Seeking advice about holsters for j-frame

[wheelinthesky]

I pocket-carry my new 442 (my first and only revolver and intro into the S&W world... I am nearing a week-old in this world..).

Right now it hangs out next to and/or loosely within a bandanna in my front pocket. A poor man's temporary pocket holster while looking and waiting for a leather holster.

 

[linde]

I anticipate receiving my concealed pistol license in the next week or so, and I am trying to sort out some holster options for my S&W 340PD (j-frame centennial) that will require minimal adjustment in my manner of dress.

. . . would anyone have any suggestions about where I might find such a holster, that is IWB, canted severely, and that can be situated at roughly the 5:00 or 5:30 position?

. . . In addition, I would welcome any and all suggestions or advice about other types of holsters that I should be considering?

Concealment is a high priority to me, although anything that is too uncomfortable will wear on my nerves eventually and be left at home (an unwise choice, I know).

For my 3" J-frame concealed carry I have had tremendous success with both OWB and IWB holsters carried at 3:30 - 4:00 position from lobogunleather.com

I find OWB pancake holster carry much more comfortable in general and very concealable when worn with sweatshirts or polo shirts that have elastic bands that extend well below my beltline (as suggested by Iggy). Vests also work well but only when such an outer garment stays on. IWB works better for me when my activity causes the shirt or sweatshirt to ride up. Pocket carry has never worked well for me unless I have a big heavy coat that stays on the entire time when I'm out and about.

If SOB is still your preference, I suggest you give Ray a call at Lobo Leather. He is both helpful and very knowledgeable in building what you want.

Good luck,

Russ

 

[Capt Steve]

I recently received my new Enhanced Pancake Holster for my 649 from Ray at Lobo Gun Leather. For concealed carry, I am finding that anywhere from 2:30 - 5:30 is ideal, this would be just the ticket for your Centennial. A very well/heavily built holster that secures the gun high and tight. Reasonably priced but it takes about a month, definitely worth the wait.

 

[bmc5733946]

Barami hip grip with Tyler T-Grip for me X2, I own several J-frame pistols and carry various ways. The hip grip at 3:30-4:00 is my favorite. I think everyone should have several methods to fit circumstance. Kramer concealed t-shirt, pocket holster, ankle holster, IWB, OWB are all in my rotation.
BMC

 

[oldRoger]

A couple of quick points; I had thought when I first saw a SOB that it would really be the answer. But, it's a disaster in any kind of a chair or car seat for me. In fact even bending over or kneeling puts lots of unpleasant pressure on me and makes the thing stand out..
Further I think it's sort of a slow and awkward draw, at least for me.
I find a IWB to be much better, but still uncomfortable when bending forward. Front pocket carry is OK but hard to draw from a seated position from most pants.
I have an old belt holster similar to the Lobo pancake that is very comfortable in all positions. A loose t or polo covers it very well.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
You can pay more but cannot do better than Lobo Gun Leather.
Check with [email protected] for your needs.
Jimmy (a satified customer)

 

[Goffman]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I appreciate it very much. Capt Steve, would you happen to have a picture of the backside of the holster that is pictured in your post above?

 

[Jason68]

I wear jeans, carry in front pocket 90%

I have 2 J-frame 38 revovlers: 442 and 40, plus a 617 snub .22 for fishing, and 90% of the time I use a Desantis or Uncle Mike's pocket holster with the 442 in my front right pocket. My jeans are slightly loose, or baggy, and the light gun & holster disappear in the pocket. If I am wearing a suit or sportcoat, I put it up on the belt @ 4 o'clock position with my cell phone on the belt @ 3 o'clock to block the view.
Unless... it's the 2% of the time I carry a BIG 'UN.

 

[Capt Steve]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I appreciate it very much. Capt Steve, would you happen to have a picture of the backside of the holster that is pictured in your post above?

Here is a shot of the back side of the holster (yes I am hiding behind it and YES, it is unloaded. Btw: Nice Lobo Gun Leather logo on the left::

A couple of folks wanted to see what it looks like under a cover shirt as well as exposed. Here you go:

I still haven't ordered the 1.5" belt (this one is 1.25").

 

[The Big D]

Capt Steve: Good demo photos but consider taking a moment and run your belt through the jeans belt loop in the middle of your holster. Think you will find the rig rides higher/tighter/more secure.

Be safe.

 

[yooperpat]

Like most folks that decide to carry, I have a large cardboard box full of "holster experiments". That is, holsters that I tried but that didn't work for me. What I found that does work for me are the following.

For a 3" J-frm, I usually carry in either an #77 Tortilla OWB, from El Paso, carried at 4 o'clock, or an IWB from El Paso, carried at 11 o'clock. Both easily concealed with a vest or un-tucked shirt.

For a 2" j-frm that is carried in warmer weather, nothing works better for me than a Simply Rugged front pocket holster.

Jeans with deep pockets are a great aid in pocket carry. Try a pair of jeans from Duluth Trading Co. Very deep and strong pockets!
If you wear shorts, Columbia makes some with deep front pockets.

Some vests seem to "suggest" that you might be carrying. Some don't. I wear Filson moleskin vests or fleece vests depending on the weather. If you live in Michigan, you get to wear vests often!!! These styles attract no unwanted attention.

