Seeking OWB K frame holster options

[fishwishin]

I have been out of the revolver loop for quite awhile now. I am wondering what some of the more popular OWB holsters are these days. My parameters are: leather, credible quality and decent appearance. I am indifferent on retention straps or not. If you have pictures- so much the better!
Thank you.

 

[ContinentalOp]

While I don't have any of their work for an OWB K-frame holster I am a big fan of Side Guard Holsters. They make a variety of OWB holsters for K-frames, including snap loop, pancake, and cross draw models. The quality is excellent and the prices are very good, imo. They're an excellent value.

I use their Quick Clip IWB holster to carry my 642 every day I have the gun on me.

Side Guard Holsters - OWB Holsters

 

[ispcapt]

Rodek Leather Works, Inc. - Holsters
Ed isn't the most popular. Few have heard of him. He's been working with leather for over 35 years that I've known him. He's made a truck load holsters for cops in our area and some for people on this forum. The reason most haven't heard of Ed is because he does it as a hobby. Holster makers are doing it because it's their living. They have to make a profit and cover overhead. Ed does it because he's retired and he likes working with leather. The pictures on his website are his most asked for models. He does custom work.
His pancake holsters are $40 in your choice of color and finish. Delivery takes 1 week. The 2 pictured below were made in 1999 and 1995. They've both had a lot of heavy use. They're both just as stiff and shape as when Ed made them. I carried the Glock holster everyday while in plain clothes and off duty. The Model 63 holster hasn't been carried everyday but when it has it's had harder use than the Glock holster. I carry it when hunting. It's been exposed to rain, sleet, snow, briars, fences, and brush.

 

[Goblin]

Look at the website for Milt Sparks PMK. I have this for a 2.5" Colt Diamondback and love it. I'll try to post photos later. DeSantis makes a cheaper version of it you could get quicker.

 

[wolfe2701]

MERNICKLE HOLSTERS
He makes great holsters.

 

[27 Man]

I have used the Bianchi 5BHL for many years. It is a lined quality made leather holster that will give many years service. I have several for the various frame sizes and barrel lengths of my Smith and Wesson revolvers.
Look around for a used American model as opposed to the new Mexican made ones.

 

[KLYDE]

Only one in my book......Lobo. Owner is a Forum member. Retired LE. Excellent product, workmanship and price. The Enhanced Pancake or Avenger is as good as it gets. I have several.

PS. If you order make sure to add in the smooth lining. Smooth as a babies bottom. The gun slides in and out like butter.

Enhanced Pancake...SP101


Enhanced Avenger with mag holder for Sig 938




Enhanced Pancake SA 1911 EMP

 

[ColbyBruce]

My son uses this Galco for his S&W 66-2.

I am also a fan of the Bianchi 5BH/5BHL series.

The discontinued Bianchi Shadow 8L is a favorite of mine.

Many of the custom makers on this forum offer models similar or superior to what I have shown.

 

[snubbyfan]

Matching 4" K frame belt and holster.

Got a request from a forum member and this is what I came up with.

Matching 6" L frame and 5" 1911 holsters with a Bowie knife sheath.


Three inch L frame pancake holster with thumb break.


Blue jean themed pancake holster with molded retention for a 2 1/2" L frame.

 

[326MOD10]

For OWB carry I would second Lobo Gunleather.

I have several of his models (for both revolver and auto) and am pleased with the fit, finish and function of them all.

 

[SeamasterSig]

Fortunately for those of us who carry, there are numerous craftsman making high-quality holsters. On the other hand, there really aren't enough good holster makers and wait times can be depressingly long.

I really like the look of the Lobo Enhanced Pancake, which is obviously popular on the forum and came close to pulling the trigger on one. But I ultimately settled on an R Grizzle GS2 and in hindsight I can't say I'm disappointed with my choice. Ryan Grizzle (R Grizzle Leather - Home) is probably not the only holster maker offering a military discount, but he is the only one I stumbled across who offers an option to expedite your order to around 7-10 business days. And based on numerous comments documented on the forum and judging by my new holster, belt and ammo pouch, his workmanship is top-notch.

Georgia Snap 2 for a 4-inch k-frame


Full rig


In addition, his other OWB holsters include a couple versions of the more traditional Roy Baker pancake holster and his own take on the old Bruce Nelson "Professional", which is really a sharp-looking holster.

 

[zumatodd]

Not a K-frame but I went with a Cattleman and belt from Simply Rugged for my 686 6". Holds gun tight and close to body, conceals fairly well forlarge gun.

Cattleman - Leather Holster

 

[wrangler5]

+1 for the Lobo Enhanced Pancake. My 3" 65 rides very securely in one, and the same holster holds a 2" 64 just as well. I like the design so much that I'm waiting for delivery of one to use with my snubby J frames.

 

[Hang-Fire Hank]

LOBO

fishwishin: I 3rd the motion, if I counted correctly. One of the six Lobo holsters I have holds anyone of 3 K-frames as well as my #396 L-frame Night Guard. I also have a fam-dancy hand-tooled Tom Threepersons in the works.

Hank M.

 

[DocB]

Bianchi has always been my favorite. The older the better. That's a little M60 in an older Bianchi. The other two are Lawrence. The one in the middle will hold about any Model 10. . .it's from the 1950's. The third is a Lawrence from the 1970's with an M17 K22 in it. It will hold any K frame with target sights. For me it's pretty much Lawrence, Heiser, and Bianchi since I collect old leather anyway.