Snubby holsters

[SSGN_Doc]

Since the Snubby revolver thread is going well, there have been mentions of some holsters that folks like, but that info may get “lost in the sauce” a bit. I’d appreciate input on good holsters for AIWB, IWB, cross draw and pocket carry. If there is already a thread dedicated to snubby holsters, I’d be happy to be directed there.

Thanks in advance.

[peterb]

I’m pleased with my Dark Star Apollo for j-frame. The standard metal clip is very solid. https://darkstargear.com/shop/revolvers/

[eb07]

Mine are here :

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?45017-AIWB-HOLSTERS-FOR-REVOLVERS

[lee n. field]

Since the Snubby revolver thread is going well, there have been mentions of some holsters that folks like, but that info may get “lost in the sauce” a bit. I’d appreciate input on good holsters for AIWB, IWB, cross draw and pocket carry. If there is already a thread dedicated to snubby holsters, I’d be happy to be directed there.

Thanks in advance.

Mica or DeSantis Nemesis for pocket carry. For belt (3 o'clock) I've got a couple Galco Tritons for the Taurus 605 and S&W 642. (Same holster, but I have to adjust the screws out for the slightly fatter Taurus.) Both the older style of that holster, both with snap loops. For LCRx I ordered out a JM Custom IWB something, set up the same way (snap loops, 15 degree cant). I used a DeSantis SlimTuk for the LCR while I waited for the JM Custom to get made. Worked pretty well for a $20 holster.

[snow white]

For me it's a phlster city special in an enigma most of the time. If it's going in a pocket than it's an Aholster

[rd62]

Darkstar Apollo for me too

[NPV]

Kramer pocket holster or a cheap Amazon belly band (taking recommendations for what guys are using here). I tried the AIWB thing but for me it printed more than a 1911. So if I’m wearing pants with a belt it’s a 1911.

[Up1911Fan]

I use LH and RH Kramer pocket holsters, an AIWB from Zulu Bravo Kydex and a Phlster City Special on an Enigma. Need to pick up an ankle rig for the times I may want to go that route.

[luckyman]

I have a leather aiwb holster for my LCR from Bobby Mac that I heard about from SouthNarc.

To this day it’s the most comfortable setup I own, I can literally lose track that I’m wearing it. Unfortunately Bobby Mac seems to have disappeared; I Iast heard from him in 2014. Plus, the Sig365xl that I just picked up with a jmck aiwb 2.5 is getting close to as comfortable and holds 140% more rounds.

I do own a jmck for my lcr; it’s really good but not quite as comfortable as the leather from Bobby Mac.

Edited to add: the aholster pocket holster is where my lcr goes 90% of the time I’m carrying it anymore.

[BillSWPA]

My snubby is probably not one carried by the majority here, but is also one for which finding holsters can be a challenge: a Colt Detective Special from 1995. What I have found works for me:

IWB: FIST ultra thin kydex.

OWB: Dillon leather pancake style holster

Shoulder: Galco Miami Classic

Ankle: Renegade (the version with the leather tab sewn behind the trigger guard on the elastic holster body).

Speed strip carrier: Dillon leather vertical belt pouch

Speed loader pouch: Aholster Backtrain pocket carrier (I have purchased these and was impressed with them but have not actually used them for carry).

[Willard]

IWB: Dark Star Gear

OWB: Why?

Shoulder: Why?

Ankle: Renegade (the version with the leather tab sewn behind the trigger guard on the elastic holster body). Why argue?

Speed strip carrier: Dillon leather vertical belt pouch or Simply Rugged.

Speed loader pouch: Kramer, Mika, A-holster, Simply Rugged or Safariland

[JCN]

Snubby pocket holster: Aholster backbone

86831

[BobM]

I’ve used the Kramer pocket holster for so long I’m on my second one. I recently got a Dark Star Apollo but haven’t worked with it much yet.
When I carried my SP101 as a second gun, I used a Sparks EX left hand IWB.

[camsdaddy]

My 60 and my 642 both have their own Aholster backbone for pocket carry. I have a sideguard minimal clip that I carry one or the other AIWB from time to time.
I have s mika that I would love to use but find it bulky. I have considered something enigma compatible to supplement whichever I am carrying in my pocket but have yet to justify.

