How are you carrying your J-Frame?

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LivewireBlanco

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I'm going to be getting my concealed carry license this Christmas and was wondering how everyone is carrying their J-frame. I have a 642 and was thinking of getting a Nemesis holster for pocket carry but thought I'd ask this question first to see what seemed to be popular.
 
My primary carry gun is a 642. My carry method depends on activity, clothing, and who I'm gonna be around.

Pocket carry, 90% of the time at least. The Nemesis is pretty good, my brother has one and really likes it. i have a Galco horsehide pocket that I really like. The Mika holster has quite a following, too.

I have a belt holster that I use sometimes. Really comfortable, being that the 642 weighs so little. Usually, if I'm going to belt carry, I'll carry a bigger gun.

Also use a SmartCarry holster sometimes.
 
I carry my Ruger KLCR.357mag "cross draw" OWB. Sit and drive mostly, very comfortable and with easy access. Some say it's harder to conceal, but I have never had a problem with the right holster. Others criticize CD as dangerous, etc., however for every "problem" brought up, there are two debatable answers-that's another thread though.
I have a FIST #42 on order for future use, now use a Multiholster Kydex Paddle, or a leather paddle CD specific from Wild Bill's Site. Take care and good luck. Enjoy!
 
I carry my 642 with CT laser Appendix carry with a Fist ultrathin tuckable Kydex Holster.

In the Winter I use a smartcarry but not in the typical manner. I wrap my smartcarry around my chest just below the nippleline and then clip a strap over my shoulder which has suspender clips on both ends to clip onto the smartcarry. Then when wearing a button up shirt I can leave one button open (which no one ever notices) and easily reach in and draw if i needed to. In areas such as the truck/car and walking around If I leave my coat slightly open It's real easy to put my hand in my coat and shirt to draw. No more having to dig around my waist band under heavy clothing.

v-fib
 
For my 642 and 442, I usually pocket carry with good-old Uncle Mike's #3. not too bulky and only 10 bucks.

I also belt carry from time to time with a Don Hume JIT slide. Very small rig and you almost forget you're wearing it.
 
The Nemesis is not a bad little pocket holster. I use a horsehide Kramer pocket holster with my 442 -- it's got a flat front side, so it looks just like I'm carrying my wallet in a front pocket -- little hook to hold the holster in during the draw. Fastest pocket holster I've used.
 
I usually pocket carry with good-old Uncle Mike's #3
Click to expand...

This using a J-Frame Taurus UL731 in .32 H&R Mag. I find that when I ride the motorcycle I cannot reach it. So I have switched to a Bersa Thunder .380 @ 3:17 :) . It is reachable when riding the motorcycle and driving.
 
I pocket carry my 642 in a uncle mike's #3. Have thought about getting a IWB holster for it, but since it's my BUG I have not bought one yet.
P.S. The snubbie revolver by Ed Lovette is good reading for anyone carrying a snubbie.
 
My carry setup when I had my old model 37 was somewhat unique. It was mostly a warm weather carry gun for me. I would use a somewhat oversized Blackhawk iwb holster when wearing shorts that had an elastic waist band (no belt - would wear suspenders over my T-shirt, under my outer shirt.)

With the smaller wood grips, the gun would sink down into the oversized holster, which was soft and pliable, giving it very much the feel of a pocket carry, only a lot more comfortable. I kept the holster clip just to the right of where my suspenders would clip on my right side.

I could sit down, bend over, do activities with great ease and never reveal I was carrying. Gun felt secure all the while, but wasn't as quick to access as with a more conventional holster. Most comfortable carry set up I've ever had.
 
Of all the holsters I own, I always seem to like and use the cheap ones the most. And the $80+ ones sit in a drawer. For my j-frame, it's no exception. I carry mine in a modified Uncle Mikes. I removed the clip and had it sewn back on up high so that the gun sits more deeply concealed. It's also far more comfortable this way. This is my favorite carry for summer atire (shorts and a t-shirt).

UMholsterMod_zpse3751d25.jpg

20130621_234235_zpse792b5fa.jpg
 
I don't carry my snubs often (they're Undercover 38s, one of which I bought the day I was sworn in as a LEO, and the other was my dad's, and is much older.)

But, when I do, they ride (only one at a time, of course!) on my belt, in a plain Uncle Mike's IWB unit, worn between the belt and pants. Good, low-profile compromise between OWB and IWB carry methods. Pretty much the way I carry any of my guns, except the P32 that goes in a pocket during rare, tucked-in-shirt-required situations.
 
For years I used an ankle holster when in business clothes most of the time. For the last few years I often carry a J frame in the front pocket of my jeans. Lots of good J frame pocket holsters out there. I like Mika's, Uncle Mikes, and a model sold by Cheaper Than Dirt.
 
The past 5 years my 642 has spent most of its time in my Mika square pocket holster. Out on the town or road trips it's in a cross draw. All with a CT305 grip.
 
If you can't find a holster you like, or you don't just want it sagging in your pocket try the ClipDraw. It's a spring steel clip that mounts to the side of your J-frame (or Glock, or whatever...). You might like it. I've found it very handy and performs well. ClipDraw for the S&W J-Frames


-Mike


jframe.jpg
 
When I carried a "J" frame, it was in a pancake holster on my strong side, just behind my hip bone. Pretty much where I carry any handgun.
 
I normally carry a J frame in a Galco horsehide pocket holster. I do have a belt holster for it, that I haven't used in years. If I'm going to bother with a belt holster, it's going to be a bigger gun.
One option I haven't seen mentioned is a Barami Hip Grip. Basically the shape of the old thin wood grips, but with a belt clip. Best used along with a Tyler T-Grip. Conceals very well, and is very secure.
 
I carry either my Colt DS or 438 daily in a Mika pocket holster. The Mika is the best pocket holster by far.
 
I pocket carry them 95% of the time. I have a Nemasis and it worked great for a couple years but reciently the holster has molded itself around the back of the cylinder and doesn't give the clean release it used to, it still releases the gun ok but it's starting to pull itself up to the opening of my pocket before it does. The uncle mikes work good too.
 
Business Dress - Ankle using Renegade Cozy Partner
Casual - Pocket using #3 or Appendix using Ace Case
 
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