So I actually want to carry this revolver...

but I cannot find a holster, I think. I have a new Smith & Wesson Model 22 1917 remake with a 5 1/2" barrel, but I do not know much about holsters for N frames. Will a holster that would work for a 629 fit this handgun? I do not want to drop $100 if I can help it, but I want a nice holster, preferably leather, that I can carry on the farm, or concealed under a long coat in the winter. Thanks for the help, I am really more of a 1911 guy and bought this on a whim because I got a good deal.

A big gun to carry but if it makes you happy I'm all for it.

Good leather isn't cheap. A holster made for a 6" N frame might work but with the fixed sight and unshrouded ejector rod this model is physically more compact than the target model N frames and the gun may "swim around" in the holster and the retaining strap may be too loose for security. See if a gun shop has any such holsters and will let you try your gun in them.

Just for fun take a look at the Old El Paso Saddlery site. Not cheap but anything from them for your gun will fit perfectly and will be of top quality.

Hunter holsters are cheap and get good reviews. This one is supposed to fit your gun:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=184865

I have two of these holsters on the way: one for a Single Six and one for a S&W Model 64. I'll let you know how they look/work when they get here.

Any holster for a 6" N frame will fit your 5 1/2" N frame. Once you are at that length, an extra 1/2" of leather on the end is not going to matter.

I have found a wee problem with the retention strap on the post-war N frames and on the long-action pre-war (actually, pre-49) types. The leather strap can be positioned slightly differently because of the different hammer/hammer spur location, but it is usually negligible in fit.

Ok, I just looked at the S&W sight and the 22/1917 repro does not have an authentic hammer/action; it is a post-war type, not an actual 1917 style action and hammer. So ignore that. Any post-war holster should fit, whether for a 1917 or 6" N frame. Also, any Colt New Service/1917 holster should fit, also.

If you are interested in a very high quality open carry shoulder style (tanker style), pm or em me, I may be able to show you something nice for sale elsewhere. I don't think the tall sight and lack of shroud will matter - the cylinder diameter and frame dimensions are going to "pin" the gun in the holster and keep the barrel from moving. I have a WWI era S&W N frame with out the shroud and a thin barrel and it works great in any modern holster, just the retention strap pinches a little.

email one of the custom holster makers and ask if they can make you a holster for THAT gun, and at what cost.

You can probably get *exactly* what you need for that same $100 or so.

-Daizee

Take a look at Bianchi 5BH or 5BHL. They make a pretty fair holster and are not terribly expensive. I'd guess less than $60. I've carried a Bianchi about 6 or 7 years now and it is top notch shape.

Yes, Hunter holsters are cheap.

But they are also generic, and made sloppy loose to hold a lot of different guns.
(notice I didn't say fit a lot of different guns)
They will quickly wear the finish off a fine revolver from the gun flopping around inside the holster every step you take.

I highly recommend El Paso Saddlery holsters.
They custom make them to actully fit the gun you order them for, and are very kind to the finish.
Not cheap, but the best or nearly so.

General carry styles:
http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-9-holsters.aspx

Military styles:
http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-14-military.aspx

rc

Since the passing of Lou Alessi - I don't know if any other will
pick up on his magnus opus for a big N-frame, the
Field Master (vertical ) SHoulder rig.

So, I've looked at many of the El Paso Sadlery offerings
for my 625 with it's 0.790" full barrel inherited from the
25 aka 1955 Target 6 1/2" Bbl. - mine is a 5" but has the very
common these days, full underlug. I've also looked at
the EPS offerings for 1911s - they have a good authentic
retro GI style holster as well as an adaptor for a regular
gun belt, not the GI Duty belt for the hooked Mil SPec stuff.

Milt SParks offers two for up to 7 1/2" Bbl. len. for most
revolvers. The #HSR aka Hackathorn Special - now only made
for revolvers as well as the #AW200 similar but the outside of
the holster leather comes up with a shield for the hammer - it
works well and does not inhimbit the draw at all. Both
have a tensioning screw (tapered does not back out).
Cants available:
#HSR Straight Drop,
FBI Cant, muzzle rearward
Reverse Cant - muzzle forward for cross draw or appendix
#AW200 Straight Drop
FBI Cant

I had the #AW200 FBI cant for a 4" S&W 686P - nice rig,and
the MS 1 1/2" gun belt supports the 39 oz.Med. Frame
so I recommend a good gun belt for an N frame Comparing
how the #AW200 rides on the hip it is about the same
vertically as the Milt Sparks #Axiom for my 1911,
not that high riding, about the same clothing options
for CCW.

So, O.P. are you decided on Belt or SHoulder rig Type?

Randall

A grand gun requires a grand holster.

Don't skimp.

For leather, look at Milt Sparks

IMA Military makes repro holsters for butt forward and butt back carry. I have one for my Colt 1917 and it's a snug fit. I wear mine cross draw.. under a long coat it will dissapear.

http://www.ima-usa.com/product_info.php/products_id/698