Holster me--Colt Detective Special 3rd issue

[Danus ex]

Hey all,

I've got a 3rd issue Detective Special that I'll be carrying, and I figured I'd get some opinions on holsters before I began thorough research.

I have some possibly unusual requirements, though. First off, I'm a rather thin individual. 5' 10.5", 155lbs, 29" waist. My hands are about the size of the average woman's, even though I'm much taller than her.

As you might imagine, real estate along my waistline is minimal. Fortunately, when I Mexican carry my Det. Spec., it's very very hard to notice, even when I'm wearing my tightest boytoy shirt and whoever's watching is looking right at it. Ammo will probably be carried in something like a Galco 2x2x2 pouch. I have a set of loops from a policeman that conceal incredibly well, and a 2x2x2 thing is close to that without being too bulky. Obviously, I would like to preserve all of the above concealment characteristics.

What I'm fighting with the most is IWB vs OWB. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if OWB actually concealed better on me--sitting outside a narrower waistline rather than inside a bigger waistline. I don't know though.

I would like a cow- or horse-hide holster, preferably a very high quality one, and I will also order a belt made by the holster maker when I make the purchase.

Anyone grapple with a situation like this? Anyone have any insight into any of it?

 

[Danus ex]

Aww nobody?

 

[Old Fuff]

O.K., I'll bite ...

A inside-the-waistband holster will hold the gun tighter to you're body, which is important with snubnose revolvers because they don't have enough barrel length to keep the butt from tipping out. But if you go to IWB you might need to get pants one size larger to make room for the gun.

Outside-the-waistband may be more confortable, but be sure the belt is positioned behind the cylinder, and not above it, or the butt will tend to swing away from the body.

A thin person can better use a shoulder holster then a heavy-set one because you have to reach across your body. Some like shoulder holsters, others don't.

These days, getting a holster for a Detective Special is sometimes difficult because the gun has been out of production for some years, and fewer and fewer companies offer them as a stock item. One of our members has been selling off some holsters made during the era when revolvers were popular within law enforcement circles, and I'll try to get back to you with his name. If he has something you like the price will likely be under $50.00 delivered, and that's substantially less then custom work costs.

I hope that this has been helpful.

Edited to add: Name of person selling revolver holsters.

http://www.thehighroad.org/member.php?u=18227

 

[prescobd]

Colt Det. Special Holster

Most of the holsters I use for the Colt Detective Special were also marked as fitting the Ruger SP101. Since that gun is still in wide production, it is no problems finding just about any style you may want.

 

[Danus ex]

Hey thanks guys. I'll send robbt a PM.

I am feeling a bit pressured to buy what I can while I can. I'm rather young yet (22), and it's clear that accessories for these older Colts are only becoming harder to find. I wouldn't be opposed to having something custom made, particularly if it can last as long as me or the gun. In fact, that would probably be the ideal solution.

For all I know, I'll probably be the last person on Earth who carries a Detective Special! Damn my classic tastes (BHP, 1911, revolvers)!

 

[Old Fuff]

For all I know, I'll probably be the last person on Earth who carries a Detective Special!

Don't bet on it. There are still folks around that carry the old 1903 .32 Pocket Automatic, and Police Positive Special's.