[Elwin]

I use a PHLster LCR City Special for my LCR that I’ve modified for lower ride height, since the holster is primarily for low profile carry or carry without a gun belt, and I find for both of those I want a much lower ride than usual. Also, it’s a revolver - one of its huge advantages is that you can have it ride a lot lower and still have good grip access. I’m using a DCC Mod 4 universal with the bottom slot in the clip attached to the top hole in the Mod Wing. Zip ties tethering the clip to the wing keep it from rotating. It’s actually quite secure as configured.

I eventually want either a Dark Star or whatever Tony is working up, in 3” LCRx configuration, for when I am using a belt of some kind. Then I can put a “behind the belt” DCC on the PHLster and have holsters that are more tailored to the various roles this gun has.

86837

[JHC]

I’m pleased with my Dark Star Apollo for j-frame. The standard metal clip is very solid. https://darkstargear.com/shop/revolvers/

I have this in zombie green. It's great!

It works for me quite well at IWB 3:30 as well as AIWB. YMMV

I have a Sparks Executive Companion from the '90's for an SP101 and it works fine with a J frame also as the belt tension makes up for less that perfect boned fit.

[blues]

In no particular order:

AIWB: Dark Star Gear "Apollo" and Harry's Holsters "Icon"

Pocket: Mika, Aholster, Uncle Mikes #3

[JHC]

OWB: Dillon leather pancake style holster



OWB - DeSantis in this case. Found in a basket of misc holsters somewhere for like $5 each.

Super stable. Super comfortable - esp when paired with something else AIWB.


86842

[awp_101]

Any opinions on Don Hume leather? Thinking about a 715 (I think) for occasional IWB at 3-ish o’clock.

[BillSWPA]

IWB: Dark Star Gear

OWB: Why?

Shoulder: Why?

Ankle: Renegade (the version with the leather tab sewn behind the trigger guard on the elastic holster body). Why argue?

Speed strip carrier: Dillon leather vertical belt pouch or Simply Rugged.

Speed loader pouch: Kramer, Mika, A-holster, Simply Rugged or Safariland

OWB: When I first started carrying, I had not begun buying my pants to accommodate IWB. I have not personally used OWB in almost 2 decades, but I am suggesting both IWB and OWB to new license holders, at least until their wardrobes are better planned for IWB.

Shoulder: Works well with a tuxedo without a belt. Conceals very well under a casual outdoor jacket. More accessible than strong side hip when wearing a suit and buttoned overcoat in cold weather. I do not wear one often, but find it helpful to own one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JHC]

OWB: When I first started carrying, I had not begun buying my pants to accommodate IWB. I have not personally used OWB in almost 2 decades, but I am suggesting both IWB and OWB to new license holders, at least until their wardrobes are better planned for IWB.

Shoulder: Works well with a tuxedo without a belt. Conceals very well under a casual outdoor jacket. More accessible than strong side hip when wearing a suit and buttoned overcoat in cold weather. I do not wear one often, but find it helpful to own one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

By this 3rd year of WFH - OWB has really grown on me. My deeper concealment needs are fewer and farther in between and it's just gotten easier to accommodate OWB when leaving the esconcement.

[Malamute]

OWB: When I first started carrying, I had not begun buying my pants to accommodate IWB. I have not personally used OWB in almost 2 decades, but I am suggesting both IWB and OWB to new license holders, at least until their wardrobes are better planned for IWB.

Shoulder: Works well with a tuxedo without a belt. Conceals very well under a casual outdoor jacket. More accessible than strong side hip when wearing a suit and buttoned overcoat in cold weather. I do not wear one often, but find it helpful to own one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I mostly pocket carry the short guns, mainly no holster, sometimes with a plastic milk jug holster to reduce wear on the pocket material, but I would prefer to have the pockets reinforced with canvas. Iron on patches work in that role, sort of, but dont seem to stay well affixed over time. A speedloader in the outside edge of the pocket helps hold the gun in place. Its worked pretty well even doing carpentry and construction work. 2 speed strips in the watch pocket most of the time, tabs up and center.

I havent been able to adjust to IWB, and it hasnt really been much of an issue to me. One variant, after surgery I carried the little Colt in a leather OWB holster on a leather belt under my scrubs i was wearing until I could get dressed in real clothes again.

