Who do we like for non-kydex J frame pocket holsters?

[Lex Luthier]

I am starting the process of learning to pocket carry. My current piece is a c. 1980 Model 36 no-dash; it has a lot of family history, and the bluing is in pretty good condition for a 40-year-old revolver carried as much as this one has been.
(Much better shape than this awful photograph shows, to be sure.)
I'd like to keep it in decent nick*, hence the non-kydex requirement.
46638




It will be a cold weather, heavy jacket sort of affair. We're heading into the frigid part of the year for the Twin Cities. Temps are currently 25-30 F during days; it will drop to under 0 F soon enough.

I'm aware of the DeSantis Nemesis, and the Kramer pocket holster. What other J-frame specific pocket holsters are favored here?

Thanks!


(*and replace it as a carry piece later this year with some flavor of the Centennial type J-frame.)

[JRV]

Mika pocket holsters. Check them out. You can get them in different profiles to fit round and square pockets. They’re not expensive, and they are very well made.

Another option is the Safariland 25. It’s a rigid holster, but it doesn’t clamp onto the trigger guard. I have found it to be about as fast as a pocket holster can be.

[blues]

Uncle Mike's works for a thin pocket holster. Mika makes a more robust (and higher volume) pocket holster but it takes a while to receive them as they are made one at a time. Neither has any retention.

[RJ]

I was suggested a Desantis Nemesis for my first snubby. I bought one and quite like it.

[blues]

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?37897-J-frame-pocket-holster-comparison-and-experience

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?22142-J-frame-pocket-holster

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?29491-S-amp-W-642-Pocket-Holster-Help

[JAD]

The Kramer works very well for me in loose pants with big pockets. In a jacket pocket I would be concerned about maintaining orientation and would probably prefer a mika.

[HCM]

I’ve had best results with the Galco Horsehide pocket holster and the Mika. The desantis Nemesis is decent but the other two are slightly better at maintaining orientation in the pocket.

https://www.galcogunleather.com/front-pocket-horsehide-holster_8_1168_1122.html

[JR1572]

I’m using a BFG pocket holster and have no complaints.

[BillSWPA]

The best pocket holster I have ever used is the Aholster, but that is Kydex. If trying to avoid Kydex, I suggest a DeSantis Superfly, which is similar to the Nemesis but includes an anti-print panel.



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[sam3]

I have used a Kramer since 1995

[Det1397]

I carried a Smith 342Ti for many years in a pocket holster as a BUG. One holster, an Alessi that was custom fitted by Lou, worked perfectly in large cargo type pockets. A DeSantis Nemesis was a bit more forgiving and as a result worked a bit better in smaller pockets. All were replaced with an AHolster. It's Kydex, but since it's fitted to the 342Ti frame, these's no wiggle, it has a minimal profile with no bulk and highly recommended. No fear that the Kydex will ruin the pistol's finish any quicker than leather or laminates.

And, YMMV, but, bear in mind that your beautiful vintage M36 no dash is NOT the exact same frame as the current J Magnum frame... Why, because a holster that's fitted (Kramer, AHolster...) for an M36 may not work as well for a current Centennial...

[JAH 3rd]

After much pondering for a J-frame holster, I decided on Uncle Mike's size 3 holster. I carry in the front right pocket. I looked at leather and kydex holsters. I didn't know how well they would conceal. I view leather and kydex as not too flexible which is not necessarily a bad thing on the belt. For me, I was looking for a holster that had some flexibility to conform to the pants pocket. I just didn't know if leather and kydex would do that. So I tried U-M #3 and have been totally satisfied with it. The holster stays in the pocket when the revolver is drawn. If you try one and don't like it you are not out much money.

[Irelander]

I'm a fan of Pocket Concealment Systems leather pocket holsters.

[Pistol Pete 10]

I have a couple cheap nylon pocket holsters from Walmart, they work just fine, cost about 5.00 each. I mostly carry without a holster in my pocket.(a 942).

