S&W Model 22 of 1917 Holster

[whalerman]

I know, its kind of an obscure question. But I bought a S&W Model 22 of 1917 one of the classic series Smith came out with a while back. I really like shooting this gun, but haven't found any way of carrying it. No leather seems to come close to fitting this thing. It's a 5" barrel. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. I'd just like to protect the gun and enjoy it more. Thanks for any help you guys can offer.

 

[wnycollector]

I carry my 1924 S&W M&P 5" .38 in a $5 flap holster I picked up at a gun show. 5" barrels are odd balls nowadays. Gunshows, gunbroker or Ebay are all places to find vintage leather that will fit your S&W.

 

[Oro]

It's a 5" barrel.

If it's been cut down it is. If it's original, it's a 5.5" barrel.

I carry my 1924 S&W M&P 5" .38 in a $5 flap holster I picked up at a gun show.

That's good for you, but finding a 5" holster for an M&P K-frame is not hard. It was a terribly common length up until about the mid 1950s. I've got a few holster for that length/gun that cost beans sitting around. They run about $7 on Ebay.

But the OP is talking about a 5 1/2" N frame. That's different than an M&P - quite a bit different. Unfortunately, the 5.5" N frame barrel was pretty unique to the 1917. You have to either get:

a) WWI military holster for it. Rare and pricey.

b) later service holster for it. Some were made, but still rare. (see below)

c) get a custom made from El Paso or similar maker.

There just aren't any modern 5.5" N frames or holsters for them. You'll have to dig up an old one or have one made. I felt fortunate to find this one for mine at a gun show, an older service type made by one of the WWI makers but true to the military style with the swivel and flap. The swivel is awesome if you ride a horse! I've also got an original M1912 swivel holster I carry my 1911 style guns in. These are great holsters if you can track one down.

You'll have to dig around at gun shows, or order one from a reputable maker.

W.H. McMonies holster for a 5.5" 1917 (brass swivel hidden behind flap in photo):



This is a 5" M&P - a whole different and much smaller gun:


Colt and an M1912 swivel holster:

 

[Oyeboten]

Yeah...good Holsters for longer Barreled N-Frames are kind of hard to find.

I like to root through those Bargain Bins of used and older Holsters at Gun shows and Pawn Shops, some used Gun stores might still have them.

e-bay is good, if harder to gauge the size usually.

Holsters for the Colt New Service is also challenging.

Make one! It'd be a nice project to do...

 

[DPris]

El Paso Saddlery will make one in different styles to fit it.
Denis

 

[Bill B.]

El Paso Saddlery will make one in different styles to fit it.

+1 ........They do great work and are one of the more reasonable custom holster makers left!

 

[Dr.Rob]

IMA makes a great repro holster, I have one for my 1917 Colt.

http://www.ima-usa.com/product_info.php/cPath/16_25/products_id/698

 

[wnycollector]

Dr. Rob that is a great looking holster at a very reasonable price.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Mine was a little snug at first but it breaks in nicely. Also, note that the 1942 pattern holster cants the butt to the rear if worn on the right side but is PERFECT as a cross draw.

 

[Dr.Rob]

IMA 1942 pattern holster shown worn left and right side...

 

[whalerman]

Thanks Gentlemen. I very much appreciate the help.