J-Frame Holster Help

[Coronach]

Yes, I'm at it again.

I now have a 3" J-frame, and I am looking for a holster. Some of you might recall my search for a 2" J-Frame holster before...what can I say? I'm trying to get the whole set.

Here is what I am looking for:

1. IWB.
2. Leather (this is a blued gun...no kydex, please)
3. I want it to sit fairly low, so as to get the mass of the cylinder beneath the belt, but still be easily accessible

What I have tried:

1. Barami Hip-Grip. So close! So very close. It just sits a trifle too low, and makes it a bit of a chore to get a grip on the butt of the gun and drag it out.

2. Don Hume H715. This one sits a little too high.

I might try the clipdraw, as there is supposedly one model that allows an adjustable fit. Any other advice? Somthing that sits almost as low as the barami but allows a gap between belt and butt (of the gun. Ahem.) for me to slide my fingers in between to get a reliable draw would be ideal

Thanks,
Mike

 

[SnubbyMan]

I don't know if they'll make one for a 3", but you may want to consider a Deep Drop Bandit from Bell Charter Oak.



"This IWB model was designed to drop lower on the belt line and positions the clip tab over the triggerguard of revolvers for enhanced concealment and reduced bulge. Offered for most 2 inch barrel J or D frame revolvers and selected autos. These can be positioned with grip above, level or below the waistline. Call for details."

I've been wanting to try one for awhile now...

 

[SnubbyMan]

I like the Barami Hip Grips too...but I would hesitate to use them on a blued gun. Are you using some kind of holster in conjunction with the Hip Grips?

 

[Coronach]

I didn't see 3" on the list for the Deep Drop. I'll check again, though.

I used the Hip-Grip on a 2" 640, stainless steel. I share your reservation about using it on a blued gun, and I'm not thrilled about the clipdraw for that reason, also.

Mike

 

[Ala Dan]

Greetings All-

By far and away, I find that the all leather IWB as made by Bianchi
fills the bill so to speak better than any of the Kydex nylon types.
Of my snub-nose carry revolvers, I can alternate between an original
old model 60 S&W; or a 1993 S&W model 37-2, confident of my ability
and equipment. Environmental conditions dictate which of these I
choose on a given day. This leather holster is about 15-20 years old,
and I gave a measley $6.00 for it back then. I think today its going
for 'bout $18, I believe?

 

[kjdoski]

FIST makes a nice IWB holster that clips on; I have the kydex version in x-draw configuration for my j-frame 2" guns. The leather one ought to be right up your alley...

Gunners Alley (www.gunnersalley.com) carries the whole FIST line discounted, and are great guys to work with.

Regards,

Kevin

 

[Sir Aardvark]

Milt Sparks Summer Special II - Second best is not an option.

http://www.miltsparks.com/

I think it's great!

 

[Coronach]

The main issue seems to be that everyplace has stuff for 2" J-frames. Mine is a 3".

And the Summer Special (and most of the other ones mentioned) seem to sit higher than I want. I'm looking for something that is going to keep the grip juuuuuuuuust above the beltline, with the bulk of the cylinder under it (this would likely require a bit of cant).

Mike

 

[SnubbyMan]

Mike, if you like the Deep Drop Bandit, it may be worth calling BCO to see if they'd make one for your 3"er. They make everything as a custom order, so I don't think it would be out of the realm of possibility. They're not open now, otherwise I'd call, but they've been helpful to me in the past.

 

[Coronach]

Hmmm. Good idea. I'll give 'em a call.

Mike

 

[Doug Add]

I have a Texas Heritage by Tucker Gunleather for my Ruger SP101. It is a thin and soft leather holster that is molded to the gun. The kydex clips that hold the holster on your belt have three holes in them for attaching to the holster, which allows you to adjust how high the rig rides on your belt. They also allow for cant adjustability. Versatile, and very comfortable.

Here is a link to the pistol version of the Texas Heritage, which has some customer comments. I started with this one, for a SIG P228, and was so pleased with it, I bought the one for my Ruger.

 

[SnubbyMan]

Doug Add, I've ordered one and am waiting for its arrival. Have read nothing but positive reviews on them.

 

[Maddock]

When I had a 3†60 most of the IWB holsters I tried sat too high for me, resulting in the butt tilting out. It was compounded, I’m sure, by the extra padding around my waist. I solved it, at least partially, by using a Bianchi soft leather clip-on IWB and letting it set lower, then having it stitched tighter to eliminate the back and forth flop. It wasn’t the best solution, but it worked. I never could get a 2†J frame to carry well IWB.