 

[Capt Steve]

Capt Steve: Good demo photos but consider taking a moment and run your belt through the jeans belt loop in the middle of your holster. Think you will find the rig rides higher/tighter/more secure.

Be safe.

I think I did but could have missed that loop. This belt is too long and thus cannot be cinched up quite tight enough. I think a properly sized 1.5" will give more support. The good news is I've dropped about ten lbs over the last couple of months. (o; I have a 1.75" belt (that fits my waist well), for the MP9c and it rides a tad higher in the S&W De Santis rig. The Lobo won't take anything bigger than 1.5".

 

[wheelinthesky]

Hi All:

I anticipate receiving my concealed pistol license in the next week or so, and I am trying to sort out some holster options for my S&W 340PD (j-frame centennial) that will require minimal adjustment in my manner of dress. I have on order two of Robert Mika's holsters: one pocket holster and one IWB holster that actually is for my wife's j-frame, but I am going to try it out to see how it fits/works for me (likely at the 1 o'clock position). I also am looking at a Galco SOB holster (to be carried at roughly the 5:00 or 5:30 position or thereabouts), which I understand to be controversial due to concerns about safety. However, I suspect that the SOB "style" of concealed carry (or something similar) may work well for me in the long run.

The downside of the outside-the-waistband SOB style of carry was that, in tests conducted last night, it appeard to me that I will be "printing" most of the time, which defeats my purpose. It did seem to me, though, that if I could find an IWB holster that is canted severely (like the SOB holster), that I can position much like an SOB holster (at roughly the 5:00 or 5:30 position), and that I can draw like an SOB holster, the pistol would be nearly invisible through much of my routine activity.

That said, would anyone have any suggestions about where I might find such a holster, that is IWB, canted severely, and that can be situated at roughly the 5:00 or 5:30 position?

In addition, I would welcome any and all suggestions or advice about other types of holsters that I should be considering? Concealment is a high priority to me, although anything that is too uncomfortable will wear on my nerves eventually and be left at home (an unwise choice, I know).

Any time that you can spare to offer advice on these questions would be appreciated greatly.

By the way, I am what I would consider to be fairly average in size, shape, and manner of dress: just under 6 feet, approximately 200 lbs., jeans, t-shirts or polo shirts, etc. I live in a colder climate, but I can't get away with wearing coats or other "covering" outer garments when I'm inside someone's home. I seem to know an inordinate number of people who love the phrase "take off your coat and stay awhile".

Oh, and btw Goffman. Whichever holster you decide to go with (I know, its a varied and personal choice); should you see through to purchasing a snubby J-frame model when you get your license...., it is an excellent choice.

As a guy who's been a semi-auto shooter for his gun-owning life and still is, I absolutely love my 442 j-frame. It is perfect for its purpose. I am 100% confident in it; and me with it.

All the best.

 

[sipowicz]

If an OWB prints too much for you and an IWB isn't comfortable, try between the belt and pants...you just need a slim style rig with a clip or loops over the gun....I wear my P2000 that way much of the time and it disappears under a t-shirt...

 

[Goffman]

Hi All:

Received in the mail today the Mika Pocket Holster that I had ordered for my 340PD. Question for anyone who has this holster: the inside of the holster is made of a somewhat abrasive material, not quite sandpaper-like but definitely not smooth. Has anyone had any problems with this holster rubbing the finish of a blackened/blued revolver such as the 340PD? I'm particularly concerned about the end of the barrel. Granted, I didn't buy a pistol for "show" purposes, but I would like to keep the finish in decent shape if possible.

 

[ThirtyAcres]

Hi All:

Received in the mail today the Mika Pocket Holster that I had ordered for my 340PD. Question for anyone who has this holster: the inside of the holster is made of a somewhat abrasive material, not quite sandpaper-like but definitely not smooth. Has anyone had any problems with this holster rubbing the finish of a blackened/blued revolver such as the 340PD? I'm particularly concerned about the end of the barrel. Granted, I didn't buy a pistol for "show" purposes, but I would like to keep the finish in decent shape if possible.

I have carried my 442 in a Mika for three years. Absolutely no problems with holster wear.

I love this holster. Took some time to get used to the "pork chop in the front pocket" feeling. Now, I don't even notice it.

And FWIW, the Ruger LCR fits snugly in the Mika also.

 

[Goffman]

Hi ThirtyAcres:

Is your 442 blued? Any problems with the Mika rubbing the finish off your revolver?

 

[Goffman]

Woops...ThirtyAcres, you answered my question, but somehow I missed it. I was reading too quickly. I apologize for that.

 

[mlr777]

milt sparks VM-II love mine all 3
sig 229 9mm
S&W 640 38spl
and
H&K P7M8

Try getting it or others from LIGHTNING ARMS SPORTS.COM

good luck and keep your powder dry.

 

[BSkerj]

Just got my enhanced pancake holster from Ray at Lobogunleather and this is by far the best J frame holster I have used bar none. Rides high and close,(the Sip Special is the new name for it I guess). I like it so well I ordered another one for a 625 that I have not even recieved yet. Nice to have a handcrafted holster made for a great made weapon that will be handed down for generations to come! Order Rays belt along with the holster, they really compliment each other. JMHO.