[Bluestreakfl]

Recently picked up a barely used smith 65-5 3" barrel. I'm now in the process of getting my FL ccw permit. I will primarily be carrying this revolver, and occasionally my G27, but I've found I shoot the revolver much more accurately, and comfortably. I already have a comfortable IWB holster that works for my Glock, but I'm not sure which direction to go for the revolver. The holster I have for my G27 is just a very basic Uncle Mikes cloth holster that covers from the muzzle all the way to the end of the trigger area, and my Glock fits very comfortably in it and goes unfelt and unnoticed. I can fit the revolver in it as well, although the end of the barrel sticks out about an inch, and it's a bit of a tight squeeze because of the cylinder. I also noticed that the revolver had a somewhat noticeable print when I tried wearing it IWB.

I'm uncertain as to which direction to go. I've read a bit about the Remora holsters, and they seem to have very good reviews, so if I decided to go IWB that may be what I go with. However, part of me is wondering if I may be better off going with something OWB, not only for comfort, but also for more proper fit with the revolver. My concern with OWB is that it may be a bit harder to conceal well. I'm a fairly smaller guy, 5'11" 155lbs, so comfortably and properly concealing are both concerns. Any help from folks that carry a revolver daily would be greatly appreciated. The smith is a K-frame btw, to give you an idea of the size. Thanks and hope to hear some replies from you guys, you've always been a tremendous help with any questions I've had, that's what makes this community such a powerful resource.


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[SuperSleuth]

I have a 3" 65 and when I carry it I use the Wraith IWB holster by Seth's Gun Leather. I've worn the gun regularly for as long as 16 hours and have had no comfort problems at all. It conforms to the body and distributes the weight very well when worn with a good gun belt (I use a 1.5" Beltman belt). It retains the gun very well but still gives a good release when drawing. It pulls the gun butt in very well, too. I haven't had any problems concealing it under an untucked shirt.

Another good thing is that they're open to tweaking the design to meet your needs. You can give them a call and see what they can do for you.

FYI, if you want to go OWB, they make the Paladin, which is a snap-loop style holster. I don't have any experience with it, but If were going to get an OWB it'd probably be the Paladin.

 

[Bluestreakfl]

Thanks for the reply, and especially the picture for visual reference. I checked out their sight, and the wraith definitely looks comfortable. A bit on the pricey end, but as they say, any good quality leather piece is well worth the investment and will serve you well for years and years if you take care of it.

I noticed your 65 has a bobbed hammer. Did you carry it before you had the hammer bobbed or was it already like that when you got it? The reason I ask is because I plan on keeping the hammer stock and was just curious as to wether the hammer would ever dig into your side or not.

All in all a very nice carry rig youve got, I'll definitely give it some serious consideration. And nice 65 you've got too!


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[XDfense]

Wow, I'm looking for a holster for a 65-5 I just picked up for my Dad. I've inquired over at Brigade Gun Leather. I'm looking for OWB and Troy at BGL said they can make one for the 3" 65. Here's a link to their site:

www.brigadegunleather.com

 

[user]

My preference would be the Galco "three-slot cop" or "combat master" models, depending on whether you want a thumb-snap retention strap. With a bobbed hammer, I'm not sure that the strap would hold the gun in place. I prefer the "combat master" for concealed-carry.

 

[SuperSleuth]

Thanks for the reply, and especially the picture for visual reference. I checked out their sight, and the wraith definitely looks comfortable. A bit on the pricey end, but as they say, any good quality leather piece is well worth the investment and will serve you well for years and years if you take care of it.

I noticed your 65 has a bobbed hammer. Did you carry it before you had the hammer bobbed or was it already like that when you got it? The reason I ask is because I plan on keeping the hammer stock and was just curious as to wether the hammer would ever dig into your side or not.

All in all a very nice carry rig youve got, I'll definitely give it some serious consideration. And nice 65 you've got too!


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When I got the gun it had a standard hammer, but I had it bobbed before I started carrying it. If you're interested in the Wraith they might be able to make a larger shield that will offer more protection from a hammer spur. Like I said, they'll work with you to get the design you want.

And thank you for the compliments. I like both the gun and the holster very much. I would say the holster was definitely worth the price.

 

[Bluestreakfl]

Awesome, thanks for the insight. Time to save up a little bit of money, and give them a call, the wraith seems to fit the criteria to a tee.


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[Bluestreakfl]

Here she is with her "offspring"


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[EAJuggalo]

Buy a quality holster designed for the revolver and the "fit" issues will go away quickly. I've noticed that my Taurus 650 2" actually bulges more than my G21SF. If total concealment is an issue, which is usually is in FL I'd still go IWB, just with a quality manufacturer: Comp-Tac, Raven, Kholsters, Sideguard and the like. I'd stay away from Uncle Mike's, Fobus, Galco.

What belt are you carrying on? That will make even more difference than the holster.

 

[Bluestreakfl]

I definitely need a better built. I'm just using a normal belt at the moment, but need to get a wider heavier duty belt, not just some plain Joe shmoe belt. I know that will make a huge difference.


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[EAJuggalo]

I've been carrying on a Looper Leather Kydex reinforced belt for 4 or 5 years now but am seriously considering a Wilderness Frequent Flyer, both of which are relatively inexpensive for a good gun belt.

 

[CrackerKen]

I think a Remora IWB holster would work fine with the 65.

 

[Bluestreakfl]

I'm thinking what I may do is get the wraith by seths gun leather for when I'm wearing a belt, and a remora for when I'm not or if i just wanna throw it on and go.


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[CrackerKen]

If you get the Remora first, you might not even want/need the Wraith. The Wraith looks like a fine holster though.

 

[Shadyscott69]

I'm thinking what I may do is get the wraith by seths gun leather for when I'm wearing a belt, and a remora for when I'm not or if i just wanna throw it on and go.


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Just let me know. I can certainly make the sweat guard a little bigger to protect your side from the hammer. In this picture you can see how big it would be. This is my SP101 DAO in a customers holster for a gun with a hammer.

 

[Bluestreakfl]

Oh awesome. I didn't know you were also on the forum, thats even better. Gotta save up some money but once it's all together I'll definitely be giving you a ring. Thanks for the picture too!


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