HANDMADE CUSTOM-FIT HOLSTERS FOR ALMOST ANY GUN

Logo
_

Revolver Holsters

How to Choose the Right Holster for Your Revolver?

There are important differences between revolver holsters and automatic pistol holsters. When I first began carrying many years ago most of the holsters for automatics were basically revolver holsters with the cylinder bulge ironed out.  That didn’t work out well. Things advanced. Today good revolver holsters are a little difficult to come by due to the concentration on self loading pistols. Some custom makers do not offer revolver holsters.  Revolvers feature completely different frame designs. The cylinder bulge must be accommodated and the holster must properly hold the revolver on the cylinder. Thumbreaks don’t work well with concealed hammer designs. There are a great number of barrel lengths to be accommodated. First things first- be exact in ordering your holster. Some handguns are similar in size- but differences in the exact model affect fit.

Falco’s IWB holsters AM02 for revolver

Falco’s IWB holsters include a strong reinforced belt clip and proper molding for each handgun



AM02  Leather IWB/OWB Optics-Ready Universal Holster

Note first class stitching in high stress points on this Falco holster


The revolver make and model are essential when ordering.  Smith & Wesson Model 66 is a baseline. Frame size- J, K, or L frame as an example is an important fact when ordering. As an example the Smith & Wesson M36 is a J frame, the Model 66 a K frame. Some easy fit holsters are offered by frame size. Be certain to consider whether the hammer is exposed or concealed. A thumbreak holster for a M36 S&W with exposed hammer will not loop and over the hidden Model 442. A ramp; front sight such as found on the Model 66 and adjustable rear sight demand a built in sight track. A fixed sight Model  10 is simpler. Consider the intended use. Is the handgun to be carried concealed, in the field, or simply as a range gun? To re-hash revolver frame sizes the most common are J and K frame types. These Smith & Wesson revolvers begin with the J frame a small frame revolver that usually has a five shot .38 Special cylinder or a six shot .32 cylinder.  Medium frame revolvers are the  K frame, usually a six shot .38 or .357. Next is the large frame revolver. The L frame is in an in between type. The N frame is a .44 caliber revolver.  Be certain to understand if your Taurus or Rossi revolver is built on a similar frame size. As another example the Ruger SP101 demands exact sizing for its frame while the Ruger GP 100 will usually fit L frame holsters.


Revolver Holster Types and Carry Methods

The default holster for most uses is the strong side holster. Worn on the strong side and cinched in tightly to the belt a strong side holster may be concealed by a covering garment. An inside the waistband holster is worn inside the waistband  and is ideal for concealment as most of the handgun is concealed by your trousers. Then there are pocked holsters suitable for the smallest handguns. . Shoulder holsters are specialty type that demand much thought before you order.  Shoulder holsters help in keeping weight off the belt line. If you have a back injury this may be important. Chest holsters are for outdoors use. A good choice for a backup revolver is the ankle holster. This provides easy access when seated or driving and is ideal for those wishing to carry a backup handgun.

A634 Leather IWB holster for revolvers

The A 634 is among the best built holsters in the world according to the author


A634 Langdon - Timeless Open-Top IWB Leather Holster

Note strong reinforced holstering welt and double stitched reinforced spine


Leather, Kydex, or Nylon: Which Material Is Best?

At this point you must consider the differences between leather, Kydex, and Nylon holsters. There is a tendency to choose a leather holster for revolver as the traditional type. Compare comfort, retention, weather resistance in some cases, and speed of draw. Weight isn’t usually a big consideration in holster material. Kydex holsters require the least maintenance which can be important. Leather holsters offer a traditional appearance.


Concealing a Revolver: How to Reduce Cylinder Printing

A primary concern with a revolver is printing- the handgun’s outline being noticeable on outer clothing meant to conceal the handgun. The best holster designs keep the cylinder bulge off the belt line. A high ride with the OWB and a low ride with the IWB keep the cylinder bulge off the belt line. While the cylinder bulge is a part of revolver design in many cases a K frame revolver is no wider than a striker fired handgun. Keep the holster riding high and you solve most problems with cylinder bulge if you use an OWB holster.  With the correct forward rake- handle ahead of the muzzle- the revolver’s concealment is better. Always use a good quality gun belt not a dress belt or you will defeat the purpose of the holster.  A revolver worn on the waistband should be limited to a four inch barrel type. Two and three inch barrels work best for concealed carry but with a proper holster a four inch barrel handgun is feasible.