[JodyH]

Galco PH158 or Kramer.
I used a Kramer for several years with my 442.
When I switched to carrying my new 340PD I switched to the Galco PH158 because I prefer how it carries and draws from my Duluth pockets.
The Kramer kinda "swims" around in my Duluth pockets and I have to catch the "hook" or the holster comes out with the gun, the Galco stays in the pocket and has just about the perfect amount of retention and release for my liking.

[JodyH]

After much pondering for a J-frame holster, I decided on Uncle Mike's size 3 holster. I carry in the front right pocket. I looked at leather and kydex holsters. I didn't know how well they would conceal. I view leather and kydex as not too flexible which is not necessarily a bad thing on the belt. For me, I was looking for a holster that had some flexibility to conform to the pants pocket. I just didn't know if leather and kydex would do that. So I tried U-M #3 and have been totally satisfied with it. The holster stays in the pocket when the revolver is drawn. If you try one and don't like it you are not out much money.
Yes, leather will conform. It takes a few days but once it's molded to your pocket/leg it retains that shape better than nylon.
My Galco molded to me perfectly and retains enough shape in the pocket that I can reholster without removing it from my pocket if I have to.

[JAH 3rd]

JodyH thanks for that information!

[Duelist]

Leather will not preserve that bluing if you carry it long/train with it much. I’d get something like a superfly or Mika.

That said, I carry my 642 primarily in a Galco horsehide pocket or an Aholster. I just don’t worry about the finish - and it shows.

[BillSWPA]

While not directly related to the original question, I would strongly encourage removing the hammer spur or replacing it with a spurless hammer. That spur is the one thing on the revolver that will snag. The snagging can be minimized by placing the thumb over the hammer in the same position as a hammer shroud, but not having the issue at all would be preferred.

Unless the holster has a retention strap with a thumb break, removing the spur is advantageous to other carry methods as well.

[blues]

While not directly related to the original question, I would strongly encourage removing the hammer spur or replacing it with a spurless hammer. That spur is the one thing on the revolver that will snag. The snagging can be minimized by placing the thumb over the hammer in the same position as a hammer shroud, but not having the issue at all would be preferred.

Unless the holster has a retention strap with a thumb break, removing the spur is advantageous to other carry methods as well.

I don't think he wants to alter a gun with strong sentimental value. But I may be imposing my own perspective here.

[Lex Luthier]

I don't think he wants to alter a gun with strong sentimental value. But I may be imposing my own perspective here.

Blues has it right. It won't be carried for long, either.
I intend to keep it in good shape for my grandkids.
Grand daughter is already a shooter.

[Willard]

Mika and Kramer are my favorites.

[fatdog]

Bob Mika

[LukeNCMX]

I like my Mika for my SW-442. It's a square bottom. I've used it for years and it worked very well in an offside cargo pocket and in a strong side hip pocket. The rubber exterior wrap has worn off but it still works well.

I ordered a second one in September of 2018 for my G26. I never got it. I sent a few emails and never received a response. I just logged in to his website and my order still shows "processing." I thought he may have shut down his business but maybe my order just fell through the cracks. Good holster regardless.

[Lex Luthier]

Thanks for all of the replies, folks. You've given me a bunch of very useful info!

[orionz06]

Blue Force Gear is nice.

[Joe in PNG]

The Lake Country FL LGS's carry a Brand X leather pocket holster.
It's fairly cheap & simple, smooth side in, rough out, and works better than the usual nylon Uncle Mike's.

[Wendell]

Kramer 'pocket scabbard', in horsehide. Sample size of three. Two out of three were perfect out-of-the-box. The other one wasn't fitted properly, and I had to return it (to be re-molded). Twice, actually, I returned that holster to them before it was done right, but eventually they got it right.
https://www.kramerleather.com/collections/pocket-gun-holster/products/pocket-gun-holster

Properly fitted, they're great holsters. (But if it isn't, don't hesitate to send it back.)