CCW, need carry options for a S&W 64

For a number of years, this was my favorite, a Don Hume 171OT holster and a S&W Model 19:



Also had the same holster for a 4" Model 586:



I usually wore a denium jacket, in mild weather, or a leather vest for hot weather.

Bob Wright

I also like Leather for my revolvers. I had a Galco and Desantis pancake and shoulder rig. They make so many holsters now, that you would need to look through the catalog. years ago you had to send for one, but now you can see them all online.
I like the shoulder rig for wearing under a sports jacket or leather jacket if it was staying on, then I would switch to an ankle holster if I had to. But Don Hume and Galco, Desantis, and Mitch Rosen, should give you more than enough options.
I still have a Rosen on my Auto's..

I'll take a look at those, again, I need something to fit under a t-shirt

Click to expand...

youre going to have to go with an IWB rig. any of the hybrids out there will work and are fairly equal (in quality) except for price and wait time to get one.

If you are comfortable with IWB, then you won't have the sweat problem, just take care of the leather from time to time. Allow it to dry out and use a little leather cleaner/treatment, to keep it supple. I have some stuff that several of the holster company's sell, I would have to dig for it, I's sure someone here can come up with a name. You just don't want the salt to dry it out from perspiration.
I use either OWB, pocket, or shoulder, one of the members here is making me an iwb holster, perhaps you should ask him? Taktical, is the member.

I really like the tuckable IWB holster and mag carrier that TAKtical made for me, he is a great guy to deal with as well.
Here's a photo of them.

I've got a 4" bbl 64-6 that I carry in a Simply Rugged holster. It's a pancake design with an option for IWB in addition to OWB carry. I'm very happy with mine... rugged (duh), comfortable, and conceals this bigger gun well.
Also can be carried in cross draw with it's 3 slot design.

I think almost all folks find they prefer to wear a t-shirt or undershirt of some kind to keep their holster from rubbing against their bare skin, especially when carrying IWB. That will help at least somewhat with sweat.

Leather is nice for IWBs because it is at least a little flexible. Kydex tends to be quite rigid and can be unforgiving, which is why those flat-backed hybrid IWB rigs are so popular. They're about as comfortable as it gets.

(Just be careful with treatments or conditioners for leather if you go that way. Most manufacturers warn against putting ANYTHING on their leather. No mink oil or whatever like that. The last thing you want is to soften it up. That's BAAAAD. Clean it with a soft cloth. Let it dry if it gets wet, and that's enough.)

Having said that, it's hard to go wrong with that "Hooker" IWB for the price. You can give it a try and see if you like it. However, for only $20 more you could get a Crossbreed supertuck and have a far better holster.

Don Hume works fine, especially if your 64 is a 2 or 3 inch snub.

If worn on a outside holster wear a short sleeve shirt over a T-shirt. I do it all the time, even in the summer. Even when using a IWB I use that setup.

I only use just a t-shirt with a IWB and a S&W J when I just am lazy.

Deaf

P.B.Walsh said:

Supertuck doesn't hold a K frame.....

Click to expand...

Try Clevelands Holsters. They are similar to the Supertuck (better IMHO) but have more adjustablity. I think they make a K frame version. Also horse hide is a better leather to protect against sweat than cow or bull hide. And don't forget a good belt, no matter which holster you go with.
http://www.clevelandholsters.com/

The first thing you will need to do is get some pants that you can wear up to true waist level and with a tight belt. I recommend tactical trousers with all the pockets. The shorts are great too. CCW should control how you dress. What you describe is more like carrying a little pistol in a pocket. The guns you have in mind for later are even heavier.

Our summers reach 90 to 115 degrees, without the humidity some places have. Cargo shorts and some kind of T shirt or polo shirt were all I wore for years. That easily concealed a 2" to 4" K frame with a good IWB and belt. For best results, the belt loops on the holster should match the belt.

Edited: OK, we were posting at the same time. Simply Rugged has a lot of fans and I don't remember ever reading of a complaint. Match it with a good belt and see what you think.

Will be interested to hear your thoughts on the Simply Rugged holster.

Will be interested to hear your thoughts on the Simply Rugged holster.

Click to expand...

Lots of guys like them, but I think they do not have enough forward cant.

P.B.Walsh said:

Just ordered a Simply Rugged Sourdough in oxblood with IWB carry straps. I think it will be interesting beta testing this with my S&W 64 before I purchase a defensive carry pistol. Should be here in 2 - 3 weeks. Very excited, thank ya'll for helping me, much appreciated!

Click to expand...

Good choice.

Lots of guys like them, but I think they do not have enough forward cant.

Click to expand...

You will get the most cant by using a full width, double thick gun belt or ordering the holster for your belt width. Then the holster with the weight of the gun cannot pivot and find its own natural angle. The alternative is a pancake with two widely spread belt loops.

Holsters....

If you want a simple strong side belt holster for a K frame S&W revolver 3"/4", Id look at these popular brands; Galco, Don Hume, El Paso Saddlery, Blade-tech, Bianchi-intl, Wright Leather Works, Milt Sparks, Greg Kramer, Mitch Rosen, Alessi, DeSantis, Aker, Tex Shoemaker, Mernickle.

If you want a decent shoulder holster, see the Aker Comfort Flex, the Galco Miami Classic II, the Lawman Leather Works Dirty Harry or the STU(a black weather proof material), the Kirkpatrick Leather line.

Some may advise speed loaders(Safariland Comp-IIs or HKS) or the ideal 6 shot .38/.357magnum Bianchi speed strips. The newer polymer safety orange Tuff Products Quik-Strips can do very well too. www.tuffproducts.com
You can toss 2 speed strips in a empty Altoids tin, .
For a DA revolver, Id get a retention type rig. It might slow your draw but the safety/security factor can help. Trust me.
I learned the hard way at a gas pump with a cross-draw Blade-tech holster for my .38spl GPNY 4" in 2008.

Before you buy a holster or gear(belt, speed loader holders, etc) check with the shop to see if it's available & the time/delivery/etc. Huge demands & requests make some holster makers take months to deliver custom styles.
Buy a decent carry/support belt. Good brands include Duluth Trading, 5.11 Tactical, Galls.com , TheBeltMan.net , Policehq.com , Galco, Bianchi-intl.

Sounds like you're building a darn nice set up. Any chance we can see some pics of your 64?