N.G.L. Upside Down Holster.

[Double-O-Dave]

I have three different shoulder holsters for my J-frames: a Bianchi 9r (no longer made, but can be found on the online auction sites for used merchandise), a horizontal carry El Paso Saddlery leather holster with a double speedloader case under the left arm, and a Ken Null SMZ which is made of plastics: K.L. Null Holsters Home Page

The main advantage of the Bianchi 9r is my ability to (slowly and awkwardly) draw the piece with my left hand if need be. This is an important consideration for me given the arthritis I have in both hands and wrists. The El Paso rig is a nice holster, but it isn't as slim and light as the Bianchi or the Null holster. The Null SMZ is absolutely the lightest shoulder. It's easy to wear, and easy to keep clean due to its all plastic/polymer construction. It is excellent for summer wear, especially in hot and humid conditions. It will accommodate any length barrel for the weapon it is made for. The main disadvantage is the draw stroke is proprietary, and you need to practice it and get the movement correct to properly deploy the piece.

By default, the Bianchi 9r is the one that gets the most use when I don't pocket carry - which is my favorite carry mode. I almost always carry a pair of Airweight J-frames (a Model 38-0 and a Model 638-1) in a pair of DeSantis Nemesis pocket holsters.

For belt carry, I like the Bianchi 55L Lightnin' holster, and the DeSantis Speed Scabbard - especially when hunting when I downsize to a single J-frame as I'm carrying a long gun.

Regards,

Dave

PS: Sorry, DuckBeav, I would like to add:

Welcome to the Forum
Welcome home
Thank you for your service
Best of luck and fortune to you and yours

I will have good thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

There are a plethora of pocket holsters available. The subject would be exhausting. What I will offer, while not promoting those I craft, is that you make some other careful considerations.

1.Weapon size, be reasonable.
2.For a small revolver, small, smooth grips, hammerless or bobbed hammer.
3.For a small auto, caliber up, they make 'em small but packin' bigger punch today.
4. Pray and hope you never need any of these, but have one, nonetheless.

Cheers;
Lefty

PS:
Felt very bad to hear about the MS, silent prayers sent, God Bless and help to you and family.

 

[DuckBeav]

Thanks guys, this is a great site and I've learned a lot since joining. I am exploring some different options now and will most likely list the shoulder holster on the classifieds. I make a few trips to the big city now and again and don't want to find myself needing the right equipment and not having it.

 

[doc84]

Thanks Lefty! Photos are deceiving a bit. I'm pushing 50 and have a now permanent disability (MS is crippling my body) but, I'm not closed to compremise. Hit the local Goodwill today and tried on some various size summer shorts and might give the pocket holster a try again. Bought one pair and when I got home, dropped the 642 in and low and behold, the shorts actually concealed it pretty well. Maybe I'll turn my attention to a pocket holster.

The Bell Charter Oak cut down pocket holster works exceptionally well for me!

BELL CHARTER OAK (607) 783-2483 POCKET HOLSTERS

It carries my 442 comfortably for 12 hours a shift!

 

[TST]

So are the people recommending against this holster doing so because of experience with this actual holster (Nevada Gun Leather) or just based on holsters of similar appearance/design?

 

[DuckBeav]

So are the people recommending against this holster doing so because of experience with this actual holster (Nevada Gun Leather) or just based on holsters of similar appearance/design?

I could be wrong but, I think it is this type of holster in general. I will say this much, the NGL holster is very well made and my gun sits nice and tight in it at the moment. It also does a great job of concealing it. As I stated in my first post, it is not a speed holster.

 

[TST]

Well, there is nothing wrong with getting advice from experienced people, but it is also possible the NGL holster is better than previous iterations. Also, it's possible the negative examples cited were with steel framed guns; your lighter Airweight may stay put. Since you seem to like the holster you could test it out around the house to see if it looks like it will secure the gun sufficiently.

 

[DuckBeav]

Well, there is nothing wrong with getting advice from experienced people, but it is also possible the NGL holster is better than previous iterations. Also, it's possible the negative examples cited were with steel framed guns; your lighter Airweight may stay put. Since you seem to like the holster you could test it out around the house to see if it looks like it will secure the gun sufficiently.

Funny you should say this as I've been playing around with it and now am reluctant to list it. My gun does stay pretty tight in the holster and it fits me nicely. I have ordered another holster but, keeping this one might not hurt either.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

TST brings up a good point. Also, per your previous statements, you are unlikely to be engaged in strenuous physical activity. You might consider tying a "dummy cord" (you're Army, I'm sure you remember what a "dummy cord" is...right?) around the piece and securing it to the harness or your belt to prevent damage to the piece if it falls out of the holster. Then try to deliberately dislodge the piece and see what happens.

By the way, you are experiencing what everyone who carries a handgun goes through. Even with the best research and utmost caution, you will end up with the dreaded box of holsters that just don't work out for you. After a while, put them up for sale or give them away here (Karma drawings). Sigh, lessons learned.

Good luck,

Dave