Field holster for 5" 629 Classic

[JumboJVT]

Good Morning All,

Just picked one up, or more correctly will in a few hours. Since I decided to buy it I've been searching for holsters. I knew the 5" would be less common than 4" or 6", but I guess I didn't realize how much less common. I'd like something simple: lined, straight drop, either open top or with a retention strap, enclosed trigger, low ride, if not an out right drop. In the last respect, I'd like something that put the gun no higher than the rear of the trigger guard at the top of the belt, and inch or two lower than that wouldn't hurt my feelings any. Also, with a gun this heavy I'd prefer that the belt loop/tunnel extend the full depth of the gun from the rear sight to the bottom of the trigger guard.

I'm starting to think that this may be a custom-only proposition (Ted Blocker makes just the ticket) but that is money I'm not prepared to spend right now. In the short-term I might just need to go with an inexpensive Hunter 1100 and cut 1-1/2" off the toe. Anyone have anything similar that you've used in a similar application. Thanks.

Jumbo

 

[rabid wombat]

Look at Milt Sparks…pricey, and a long wait, but GREAT product and people!

Outside the Waistband - Milt Sparks

View Milt Sparks holster models that are worn outside the waistband (OtW). Get yours today!

www.miltsparks.com

 

[tominboise]

El Paso Saddlery makes great holsters to fit what you have. Might take a look there. Otherwise, I tend to use Uncle Mikes Nylon holsters for everything else (I don't know that Uncle Mikes is even in business anymore).

 

[TheFrontRange]

Have a look for a Galco Phoenix holster (if not going the total-custom route, which is what I’d almost always recommend otherwise myself), specifically their PHX124 model. This one turned up recently on another forum - what caught my attention was that it was sized for the not-oft-encountered five-inch N-frame.

Granted, this is likely best-suited for something like your 629. I was wanting an OWB option for a five-inch Model 27, and it looks like it’s going to fit the bill. I may snag a “Handgunner’s Helper” belt loop attachment from Barranti Leather, as the holster’s loop arrangement will have me placing the holster over my 3 o’clock belt loop.





Granted, I picked up this Galco used and at a significantly discounted price. I checked the Galco site and these are a bit spendier brand-new than I would have expected.

Back to the custom idea, particularly Milt Sparks. I’m a huge Sparks fan and, regrettably, sold-off the 200AW Hank Sloan style holster shown below, also sized for a 5-inch 27. I really wish I’d not let this one go. I will likely either order another one and / or go the Barranti route. Even Kramer crafts their excellent Belt Scabbard for 5-inch guns (if I’m remembering correctly), though a fellow member here has seen some quality concerns in recent Kramer offerings.

 

[JumboJVT]

Have a look for a Galco Phoenix holster (if not going the total-custom route, which is what I’d almost always recommend otherwise myself), specifically their PHX124 model. This one turned up recently on another forum - what caught my attention was that it was sized for the not-oft-encountered five-inch N-frame.

Granted, this is likely best-suited for something like your 629. I was wanting an OWB option for a five-inch Model 27, and it looks like it’s going to fit the bill. I may snag a “Handgunner’s Helper” belt loop attachment from Barranti Leather, as the holster’s loop arrangement will have me placing the holster over my 3 o’clock belt loop.

View attachment 1199546
View attachment 1199547
View attachment 1199548

Granted, I picked up this Galco used and at a significantly discounted price. I checked the Galco site and these are a bit spendier brand-new than I would have expected.

Back to the custom idea, particularly Milt Sparks. I’m a huge Sparks fan and, regrettably, sold-off the 200AW Hank Sloan style holster shown below, also sized for a 5-inch 27. I really wish I’d not let this one go. I will likely either order another one and / or go the Barranti route. Even Kramer crafts their excellent Belt Scabbard for 5-inch guns (if I’m remembering correctly), though a fellow member here has seen some quality concerns in recent Kramer offerings.

View attachment 1199552
View attachment 1199555

I've looked a both the Galco (have one for a 686) and the Sparks, but both carry higher than I want. Note the realtionship the belt tunnel to the triggerguard. It looks like Barranti offers one that is close, but they won't provide a pic of the back of the holster so I can confirm. Note to holster makers: Show us pics of the back of the holster so we know what we're buying. How hard can this be? Save a bunch of calls I suspect.

