New member - Holster help

[WildBill44]

Hey guys/gals. Recently purchased a new 642 j frame. The little guy has a pretty nice kick to it, I have big hands and my thumb was bleeding from smacking into the cylinder release lol. Anyways.

I'm looking for an easy on/ easy off IWB holster for lounging around the house in mesh shorts or sweat pants. Because the 642 is so light I would like a leather holster that is molded to the gun that allows for 1 handed reholstering. I think this would hold better for this purpose rather than non molded. I do not want to spend a ton of money on this, under 80$ preferably. Realy like the high noon holsters but really don't want to wait around for long and most are a little more than I would like to spend . A single clip would be fine as long as it's solid and holds onto the shorts, sweats etc. I do already have a pocket holster that I purchased on Amazon, but I can't have it fall out of my pocket relaxing on the couch with a lab retriever that chews everything! "Man shot by misbehaved Retriever", not cool.

I appreciate your responses in advance and it's nice to meet you.

 

[WildBill44]

this guy

 

[doc84]

How about the Gaylord Holdout II by Bell Charter Oak. It has a reinforced mouth but a pull the dot snap belt loop. The Chicago Rocker is available with a clip and a reinforced mouth band for the $80 mark. Not sure if it has the level of molding that you're looking for. FWIW, I think the belt loops are superior for staying put in a wrestling match. It is molded well too. Remember that molded means that the holster will grip the gun. A rapid, real world draw from a molded holster may bring the holster with it. I know that there are some really strong steal clips out there but I've all of them let go once or twice. A little more than you were looking to spend, but you will get years of superb service from the holster. Quality holsters are worth the extra $$ every day of the week and twice on sunday.

 

[WildBill44]

Thanks doc for the reply. I put their website in my favorites and it seems like they have a lot of good stuff. Really looking for something with a clip that I will be able to take the holster off my belt and attach it right to mesh shorts or sweat pants. It's such a light small gun that it's hard spending too much money on such a small holster when I could spend the money on a bigger holster for some of my other carry guns.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

First, anyone concerned with ease of reholstering should be considering just about any holster design except the IWB-style. The materials used in holster body or mouth reinforcement to achieve a rigid holster mouth also add significant bulk to the holstered handgun, thus compromising the only significant advantage of IWB carry (concealability) and aggravating one of the significant negatives of IWB carry (comfort).

Second, there is no waist-mounted holster that I know of that is capable of adequately supporting the handgun and keeping it anchored in position without the use of a belt. Anyone attempting to carry a handgun inside the waistband without a belt can expect only disappointment.

Everything in holster design involves compromises among the 4 basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealability. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises among the other factors. There is no perfect holster design for every user or circumstances.

My $0.02 worth, based on only 42 years making holsters and 46 years of carrying a sidearm just about every day.

 

[sipowicz]

I'm looking for an easy on/ easy off IWB holster for lounging around the house in mesh shorts or sweat pants.

I do already have a pocket holster that I purchased on Amazon, but I can't have it fall out of my pocket relaxing on the couch with a lab retriever that chews everything! "Man shot by misbehaved Retriever", not cool.

I appreciate your responses in advance and it's nice to meet you.

Are you sure a 642 is enough? Sounds like you really need an AR or shotgun for these activities....

 

[WildBill44]

First, anyone concerned with ease of reholstering should be considering just about any holster design except the IWB-style. The materials used in holster body or mouth reinforcement to achieve a rigid holster mouth also add significant bulk to the holstered handgun, thus compromising the only significant advantage of IWB carry (concealability) and aggravating one of the significant negatives of IWB carry (comfort).

Second, there is no waist-mounted holster that I know of that is capable of adequately supporting the handgun and keeping it anchored in position without the use of a belt. Anyone attempting to carry a handgun inside the waistband without a belt can expect only disappointment.

Everything in holster design involves compromises among the 4 basic factors of comfort, accessibility, security, and concealability. Whenever one factor is emphasized there will be compromises among the other factors. There is no perfect holster design for every user or circumstances.

My $0.02 worth, based on only 42 years making holsters and 46 years of carrying a sidearm just about every day.

Thank you for your response Lobo, I was on your website for quite a bit last night. Beautiful holsters.

Maybe I stated what im looking for the wrong way.

My work requires me to wear clothes that I would like to get out of when done for the day. When cutting the grass, doing yard work, washing the car etc I really don't want to be wearing jeans with a belt all the time, but I would still like to have an IWB holster on me while doing these activities. I can't leave the firearm laying around the house anywhere due to kids and misbehaved dogs. I live in a place where open carry is not an option and the one handed reholstering is not really a concern either if it meets the other criteria.

I'm currently using an old uncle Mikes IWB and with the drawstring on shorts it actually holds better than you would think because the 642 is so light. What I don't like is the material, cheap clip, and ride height. Also if I wanted to throw jeans and a belt on to go somewhere I would not use that holster because of said issues I just mentioned. I'm really just looking for a decent holster with a decent clip that the 642 will fit nice and snug for relaxing at home or being out and about with a good gun belt. I have other holsters and other firearms to suit my needs for long days carrying, target range, hunting, Christmas etc..

 

[WildBill44]

Are you sure a 642 is enough? Sounds like you really need an AR or shotgun for these activities....

AR'S and Shotguns? Please.... I have the bazooka next to me on the other couch while watching tv. Lol.

 

[hotrod150]

I tried a couple molded-fit hard leather holsters for appendix IWB carry and didn't care for them. I have a pair of Ace Case soft IWB holsters now-- one for my 2" j-frames, and one for my Sig 938 & Ruger LCP. Clips on, works great, no molding or thumbbreaks required as the gun is well-retained due to the tight fit between pants & me. Cheap at around $20 each and worth a try.