Shoulder holster. They work well for not being actually dressed, similar to what i did with scrubs above or with average clothes or to grab something for feeding birds in the morning. I got a Lawrence spring clip No 7 I think, it is quite nice with the alloy Colt Agent for around the house or whatever, as my right shoulder didnt work well for drawing strong side with anything resembling a high ride holster. 6 years after surgery it still doesnt work quite right, so I got a couple more for other size guns. They're fine for concealment if a vest or jacket is worn and the straps dont show.

[JAH 3rd]

For my S&W 340PD I use an Uncle Mike’s in the pocket holster size 3. When drawn, the revolver comes out cleanly and the holster stays in the pocket. I typically wear jeans or a casual khaki pants. Been carrying the revolver-holster combo with no issues.

[Clusterfrack]

Why do many snubby holsters have a huge sight channel? On my belt, that tips the grip out.

https://darkstargear.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/MF7A5784.jpg

86837

[JCN]

Why do many snubby holsters have a huge sight channel? On my belt, that tips the grip out.

https://darkstargear.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/MF7A5784.jpg

86837

Heat gun and dowel rod to make an anti-wing?

[Clusterfrack]

Heat gun and dowel rod to make an anti-wing?

Good idea, but I'm wondering if the manufacturers might want to not have such a big sight channel in the first place? Am I missing something about why?

[BN]

86858

Raven made this a few years ago. I don't think they make them any more. Pretty handy.

[Doc_Glock]

Snubby pocket holster: I tried them all and the Safariland Model 25 was my favorite by far. Desantis Nemesis second. Mika: way too big. Aholster: okay but sometimes sticks and very obviously a revolver in pocket.

[JHC]

86858

Raven made this a few years ago. I don't think they make them any more. Pretty handy.

No they don't and I want one. I approached Dale Fricke about a version of his (was he the original for that concept?) and he said he wouldn't do it for guns that have been around for a century like J frames or 1911s. He indicated he felt the small variations in a metal frame/trigger guard gun's dimensions could make it dicey.

[RevolverRob]

AIWB: DSG Apollo
IWB: Alessi Talon
OWB: Hume JIT
Pocket: Uncle Mikes
Shoulder: Bianchi 9R upside down, w/a custom horsehide figure 8 harness

[BN]

No they don't and I want one. I approached Dale Fricke about a version of his (was he the original for that concept?) and he said he wouldn't do it for guns that have been around for a century like J frames or 1911s. He indicated he felt the small variations in a metal frame/trigger guard gun's dimensions could make it dicey.

I have seen J-Frames that fit differently in mine. I can see the hesitation.

[JJN]

Hard to beat a Werner set-up: Barami Hip-grip+T-grip+Hogue Handall Jr. or innner tube.

[PNWTO]

My most used rigs for snubs are the DSG Apollo, the Enigma w/ City Special, the Aholster, and the Wilderness ankle (non-nylon). Eagerly awaiting the nylon pocket holster Wilderness is doing with Bolke but, for my dress code, will probably be tough to beat out the Aholster.

[Cory]

I have a Zulu Bravo AIWB that I frequently use. But I have never used anything else, so I don't know if I would recommend it.

I have an AHolstet pocket holster. I've yet to carry with it, because it doesn't fit any of my pockets. Perhaps it will with dress pants, but I havent had an occassion. One is coming soon and I hope to try it.

[Rex G]

Since the Snubby revolver thread is going well, there have been mentions of some holsters that folks like, but that info may get “lost in the sauce” a bit. I’d appreciate input on good holsters for AIWB, IWB, cross draw and pocket carry. If there is already a thread dedicated to snubby holsters, I’d be happy to be directed there.

Thanks in advance.

AIWB: For years, my most-used AIWB, for snub-guns, was a nylon fabric rig sold by Eagle Industries, in the Eighties, which is no longer available. I have recently used a DSG AIWB, with the clip, that I acquired pre-owned, and a JMCK George. I recently acquired a Phlster City Special and Enigma combo, which definitely works well. Now, if I can just convince myself to tote a J-Frame, After not training seriously with them for a number of years. I have favored the SP101 since 1997, and when I bought my second SP101 in 2002, my J-snub was relegated to occasional pocket-gun status.

If my cover garment is suitable, I’d rather tote appendix OWB. The slight cross-draw angle of the Cross-Draw version of the Kramer Vertical Scabbard works well for this.

IWB: Well, longer-barreled guns work better for me, for behind-the-hip IWB, because the longer barrel acts as a stabilizer. I do have a Milt Sparks VM 2, for the 3” SP101, which works well.

