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View Full Version : J frame holsters for CCW?



nwcatman
08-29-09, 21:19
rather carry it inside pants. any thoughts on favorites? thanks!!

87GN
08-29-09, 21:20
IWB isn't ideal for a J frame. In my opinion. Tried it just once.

I prefer pocket carry or ankle carry. I ankle carry a J frame every day as a BUG.

trappernana
08-29-09, 21:32
I carry my J frame everyday as my back up IWB.I've never had an issue. The holster is a cheap Blackhawk. The ankle idea is fine if you work from a car or sit alot, otherwise it's a long reach. Iwb can be a little uncomfortable in hot weather.

nwcatman
08-29-09, 21:37
with shorts and tennies ankle holster kinda stands out.

nutnless220
08-29-09, 21:56
Not the most pretty, but tops in function. And value.

http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/prodnfo.html

Alpha Sierra
08-29-09, 22:22
Unlike most, I rarely carry my J frame in a pocket.

Why?


Can't draw while seated
Prints like a brick with the two holsters I've tried


I use a CTAC to carry mine IWB
http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp290/JRossy/guns/P1010002-1.jpg

I really like O'Rourke holsters (http://www.gun-holsters.com/holsters.html)and he has one tailor made for J frame deep carry IWB:
http://www.gun-holsters.com/h_images/IPTJ_lg.jpg

I had a FIST (http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/Default.htm) #20 for a J frame and like an idiot sold it to a friend. Great holster:
http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/20.jpg

tpd223
08-30-09, 01:31
I have often carried a J frame AIWB, IMHO these little guns were made just for this.

Agile53
08-30-09, 01:41
Agree w/ 87GN, the J-frame for me is a BUG also
& carried in a pocket. G26 on an ankle or 17/19 IWB
as a primary. Didn't ask but the DeSantis Nemesis is
a VG pocket holster that stays in the pocket & priced
well @ $19.95 MSRP. Got a training partner that has
a scrote infested clientele & carries a J-frame on each
ankle + 1 in a pocket. Remember, worlds fastest reload
is a gun in the other hand, AKA a NYC reload.
Sorry for the book & you didn't ask but LAV & a wise man
named Roger's will tell you that EVERY J-frame should
have a set of CTC grips also.

dewingrm
08-30-09, 03:47
I most often carry my 642 AIWB in a holster that is similar to a Bell Charter Oak Deep Drop Bandit. I'm a skinny guy and I have a hard time concealing anything IWB. The Deep Drop Bandit style holster works great for appendix carry.

http://www.bellcharteroakholsters.com/iwb.html

Alpha Sierra
08-30-09, 08:01
A FIST #6 would work great for IWB either at 3 - 4 o'clock or appendix.

http://www.fist-inc.com/holsters/holster/6a.jpg

A J frame is an up close and personal weapon. Adding a laser to it is trying to turn it into what it was never meant to be.

A) The sights are good enough for what it needs to do.
B) The pistol is such a natural pointer that the use of sights is not always necessary.

C4IGrant
08-30-09, 08:16
rather carry it inside pants. any thoughts on favorites? thanks!!

We have some nice leather IWB holsters.

Will get some pics up later.

C4

87GN
08-30-09, 09:42
Agree w/ 87GN, the J-frame for me is a BUG also
& carried in a pocket. G26 on an ankle or 17/19 IWB
as a primary. Didn't ask but the DeSantis Nemesis is
a VG pocket holster that stays in the pocket & priced
well @ $19.95 MSRP. Got a training partner that has
a scrote infested clientele & carries a J-frame on each
ankle + 1 in a pocket. Remember, worlds fastest reload
is a gun in the other hand, AKA a NYC reload.
Sorry for the book & you didn't ask but LAV & a wise man
named Roger's will tell you that EVERY J-frame should
have a set of CTC grips also.

I'll second the Nemesis pocket holster, also I ankle carry with a DeSantis Apache ankle holster, 442 with CTC grips. ;)

nwcatman
08-30-09, 10:36
thanks for ALL the infor. guys. now i can go "yeah" instead of "oops".

David Thomas
08-30-09, 23:13
Nossar combo pocket/IWB:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/Nossar12808012.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/Nossar12808013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/Nossar12808019.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/Nossar12808021.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/Nossar12808022.jpg

tpd223
08-30-09, 23:55
"A J frame is an up close and personal weapon. Adding a laser to it is trying to turn it into what it was never meant to be.

