Medium frame revolver-IWB or OWB carry?

[DHart]

Due to their slim profile, I'm comfortable with a 1911 carried IWB, but as I consider holsters to carry my models 13 and 65 and Ruger GPF-331 (3" barrel, fixed sights, medium frame) I'm wondering what those of you who carry K frame revolvers think of the IWB vs. OWB options? I prefer IWB, but is the medium frame revolver cylinder too bulky for IWB carry? Anyone have good suggestions for holsters for the 3" medium frame revolvers?

 

[Standing Wolf]

I carry my pre-agreement Smith & Wesson J frame revolver in an inside the waist band holster, but my Pythons in outside the waist band holsters: I'm reluctant to buy larger trousers just for larger guns.

 

[DHart]

Standing... yes, if I carried a Python, that would definitely not go inside the waistband. I do think I might be able to handle a medium frame revolver IWB, however. What IWB holster do you prefer for the little J frame?

 

[Marshall]

You might take a look at these IWB by Hunter. They're soft suede leather and I find them comfortable. Better yet, you can get them at Sport Authority (formerly Oshmans) for $14.99 Look at the different models for small guns, I can't remember what model this is but it's for a 3" gun I believe, I personally thought the 2" small revolver model was two small for the J-Frame, too much gun hanging out. This one covers all but the grip, is more comfortable and protects the gun better too. You can see how the suede will mold itself to the shape of the gun as well. I've tried 3 different Uncle Mike's and didn't like any of them as well.

Here my Model 60 smith in one........many times I throw it in my brief case just like this too.

 

[Marshall]

Oh yea, this my OWB J-Frame Holster from Gould & Goodrich. Holds high and tight, very well made! Note the stitching around the gun outline. And to answer you original question, I would prefer to carry a K-Frame OWB.

 

[Preacherman]

I carry a 3" S&W Model 13 or Model 65 in a Milt Sparks VersaMax II IWB holster - see here, then click on "Products", then "Inside The Waistband", then "VersaMax II" for details.

The VM2 is very comfortable indeed. It spreads the weight over two widely-separated belt loops (or tuckable clips, at your option), and because the loops are not centered over the gun, the bulk of the revolver cylinder is not a hassle. Also, the higher rear of the holster prevents the hammer from digging into your flesh while seated. Highly recommended.

 

[DHart]

Preacherman... I've been thinking about getting a VMII for my 1911's for quite some time... they seem to be at the top of most IWB recommended lists. I didn't know you could get one made for revolvers. I think that will probably be the way I go. And perhaps I'll also get one for the 1911! Thanks.

 

[dairycreek]

Dear DHart

From time-to-time I carry one of two S&W K frames. One is the 7-shot 686 with a "snubby" barrel and the other is the TiScan 386, once again a 7-shot 357/38 spcl. with a 3" barrel. I only carry IWB and have found that the FIST #1 clip holster in leather just suits me to a "T". I do use a well made leather belt and, for me, both are fine, comfortable, carry guns. Good shooting

 

[armedcitizen]

I carry my 3" 65 OWB in a Kramer belt scabbard, seen here:

http://www.gokart.net/cgi-bin/store.cgi/kramer?page=/index1.html&cart_id=%%cart_id%%

I've used it for several years and it has worked well for me.

 

[Bulldozer]

Having carried K-frame wheelies (2.5", 3", and 4" flavors) on and off for well over a decade, I've had the opportunity too field test some of the best and worst IWB/OWB designs out there. The ones that are still in the holster repetoire are:

Milt Sparks VM-2 IWB
Tucker Texas Heritage IWB
Alessi Belt Slide Scabbard
Mitch Rosen Tito's revenge Crossdraw IWB
Wild Bill's NSA IWB
Hoffners Ultrex IWB above-the-belt cylinder model (only non-leather owned)
Don Hume makes a decent, budget IWB for a 2 - 3" that is also a good value.

 

[DHart]

Excellent suggestions... thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge! I'm sure to land on a goodie now!

 

[Standing Wolf]

What IWB holster do you prefer for the little J frame?

My J frame rides in a Kramer holster. I bought another Kramer for my three-inch model 629, but it turned out to be so poorly made I've had to start advising people to buy something else.

You can't go wrong with http://www.mitchrosen.com