Cross-Draw: I have a Haugen Cross-Draw that I acquired pre-owned, in the 2002 to 2005 time frame, if I recall correctly. SP101 size.

Pocket: I have used Uncle Mike’s and Desantis, in the past. Both eventually gave up the ghost, though they endured, quite admirably. I have used Kramer horsehide pocket holster, for a number of years, in pockets large enough to accommodate an SP101 version of the holster. I recently acquired a pre-owned but unused Mika pocket holster; early impressions are favorable.

The original post did not mention OWB, but OWB is most comfortable, by far, and unless I have a specific reason to tote something inside my trousers. My favored traditional-position OWB revolver holster is the Milt Sparks PMK

[Dave T]

I'll second the vote for the Sparks PMK. I eventually sold mine after getting rid of the three guns that fit in it - a 3" Brazilian 45, a 3-3/8" 624, and of course a 3-1/2" M27-2. And yes, I wish I had all three back, even if I wasn't shooting them much if at all.

Dave

[R89074]

I like this Simply Rugged holster. I can carry Smith and Wesson J frame or Ruger LCR in it.
https://i.imgur.com/J6g4c9i.jpg

[Totem Polar]

No they don't and I want one.

https://www.cooksholsters.com/inside-waist-band-trigger-guard-carry/

https://legacyfirearmsco.com/apollo-minimalist-iwb/

Two possible substitutes.

[Hambo]

For me it's a phlster city special in an enigma most of the time. If it's going in a pocket than it's an Aholster

Same here for both of those. I also have a DSG and JMCK, for AIWB. I would rate them 1-Phlster, 2-DSG, 3-JMCK

[gato naranja]

These two are what I have ended up using with "The Rattler": a plain tan Silver Dollar Pancake from Simply Rugged (shown with the detachable IWB belt loops which I hardly ever use), and a De Santis SuperFly. Both have given me good service and meet my modest needs adequately. I was using a DeSantis Nemesis before I got the SuperFly... which stays in my pockets more reliably. I just now realize how much the SDP has darkened from age and use since I bought it.

I tend towards leather holsters, but am not obstinate about the material. I do have a dislike for the way kydex degrades some finishes quickly, so I tend to avoid it.

[Cory]

Is the wilderness tactical "renegade" still considered the standard for ankle holsters?

Cecil Burch you have one right? Is the elastic or leather betfer?

[Navin Johnson]

Do the kydex J holsters come in different sizes by these makers as I believe the titanium cylinders are larger? I would like a AIWB holster but the couple I have messed with have been very tight.

[Duelist]

Is the wilderness tactical "renegade" still considered the standard for ankle holsters?

Cecil Burch you have one right? Is the elastic or leather betfer?

They sure sold a lot of them (elastic) at the revolver round up. I have one of the DeSantis versions, so I did not buy one of The Wilderness ones, but they looked good and seemed to work well for those using them.

[Cory]

They sure sold a lot of them (elastic) at the revolver round up. I have one of the DeSantis versions, so I did not buy one of The Wilderness ones, but they looked good and seemed to work well for those using them.

I didn't know Desantis made one. I got my snub for times when I'm being way more active (aiwb) or need to dress up or conceal more. I was thinking pocket carry would work, but having tried all kinds of pants it seems pocket carry just doesn't work for me. If the pants fit me, and look semi-decent, the pocket just prints to much. So I'm thinking of ankle for business casual occassions.

[Dave T]

I didn't know Desantis made one. I got my snub for times when I'm being way more active (aiwb) or need to dress up or conceal more. I was thinking pocket carry would work, but having tried all kinds of pants it seems pocket carry just doesn't work for me. If the pants fit me, and look semi-decent, the pocket just prints to much. So I'm thinking of ankle for business casual occassions.

That has been my experience with pocket holsters as well. I have 3 or 4 of them laying around but never use them any more. Every time I tried one my wife would casually say "I can see the gun in your front pocket" - and with jeans which are what I wear 98% of the time she would add, "And it's the little revolver you got, isn't it." The 642 has been regulated to "drop it in the back pocket to take out the garbage" status.

Dave

[camsdaddy]

I carry so much crap in my pockets that a snub doesn’t print any different than the junk in the other pocket.