 

[Kadonny]

Look at Sideguard Holsters, great clip holsters that will work for shorts with no belts...inexpensive too.

 

[gwpercle]

Bianchi Holsters makes an inside the waist band holster that has a snap on attachment so it can be put on and taken off without removing your belt and it has an adjustable ratchet like system so the cant of the holster can be changed to suit you. That's the feature I like. Its made of good moulded leather and Midway is selling them for $47 dollars and some change. Not bad for a quality holster . I realy like mine and would get another!
Gary

 

[ISCS Yoda]

There are a lot of excellent holsters out there but if you're not wearing a belt, and the pants you wear, or shorts, are supported solely by an elastic/expandable top, I personally think you're looking for trouble and a dropped gun.

I'm really just looking for a decent holster with a decent clip that the 642 will fit nice and snug for relaxing at home or being out and about with a good gun belt.

I carry a 642 every day but when I get home and change into sweats I'm done with that gun. It fits nicely into the pocket of winter sweatpants but it drags them down and if you're outside doing various chores even if you're hugely heavy. with a gut that supports anything, those pants are gonna fall eventually.

Any shorts with a belt, okay, that changes the equation, the belt will give you the support that you need. In that case, an El Paso Saddlery Covert holster will work great because it's easy to remove and is easy to use with normal clothes, too. No belt? Well, I will not trust any holster with a metal clip to do what you're asking. YMMV.

***GRJ***

 

[ibewbull]

I agree with Yoda.
The only other option I can think of is on this link.
Hot and sweaty and I wouldn't want to use it. BELLY BAND

Buy your Galco Holster Underwraps Belly Band now for the lowest price at LAPoliceGear.com!

 

[sipowicz]

There are a lot of excellent holsters out there but if you're not wearing a belt, and the pants you wear, or shorts, are supported solely by an elastic/expandable top, I personally think you're looking for trouble and a dropped gun.

That's called NFL Nightclub carry.

 

[WildBill44]

That's called NFL Nightclub carry.

Which I would absolutely not be doing.

 

[WildBill44]

If the pants are pulled tight enough, and the clip securely and tightly grabs onto the pants I don't see a problem with cutting the grass for 20 minutes. This is not my 629 8in 44, it's an airweight snub. I will check out the holsters some of you suggested and keep you posted. I also thoroughly appreciate all your concerns that it will not work out well and do understand what you're saying. And no, I'm not a gangster wanting to sweatpants carry at DA Club.

 

[WildBill44]

There are a lot of excellent holsters out there but if you're not wearing a belt, and the pants you wear, or shorts, are supported solely by an elastic/expandable top, I personally think you're looking for trouble and a dropped gun.



I carry a 642 every day but when I get home and change into sweats I'm done with that gun. It fits nicely into the pocket of winter sweatpants but it drags them down and if you're outside doing various chores even if you're hugely heavy. with a gut that supports anything, those pants are gonna fall eventually.

Any shorts with a belt, okay, that changes the equation, the belt will give you the support that you need. In that case, an El Paso Saddlery Covert holster will work great because it's easy to remove and is easy to use with normal clothes, too. No belt? Well, I will not trust any holster with a metal clip to do what you're asking. YMMV.

***GRJ***

I took the dogs out the other night around 2am in my sweatpants to find a Bobcat within 15 yards staring at us. All firearms were either locked up or in the nightstand. Was SOL if he didn't decide to pounce out of there in the opposite direction. Would rather have a decent holster that I can just clip on quickly for short moments like that. That's what I'm looking for. And it would be nice if it was quality and protected the gum when not wearing it.

 

[leeloader]

Spend the money and get a good thumb over leather holster and do not use oil to break it in. Let time break it in. There are articles on what not to get in leather (ie carries way to high above the belt). Typically, many like the wheel at belt level. Equally important is the belt as stated above. Spend the money for a good "holster" belt typically ~2" wide that fills the belt loops (excluding some dress pants designed for slim belts), not a ~2" Wally world leather belt. Purchase the clothing that allows the use of the owb leather holster and belt. I have hot summer style cooler clothing that keeps it concealed and does not print. The trick is the type and print of a shirt that conceals that doesn't need buttoned and yet looks acceptable. I can carry both my full sized 40 cal and the same 38 you do (except mine is black) and no one knows it. Both are owb spendy leather and they come out fast and hug the body when holstered. The leather you purchase should last you the rest of your life. Then again, the cheap Velcro stuff also may last you the rest of your life but in a different way. Watch Masaad Ayoob you-tube vids. In one of his, he states the 38 is the minimum, not the 380. His opinion on this is primarily based on the 380 won't break a pelvis where a 38 can with the correct ammo.

 

[WildBill44]

I ordered a Lobo offset clip model this evening, and a High Noon holster to hold me over. Will post pics when they arrive and see how they hold up for some of the discussions we had in this thread. If neither work well with sweat pants or mesh shorts I'll just have to wear a belt when I'm at home, and have quality holsters when I'm not. Thanks for the responses. The old nylon holster will finally be put to rest.

 

[sipowicz]

I ordered a Lobo offset clip model this evening, and a High Noon holster to hold me over. Will post pics when they arrive and see how they hold up for some of the discussions we had in this thread. If neither work well with sweat pants or mesh shorts I'll just have to wear a belt when I'm at home, and have quality holsters when I'm not. Thanks for the responses. The old nylon holster will finally be put to rest.

The high noon clip will work well with no belt....I have one and it holds like a vise. But that is with jeans. Mesh shorts or sweats will sag no matter how good the clip is. You can get away with no belt with the offset clip but I suggest a belt if you are heading out...it really does help stabilize the rig.

You can see from this pic that the clip is designed for a belt...notice the depth. The bottom of the clip is designed to catch on the belt to ensure the holster never comes out with the gun.