[The Real Hawkeye]

Have been carrying 1911 auto pistols for 25 years. Thinking lately of trying to carry a Colt Detective Special instead. Can it be carried comfortably IWB? Which brand and model is best for comfort and concealment?

[MCgunner]

My preference for big guns is the Sparks Summer Special. I really like the Mitch Rosen tuckable "Workman" for J frame size IWB. It's a very comfortable holster whether tucked or not.

There's a ton of good leather out there, though. Generally, if you have to wait several months on your order, it's high quality. LOL Good stuff is in demand.

[The Real Hawkeye]

Been using Milt Sparks IWB holsters for about ten years now for my 1911s. Really like them for that purpose. Do his IWB models work well with small to medium frame revolvers too?

[BobMcG]

I use two different models from Mernickle Holsters. The PS2 for side carry and the PS2SOB for small of the back carry. They are very high quality holsters having excellent workmanship, fit and function. Mine are for automatics but being in the custom holster business, Bob will likely make them for any handgun you choose.

http://www.mernickleholsters.com/ps/bw_ps2.html
http://www.mernickleholsters.com/ps/ps2sobr1/ps2sobr1.html

I also use a couple of Don Humes IWB holsters and I have them for revolvers so they should be readily available over OTC.
http://www.donhume.com/products/ProductsPage.cfm?ProductID=35

[MCgunner]

Been using Milt Sparks IWB holsters for about ten years now for my 1911s. Really like them for that purpose. Do his IWB models work well with small to medium frame revolvers too?

Yes, I especially like 'em with a medium frame gun. They ride well, tight to the body, and are secure. If you can't hide it in a summer special, it can't be hid.:D

[1 LT MPC]

I carry a Colt Cobra IWB in a Hume, but I have to be careful when sitting as the gun wants to ride out of the holster and there is no retention strap or screw. Mostly now, I carry in a belt holster--less hassle and better security.

[jad0110]

For my little S&W 642, which isn't much smaller than the Detective's Special, I just use an el cheapo Uncle Mikes IWB holster that I paid $11 for, and it works surpisingly well! I carry IWB in the winter months, as none of my long legged pants have big enough pockets to allow for pocket carry. FYI, in the summer, the 642 goes in my front right pocket in a Robert Mika round cut pocket holster. That's always another nice thing about a little snubby, Det Spl included.

If I was going to carry something a little bigger, like a 2.5" K Frame, I'd probably look at something a little nicer.

[Iggy]

I carry a stainless J-frame in a Sparks VMII
I also have a Garrity incognito on order for K-frame Snubby.

[Serpico]

I find less is more with such a small gun so I use a High Noon Mr. Softy....I have custom leather rigs for my bigger guns but a simple clip works fine with such a light gun....I have one for my SP101 too....

http://www.parkcitiestactical.com/album/00000364/P10006801.jpg

[Ala Dan]

Bianchi #6 IWB should fit a Colt Dick Special very nicely; and priced at
'bout $18.95~!;) :D

[Old Fuff]

I usually pocket-carry a snubby, but anything larger that's supposed to be concealed goes into an IWB holster, often of my own making. (Too cheap to buy the store-bought kind :D )

You may or may not want to buy your pants one size larger - it depends on the size/weight of the gun. Also get a good belt that is at least 1 3/4" wide, if your pant's loops will take it. Get a holster where the mouth is reenforced so that the mouth won't close when you draw the gun. Otherwise it will take two hands to re-holster. Be sure the holster covers the hammer spur, or it will soon wear a hole through whatever you are wearing to cover the gun.

[Unisaw]

I carry an SP-101 in a Milt Sparks Versa Max II. It is extremely comfortable and conceals well.

[rbmcmjr]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/rbmcmjr/66holsters.jpg

Ignoring the FIST paddle, this picture shows my two favorite IWB designs:

Sparks Versa Max 2 and Alessi Hideout

Waits can be horrendous, but these are very comfortable rigs.

[barnett]

http://saynomore.smugmug.com/photos/115890416-M.jpg

Tucker Texas Heritage

[treebeard]

I carry my S&W Model 36 in a High Noon Holster.

[Bart Noir]

I carry my Detective Specials (1 at a time!) in a very nice Andrews IWB model. It was worth the money, keeps the hammer from digging into my fleshy side, and can be adjusted for angle.

And the advice above about larger waist on your pants, and larger sized belt, is quite correct.

Bart Noir

[Golddog]

The thin leather and widely spaced belt clips make the Tucker Texas Heritage the most comfortable of all. Too many others position the loops behind the cylinder, making the gun feel fatter.

[Ric]

I use a Muirage often. Very high ride.
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/9397/hoffnersholsterbk3.jpg

[SniperStraz]

I use the cheap Uncle Mike's holster just like jad0110. Its much thinner than leather and its also sweat resistant. It only costs about 10 bucks. Deffinately worth getting even if just as a backup.

[soutex50]

This is my daily carry rig.......strong side, behind the hip or crossdraw on front left side. Very comfortable, very concealable. Had a shop hand at a saddle shop in Mexico do it for me.
the strap is just for transportation purposes, when in use, the strap is placed along the front outside of the holster.
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/soutex50/DSCF0021.jpg

[cacop]

Smith M66 3" barrel in a Bianchi #3 Pistol Pocket.

[Sir Aardvark]

I carry my S&W J-frame in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II.

The holster is great and I can not praise it enough!.

[Charles S]

SP101 and a Blade tech IWB.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6974&d=1067101569

[Serpico]

What kind of knife is that? very nice.

[Charles S]

What kind of knife is that? very nice.

Emerson mini-Commander serial number 172.