S&W Model 63

[3S16]

I recently acquired a neat little 4 inch model 63 to carry while quail hunting. I have an old "Uncle Mike" camo nylon holster that seems to fit, but I'm partial to leather. I got on Ebay and found a new holster marked "BIANCHI Monrovia, Calif. KIT 5B". I have a number of Bianchi holsters and know the quality is good. I "assumed" KIT referred to an S&W kit gun (34/63). The seller didn't know. Anyway, I bought it cheap. Gun fits nicely in the holster, but It seems to be about a half inch too short for the thumb break to snap. I'm thinking about just trimming the thumb break off and using it as an open top holster.
Does anyone know of a leather holster with a retention device for a model 63?

 

[britbike1]

I have a bianchi 5bhl marked kit gun 5210 made in mexico for my m63. it fits snug and the thumb latch is tight to close but works fine. I also have a mountainstatesupply small version of the victory flap holster for kit guns which also works well. picked them both up on ebay.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Does the holster you bought look like these?

The first three are lined, the fourth is unlined. You should be able to wet the thumb snap to loosen up the leather and stretch it enough to snap it shut over the hammer and let it sit until it dries.

 

[Old TexMex]

I never like the way the snap scratches the left side of my revolvers. Hated that....

 

[ColbyBruce]

This Galco holster is for a 4" K frame, but I am sure some maker produces something similar for a J frame. It is form fitted and is secure without a thumb snap.

 

[Old TexMex]

I guess I should've mentioned an alternative, instead of just whining, the Lobo gun leather Tom Threepersons is nice and the pancakes he makes are sure secure. There's a number of talented leather men here, too, and they're sure not out of line in their pricing.

 

[OFT II]

I never like the way the snap scratches the left side of my revolvers. Hated that....

I've had that problem before too. Now I look at the inside to see if the snap is covered by leather before I buy.

 

[fat tom]

Another eBay pick-up.







f.t.

 

[3S16]

Well, I tried the wet and stretch method and got the snap to close. Thanks to all that responded. I like that Safariland holster Fat Tom!

 

[friendlyfire]

The Hunter 1100-8 series holster should fit the 63. I particularly like that the holster can be removed by straps that snap without having to remove your entire belt. They come up occasionally on e-bay, as a matter of fact there is a used one offered now. The Hunter holsters cover the trigger with the retention strap, but do not have any leather inside to keep the revolver from getting scratched. You could always glue a thin, small piece on the inside to solve that.

 

[ispcapt]

Check out Rodek holsters. $40 for a pancake in your choice of color and design. Ed's webpage only shows his most commonly requested models. If you want another design just explain what you want. His delivery is usually a week unless you request something really detailed and different.
Rodek Leather Works, Inc. - Holsters
Here's the pancake holster I had Ed make for my S&W 63. This one was made in late 1990s. I have carried this one a lot while hunting in all kinds of weather. It's been exposed to rain, sleet, and snow and it's still as nice as the day Ed made it. You can see in the picture a mark near the right belt slot. I was wearing it crossing a fence when the fence broke and I fell against a steel post. Had I not been wearing the holster the fence post might have jabbed me in the side causing an injury. Even falling against a steel fence post did not cut the leather. It just left a mark.
I specifically requested an exposed trigger. If you want a covered trigger then be sure to tell Ed. He's really good to deal with.
Ed uses very heavy leather and it won't leave his shop unless it's done 100% right. Ed does leatherwork as a hobby. Unlike most leatherworkers who do it to make a living, Ed does it as a hobby.

 

[redlevel]

The basketweave holster on the left holds a 4"
Model 63. It is by Safariland, and might be the
same style holster f.t. pictured in his post. I like
the holster very much.

'nother picture