Who carries a 642?
- Thread starter Axis II
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okie ruger shooter
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If you have printing problems with a tiny little 642 you might try upsizing your clothes a little to avoid it.
Tight or snug fitting clothes will print no matter how you carry.
JTQ
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I would expect printing with a SERPA holster with nearly any clothing option. It is not designed as a concealment holster.
JTQ
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Let me guess you have a LE background?
Most concealment holsters don't come with retention devices. Some are available, but usually not needed on a concealment holster. The typical revolver retention would be a thumb break, but that probably won't work with a hammerless revolver.
Bianchi has this CarryLok, though I don't know if it is available for your gun https://safariland.com/products/model-82-carrylok-auto-retention-belt-slide-holster-10870
JTQ
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These guys advertise on the forum, though I'm not that familiar with their products https://urbancarryholsters.com/lockleather
JTQ
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Just a data point, but in this video, the guy has a Kramer Belt Scabbard with an S&W 327. You can skip to about the 6:20 mark in the video where he gets around to talking about the retention of this holster without an active retention device.
JTQ
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I have practically no use for a SERPA, but as a field holster would be where that holster has some use. If needed in that environment, I'd probably use a Safariland or the SERPA if you really thought you needed the retention and just accept the lack of conceal-ability.
JTQ
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It's not gravity that keeps the gun in the well-made versions of those leather holsters. It is the shape of the holster that provides retention. There are threads all over this and other gun forums from folks with new leather holsters complaining they can't draw their gun from the holster because it is too tight. I refer to that as "wedgie level" of retention, where you're giving yourself a "wedgie" trying to draw your pistol.
You can often find these threads by searching for the "plastic bag trick" or "waxed paper trick" or "blocking a holster" or "breaking in a new holster".
JTQ
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Additionally, a pancake holster, by design, closes up when worn on the belt providing more retention.
You can read about a pancake here http://www.holsters.org/holster-design.htm
You can read about a pancake here http://www.holsters.org/holster-design.htm
shoebox1.1
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JTQ
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I'll admit, dropping nearly $150 for a Kramer belt scabbard that may not offer the retention you require may be too much.
Black Hills Leather may have a retention holster that works with the hammerless 642 https://www.blackhillsleather.com/product-category/gun-leather-holster/thumb-break/
Black Hills Leather may have a retention holster that works with the hammerless 642 https://www.blackhillsleather.com/product-category/gun-leather-holster/thumb-break/
For pocket carry, which I did for 15 years, I am still a big fan of Robert Mika's custom pocket holsters. His work has been a favorite of THR 642 Club members for years. However, while pocket carry is great for concealment and comfort, it is terrible for rapid draw and presentation. Last spring I tried a relative unknown Kydex from Skydas and find it comfortable, sturdy and with good retention; I have used it for both strong side and appendix IWB carry. Only $34.00 on Amazon and really a good fit.
My EDC is now a double stack 9, but on some occasions the 642 is a good choice.
My EDC is now a double stack 9, but on some occasions the 642 is a good choice.
mcb
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This will not be popular but my 442 gets carried most often bare in a vest pocket, no holster at all. Now I don't put anything else in that pocket for safety but I don't use a holster at all for vest pocket carry.
Autodidactic
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I carry one. I have a uncle mikes pocket holster, a high riding nice leather OWB one which is concealable during winter. I have a cheap IWB faux leather type one I never use for the 642.
Autodidactic
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I didn’t know there was a 642 club.
Which OWB do you use?
Ohen Cepel
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A different option may be to put a lanyard on it. I like that for a woods gun which seems to be the way the OP is using his 642.
There were Hogue adapters made that did not require drilling the frame. Not sure if they were made for the J-frame or not though. Worth looking into if a lanyard would meet your needs.
There were Hogue adapters made that did not require drilling the frame. Not sure if they were made for the J-frame or not though. Worth looking into if a lanyard would meet your needs.
And now you do!
edwardware
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I do, and in my opinion you have the wrong gun.
The only good reason to carry a gun that small is to put it in your pocket, in a pocket holster. If you're going to attach a holster to your belt, put a larger gun in it.
rperyam
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I carry mine in a Recluse holster in my right front pocket. Very comfortable and easy to reach.
Autodidactic
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I bought this one. With a jacket or long shirt, and the size of the 642, it's a concealable OWB. Way more comfortable than IWB. Obviously, this only works easily in cold weather.
Amazon.com : Cardini Leather OWB Leather Holster for S&W J Frame, for Ruger LCR and SP101, and Other 38 Special Snub Nose Revolver up to 2.25" Barrel- Cognac Right Hand : Sports & Outdoors
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Autodidactic
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Is is just several threads? Or is there an actual sub forum? I posted on 642 Part III, ha.
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