A) The sights are good enough for what it needs to do.
B) The pistol is such a natural pointer that the use of sights is not always necessary."

I have to disagree.

The lasergrips bring no disadvantages to the table. They allow aiming from other than a normal sighted firing position. They also allow hits from much farther out than many people think a snub is capable of.

I have twice found that a J frame in hand and a dot on a bad guy can quickly deescalate a bad situation.

To steal a quote from Doc Roberts;

For years, J-frames were considered "arm's reach" weapons, that is until CTC Lasergrips were added. With the mild recoil of target wadcutters, officers are actually practicing with their BUG's; when combined with Lasergrips, qualification scores with J-frames have dramatically increased. Now 5 shots rapid-fire in a 6" circle at 25 yds is not uncommon--kind of mind blowing watching officers who could not hit the target at 25 yds with a J-frame suddenly qualify with all shots in the black…


Anyway, +1 on the Nemesis pocket holster.

nwcatman
08-31-09, 01:22
yea, i never did agree that the j frame couldn't benefit from a laser site. was kinda suprised to hear that one.

LH2
09-01-09, 00:00
I've tried a few pocket holsters, including the DeSantis Nemesis, and my favorite is the Robert Mika. It's affordable and the holster stays in the pocket on the draw like it should.

He's a helluva nice guy too. :cool:

tex45acp
09-01-09, 11:05
Tucker Gunleather makes the Heritage model which is an IWB holster. I have one for my Ruger SP-101 which is about the same as a J frame Smith. I have also had one for a K frame Smith that I sold with the gun. Here is mine for the Ruger.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/Tucker2.jpg

Agile53
09-01-09, 13:47
+ 1 also for the Mika, had one for a couple of years, very well made & like the fact he used to be on the job, LAPD?
Would still be using it but sold the Smith it was for & still running the above mentioned Nemesis, sometimes 1 left, 1 right.
Somewhat surprised @ the post on the CTC grips. If my memory is correct, MY ears heard LAV say near Greenville TX, Jan 2008,
" Every J-frame on the planet ought to have a set of CTCs ". Did I get this quote correct Wayne?

RWK
09-02-09, 07:49
I'll add another recommendation for Mika pocket holsters. I tried many pocket holsters and liked none of them until I bought a Mika.

Alpha Sierra
09-02-09, 17:39
I'll add another recommendation for Mika pocket holsters. I tried many pocket holsters and liked none of them until I bought a Mika.

Hmmm, I think I will have to call Robert. I've tried a couple of the more traditional, leather pocket holsters and all have been deficient in some way.

cathellsk
09-03-09, 00:07
Somewhat surprised @ the post on the CTC grips. If my memory is correct, MY ears heard LAV say near Greenville TX, Jan 2008,
" Every J-frame on the planet ought to have a set of CTCs ". Did I get this quote correct Wayne?

I got this from this site and sent it in an email to myself along with some other advice from LAV and Pat Rogers.

The airweight J frame has a niche that is unlikely to be filled by any other pistol anytime soon - my bro Ken Hackathorn clued me into that a long time ago and as usual he was spot on

one thing about the J frame; IMO Crimson Trace lasergrips are mandatory - I would not think of using one without them - I have been quoted many times that every J frame on the planet should have them - and I believe that to this day

if you don't have them on yours I recommend you install them ASAP - anyone who has used them on a small frame revolver knows what I am talking about

be safe

LAV


The part where he says anyone that has used them knows what he is talking about is true too, I've seen the light (literally:))

FWIW, concerning IWB for a J frame, my brother has a Don Hume that he seems to like very well. I'd like to try one myself but I usually use pocket or OWB with my J frames.

ROCKET20_GINSU
09-03-09, 02:12
I'll add another recommendation for Mika pocket holsters. I tried many pocket holsters and liked none of them until I bought a Mika.

+1

I love my Mika pocket holster. I've been extremely satisfied with mine. Really comfortable, high quality, personally made for me, and breaks up the outline of the pistol very effectively. Priced really fairly too.

I would definitely buy again, you won't be disappointed.

