Tried a j-frame in a DeSantis... on the belt..NOPE.

michpatriot

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Well after nearly 15 years of everyday pocket carry with an occasional J frame under the arm in a upside down holster, I decided to step outside my comfort zone. Today I tried out a DeSantis belt style holster a 002-U8. I tried it out for a couple hours, and decided NOPE this ain't for me. I guess it's hard for this old dog to learn new tricks. I took my kids to the ice cream store and while I was standing in line I couldn't help feeling like it would be very easy to have my weapon taken from the 4:00 position, under a t-shirt. I never had this feeling carrying in my upside down shoulder holster made by Bianchi. Anyhow just figured I'd share my experience I think I'm going to stick to pocket carry it's too ingrained in me to change now.
 

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I am in your camp. J Frame in the pocket carry is my default. The ability to grip the revolver without others being aware and the security is hard for me to give up. I sometimes appendix carry when driving.

4:00 o'clock is supposed to be the informed way to carry but I only use it when working on the farm and carrying a field revolver. I never use 4:00 o'clock in town.

Thats a nice looking holster. Maybe you can use for a field holster?
 
I'm no fan of "hip high" strong side OTW either. I carry my 642 in this old Hunter cross draw over my left front pocket. Feels safe, secure, and comfortable ( especially while driving):)


Do they still make that holster? I've been looking for something like that.

I too rely on pocket carry. It seems so much more secure. And you can have it in your hand in a dicey situation.
 
My EDC is a G33 in a pocket holster. It works well for the vast majority of conditions, but is flat out awful if seated, whether in an office or in a car. For travel, I go with a different carry method and often a different pistol. (Usually a G17 with a grip chopped to 19 length and better sights.)
 
Do they still make that holster? I've been looking for something like that.

I too rely on pocket carry. It seems so much more secure. And you can have it in your hand in a dicey situation.

Search eBay under "black leather revolver holster" in the used/preowned category and you will find many options for older style holsters. Good luck!
 
Personal preference.

I rarely pocket carry. Probably 99.9% of the time I carry it's IWB at around 3:30-4:00. That's where most of my training and experience has been. It's what I'm habituated to. I've been hesitant to try alternate positions because I'm concerned that I will revert to how I've been trained and go for a gun on my right hip if I'm carrying elsewhere on my body and I need to respond. Which is why when I do pocket carry, or when I carry in my fanny pack when out jogging, I always spend a few minutes doing a few dry-fire drawing repetitions before heading out.

However, I will say that 2 hours is nothing. I don't like OWB because it always felt like my gun was pulling away from my body. However, I carried that way for over a week before I came to my conclusions.
 
My everyday routine calls for a 640 IWB in a Bianchi Covert Option.

I'd like to hear more about the upside-down holster-- is that something a person can buy nowadays? That'd be great for winter carry under a vest or jacket.
 
I feel you, it has to be 3 o'clock forward for me too. But honestly, that is what elbows are made for.:D

Like I used to tell folks who said they could take my duty gun, I'll stab you in the eye before you get my gun.:eek:
 
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My bad lower back requires my wallet to ride up front. Throw in car keys and a cell phone and there is often no vacancy in my front pockets. I also am not comfortable with 4:00 strong side, feels insecure. After a lot of trial & error ($), I settled on this rig from Ritchie Leather Co.

It conceals well riding high and tight at about 2:30. With its neutral cant, it works great cross draw too.
 
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I pocket carry almost all the time for a variety of reasons. Belt carry is too uncomfortable & any shoulder holster has become too much hassle w/warm weather and cover garments.
 
dirty&hairy: That's a great looking J frame rig from Ritchie's !

Thanks, I love it. I alternate between this rig and a M&P40c in a Mitch Rosen Upper Limit. Both vertical draw high riders that disappear under a tee shirt with undershirt. Drawing is fast and easier on my shoulder than behind the hip. It took a long time to find what works (for me).
 
I'm no fan of "hip high" strong side OTW either. I carry my 642 in this old Hunter cross draw over my left front pocket. Feels safe, secure, and comfortable ( especially while driving):)


Any way you could post a pic of the back side of that holster?
Is it a model 1100-6?
 
I often carry mine in this EPS holster. The Holster rides with the rear belt loop just behind my pants belt loop at say 2:45.
 

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I have switched from pocket carry to OWB at 3:00 o'clock. 4:00 o'clock is difficult for me because of a bad right shoulder. I wear tee shirts over it or a fishing shirt. At first it felt awkward and I knew everyone had to be looking. With time though it has become very comfortable and natural. As someone here or on another forum stated, most people are too interested in their phones to notice a very slight bulge on my right side. Even my gun totin' buddies don't notice unless I tell them.
 
I view DeSantis Holsters as sort of a value product. What I mean is that they are relatively low cost and for the money they charge you get a descent leather holster.

I still own a few but I discovered that there are way better holsters on the market - although they cost several times more than a DeSantis does. To me it's well worth the money and there is really no comparison other than the fact that they have a similar look.

For belt carry the best I know of and have used for over a decade now is the Kramer Leather Horsehide OWB Scabbard. No snaps, no velcro, no screws, no reinforcements needed, just a straight forward top quality concealed belt holster that works, lasts and was built right.

DeSantis is sort of the "popular priced starting point" for CCW guys (at least in my mind).
 
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