Uncle Mike's pocket holster: #3 or #4 for 642/442?

[soicouldsee]

Which one fits the 642/442 better? I recall reading somewhere that while the sizing chart lists #3 as the correct size for 642/442, someone felt it was too small, although perhaps that was just a fluke.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I've always used the #3 size Uncle Mike pocket holster for all of my J-frames without any problems. For me, the #3 is the perfect size for the piece.

Regards,

Dave

 

[gr7070]

I've heard the same. I have the #3 and it fits just fine.

I'm pretty frugal, and was thrilled to have a pocket holster for $10. However, I must say that the Uncle Mike's, while acceptable-enough, is pretty soft and gets bent up easily and doesn't hold shape or keep the gun in the pocket as nicely as I'd like.

So I "splurged" and bought a Desantis SuperFly. They're about $28??? I very much prefer this holster over the UM.

I wish I'd just gone that route originally. Much nice holster. YMMV.

edit: A lot of folks like a Mika pocket holster as well. The Mika and Desantis are probably the two most recommended on here, fwtw.

 

[Imaposer]

I bought the #3 based on the package sizing chart. Too small for my 638. Sometimes it is a good thing to give the business to your LGS. They gave me a refund.

 

[The Tourist]

I have both the 642 and the 360PD. I use the #4 Uncle Mike's for both. The trigger guard is covered, and the barrel is about 1/4 inch from the bottom.

Would a picture help to explain? I can lay the revolver on top of the holster if you'd like some measurements and visual idea.

 

[C Islander]

Had to go check. My 442 fits like a glove in a #3.

 

[The Tourist]

Here's the over-lay of my 642.

Perhaps the sizes are very close (?)

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb231/TheTourist_bucket/001-145.jpg

 

[cjd-shoot]

The No. 3 fits just fine, but don't waste your time and money. Mine would not stay in my pocket. Get a Remora 8UC instead. Absolutely fabulous.

 

[bighat]

Had the #3, but it wouldn't properly cover the trigger. Went with a #4 which fit perfectly. No problem with the draw, it stays in the pocket as advertised.

 

[bsms]

The #3 is barely big enough for my 649. The edge of the holster is about even with the rear of my trigger. If I was going to do it over again, I'd go a size larger or try someone else's holster.

 

[bighat]

Forgot to post pics...

I should have posted these last night, but I forgot I had the #3. There may be some "variance" in Uncle Mike's sizes, so these may not be representative of other's experience, but here's mine. If you look closely, you can see the #3 leaves the trigger partially exposed. Also, you can see the bottom of the trigger guard sits lower than the stitching, so you can't push it in further. Not terrible, but more than I was comfortable with.

 

[hotrod150]

Had to go check. My 442 fits like a glove in a #3.

Would that be OJ Simpson's glove??

 

[Imaposer]

I should have posted these last night, but I forgot I had the #3. There may be some "variance" in Uncle Mike's sizes, so these may not be representative of other's experience, but here's mine. If you look closely, you can see the #3 leaves the trigger partially exposed. Also, you can see the bottom of the trigger guard sits lower than the stitching, so you can't push it in further. Not terrible, but more than I was comfortable with.

That was my experience with my 638 as well. I thought maybe it was due to the hump back not allowing the rear yo ride up as it was inserted (never tried my 640 to see), but it didn't work for what I bought it for so I returned it later the same day.

 

[soicouldsee]

Thanks bighat, those photos are helpful. One more question, is the retention on the #4 as good as the retention on the #3?

 

[photoman]

Excellent photos. I have the #3 and found it too small. The #4 is much better.

 

[Old cop]

I've carried my 442 in the #3 safely for years. The #4 makes it difficult to get the gun out because some of the grip is covered by the holster, at least IMHO. The Galco #PRO158, which I recently picked up, does work a bit better.

 

[The Tourist]

My #4 does not cover as much of the grip as the picture posted. I do notice that our tags are different, and since mine is a newer purchase, I wonder if the style has been tweaked.

Either way, I like the fit of my #4. When I carry a firearm, I have to make sure it is covered to keep it safe from impact and bouncing. It should also protect the decorative finish.

Both of my current revolvers fit this #4, and neither one is hard to draw or slips off the firearm.

 

[bighat]

Thanks bighat, those photos are helpful. One more question, is the retention on the #4 as good as the retention on the #3?

For a pocket holster, the retention of my #4 is perfect. I can hold the gun up by the grip and the holster won't fall off. But it's not so snug that the holster will come out of the pocket with the gun on a draw; it never has. It slips off fairly easy, but that's what you want with pocket carry.

Because I couldn't get the trigger guard in the #3, there was virtually no retention for me.

Judging by the comments, there appears to be some variance in the sizing so you might want to drop by your LGS and try them out.

 

[photoman]

If you find the #4 is too deep, just stuff some tissue in the bottom to adjust the depth.

 

[The Tourist]

there appears to be some variance in the sizing

As I mentioned, our sizing tags are different, and I suspect the same thing.

The issue then becomes not one of cosmetics, but one of performance. If you draw your J-frame during a confrontation, will your pocket holster come off as designed, cling to the gun, or refuse to come out of your pocket easily?

I agree, if the store permits it, slide your individual J-frame into that individual pocket holster.