Concealed Carry Holster for .38 Snub

[CraigAPS]

I have a RIA M206 snub (Detective Special clone) that I'm looking for a holster for. I'm not particular about leather vs nylon vs any other material. I'm open to either IWB or OWB. The biggest requirement that I have is that the holster must have a thumb break (it has the hammer spur and I just feel better about carrying with the hammer strapped down until I need it). I currently have an Uncle Mike's hip holster with a retention strap. It's just too slow to undo that strap to unholster the weapon (it's the kind of strap that snaps halfway down the outside of the holster), and the holster pulls away from my body too much which results in obvious printing under my shirts. Most of the ones that I have been able to find are OWB and mostly pancake style. I'm not opposed to this style, but $80-100 is a bit steep for me right now. I was hoping someone could give me some suggestions or at least point me in the right direction to find one. Thanks in advance!

 

[JTQ]

With most nylon holsters, you probably need a thumb break as most are of such poor quality they provide no retention beyond the thumb break. Nylon is generally viewed as a poor material for holster use.

Conversely, leather and kydex holsters usually provide enough retention simply by the shape of the holster that a retention device is not needed unless you plan on open carrying or are a law enforcement officer. Most concealed carry holsters do not have, or need a retention device.

A couple of the less expensive leather makers, that cover revolvers pretty extensively, are Lobo Gun Leather and Simply Rugged. If you've got to have it, I think they can both give you a thumb break if you want it.

Lobo Gun Leather http://www.lobogunleathers.com

Simply Rugged http://www.simplyrugged.com

The late Paul Gomez has a good video on selecting concealed carry gear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF7VbYh9Qqk

 

[JTQ]

Regarding thumb breaks, see High Noon Holsters take on thumb breaks at #25 in their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.

High Noon FAQ http://www.highnoonholsters.com/faqs/

 

[X-Rap]

I like thumb breaks for all the reasons High noon listed as well as a few more. Not to say I don't have open tops as well.
There's a tool for every purpose.

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[CraigAPS]

First, thank you for the info thus far. The High Noon FAQs do have some great views on this question. Second, I agree, each tool has it's place. Save for during the activities and those like them that HN points out, does anyone have any other positives/negatives about a thumb break?
I should probably qualify that question by explaining why I think a thumb break would be good for me . And maybe I should've made this more clear in my opening post, but the reason that I say that I would feel better about having a thumb break is due to the hammer spur possibly getting caught on something (clothing, if I bump into something, in the car, etc.). I intentionally bought a gun with the hammer spur for the freedom of being able to choose between SA or DA, but I do worry about it being inadvertently pulled back should it rub against something. I do understand that the holster would hold the cylinder tight and would be a small level of protection against this (if the cylinder can't move, the hammer can't be cocked). But, over time, the holster would become looser.

 

[Predator55]

Thumb breaks slow you down, and may end up killing you if you stubble with it in a high pressure situation. I bought a Kusiak holster out of Florida for my LCR and it is a fantastic rig. IWB that fits like a glove and retention is outstanding.

 

[243winxb]

I went for shoulder , to hip, to pockets. Buy 2, as they do wear out if carried every day. http://www.unclemikes.com/holsters/concealed-carry-holsters/inside-the-pocket-holsters I use a #3 for S &W M60 and 337 pd. This looks like the one i have, but the old one was listed as #3 ? http://www.unclemikes.com/holsters/concealed-carry-holsters/inside-the-pant-holsters Available with a hold strap or not.

 

[X-Rap]

I had a Don Hume IWB open top and it didn't hold the gun properly and the holster itself would work up to the point that the clip would come off the belt if I didn't reseat it.
I believe much of the problem was the short barrel and limited contact the holster had with me and my pants and the gun with the leather.
It is rare that i carry a revolver concealed any more and I can't say I have the same issues with flat sided pistols but on a bike or doing much physical activity I still like the thumb break.
I guess I need to go under the clock but gut feeling is that speed averaged over 10 draws from each would be slight.

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[JTQ]

You should get the holster that makes you comfortable.

...a thumb break is due to the hammer spur possibly getting caught on something (clothing, if I bump into something, in the car, etc.).

...I do understand that the holster would hold the cylinder tight ...

Anything is possible, but it's pretty unlikely for the hammer to get inadvertently pulled back. The holster body does typically keep the cylinder from rotating.

Note the "old school" revolver holsters had the trigger guard area exposed. It isn't a concern since the cylinder can't rotate.

El Paso Saddlery "Tom Threeperson" http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-65-12-1920-tom-threepersons-2-to-7-12-barrels.aspx

 

[bannockburn]

CraigAPS

I'm not a big fan of thumb breaks with a concealed carry holster in as much as the IWB holster (DeSantis SOF-TUCK), that I use holds the gun very securely to begin with and that I worry about fumbling around with a thumb break at a most inopportune time.

 

[CraigAPS]

Anything is possible, but it's pretty unlikely for the hammer to get inadvertently pulled back. The holster body does typically keep the cylinder from rotating.

that I use holds the gun very securely to begin with

This is also what I've found from other sources as well. I'm probably over-analyzing the situation and being paranoid about the one failing that I could see happening.

Has anyone ever had any problems with an open top holster (specifically with revolvers)?

 

[243winxb]

No problem. But a S&W needs the trigger pulled fully to the rear to let the firing pin make contact with the primer.(or to fire). Others may not work this way.

 

[Haxby]

The DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard works fine with my j frame.

 

[CraigAPS]

The DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard works fine with my j frame.

Haxby, how do you like the thumb break? Does it get in your way when drawing your weapon?

 

[Haxby]

I have used thumbreak holsters made by Bianchi, Gould & Goodrich, El Paso Saddlery, and DeSantis, for a long time. No problem with the thumbreak on any leather holster I've used.

 

[243winxb]

This was ok on my belt, but i prefer it better concealed

 

[Airman Basic]

Carried a Colt Cobra in a Galco Speed Paddle every day for 20+ years. Only problem was the scratches on my hand and arm from rubbing against the hammer! Never lost the gun or cocked it inadvertently. Picked up a Ruger LCR (the hammerless variety) and stuck it in a cheap Fobus paddle. Trigger is amazing. Retired the Colt.