GU

N2CH_556
09-03-09, 04:31
http://www.themalabarfront.com/product_info.php?cPath=82_85_92&products_id=1567 hit the drop-down menu for your model

Mr. Smith
09-03-09, 09:27
J W O’Rourke is a holster maker out of Alabama that makes the best IWB holster for the j frame. He is one of the nicest guys in the industry he dos lots of work for me and is a good friend.
Joe Barnsfather
SUPERIOR FIEARMS LLC.
5510 Fern Valley RD. STE.102
Louisville KY. 40228
502-365-2244

Mo_Zam_Beek
09-03-09, 10:57
Edited

Agile53
09-03-09, 12:37
Cathellsk thx. for verifying what I recalled Larry saying to me & others @ our class.
Didn't want to step on my crank & misquote him. Not long after that, I had a similair discussion
w/ Pat @ a class in Brady re. to CTC's on J-frames.
All my Js now have them + an XS trit. big dot. I do find that I really don't notice the laser dot,
I still revert back to my front sight, old habits die hard.

cathellsk
09-03-09, 12:48
I had a similair discussion
w/ Pat @ a class in Brady re. to CTC's on J-frames.


Your welcome.:)

Has Pat ever stated what J frame he uses? He mentions using a J frame as a backup to his 1911 but never specified what. Just wondering....

BSHNT2015
09-03-09, 17:49
Try here as well, Pocket Concealment Systems for J-frames.


http://www.lightningarms.com/products.htm

DrMark
09-04-09, 09:50
I love my Mika pocket holster. I've been extremely satisfied with mine. Really comfortable, high quality, personally made for me, and breaks up the outline of the pistol very effectively. Priced really fairly too.

I would definitely buy again, you won't be disappointed.

I ordered one this past April.

His website says he's busy and there will be a wait... hopefully not too much longer.

ROCKET20_GINSU
09-05-09, 00:20
I order one this past April.

His website says he's busy and there will be a wait... hopefully not too much longer.

When it comes I'm confident you will be pleased :D. BTW, I've tried the FIST inc pocket holster for my G26 + Crimson Trace, and I have been very happy with the package. Not as slim and comfortable as the j frame but carries pretty well in a pair of cargo shorts.

GU

Gentle Ben
09-06-09, 09:17
I'm still in search of the 'right' appendix carry holster for my J-frame. In the meantime, I use a Mexican Loop I made out of paracord. :p

DrMark
09-11-09, 08:32
I ordered one this past April.

His website says he's busy and there will be a wait... hopefully not too much longer.

My Mika pocket holster arrived yesterday.

I only played with it a bit, but it seems to fit the gun & work as advertised!

http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/

Carne Frio
09-11-09, 12:26
I'm still in search of the 'right' appendix carry holster for my J-frame. In the meantime, I use a Mexican Loop I made out of paracord. :p

This works better than the Loop:

http://www.baramihipgrip.com/

I use one all the time for my J frame.

:D

Curare
10-29-09, 21:29
640 in Desantis Nemesis for the last two years.

Wayne Dobbs
10-30-09, 10:00
Somewhat surprised @ the post on the CTC grips. If my memory is correct, MY ears heard LAV say near Greenville TX, Jan 2008,
" Every J-frame on the planet ought to have a set of CTCs ". Did I get this quote correct Wayne?

You did indeed hear Larry Vickers say that. I've noted that a set of CTC Laser Grips is the heat on a J-frame carry gun and I prefer the LG-405 set with the LG-105s being a second choice. They make a J-frame come on in terms of added flexibility and ability to hit from non-standard positions.

johnson
10-30-09, 10:37
I like the Robert Mika holster also. I ordered one last year and the wait was a few months. I ordered another one in March of this year (as a spare or gift) and it finally shipped last week.

Mr. Happy
10-31-09, 12:03
I've had my snubbie for a year, and these are my favorites:

Mika Pocket
http://www.defensivecarry.com/gallery/data/500/MIKA.jpg

Crossbreed Supertuck IWB
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-4/988747/crossbreed%20holster.jpg

Galco CON159 OWB
http://images2.opticsplanet.com/98-98-ffffff/opplanet-galco-speed-master-concealment-holsters.gif
K.L. Null SMZ
http://www.klnullholsters.com/images/smz.jpg

firecop019
11-01-09, 16:48
Lately because of a back issue I've been trying this method of carry and like it a lot. I've been using the jeans from 5.11 that have the holster pouch sewn into them on the front right side.

