Thumb-Break Crossdraw Holster for S&W J-Frame 4" 651

[roundball]

I like to carry my little 4" 651/.22mag with me when I'm doing any kind of woods hunting and because I carry a belt knife on my right hip, I've always carried the little 651 in a cross-draw position fairly flat against my left waist, 45* angle forwared, for access with my right hand.

The holster I've used for a few years was one I modified from an old shoulder holster but it's single common strap is just not as secure as a thumb-break design is.
(as you know on a thumb-break design, even if the thumb-brreak snap comes undone the curved leather snap strap still offers some retention).

Ideally I'd love to have a little Bianchi thumb-break for it but so far my Google searches have not turned up ANY type of thumb-break holster that will fit the smallish 4" J-frame 651 and mount as I've described.

So I thought I'd engage the brain-trust of the S&W Forum to see if anyone knows of such a holster ?

Also, is it possible that a K-frame holster would hold the J-frame snug enough or would I risk it sliding out being canted horizontal so much?

Thanks !

 

[TAROMAN]

Why even bother with a holster that doesn't fit?
The El Paso Saddlery #2 Thumbreak is available in crossdraw.
They custom make each one to fit the specified gun.
In fact, I have one on order right now.
Their work is first-class.

 

[roundball]

Why even bother with a holster that doesn't fit?

I asked 2 questions:
1) If a ready made holster for the 4" J-Frame already existed;
2) And if not, asked about the possibility of an existing K-Frame fit, rather than spend $75-$100 on a custom holster I might only use a handful of times each fall.

Thanks

 

[GerSan69]

Taro gave a fair answer. The J is smaller than the K by a significant amount, so you're asking for trouble by using a bigger holster. As for existing fits, it really depends on the manufacturer: bigger companies like Safariland or Uncle Mike's might have what you want, but smaller ones will not.
Hey, one suggestion for an inexpensive holster: Gun Broker seller "SunCrafts" makes pretty darn good molded nylon holsters. I have a couple and I like them. If you don't see the one you want, do the "send message to seller" function and ask for what you want. He gets back to you promptly.

 

[ispcapt]

Rodek Leather Works, Inc. - Holsters rodekleather.com
Look down about 1/2 way on this webpage. There's a picture of a 3 slot pancake Ed made for my 4" Model 63 J frame.
Cost is about $33. Delivery is about a week.
Ed uses very heavy leather. You won't be disappointed. If it's not perfect it won't leave Ed's shop. If you want more angle on the crossdraw just let Ed know. He's great to work with.

 

[roundball]

3 slot pancake Ed made for my 4" Model 63 J frame.
Cost is about $33. Delivery is about a week.

Sounds very promising...I'll try Ed first.

Thanks all...

 

[ispcapt]

Sounds very promising...I'll try Ed first.

Thanks all...

If you want a covered trigger then tell him when you order. I didn't want it covered. Ed is very good about working with whatever the customer wants.
I get my holsters in basketweave finish as I think the basketweave hides scratches but Ed does a very nice border print too, or leave it plain. All the same price.
The holster shown is brown. If I were to order it today I'd get it in mahogany. I think Ed's mahogany is the best color but to each his own. Here's a Glock holster he made for me in mahogany.

 

[roundball]

I'm exchanging emails with Ed now.
He was not familiar with the model 651, said he had no way to make the holster.
I'm explaining it's the same size as the 4" model 63...sent links to articles, photos, etc.
You've been a big help...

PS:
This is the temporary experimental holster I made out of a left over shoulder holster to see if I'd even like a cross-draw and it works great, just a little ugly and has low security with that particular snap arrangement...

 

[ispcapt]

Ed has made a bunch of 4" J frame holsters for the 63. He used my 63 as a mould.

 

[skeeterbait]

Hope that works out for you. I carry a 3" model 60 in a Bianchi Black Widow in the woods. Since the Black Widow is open on the bottom, barrel length is not an issue, but it is made for the full underlug barrel. I suspect it might fit your 651 a little loose and it isn't angled for crossdraw, I carry it strong side. Still it could be found in sporting goods stores and you might could try it for fit if it comes down to it.

 

[roundball]

After going back and forth with Ed regarding pros & cons of trying to make/modify his existing holsters, the end result that I'm going after is like this example photo of a Ruger in a Bianchi but scaled down for a S&W J-Frame Model651.....RH crossdraw thumb-break at a 45* angle...waiting to hear his final thoughts back now.

 

[hotrod150]

Lobo Gun Leather offers a very nice thumb-break holster configured with either a strong-side or cross-draw cant, the #5. To me it looks very similar to the old Bianchi #111 Cyclone. Base price is $65 which seems very reasonable. Ray of Lobo is a member here, I'm sure he could whip one up for a 4" j-frame.

 

[VaRecon]

Go with Rodek. A good friend has one for his 4" 360.
Works pretty darn well and best for the money.

 

[roundball]

Ed and I finalized the plan today to go with a scaled down version of the Bianchi Cyclone I posted above...

 

[roundball]

Shipped yesterday, should be here Monday...will be able to use it for the remainder of hunting season

 

[roundball]

Holster arrived, my priorities were function & security, used it yesterday afternoon, does what I need it to do, $38 + $8 S&H, thanks all...

 

[trmungle]

My favorite is made by Simply Rugged. Rob does very good work. Also,he has a harness that will allow you to use the holster as a sholder holster. Tom

 

[gboling]

Lobo Gun Leather offers a very nice thumb-break holster configured with either a strong-side or cross-draw cant, the #5. To me it looks very similar to the old Bianchi #111 Cyclone. Base price is $65 which seems very reasonable. Ray of Lobo is a member here, I'm sure he could whip one up for a 4" j-frame.

Also, don't overlook Ray's, Tom Three Persons, holster. I am sure he would make it in a cross draw. With a thumb strap and suede lining It will still be quite reasonable and his quality is great.

 

[roundball]

Well, I know this one is plain, simple, utilitarian but it works...doesn't need to be lined since my 651 is stainless. Main things are that it lays at the angle I wanted with a strong thumb-snap so I don't dump it in the dirt.
A hunting shirt or vest is always down over it so it's fine...no plans to have another one built for it

 

[hotrod150]

Nice looking holster, the price was sure right, and delivery time was amazingly short-- esp for a hand-made custom holster. You done good! The price & delivery time iwa even more impressive when I checked out Rodek's website & realized that your holster style isn't even shown as one of his standard products.
I was looking at the available colors: med brown, dk brown, mahoganoy,..which color is yours? And how about adding a photo of the back of the holster?
.