Kansas is finally getting concealed carry, the exact date hasn't been set but the longest they can wait to issue permits is Jan 1 2007. I need a holster for a Smith and Wesson 642, I think I would like one that allowed me to carry in the small of my back. Any advice from concealed carry veterans will be greatly appreciated, even if it doesn't pertain to holsters. I'm sure there are many nuances I am not yet familiar with, having never had an opportunity to carry a conealed weapon.
Kansas finally gets concealed carry JAN 1, S+W 642 holster suggestions?
- Thread starter AngelKing
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45Badger
Member
I stick mine in either a Desantis Nemesis or Micah (sp?) pocket holster. Mostly the Micah.
Kor
Member
I also carry my 642 in a pocket holster(I've used the Kramer version since 1995). If your heart is set on a small-of-the-back holster, most makers have their own version - I've handled the Galco(SOB) and Don Hume(DAH), and both would be serviceable. The Galco is heavier-gauge leather and thus more $$, Don Hume's holsters are thinner but still rigid and well made for less $$.
I'm not a big fan of SOB holsters, especially those with a near-horizontal carry, because your support-side hand cannot draw the gun from such a holster if your strong-side hand is injured or otherwise engaged. SOB holsters also tend to be uncomfortable(and "clunk" noticeably) when sitting in chairs or car seats; also, the standard caveat is that you may likely suffer spinal/lower back trauma from the gun crushing your lumbar spine if you fall on a hard surface on your back or are rear-ended in a car while sitting on your SOB.
I'd suggest you try out an inexpensive inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster instead, and wear the gun at the small of your back inside your pants. If you decide you like SOB carry, you can either change holsters or stick with the IWB-SOB carry; if not, you can still carry the IWB holster in a more conventional "kidney-area" carry, up front in "appendix-area" carry, on the side in cross-draw positon, or whatever floats your boat.
Personally, I like using the Barami Hip-Grip(www.baramihipgrip.com) combined with a Tyler T-Grip adapter(www.t-grips.com) for a VERY low-profile carry of my Smith 442 that is still pretty comfortable and mostly secure short of hand-to-hand grappling and wrestling.
I'm not a big fan of SOB holsters, especially those with a near-horizontal carry, because your support-side hand cannot draw the gun from such a holster if your strong-side hand is injured or otherwise engaged. SOB holsters also tend to be uncomfortable(and "clunk" noticeably) when sitting in chairs or car seats; also, the standard caveat is that you may likely suffer spinal/lower back trauma from the gun crushing your lumbar spine if you fall on a hard surface on your back or are rear-ended in a car while sitting on your SOB.
I'd suggest you try out an inexpensive inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster instead, and wear the gun at the small of your back inside your pants. If you decide you like SOB carry, you can either change holsters or stick with the IWB-SOB carry; if not, you can still carry the IWB holster in a more conventional "kidney-area" carry, up front in "appendix-area" carry, on the side in cross-draw positon, or whatever floats your boat.
Personally, I like using the Barami Hip-Grip(www.baramihipgrip.com) combined with a Tyler T-Grip adapter(www.t-grips.com) for a VERY low-profile carry of my Smith 442 that is still pretty comfortable and mostly secure short of hand-to-hand grappling and wrestling.
rickr44318
Member
KS Carry and a 642
I've been well pleased with my Mika pocket holster, as an alternative to a belt or pancake holster. (Works really well in my Columbia parka with deep outside pockets in autumn/winter.) Congratulations on your success out West!
I've been well pleased with my Mika pocket holster, as an alternative to a belt or pancake holster. (Works really well in my Columbia parka with deep outside pockets in autumn/winter.) Congratulations on your success out West!
45 Badger- Desantis Nemesis and Mika
For 20 dollars I think I'm going to pick up a Nemesis just to try it out, thanks for the tip. About the Mika, as far as I can tell he offers 2 pocket holsters, Round Cut and Square cut http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/pocket.htm would you recomend one over the other?
For 20 dollars I think I'm going to pick up a Nemesis just to try it out, thanks for the tip. About the Mika, as far as I can tell he offers 2 pocket holsters, Round Cut and Square cut http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/pocket.htm would you recomend one over the other?
carebear
Member
The two styles are for different shaped pockets. That's craftsmanship right there.
Either take a look at which style pocket most of your pants are OR buy one of each and wear whichever works that day.
Either take a look at which style pocket most of your pants are OR buy one of each and wear whichever works that day.
Congratulations for your new-found right!
We've had that right here in Georgia for quite a few years and it is a good thing!
I carry a little Kel-Tec .32ACP in my front pocket as a BUG (back up gun) to my belt slide holstered Kimber CDP Ultra officer sized .45ACP.
I've found that many times it isn't as "convenient" to tote the light Kimber .45 so the little Kel-Tec is ever present . . . even in shorts like right now!
If I were toting a Smith J frame (which is a GREAT choice, BTW), I'd usually tote it in a discreet, front pocket holster designed to completely break up the pattern of the gun and also allow a fast draw.
I have a friend who does this with his J frame at work . . . and always . . . and he works across from the county courthouse. He ALMOST forgot to take it out of his pocket when going in the courthouse one day!!!
A front pocket carry is simple and easy with a light J frame . . . and a carry that always works . . . even if you are shirtless and working around the yard! As such, this would be my FIRST holster for the J frame.
Later you may find another method you like better for certain times, but every J frame "toter" needs a great pocket holster!
Congratulations again . . . and remember to carry responsibly!
We've had that right here in Georgia for quite a few years and it is a good thing!
I carry a little Kel-Tec .32ACP in my front pocket as a BUG (back up gun) to my belt slide holstered Kimber CDP Ultra officer sized .45ACP.
