J Frame Holsters

[usnavymasterchief]

As most of us know, trying to find the "right" holster can be an expensive proposition, I should know that by now, so I'm going to ask before I buy.
I am contemplating buying a Galco Paddle holster for my S&W 2" J frame. Does anyone know this holster? Comments pro or con very much appreciated.
My second choice is a Mernickle Extreme and their Gunfighter double thick belt to hold the holster "High and Tight".
Thanks, John

 

[JCM298]

Galco paddles

I have Galco paddles for a Colt Magnum Carry, a Sig 220 & 230, and a Smith J frame. I like them,

John

 

[ACP230]

The Dillon Leather paddle holster I have for my J frames seems like it wants to move around a little. Not enough to be a big problem, but enough to be annoying.

I prefer the Dillon "The Master" holster when I don't use a pocket holster with my J frames.

 

[QuarterBoreGunner]

I have the Galco PLE thumb break holster for my S&W 637 and like it very much, but don't use it very much as IWB holsters seem to conceal much better for me.

But for open carry I really like the paddle setup.

 

[Poohgyrr]

FWIW, Mernickle's mag pouches are my favorite in leather. I haven't seen one of his belts for a while, but they looked like they should do fine. In talking to him at gunshows, and from emails, I would expect him to stand behind his products.

I have a Dillon Master for a Dick Special that is nice, and also works well for a 640. The 640 spends more time in a home made pocket holster than on my belt though.

 

[Josey]

Hey I suggest the Galco Deep Cover IWB for the J frame. It was confortable. Otherwise, I like pancake holsters.

 

[Fed168]

I've used a couple over the years. Started out with a Galco speed paddle, moved on to a Galco ankle glove.

They have gone by the wayside- not bad, just moved on. For quick and easy carry, Uncle Mike's kydex paddle. Good concealment- a pocket holster.

 

[sra]

The Galco Paddle has a tension screw at the root of the trigger guard. If you have thick fingers this can be a problem if you normally get a firing frip before drawing the gun.

It also (on me) stuck out far enough to not feel terribly concealable.

The Galco seems well made, just didn't work for me.

Ended up using an Alessi for belt carry or a Safariland pocket holster.

Scott

 

[Mike Irwin]

Do you have a J-frame with, or without, the hammer?

That could make a big difference.

I've come across holsters for J-frame with hammers that I would recommend, while roughly the same holster from the same maker, but for the J-frame hammerless, is a losing proposition...

 

[mtnbkr]

For a hammerless j-frame, I like Don Hume's JIT slide. Other than the tension of the leather, it doesn't have any positive retention. However, I've run short distances (50yds or so) and it hasn't as much as moved.

For the past few days, in order to reaquaint myself with carrying something other than a P32, I've been wearing this combo everywhere but work. I've even had it on while working on my SUV recently. No problems with retention at all.

I've had this holster for 3 years.

Chris