How to Test a New Revolver Holster

When choosing a holster first be certain you have the correct ordering information. Be certain to order a holster that properly covers the trigger guard. This is for safety. When the holster arrives be certain that it is a good fit.  Check fit or seating depth, be certain the holster is a good fit. Be certain the holster retains the handgun properly. A leather holster retains the handgun by fitting on the frame and a Kydex holster at frame and cylinder points and the muzzle. Be certain the belt loops are tight and snug on the gun belt and that the holster doesn’t have loose fit or wobble.

C117 Crab-hawk  Quick Draw OWB Leather Holster

Falco’s revolver fast draw holster is superbly designed holster suure to compliment the fast handling of a revolver


C117 Crab-hawk

The fast draw holster features a tunnel loop to keep the holster cinched in tight to the body


Revolver Holster C117

Note speed cut in the fast draw revolver holster


Common Revolver Holster Buying Mistakes

Common mistakes include not understanding frame size or ordering only by the barrel length.  Choosing a loose fitting multi fit type of holster will never prove satisfactory. Be certain if the holster is for a J frame that it accommodates a hidden hammer handgun if that isn’t part of holster fit I will stress again a poor quality belt renders the holster useless.


Author’s Picks

Among the most useful holsters in my battery is the Falco C117 Crab Hawk fast draw holster. This is a gorgeous holster with dark tan finish and excellent double stitching. The front of the holster is cut away near the revolver top strap. This makes for real speed. A reinforced tunnel look keeps the holster secured to the belt. A retention screw is a good feature. There is nothing quite like a two inch barrel Model Ten revolver as far as speed and balance are concerned. The C117  Falcomakes an ideal holster for this formidable handgun. 

Falco AM02 inside the waistband. This holster features good fit and finish. A tool steel belt clip locks the holster solidly into the belt. This holster features a sweat guard. While the AM02 is designed for cost saving it doesn’t cut that many corners. There is double stitching around the tunnel loop stress points. The spine is nicely reinforced. This holster is a good fit for my four inch barrel K frame revolvers. I also ordered an AM02 for a J frame revolver. The J frame practically disappears with this holster. 

The A634 Langdon is a slightly more expensive holster. It is well worth the money. The holster mouth is thick and reinforced. The Langdon will not collapse once the revolver is drawn. Re-holster is simple enough without having to look at the holster. The holster is molded to pinch the trigger guard for retention. Critical areas are double stitched. I like this holster a great deal.  

Be certain to positively identify the revolver you own before ordering- Make, Model, Frame Size, and sights are important. The revolver’s advantages of simple operation ruggedness and fast shooting are complimented by good leather.


Top-Rated FALCO Holsters for Revolvers

C105 Shikra - Pancake Style Open Top OWB Leather Holster

C105 Revolver Holster

PROS:

• Excellent stability on the belt

• The pancake-style construction - holds the revolver close to the body

• Open-top design for quick draw


CONS:

• Not ideal for carriers who prioritize concealed carry and do not wear a cover garment

• May require some time to fully break in




A116 2021 - COMFORTABLE HYBRID IWB HOLSTER

A116 HYBRID IWB HOLSTER

PROS:

• Very comfortable for long carry periods

• Stable Kydex shell with easy access

• Works well even with larger setups


CONS:

• Wider profile on the belt is designed mainly for hip IWB carry




D128 - Leather shoulder holster

D128 - Leather shoulder holster

PROS:

• Excellent weight distribution for heavier revolvers

• Adjustable retention with retention screws

• Steel-reinforced thumb break for added security

• Can also be worn OWB using the rear belt tunnel


CONS:

• Needs adjustments of the harness before you can use it first time

• Horizontal carry may not suit revolvers with longer barrels

• Requires a cover garment for effective concealment 



Photo of the author

Bob Campbell

10.8.2026

Was this article useful to you?

Share it with your friends.