Holsters=what's wrong wioth a S&W 8 3/8 bbl revolver

[Ithaca Gunner]

Been casually looking around for a leather holster for my 8 3/8" bbl S&W .44 magnum. I didn't think it would be this much of a problem, but holster companies seem reluctant to make a holster for the long S&W's. What I've found so far is a Triple K that'll work either strong side or cross draw and El Paso Saddlery makes either a strong side or a cross draw, but not a combination holster for either or. I know the quality of El Paso Saddlery and can get one of their holsters for just a few bucks more than a Triple K, but it's not a combination strong side/cross draw. So, how's the quality of Triple K holsters? And will El Paso Saddlery make an either/or holster in their #2 thumb break? They list it strong side-cross draw-or neutral, but not strong side/cross draw. I'm thinking I would wear it cross draw most of the time, but like the option of either/or...and I hate a shoulder holster for a big gun.

[mark2935]

Sir, I am in the same boat. I'm searching for a leather holster for a Colt 1917, left hand with a covered trigger guard. While i can't speak for Triple K or El Paso Saddlery, may I suggest a search of places that deal with old police gear. At one time it was all the rage to carry a med/large frame long barreled revolver for police work. Maybe you could find one that fits your needs or could be semi-custom fitted. That is my plan. Hope it helps.

Mark2935

[Dan Cash]

Get the cross draw. You won't carry that thing strong side any longer than it takes you to draw it or sit down with it.

[Ithaca Gunner]

You're right, the gun seems to seek a cross draw holster. Must be those long Smiths aren't as popular as they used to be, seems like holsters were common for them 30-40 years ago, just walk into a gun shop, get one off the rack, pay the man, and out the door. I remember the shop had them in stock when I bought my K-22 8 3/8".

[rintinglen]

I second the vote for a cross draw. I carry mine in a Bianchi Shoulder Holster. Carrying it on the belt strong side does not make me happy. ​It makes me lean whenever I sit down.177033

[nicholst55]

Take a look at Simply Rugged: http://www.simplyrugged.com/

[Ithaca Gunner]

Not bad, I could live with several of their holsters.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Ithaca Gunner I have my Triple K Holster for my S&W M29 8 3/8 from the late 70's... It needs to be cleaned up and oiled and I would give it to you for the cost of shipping (Flat Rate Box) ???

Randy

[Bookworm]

Ithaca Gunner I have my Triple K Holster for my S&W M29 8 3/8 from the late 70's... It needs to be cleaned up and oiled and I would give it to you for the cost of shipping (Flat Rate Box) ???

Randy

Randy, if he's not interested, I have a Taurus M44 with the 8 3/8" barrel that would live very nicely in that holster. I would even be willing to pay over postage for your troubles.

Paul

[Drm50]

I have several long barreled revolvers. I always buy lined holsters. I quit buying strong side holsters several years ago. I have found that some of 3K & Guide brand are not rigid enough to
hold a heavy gun. The one I like best is the Bianchi 111 Cyclone- cross draw. Elpaso is also a good one. The companies make all kinds of CCW holsters for snub nose and a large selection
of western style for S/As, but holsters for field guns are hard to come buy. I would like to see
a 111 type that was hi ride and cross draw. Most of the field holsters for strong side have slight
butt forward cant, that makes them unusable for off side carry.

[pietro]

.

FWIW, when I took my 8-3/8" Model 29 hunting, I used a Bianchi cross-chest/bandolier cordua holster, which afforded plenty of comfort.

Leather rigs are available from www.mountainmanleather (http://www.mountainmanleather)works.com


http://www.mountainmanleatherworks.com/images/cart_images/holsters/cross-draw-2-b.jpg

Most holster makers can accommodate/install a flap on their products, upon request.


.

[ironhead7544]

I used to use a Lawrence #7 shoulder holster for the long S&W revolvers. A.E. Nelson makes a similar one today.

Check with Andrews Custom Leather for a belt holster. He generally will make whatever you want.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Here's a couple of pics of that Holster.

Randy

[Sur-shot]

As I have gotten older I find I have a need for a shoulder strap for a strong side holster. The big guns just snatch my britches off due to noadzatol. :-(
Ed

[Ithaca Gunner]

I generally wear suspenders these days, a belt only to support a gun.