Holster for a K-frame S&W Revolver

dgludwig · July 23, 2013, 11:45 AM

I'm looking for a well-made, leather holster to fit my 2" barrel, Model 12 revolver. I've found (and have a couple) plenty of holsters to fit 2 1/2" and 3" barreled models but I want as little leather showing as possible for ccw carry. I'm looking for a "pancake" style holster with a thumb-break fastener, preferably lined. Any suggestions? Thanks.

craZivn · July 23, 2013, 11:58 AM

I've heard good things about FIST holsters, I believe they have the configuration that you are looking for.

Had good personal experience with Crossbreed, Side Guard and Holsters by Braids although I don't believe any of them offer a thumb break.

Bad experience with Simply Rugged and will never let them take my money again.

Here are links to FIST, for some reason they have two websites: www.fist-holsters.com www.fist-inc.com

Ivan

ClydeFrog · July 23, 2013, 12:46 PM

There are a few other factors to consider before giving any suggestions out...
Do you want a high end custom rig? Can you wait a few weeks or months? Do you want any type(leather Kydex nylon etc).
Id advise against lined holsters. I've heard in the past that lined styles can collect dirt or moisture faster & can cause problems.
In general there are a few high end brands you can look at. Id call the holster shop or firm first to make 100% sure the design will fit & is what you are looking for. Many times firearm makers have small changes or modifications done to the same model that can cause the holster not to fit correctly.

Top brands include; El Paso Saddlery, Kirkpatrick Leather, Galco, Alessi, Wright Leather Works, Milt Sparks, Ted Blocker, Mitch Rosen, Tex Shoemaker, Bianchi-intl, Safariland, Mernickle, Kramer Leather, Ken Null, Del Fatti, Blade-tech, High Noon Holsters, Simply Rugged.

Some holster shops offer exotic designs like shark, hippo, snake, deer, horsehide, etc.

CF

MLeake · July 23, 2013, 03:03 PM

Check out andrewsleather.com

Sam Andrews makes extremely nice gear, either in standard leather (traditional catalog) or all sorts of interesting skins (exotic catalog).

Some gear, he will have already in stock. Considering the quality of his work, turnaround time for gear he does not have in stock really is not bad.

He makes very nice gun belts, too.

July 23, 2013, 11:45 AM	#1
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	Holster for a K-frame S&W Revolver I'm looking for a well-made, leather holster to fit my 2" barrel, Model 12 revolver. I've found (and have a couple) plenty of holsters to fit 2 1/2" and 3" barreled models but I want as little leather showing as possible for ccw carry. I'm looking for a "pancake" style holster with a thumb-break fastener, preferably lined. Any suggestions? Thanks. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

July 23, 2013, 12:46 PM	#3
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Other factors... There are a few other factors to consider before giving any suggestions out... Do you want a high end custom rig? Can you wait a few weeks or months? Do you want any type(leather Kydex nylon etc). Id advise against lined holsters. I've heard in the past that lined styles can collect dirt or moisture faster & can cause problems. In general there are a few high end brands you can look at. Id call the holster shop or firm first to make 100% sure the design will fit & is what you are looking for. Many times firearm makers have small changes or modifications done to the same model that can cause the holster not to fit correctly. Top brands include; El Paso Saddlery, Kirkpatrick Leather, Galco, Alessi, Wright Leather Works, Milt Sparks, Ted Blocker, Mitch Rosen, Tex Shoemaker, Bianchi-intl, Safariland, Mernickle, Kramer Leather, Ken Null, Del Fatti, Blade-tech, High Noon Holsters, Simply Rugged. Some holster shops offer exotic designs like shark, hippo, snake, deer, horsehide, etc. CF

July 23, 2013, 11:58 AM	#2
craZivn Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2013 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 138	I've heard good things about FIST holsters, I believe they have the configuration that you are looking for. Had good personal experience with Crossbreed, Side Guard and Holsters by Braids although I don't believe any of them offer a thumb break. Bad experience with Simply Rugged and will never let them take my money again. Here are links to FIST, for some reason they have two websites: www.fist-holsters.com www.fist-inc.com Ivan

July 23, 2013, 03:03 PM	#4
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	Check out andrewsleather.com Sam Andrews makes extremely nice gear, either in standard leather (traditional catalog) or all sorts of interesting skins (exotic catalog). Some gear, he will have already in stock. Considering the quality of his work, turnaround time for gear he does not have in stock really is not bad. He makes very nice gun belts, too.