 

[nick22]

Lobo Holsters if you want to go the custom route I have a few and they're well made.

 

[Yamifrk]

Diamond D™ Custom Leather, Home of the Alaskan Guides Choice® Holster

The original maker of the Guides Choice® Leather Chest Holster, leather gun holsters, leather belts & more holsters. Hand made in ALASKA and MADE TO LAST

www.diamonddcustomleather.com

These guys will make you one not too long of a wait and really well made.

 

[W.E.G.]

Consider an across-the-chest holster, or a shoulder holster.

Any belt-holster for guns with 5" barrels and longer will see little use unless you never sit down.

 

[TheFrontRange]

My personal experience sitting with a 5” OWB holster and revolver - I am able to do so, realistically and comfortably. Not that it matters, but I’m not unusually tall at just a shade under 6 feet in height.

In and out of cars, office chairs, living room seating - just not an issue. Same with IWB (which might be seen as cheating to a degree, as IWB for me is almost always easier than OWB, even with a 5” 27). Not sure I could make a six-inch barreled one work.

As always, one’s individual mileage may vary.

 

[Rodfac]

Comfort while while carrying a 5" bbl'd revolver is definitely a compromise. I"m 6" tall and find that I can sit right in a tractor, truck and my wife's SUV with my 5" 629, but only if I keep the holster belt loop even with the recoil shield of the gun. The Galco model in a previous post above does it right. With any drop whatsoever, a 5" bbl'd "N" frame will dig me in the ribs and ride up when seated. A straight drop is ok as a normal man's belt droops towards the front, giving you some cant anyway; at least when you carry at 3:00. As I carry at the 4:00 position I need just a bit more. On horseback or an ATV, it's not quite as critical. That high position works well for me and allows a full firing grip, and an easy movement from holster to 'on-target' without contortions.

Here's a trio I made up, very similar to what I think you're looking for. I made them up for my 629w/ 5" bbl. and a cpl of "K&L" frames. The basic design goes back 100 yrs or so and is called the Tom Threepersons model. It's a minimalist holster with the trigger exposed on the original, a belt loop sized to the gun belt, and usually featured a retention strap or thong. My version is fitted tight enough to preclude need for a strap. I made these up for the full lugged bbl. of my 629 5" and several others for our K & L frames. The basic design also fits my 686 fully lugged 5", as well as our M-66 and 67 "K" frames with their partial lugged bbl's.

IIRC, the original Tom Threepersons had an enclosed muzzle area, a feature that I don't particularly like; preferring instead an open 'toe' which allows rain, snow or misc. debris to fall clear of the holster. I'll add that the 629 is a HEAVY revolver and OWB carry demands an excellent gun belt of heavy construction. I'd recommend no less than 1-1/2" as a minimum...that's the normal size for Levi's jean belt loops, and a wider model would carry better and be more comfortable...something like a 1-3/4" or a full 2".

If you're looking for something like these, try El Paso Saddlery...their Austin model is outstanding and will be a lifetime investment...they're not cheap but you get top quality for your money. You might look over their "tanker" style of cross chest holster...this is the type I use when toting a handgun for backup while fishing in bear country or hunting where packing out meat without the without the add'l weight of a full sized rifle is desired.

I've packed out quarters w/o a gun in Colorado, decades ago, and found fresh bear sign on my back trail as I returned to the kill site...an awakening moment, indeed. A cross chest design should allow easy & quick access to the gun even with a pack board and 60+ lbs. of meat on your back......

Here are my versions of the old TT design with my 629, pluse one of my #1 son with his M-66 "K" frame in another, and my 686 in the third. The first two have a little bit more of the trigger exposed than I prefer, but I got it right on the 3rd...Those belts, BTW are 1-1/2".... but 1-3/4" would have been usable and would probably have offered a bit more comfort. All three are lined with vegetable tanned, pig skin and water proofed with Fiebing's "Aussie" leather conditioner....the best product for all weather protection that I've found in 40 years of leather & tack work.

YMMv...best of luck with your 5 incher...it's a hellofa good gun. Rod

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