Retention holster for K-frame?

[westportian]

Hello, all. This is my first post on THR. I really like the site because most everything I want to know has already been asked & answered somewhere here.

My situation is this: I'm an unarmed security guard who has been given a S&W mdl. 19, with 4" bbl. I'm going to get my armed commission in Missouri, but not sure what holster to carry it in. Also, I'm left-handed.

The ideal holster (if such were made) would be kydex, crossdraw to draw with right hand, with some retention feature like a tab or button to push during the draw.

I mention drawing crossdraw, because I'm in my car for hours (I typically guard construction sites alone for 12 hours on the graveyard shift) and may have to draw my weapon while seated in my car.

But I also realize that crossdaw carry is very vulnerable to weapon grabs, and besides, I can't find a k-frame right handed crossdraw with any strong retention feature.

If I give up on the crossdraw criterion, what would be a good left handed holster for a S&W 19 4" bbl, with level 2 retention.

Thanks very much for any suggestions.

 

[twoclones]

I can't recommend anything Kydex... I prefer Galco leather holsters on a Galco belt because I find them to be sturdy and comfortable. Some of their models, like the DAO and wheel gunner, can be worn either strong side or cross draw. You can start at this link, select your weapon and see every holster Galco makes for it.

http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG1.asp

 

[dairycreek]

Take a long look at the products from FIST http://www.fist-inc.com/. They make a wide variety of products for a large variety of guns and they turn out a quality holster for a reasonable price and in a reasonable amount of time.

FIST makes both leather and kydex holsters and they are folks you can talk to. Call up their "800" number and talk with the head man Jim Murnak. He will listen and make suggestions and you will eventually get what you want. Good luck.

 

[9mmepiphany]

not sure what holster to carry it in. Also, I'm left-handed.

The ideal holster (if such were made) would be kydex, crossdraw to draw with right hand, with some retention feature like a tab or button to push during the draw.

do i understand that you are a lefty, wanting a right handed cross draw holster?

 

[rcmodel]

Most right-hand holsters are cross-draw when worn on the left side toward the front of the body.
(As long as you can reach it)

rc

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm a big fan of the Scabbaed holster. It's an old design but it works and works well. DeSantis has a Thumb Break Scabbard holster that's not too expensive and works very well. I own several for my 3" and 4" K/L frame revolvers. I have both themb break and speed Scabbard holsters. (no retention on the speed scabbard) take a look and see if you think it might be what you are looking for...

BTW, I would check your local gun shops for a better price that what's on their site. I bought the holsters that are priced at $65 for $42 locally.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

If I give up on the crossdraw criterion, what would be a good left handed holster for a S&W 19 4" bbl, with level 2 retention.

Safariland 6280

I am, frankly, uncertain that you really need Level 2 unless your company mandates it. There are a lot more choices for revolvers in Level 1.

 

[9mmepiphany]

you know if you don't want to spend a lot and you'll be using it mostly while while seated in a vehicle, you might take a look at the Fobus Roto holster

 

[Black Knight]

First off check with your state licensing agency as well as your company. The state may require a position of carry such as strong side only. Your company may have additional requirements such as leather as opposed to nylon, basketweave or plain leather, black or brown. There are many companies that sell good duty holsters for revolvers. A few are Bianchi, Safariland, DeSantis, Galco, Stallion Leather, and Don Hume. These should get you started. Remember if you have to draw while in the car the steering wheel may get in the way. As a police officer we were trained to draw from a patrol car with the door open. Good luck in your search and train, train, train and then train some more. Safety is not an accident, an accident is not safe.

 

[9mmepiphany]

As a police officer we were trained to draw from a patrol car with the door open

i hadn't heard of that technique.

what do you do if they block your door?

when seat in the squad car, i found it easier to just reach down to the S&W M-642 in the holster on my left ankle