I've found that many times it isn't as "convenient" to tote the light Kimber .45 so the little Kel-Tec is ever present . . . even in shorts like right now!
If I were toting a Smith J frame (which is a GREAT choice, BTW), I'd usually tote it in a discreet, front pocket holster designed to completely break up the pattern of the gun and also allow a fast draw.
I have a friend who does this with his J frame at work . . . and always . . . and he works across from the county courthouse. He ALMOST forgot to take it out of his pocket when going in the courthouse one day!!!
A front pocket carry is simple and easy with a light J frame . . . and a carry that always works . . . even if you are shirtless and working around the yard! As such, this would be my FIRST holster for the J frame.
Later you may find another method you like better for certain times, but every J frame "toter" needs a great pocket holster!
Congratulations again . . . and remember to carry responsibly!
orionengnr
Member
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- Jan 3, 2005
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- 5,716
Around here, the DeSantis Nemesis is available for under $20. I took my S&W 340 to test-fit and liked the one made for a Glock G-26/27.
Imagine my pleasant surprise when I discovered that it also fits my Kahr PM9, my Para C-6 (3" 1911) and, most recently, my Kahr P-45.
Downside is, since I use it all the time, it is seeing a lot of wear. Given the price and verastility, I think I'll buy another (maybe two, or three).
I also have a nice leather Don Hume pocket holster for the 340--will fit any j-frame. Around $35, and a very nicely tooled piece. But it will not accommodate the remainder of the pistols mentioned above, so it mostly sits in the safe. Hate to say it, but someday soon the j-fames and related accessories (holsters, speed loaders, grips, etc) may all go up for sale. Yeah, the Kahrs are really working for me.
If a j-frame is your "one and only", the Don Hume is a nice holster.
Imagine my pleasant surprise when I discovered that it also fits my Kahr PM9, my Para C-6 (3" 1911) and, most recently, my Kahr P-45.
Downside is, since I use it all the time, it is seeing a lot of wear. Given the price and verastility, I think I'll buy another (maybe two, or three).
I also have a nice leather Don Hume pocket holster for the 340--will fit any j-frame. Around $35, and a very nicely tooled piece. But it will not accommodate the remainder of the pistols mentioned above, so it mostly sits in the safe. Hate to say it, but someday soon the j-fames and related accessories (holsters, speed loaders, grips, etc) may all go up for sale. Yeah, the Kahrs are really working for me.
If a j-frame is your "one and only", the Don Hume is a nice holster.
fiVe
Member
Another vote for the Robert Mica holster. I don't think you can beat the price, the quality, and certainly not the customer service. It is the perfect match with my 642, and it just feels right to me. IMO, this is the best combination for pocket carry.
I got the round cut, because it will work in either pocket (round or square bottom).
Kansas, welcome to the CCW world. I hope you will be agressive in pursuing reciprocity with Florida.
Safe Shootin',
fiVe
I got the round cut, because it will work in either pocket (round or square bottom).
Kansas, welcome to the CCW world. I hope you will be agressive in pursuing reciprocity with Florida.
Safe Shootin',
fiVe
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Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I like my $6.00 leather IWB holster from John Bianchi that I bought
some 30 years ago. It has served me well, and still looks and wears
just like it did when it was brand new; only the leather smell is gone.
some 30 years ago. It has served me well, and still looks and wears
just like it did when it was brand new; only the leather smell is gone.
Worth the wait, A K&D HOLSTER IS THE ANSWER!
Since you have the time to wait, I suggest you spend your money wisely and find the best holster you can for a very reasonable price. Look at this sweet holster.
It is a pocket holster that will work in the back pocket, and if you pull off the back panel, it becomes a front pocket holster. Look at this:
These are for IWB. Both can be custom made to fit your 642. Each of these holsters cost between $50 to $60 each. You can place the order online but it is an 8 to 10 wait to get your holster. These are made by one man, one holster at a time. Just follow the link below and browse around. Just ask around, there is a positive reputation that follows these holsters.
http://www.kdholsters.com/
Since you have the time to wait, I suggest you spend your money wisely and find the best holster you can for a very reasonable price. Look at this sweet holster.
It is a pocket holster that will work in the back pocket, and if you pull off the back panel, it becomes a front pocket holster. Look at this:
These are for IWB. Both can be custom made to fit your 642. Each of these holsters cost between $50 to $60 each. You can place the order online but it is an 8 to 10 wait to get your holster. These are made by one man, one holster at a time. Just follow the link below and browse around. Just ask around, there is a positive reputation that follows these holsters.
http://www.kdholsters.com/
TonyB
Member
I also pocket carry my 642 in a Nemesis...but Desantis does have small of the back holsters too www.desantisholster.com
a huge + 1 on K & D Holsters. I have a pocket holster on order from him for my 642. I have 5 others from him. Give Kevin a call
www.kdholsters.com
www.kdholsters.com
cracked junior
Member
how much is your kansas CCW going to cost?
we got it in nebraska this year. but it dont go into effect untill jan 1 07. i have heard rumors that it will be over 500 dollars. which to me is outrageous.
we got it in nebraska this year. but it dont go into effect untill jan 1 07. i have heard rumors that it will be over 500 dollars. which to me is outrageous.
i know alot of people like the nemesis.. but i just wanted to add that me and a few others in the 642 club thread didnt really like it. It boosts the gun up a little bit unnecessarily so the grip sticks out of the pockets on a lot of pants. So it restricts you a bit. If I had a choice i would go back and get one of the simpler designed pocket holsters that holds it low and hidden better. the material is really nice though.
HighVelocity
Member
I like the Kramer, K&D and Galco pocket holsters. All work really well.
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