bennettj
Member
looking for a holster for my model 63-5 22LR revolver. any suggestions out there or pictures of your 63 in the holster.
smith wesson model 63 holster
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Walter Rego
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I love my M63 and have for years worn it while in the Woods and Fields hunting Pheasants. I use it for the ocassional critter that crosses our path and find it ridiculous (or not a challenge) to use a 12 gauge shotgun for.
Because I only carry this Revolver in the Woods, I am not concerned about concealment (I hunt on private land) and I am also not concerned about long term longevity as I only do this a week or two per year.
The holster I use is an inexpensive (and unimpressive to say the least) Hunter brand holster that cost me twenty some odd bucks many years ago. Because this is only an occasionally carried gun for me and gets really scratched up by the Briars and Brush, I chose not to spend a whole lot on a holster for this gun.
This is contrary to how I usually buy my holsters and I usually go for custom made high quality rigs - but just could not bring myself to spend big bucks for this kind of usage.
So far the "el cheapo" Hunter has served its purpose and while it has many scratches and nicks, the M63 is unscathed. If I ever find myself carrying this M63 more often then I will absolutely upgrade my holster and Rig, but for the last 30 years or so, it's been OK.
Because I only carry this Revolver in the Woods, I am not concerned about concealment (I hunt on private land) and I am also not concerned about long term longevity as I only do this a week or two per year.
The holster I use is an inexpensive (and unimpressive to say the least) Hunter brand holster that cost me twenty some odd bucks many years ago. Because this is only an occasionally carried gun for me and gets really scratched up by the Briars and Brush, I chose not to spend a whole lot on a holster for this gun.
This is contrary to how I usually buy my holsters and I usually go for custom made high quality rigs - but just could not bring myself to spend big bucks for this kind of usage.
So far the "el cheapo" Hunter has served its purpose and while it has many scratches and nicks, the M63 is unscathed. If I ever find myself carrying this M63 more often then I will absolutely upgrade my holster and Rig, but for the last 30 years or so, it's been OK.
usmcchet9296
Member
Barrel length?
I found this J Frame holster (actually a S&W holster) many years ago. It's perfect for a 4" 63/34/36, etc.
Texas Star
US Veteran
I once owned a four-inch M-34. I presume that you know this is a blued version of your M-63. I holstered it in a Safariland Model 25 that I bought as-new at a gun show.
The holster was wonderful. I'll never buy another .22 revolver, though. Extraction was a nightmare and a very well known source at S&W admitted that poor extraction has been a problem for decades. I literally had to pound the extractor rod with a shoe or plastic mallet to get ejection. I presume that your gun works better. Personally, I decided that a small .38 makes a lot more sense in that role.
If you can't find a Safariland M-25 or M-29 for that size gun, El Paso Saddlery makes an almost identical item as the Model 29, called Model 2, I think. The workmanship will be excellent, and they may make one for J-frames. Check their site, www.epsaddlery.com. They also have a basic Threepersons design that looks much like the Bianchi above, but of better quality. My holster was dark tan, with green suede lining and basketweave stamping. It was beautiful. I sold it, as I knew that I'd never again own a S&W J-frame .22. I acquired El Paso holsters for a M-60-4, three-inch full-lugged barrel. If they made those for me, I bet they'd make one for your .22. It'd be a nicer holster than those discussed above.
I'd use a synthetic holster, Cordura, etc., only if operating in a rain forest or cloud forest environment or other very humid areas that'd rot or mildew a leather rig. If you wear the gun at sea, that might warrant a synthetic holster. But I don't think it has the power to shoot sharks or other dangers in the ocean, or pirates.
I do still see a need for a .22 in some roles, but mine is a Ruger MK II auto, stainless, 5.5-inch bull barrel. It's a much better gun than that jamming .22 S&W. Its holster is an old Bianchi M-89, if I recall the model right. I bought it new, years ago. I don't necessarily recommend Bianchi now, but they once made very good holsters, in the USA.
The holster was wonderful. I'll never buy another .22 revolver, though. Extraction was a nightmare and a very well known source at S&W admitted that poor extraction has been a problem for decades. I literally had to pound the extractor rod with a shoe or plastic mallet to get ejection. I presume that your gun works better. Personally, I decided that a small .38 makes a lot more sense in that role.
If you can't find a Safariland M-25 or M-29 for that size gun, El Paso Saddlery makes an almost identical item as the Model 29, called Model 2, I think. The workmanship will be excellent, and they may make one for J-frames. Check their site, www.epsaddlery.com. They also have a basic Threepersons design that looks much like the Bianchi above, but of better quality. My holster was dark tan, with green suede lining and basketweave stamping. It was beautiful. I sold it, as I knew that I'd never again own a S&W J-frame .22. I acquired El Paso holsters for a M-60-4, three-inch full-lugged barrel. If they made those for me, I bet they'd make one for your .22. It'd be a nicer holster than those discussed above.
I'd use a synthetic holster, Cordura, etc., only if operating in a rain forest or cloud forest environment or other very humid areas that'd rot or mildew a leather rig. If you wear the gun at sea, that might warrant a synthetic holster. But I don't think it has the power to shoot sharks or other dangers in the ocean, or pirates.
I do still see a need for a .22 in some roles, but mine is a Ruger MK II auto, stainless, 5.5-inch bull barrel. It's a much better gun than that jamming .22 S&W. Its holster is an old Bianchi M-89, if I recall the model right. I bought it new, years ago. I don't necessarily recommend Bianchi now, but they once made very good holsters, in the USA.
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Bianchi 5BHL stamped Kit Gun
PlaytheAces
Member
The Hunter 11008 holster will fit a 63 nicely. I sold my 63 decades ago but ended up keeping the holster. A few years ago I picked up a Ruger Bearcat Shopkeeper. Sure glad I hung onto that holster - fit the Shopkeeper like a glove.
I bought this Bianchi 10 L new when I bought my 63 no dash new. Don't remember exactly when, but the two have always been together ever since. 30 years ago?... Perfect fit and a wonderful "kit gun". It is always packed in my "kit" when traveling to camp or just traveling:
Unfortunatly, I don't think they make the 10 L ("L" for lined) anymore. Plus much of Bianchi's production has moved to Mexico.
Texas: I have never had a problem with extraction with this 63. I also have a 2" Model 34, and have never had extraction problems with it either. Maybe I'm just lucky!!
Best Regards, Les
Unfortunatly, I don't think they make the 10 L ("L" for lined) anymore. Plus much of Bianchi's production has moved to Mexico.
Texas: I have never had a problem with extraction with this 63. I also have a 2" Model 34, and have never had extraction problems with it either. Maybe I'm just lucky!!
Best Regards, Les
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Old Corp
Member
Today, most LGS's you may wander into will not have anything for a 4" J frame.
Some years back, when I picked up a used 4" M63, I just contacted Lobo Gunleather and got a high-ride thumb-break. Near perfect.
Some years back, when I picked up a used 4" M63, I just contacted Lobo Gunleather and got a high-ride thumb-break. Near perfect.
If you're a southpawed police history buff, I have a left-hand S.D.Myres police duty holster which fits my Model 63 4" very well. Don't have a clue why I bought it; I'm right-handed.
