DeSantis Thumb Break Mini-Slide (J-Frame)

[downlineOP]

Hi folks....New guy on the 'Road.
I'm open to opinions about this new holster I recently purchased for my model 38-1 S&W. I rather like it a lot, as much as I do the other two DeSantis holsters I have. This one fit's fine with the aftermarket grip (Boone Trading Company) on my J-frame. Pardon the web-cam pics, as it's the only camera I have right now.

 

[bannockburn]

downlineOP

Welcome to THR! I'm a big fan of DeSantis holsters too! With my Model 649 and Model 638 I like their SOF-TUCK IWB holster. Very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, made easy with the lightweight Model 638.

 

[downlineOP]

Thank you Bannockburn. Glad to be here. I became a fan of DeSantis holsters when I got their "thumb break scabbard" for my 1992 vintage Beretta 96D (ex-Pennsylvania State Police), and the "cozy partner" for a Glock 17, that fit's my Stoeger STR-9 like a glove. Nice J-frames BTW

 

[bannockburn]

downlineOP

Thanks for the complement on the J frames! I have had the Model 649 for quite a few years now and added the Model 638 when I came across one on sale at a LGS. Don't ask me why (because I don't really know), but since I had my first Model 38 I have always had this "thing" for the shrouded hammer on a S&W J frame.

I have a DeSantis Mini-Slide for my Ruger SR9c and an E-Gat Slide for my SIG P229. Both are great holsters that hold the gun close to my side securely but yet are very comfortable to wear.

 

[Spats McGee]

My go-to OWB leather is a DeSantis Speed Scabbard, so you might guess I'm a fan.

Welcome aboard!

 

[roo_ster]

I own that very same DeSantis holster for my SW638 humpback.

It will work well for a few years, but then the thin leather loosens up. When new, secure as can be. Some years down the line, I can wrest the 638 out from under the thumb snap.

I have to make a choice: buy another one or try another holster. Let me tell you, finding a thumb snap holster for a humpback is no easy task.

I like the snap as the SW638 is--many times--my woods gun. Don't want it falling out of a concealment holster if I take a tumble.

If anyone reading this has a line on a better thumb snap holster for a SW J-frame hump back, do share.

And yes, bonockburn's polished SW649 is a beauty.

 

[bannockburn]

roo_ster

And yes, bonockburn's polished SW649 is a beauty.

Thanks roo_ster! It just took a little time, some Mother's Mag Polish, and a bit of the old elbow grease!

 

[roo_ster]

roo_ster
Thanks roo_ster! It just took a little time, some Mother's Mag Polish, and a bit of the old elbow grease!
View attachment 884318

Never tired of looking at your SW649. The whole package just looks right.

Did you follow any particular set of instructions or did you just tear it down and get after it?

I have half a mind to polish up my wife's SW64 snubbie. Already dolled up with mother of pearl grip panels and a shiny silver T-grip. Had my 629 factory polished and after it is cleaned up from the range and has a coat of Renaissance Wax, it is a sharp-looking revolver.

 

[JERRY]

I'll put a J frame on the ankle or in a pocket, but if I go to a belt holster it will be something more substantial.

 

[bannockburn]

roo_ster

Didn't have any instructions to follow; just read something about using the paste formula of Mother's Mag Polish and went to it! And if you like my Model 649 you've got to love the job a buddy of mine did on his Ruger Vaquero! You would think it's nickel plated just from looking at it!



Would like to see your wife's Model 64 with it's pearl grips and bright Tyler T-Grip adapter! Sounds like the perfect candidate for a Mother's Mag Polish treatment! Tell your wife it will be like sending her gun off for a day at the spa!

 

[roo_ster]

Hopefully you can see these:











https://photos.app.goo.gl/oy5ayFgsbDHQ4vTDA

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Pfd4mbDt7R9HRDYS6

Real mother of pearl laminated to thin wood laminate & brass hardware. The brass & wood laminate take the shock of recoil, otherwise the MoP would crack, likely on the first shot. Two sets were on sale and I only bought one of them...for $25 about 10 years ago. No idea what something like this would cost today.

I dialed-in the mainspring and trigger return spring to the lightest that would set off Rem FBI load or Fed Gold Match HBWC.

I admit this is my favorite "long haul" gun in the Strong holster pictured, with my SW638 in a DeSantis Sky cop cross draw on the other side.

 

[bannockburn]

roo_ster

Looks great with the pearl grips and Tyler T-Grip adapter! I'm thinking this would make for a fine subject of a Mother's Mag Polish effort!