak. To me, a tiny revolver, with only a 2" barrel, feels like it is falling out of a holster because so little of it is actually captured in it. So, some type of retention is mandatory for me. I like thumbreaks, and I'm used to them. so that was my choice. I've wrapped my gun in nylon and left it in the holster for a couple of days to "fit" it. I haven't worn the holster just yet, but it is a great fit, the thumbreak is perfect, and I'm pretty sure I am going to like it.
The ammo is Speer 130 grain Gold Dot, Short Barrel+P. I was looking for something that might expand reliably when shot from a 2" barrel. I've seen all the videos, and read all the recommendations, along with the hype. IF Speer is to be believed, they loaded this ammo with powder that burns fast enough to ensure the velocity is at least a little bit faster than the same bullet loaded in a standard round with regular powder. Plus, this ammo has a huge hollow-point cavity exposing what I have to believe (hope) is soft-lead. I have test-fired a few of them and they hit to aiming point at 10 yards, and that's good enough for me. I don't have a chrono, and there are those who say that anything less than 900 fps will not expand. Well, my 158 wadcutters were just going to blow a .358" hole thru the bad guy anyway, so any expansion will be a plus. Being used to firing 4" .357 revolvers, and compact .45 ACP 1911s, I don't find the recoil to be unpleasant, or unmanageable even with the small, factory stocks. Yes, the speed-strips are for six-rounds, but that only gives a little more area to grip when doing a speed reload.
Is this combination perfect for everyone? Of course not. I'm hitting 68 next month. I'm a huge fan of the larger .357 guns (I own a Model 19, 586, and Python, along with larger .38s, plus several 1911s), but most of those simply aren't comfortable, or practical, when carrying concealed. I'm learning, that at my age, I am not going to be the hero that stops a gang, or an individual at 50 yards. However, if the combination is comfortable for me to carry, I can have the tools I need to stop a bad guy, at close range, who would do me, or my loved ones, harm.
I chose the Don Hume, IWB with thumbreak. To me, a tiny revolver, with only a 2" barrel, feels like it is falling out of a holster because so little of it is actually captured in it. So, some type of retention is mandatory for me. I like thumbreaks, and I'm used to them. so that was my choice. I've wrapped my gun in nylon and left it in the holster for a couple of days to "fit" it. I haven't worn the holster just yet, but it is a great fit, the thumbreak is perfect, and I'm pretty sure I am going to like it.
The ammo is Speer 130 grain Gold Dot, Short Barrel+P. I was looking for something that might expand reliably when shot from a 2" barrel. I've seen all the videos, and read all the recommendations, along with the hype. IF Speer is to be believed, they loaded this ammo with powder that burns fast enough to ensure the velocity is at least a little bit faster than the same bullet loaded in a standard round with regular powder. Plus, this ammo has a huge hollow-point cavity exposing what I have to believe (hope) is soft-lead. I have test-fired a few of them and they hit to aiming point at 10 yards, and that's good enough for me. I don't have a chrono, and there are those who say that anything less than 900 fps will not expand. Well, my 158 wadcutters were just going to blow a .358" hole thru the bad guy anyway, so any expansion will be a plus. Being used to firing 4" .357 revolvers, and compact .45 ACP 1911s, I don't find the recoil to be unpleasant, or unmanageable even with the small, factory stocks. Yes, the speed-strips are for six-rounds, but that only gives a little more area to grip when doing a speed reload.
Is this combination perfect for everyone? Of course not. I'm hitting 68 next month. I'm a huge fan of the larger .357 guns (I own a Model 19, 586, and Python, along with larger .38s, plus several 1911s), but most of those simply aren't comfortable, or practical, when carrying concealed. I'm learning, that at my age, I am not going to be the hero that stops a gang, or an individual at 50 yards. However, if the combination is comfortable for me to carry, I can have the tools I need to stop a bad guy, at close range, who would do me, or my loved ones, harm.
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