Question for revolver guys

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gibsonknives

Well-known member
Really want to add a small frame .38 revolver to my carry rotation. Those that carry revolvers often; what is your carry preference? 4 o’clock, appendix, etc. and what holsters do you like best; learher (snap or no snap) or kydex? My nostalgic brain says that a nice classic .38 needs an equally nice leather holster, but everything I carry now (semi-autos) sits in kydex and it works fantastically well. Would love some opinions on what you think works and what doesn’t when it comes to J-frame size snubbies. Pics of your setups would be greatly appreciated; everybody loves some good gun porn
 
I’m a sucker for the j frame, but make sure you train with it. I go back and forth between appendix and 4 o’clock, depending on what I’m wearing and doing. I love leather but go with kydex 90% of the time—particularly in the summer.
 
gibsonknives said:
Really want to add a small frame .38 revolver to my carry rotation. Those that carry revolvers often; what is your carry preference? 4 o’clock, appendix, etc. and what holsters do you like best; learher (snap or no snap) or kydex? My nostalgic brain says that a nice classic .38 needs an equally nice leather holster, but everything I carry now (semi-autos) sits in kydex and it works fantastically well. Would love some opinions on what you think works and what doesn’t when it comes to J-frame size snubbies. Pics of your setups would be greatly appreciated; everybody loves some good gun porn
Click to expand...
I’ve been carrying small frame revolvers for a couple decades. For concealability and accessibility, I prefer appendix carry. Also, with the natural rounded shape of a small framed revolver, it’s very comfortable at the appendix position, especially with a bobbed or concealed hammer.

For holsters, I’ve been using the Veil Solutions Ghost holsters for over a decade and it’s become my go-to. That’s the reason we asked Chris to bring them back to market through us.
 
I have Kydex and leather holsters. Medium frame (equivalent to K/L) and smaller with 3" or shorter barrels get carried appendix. 4" and longer guns are strong side OWB carry. I also have OWB holsters which fit the smaller guns.

Holster makers I have used and am a fan of:
Kydex-
Phlster
JMCK
Problem Solving Tool (I am a product tester and design input assistant)
ANR Design (my most used AIWB revolver holster for the past year+)
Harry's (I am a product tester)
Dark Star Gear
Speed Beez (OWB)
Safariland (the 568 is awesome and it's a shame they discontinued it)

Leather-
Ronin Leather Holsters (his Aegis Calypto R 2.0 is a design I suggested to him and helped develop)
Simply Rugged
Barranti Leather
 
David Simerly said:
I have Kydex and leather holsters. Medium frame (equivalent to K/L) and smaller with 3" or shorter barrels get carried appendix. 4" and longer guns are strong side OWB carry. I also have OWB holsters which fit the smaller guns.

Holster makers I have used and am a fan of:
Kydex-
Phlster
JMCK
Problem Solving Tool (I am a product tester and design input assistant)
ANR Design (my most used AIWB revolver holster for the past year+)
Harry's (I am a product tester)
Dark Star Gear
Speed Beez (OWB)
Safariland (the 568 is awesome and it's a shame they discontinued it)

Leather-
Ronin Leather Holsters (his Aegis Calypto R 2.0 is a design I suggested to him and helped develop)
Simply Rugged
Barranti Leather
Click to expand...
My biggest problem with a lot of other holsters is that they take a very compact and small revolver and add so much size to it in almost every aspect.
 
I'm a big fan of the S&W Airweight .38 +P.. I carried it on duty alternately in an awesome Velcro ankle holster that held up and kept the gun tight even during some intense foot pursuits climbing fences, sprinting down alleys, etc..
I also carried it on the back side of my hip on my strong side when I was a plainclothes cop in Special Investigations.
All of my holsters (hip and ankle) were leather and made by Galco International. I agree with Ron Dan that many leather holsters tend to bulk up a little pistol, but the Galco's held them very secure and very close to my body so that no one ever knew it was there unless I was wearing a tie and had my shirt tucked in and didn't care about concealing it.
 

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What is the opinion of the leather holsters from Diamond D Leather (Based in Alaska)?

I’ve liked what I’ve seen from them so far but also biased seeing as they are from my home state. lol
 
Here is mine hopefully it wil be an FE model 36 sooner or later. ETW Holster Ebay Special, comfy as the clip is behind the cylinder, I will get the FE kydex soon for the summer
442.jpg


My latest for the winter carry (S&W Ultimate Carry 642) owb, Triple K holster with retention not making many of these so I bought 2 of them. OWB is the most comfortable as I am alot portly lol.

trplek.jpeg
triplek2.jpeg
 
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David Simerly said:
Hook grips you say? I was rocking part of the week like this. We were doing tryouts and the war belt was getting in the way with all the behind the scenes things which needed completed. Smith 242 with Hamre Forge hooked Spegel Extended Boots. No need to be unarmed. View attachment 3984
Click to expand...
Now that’s a cool gun! I need to fire back up the search for one of those.
 
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