Shoulder holster or holster shirt for a S&W m65 w/ 3" barrel?

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sjcslk

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Looking to carry my S&W model 65 with a 3" barrel (6 shot) under a light jacket or over sized shirt. I'm wondering how the holster shirts work for revolvers, versus a regular shoulder holster. If shoulder holster is best, what make & model? I think side kick makes the 8300 vertical shoulder holster and the 7700 horizontal that should fit this gun ???
 
I agree. Draw is slower than other options, prints more than other concealed carry options, but for me it can be very comfortable having the weight on your shoulders rather than your waist. Ive seen holster shirts for revolvers but with that short of a barrel I would suggest you consider an IWB holster if you havent already.
 
Something like 90% of people who carry all the time carry on the waist, strong side. I like a tuckable holster of my own design for my Kimber Custom M1911.
 
I've got an old upside down vertical spring loaded leather rig that's great sometimes. It's best when driving like a million miles or so. It fits all 2" J's and sometimes I stuff a 3" M-13 in there.. barely. It's locked up but if you need/want what it is, I'll fetch you the particulars. Pretty sweet holster.
 
Never been a big fan of shoulder rigs. Always felt uncomfortable with the feeling of the holster and gun between my arm and the side of my chest. For a K frame with a 3" barrel I would go with a strong side belt holster.
 
thanks

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'm sticking with my waist holster for now. I asked the same question on one other site and got pretty much the same responses. There doesn't seem to be a big fan base for shoulder holsters or the shirt holster.
 
Man, if you've got one of those 3" model 65's I'm really sorry for you. One of the worst, most impractical pieces ever made by anyone.

Just sell it to me and then you won't have to worry about it any more. :)
 
Model 65 - Monster Zero ?

Monster Zero, I'm not really a handgun guy. I bought this revolver back in about 1999 because I wanted a fixed sight 3" barrel gun to carry in the woods with me. I knew the model 65 fit that criteria. I had been looking for one & couldn't find one in the local gun shops. I had a purchase permit on me that was about to run out & came across a Lady S&W. I believe the Lady Smith is just a model 65 with Lady Smith inscribed on it and fancy grips. I have since put Hogue grips on it. But, based on your comment, is this considered a desirable handgun? (just curious, again I'm not really a handgun guy, I'm more into shotguns).
 
sjcslk

He was kidding because he REALLY wants one.

BTW, I was in a hurry and didn't take the time to elaborate.

I have worn shoulder holsters, have a Kangaroo holster and a compression shirt with a built in holster.

Shoulder holster - bad. Holds the gun too high. Arm can't swing or even fit to the body.

Compression shirt- I think mine is a 5-11. pockets are deep enough that the gun rides down by the bottom of the ribs. Works ok for a PM9. Revolver is a problem. The cylinder digs in and the width makes for printing.

Kangaroo- a very simple but well designed product. I adjust mine where the gun is lower, just about my waist. When I have to wear a sport coat, a P7 will ride there well. Ideal? no. But the adjustibility makes it where I am happy to have it in the holster drawer.

The soft cotton may not make you look like James Bond, but the guy that designed it made it as comfortable as possible.

If you HAVE to carry there, the Kangaroo is the best answer.

Otherwise, strong side, OWB on a good reinforced belt is the most comfortable. (FYI, a reinforced belt makes all the difference)
 
carry

Guillermo, thanks. I think the belt may be one of my problems. Where do you get a reinforced belt? thanks,
 
Lady Smith in a 65 is one of the best S&W I own. One time I had Deputy Sheriffs at the range laughing at my,"gun for ladies in a purse". Four targets later at 25 yds they quit laughing. 4 targets .357 mag, with shots, grouped at under 2", freehand was all it took to choke off the laughter. My lady Smith is a 65-5 stainless, do not ask for a price on it our daughter gets it, she can also shoot 2" at 25 yds.

blindhari
 
5.11 Holster shirts

I have three of the 5.11 Holster shirts and love them. The shirt material is similar to UnderArmor and holds the pistol very close to the body. The draw is slower, but there is no movement of the pistol while carrying. I don't have to worry about my shirt riding up and exposing a pistol on my hip. I have tried in the waist band holsters and could never get comfortable when wearing them. I carry a glock 26 on one side and a spare glock 17 mag on the other side. "deep concealment" high in the armpit! The shirts are not cheap, but very good quality. The NRA store also sells them for a good discount
 
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