On my other pants I use a tuckable iwb one from galco. It's got a plastic j-hook on it that seems to be working.

usmcvet
11-02-09, 23:45
I've never used an IWB for any of my J-Frames. I have used pocket holsters and ankle holsters from Milt Sparks and Kramer. The Kramer wtuff is very well made and wears like iorn. In the photo is also Kramer pouch holding a speed sbianchi speed strip. The best holster I've used and the one my gun rode in today is a De Santis pocket holster. At work it is in my left front pocket and off duty it is in my right front pocket. It does not move around and turn lik my Kramer or the Uncle Mikes #3 holster. I carry my G27 in a De Santis holster the same way.

BBB
11-03-09, 10:01
Anyone ever used one of those belly-band things? How do they stack up? I was looking for something for summer carry when biking.

usmcvet
11-03-09, 12:03
Anyone ever used one of those belly-band things? How do they stack up? I was looking for something for summer carry when biking.

I have used them but did not like them. Kramer and 5.11 make shirts with holsters or pockets built in. Your gun will be covered in sweat and require serious cleaning daily. Have you thought of a fanny pack holster. I have a small Galco, it does not scream GUN, the draw is quick and the gun is very secure. LaRue has a simillar looking holster for half the money. The gun will stay dry, protected and concealed.

BBB
11-03-09, 12:13
I have used them but did not like them. Kramer and 5.11 make shirts with holsters or pockets built in. Your gun will be covered in sweat and require serious cleaning daily. Have you thought of a fanny pack holster. I have a small Galco, it does not scream GUN, the draw is quick and the gun is very secure. LaRue has a simillar looking holster for half the money. The gun will stay dry, protected and concealed.

Not a bad idea; after this summer I've noticed some pretty significant rust forming on the thumbpiece of my 340PD; kinda scared to open it up and look inside.

CarlosDJackal
11-03-09, 12:21
I use one of these for my Scandium (340PD): Comp-Tac IWB holster (http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=44)

SmokeJumper
11-06-09, 00:25
TSAC from Bullman Gun Leather in black rough-out with Alessi Talon Clip. Works great, carries well, gun is easily drawn and retention is solid. Just got it as an upgrade from an Uncle Mikes nylon/neoprene IWB.

G-2
11-07-09, 08:16
Like the Kramer, Uncle Mikes & Galco rough out horse hide for pocket carry, like Jframe on the ankle as well in an Alessi, or Kramer. Don't care for revolvers IWB carry. Just doesn't work for us...

HeadHunter
12-03-09, 18:46
This works better than the Loop:

http://www.baramihipgrip.com/

I use one all the time for my J frame.

:D

Here's a slide show of how I set up my Hip Grip:

http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s91/HeadHunter_album/Snubs/Hip%20Grip%20Improvement/th_HipGrip-001.jpg (http://s150.photobucket.com/albums/s91/HeadHunter_album/Snubs/Hip%20Grip%20Improvement/?action=view&current=0c385cae.pbw)

hank556
12-03-09, 20:38
I carry my model 642 or model 37 in a Andrews pocket holster. The cheap Uncle Mikes works fine and is smaller than the Andrews leather, (speed strip in other pocket). Renegade on the ankle from Adco.

HeavyDuty
12-04-09, 06:57
I've been using an old-style (square profile) DeSantis Cozy Partner for over twenty years. It works well enough that I've never felt the need to look for a replacement, and I tend to be a holster slut.

Indy5000
12-04-09, 11:57
I tend to carry my S&W 642 with CT-405 laser grips one of four ways based on environment. Primarily it gets carried in a Cell/Pager pal rig for work. This gets me decent access to the gun and doesn't interfere with having my work shirt tucked in. Outside of work I pocket carry with a Robert Mika pocket holster, a Desantis Apache ankle rig, or a Galco Stow-N-Go AIWB. If I'm on the road for an extended period I like having the 642 in my right cargo pocket in a Densantis Nemisis. The square bottom of the Nemisis works better in a cargo pocket, but I need to get around to ordering a Mika with the square cut bottom for this application.