[frozentundra]

Why do many snubby holsters have a huge sight channel? On my belt, that tips the grip out.

https://darkstargear.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/MF7A5784.jpg

86837


For the LCRs, I'm guessing it's due to compatibility with the 3" LCRX models.
86936

[Malamute]

That has been my experience with pocket holsters as well. I have 3 or 4 of them laying around but never use them any more. Every time I tried one my wife would casually say "I can see the gun in your front pocket" - and with jeans which are what I wear 98% of the time she would add, "And it's the little revolver you got, isn't it." The 642 has been regulated to "drop it in the back pocket to take out the garbage" status.

Dave


This is part of the reason I mostly just pocket carry without a holster, I dont like the extra bulk. They tend to raise the gun somewhat also, which doesnt help.

Black jeans helps reduce printing. People buy slightly larger waist size for IWB, I tend to not buy very tight fitting pants in part because its easier to pocket carry and theyre more comfortable. Pick your priority, Im not willing to give up easy pocket carry. I also carry a ton of crap in my pockets in general so tighter jeans just arent happening in any event.

[entropy]

PLEASE no new topic “Skinny Jean Carry”

[entropy]

Unable to post any pics for the last week or so. Catching up. Here’s my current snubby leather:

Galco Stow-Go that doubles as a dog chew toy. My favorite.
Wild Bill’s Covert Carry. Nice, but I’ve been too lazy to break it in. I default to the above chew toy.
DeSantis Speed Scabbard with matching speed loader pouch.
Far right is another DeSantis. Thumb Break Scabbard for the 3” GP100. While a borderline “snub” it carries the GP tucked in very well. Overshirt concealable.






86958

[Cecil Burch]

Is the wilderness tactical "renegade" still considered the standard for ankle holsters?

Cecil Burch you have one right? Is the elastic or leather betfer?

I have been running mine for a few years and I think they are the shiznit. I’m sure there are other good ones out there, but the Wilderness one does it all and is so durable

[JJN]

I have been running mine for a few years and I think they are the shiznit. I’m sure there are other good ones out there, but the Wilderness one does it all and is so durable

Is the Wilderness the heir apparent to the Renegade Apache? Someone was kind enough to pass on their NOS Apache, and I love that thing.

[Lester Polfus]

Does anybody here run a Smith 640 Pro in an Aholster? There are a couple different menu picks on the Aholster website for J-frames, and I'm not sure which one applies best to the 640 Pro. They have not responded to an email.

[Cecil Burch]

Is the Wilderness the heir apparent to the Renegade Apache? Someone was kind enough to pass on their NOS Apache, and I love that thing.


I'm not sure. I don't believe I have ever handled an Apache.

[SSGN_Doc]

Recently added the Taurus 856. Found the #4 Uncle Mikes seems to be a better fit than the #3 that I have for the 442. Azula holster off of Amazon seems to work well for belt carry with all three.

87078

[Michpatriot]

Here's my new daily leather..

[jtcarm]

PLEASE no new topic “Skinny Jean Carry”

That topic would draw slim participation.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

https://dalefrickeholsters.com/product/gideon-elite-holster/

OWB, just got it and used it in a match. Like it.

For EDC, DeSantis Pocket.

[Totem Polar]

That topic would draw slim participation.

Anyone pocket carrying a snub in skinny jeans is on thin ice.

[entropy]

This thread enthused me to dig the Wild Bill’s out of the package and finally start breaking it in. Ended up wearing it to dinner. Lots of fidgeting and rearranging going on. Forgot how much it took to get it to be like the one on the left. Lol

87563

I had put the OEM grips back on it a while ago to appease the wife and daughter who were shooting it a bit. I swapped out the Pachmyrs again but damn if it doesn’t carry as nice. I hate admitting they’re right.

[JoeSixPack]

Here's my new daily leather..

Nice, that's the closest I've seen to an RKBA. I can't quite make out the markings. What is it?
Thanks!

[BN]

I found a few more holster places that list the Taurus 856 as available.

https://aholster.com/

https://pjholster.com/p/gun-models-available

https://alabamaholster.com/

[Michpatriot]

Nice, that's the closest I've seen to an RKBA. I can't quite make out the markings. What is it?
Thanks!


Its made by Matt Del Fatti.

[jtcarm]

Anyone pocket carrying a snub in skinny jeans is on thin ice.

Only a lightweight even consider it.