Small of the Back Holster Solution for my S&W 642

[USN2Pulpit]

Good morning all...

As my subject line states, I'm looking for a good Small of the Back Holster Solution for my S&W 642 snub. It's a .38 +P snubbie with 1 7/8" barrel, hammerless. I will prefer to use the "palm in" set-up. Anyone here have a solution that's working for them that prints as little as possible, secure, and comfortable to wear?

 

[wolf_fire]

Good morning all...

As my subject line states, I'm looking for a good Small of the Back Holster Solution for my S&W 642 snub. It's a .38 +P snubbie with 1 7/8" barrel, hammerless. I will prefer to use the "palm in" set-up. Anyone here have a solution that's working for them that prints as little as possible, secure, and comfortable to wear?

G'morning...errr..it's afternoon now.

I have a model 637 (difference is mine has an exposed hammer). I usually carry this during the summer when clothes are not as bulky and it is harder to conceal. My preferred methods for carrying it are in a nice leather pocket holster from Link Removed or a Kholster IWB holster you can find them here Holsters. I've even had the Kholster attached to a pair of pajamas and it held very nicely.

Now, you're probably wondering why I haven't mentioned a "small of the back" holster. The reason is this: the same reason I don't have my handcuffs on my LE belt at the small of my back. If you should happen to fall accidentally, that large chunk of metal at the base of your spine could easily leave you paralyzed. I've known of a few accounts where this has happened to police officers.

If you still insist on a small of the back holster, choose one that does a few things: 1) retains it's shape... generally that will either mean leather, kydex, or a combination; 2) keeps the mouth of the holster open even after the firearm has been drawn (this allows easy re-holstering); and 3) one that is comfortable. If you can get all three things in one holster, you will carry comfortably, and more often.

Good luck in your search.

 

[10ringfirearmstraining]

I'll add one more thing to wolf_fire's reasons to NOT carry small-of-the-back. If you are attacked before you have an opportunity to react, and are knocked to the ground, you'll be laying on your gun, which makes it a ***** to deploy from that position.

While small-of-the-back is convenient and concealable, it's not a terribly good tactical solution.

 

[WillyP]

I used to carry a glock 27 in a check six holster while I bowhunted. ( we have a lot of wild dogs in the area I hunt ) I liked the holster but will admit the drawbacks mentioned already are a good argument . I will also say that we always need to remember the FIRST rule of a gun fight. Have one on you !

 

[Purple]

Not a personal fan of carrying in the SOB. I carry my 642 in a OWB pancake style holster. It keeps it snug against the body and can't be seen with a t-shirt over it. As stated, the SOB is not a real great defensive carry position and as further stated above, if your in the turf and having your arse handed to you by an assailant and you need to ratchet up the force, you wont be able to draw.

 

[Rock]

I would like to discourage you from considering any SOB (Small of Back) holster. There are numerous documented cases of people carrying SOB and slipping and falling or being shoved over in a scuffle and landing on the gun and severely damaging vertebrae in their lower back. I carry a comparable Taurus Model 85 in an Uncle Mike's Inside-The-Pocket holster and have no problems concealing, carrying, or drawing it quickly. If you choose an IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster instead, don't carry it at your 6 o'clock. Good Luck!

 

[USN2Pulpit]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I should clarify...this is not for my primary carry. I have that taken care of. This is for occasional back-up use. I have a great ankle rig already, just exploring carry options that would be more easily accessible to me.

Purple, I am interested in the pancake holster you mentioned...perhaps for weak-side cross-draw? Is the cant adjustable? (thanks everyone)