IDPA/IPSC holster for Model 19

[Paradiddle]

Hi - I'm going to shoot in either an IPSC or IDPA competition (whatever they have at the local range) with my 4" Model 19.

I'm shooting for fun only and have no illusions about being competitive with a speedloader and a K Frame.

I want a leather holster - because I like the way they look.

I can't carry because I live in the PRK so it needs to "qualify" but I won't be using it daily.

What brands/models does everyone like? I suppose a IWB is what I'd need for IDPA (I read the rules and it does appear you can use a high ride/concealment belt holster with a revolver).

I did a search and haven't found anything specific - most of the serious competitors here use kydex (which makes sense).

Thanks in advance.

Jeff

 

[faustulus]

Para,
I shoot my 19 at local matches on occasion using a kydex/leather frankenstein's monster of a holster I found on ebay for 10 bucks. If you are not going to carry it I would suggest a belt slide of some sort, or maybe a paddle, Galco makes them as do many other holster makers, the limit is really just how much you want to spend.
An IWB will probably be a bit uncomforably all day at the range. (I carry IWB most of the time, but use a belt slide for competition) and it is faster.
I will say this before you nix Kydex, it will be the cheaper route to take (aside from its many other splendid properties -- e.g. water doesn't affect it)
I am sure some others will chime in with a list of leather which might suit your needs, but until then here are a couple to get you started:
Wild Bills
Milt Sparks
Alessi
Kramer

 

[Jim Watson]

I recommend against an IWB holster for IDPA. It is just not as safe as a belt holster. I have seen too many people poking themselves in the side with their gun's muzzle trying to get it in the holster. Many of the others wave it around at bystanders because they are usually worn so far back. There are too many opportunities for a slip at a match where you are holstering repeatedly all day.
Also, an IWB is less comfortable to wear and often calls for buying pants a size larger to accomodate.

The Hume JIT is well thought of and inexpensive. It is a Yaqui slide type and lets the barrel hang out but it is secure and smooth. Before I went Kydex, I carried my Python in a Kramer Vertical Scabbard and my M19 in a locally made copy of a Sparks PMK.

 

[Paradiddle]

Thanks guys - makes sense. I'd prefer a belt holster as the comfort and my "middle age man" build would make it far more comfortable.

Jeff

 

[Ankeny]

I'm shooting for fun only and have no illusions about being competitive with a speedloader and a K Frame.

One of the better IDPA revolver shooters has been doing really well with a Model 13 Smith and speedloaders.

 

[Jim Watson]

IDPA Stock Service Revolver is now limited to speedloaders only. The moonclip guns are in a new Divison, Enhanced Service Revolver. ESR guns, most of them .45 with some 10mm now have to make power factor 165 instead of 125. This will be a challenge to the shooters of the few .40 revolvers and I know one really disappointed 9mm Speed Six owner, who probably can't get there at all.

 

[thereisnospoon]

Holster Options for IDPA

I don't know if you'd consider a really good KYDEX holster vs a leather, but check out

www.pistolpacking.com


They are IDPA shooters and both of the owners are revolver shooters (at least until recent changes in rules destroyed the revolver field). They have had their products built specifically to comply with all IDPA rules and also to work very well.

Take a look

Spoon

P.S. Since I know Jim Watson personally, I can vouch for the fact that he has few facts and many opinions....

 

[Jim Watson]

Hell, "spoon", at least I give my right name.

And I now use RTP Kydex almost exclusively, but Jeff has a leather fetish and I was trying to accomodate.

And I don't think the rule changes have destroyed revolver shooting, they have given the good old .38 a real home and made the mooners shoot real ammo as used in autos of the same calibre. True, at the expense of subdividing what was already the smallest Division, but there are now very few revolver shooters with any room for complaint. Except the ones who have been buying/looking for smallbore moonclip guns like the Speed Six and 686 Super.

 

[Paradiddle]

Thanks guys! And yes I do like leather...

 

[ChristopherG]

Paradiddle,

I'm shooting a 4" model 66 in the reconstituted SSR and had been thinking for a while about replacing my crappy Fobus holster, with its irritating cant; but Jim's suggestion of the JIT slide put a new urgency on my search, since I regularly carry a j-frame in a JIT and find it comfortable, concealable, and fast (and, equally important, cheap). I picked one up at a gunshow this morning for 23 bucks and am happy to report that it appears to be an excellent choice for IDPA. Doesn't even catch on my sharp post-shaped FO front sight.

So, that's a big second for the JIT slide. You can get it cheapest, on line at least, at gunnersalley.com.