TexasCHLforum.com

Yeah, but at least there are guns. At California gun shows, the closest thing some of them have to guns is the handheld metal detector they sweep you with before you enter.

Can anyone recommend a good non-pocket holster for a J-frame? I love my Mika (great design), but might prefer an IWB if I'm going to carry all the time.

Crossbreed Supertuck and Minituck or Comp Tac Minotaur/M-Tac are both great IWB holster designs for almost any gun. About $80 each.

Slightly less expensive but not quite as comfortable in my opinion is http://www.highnoonholsters.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Their in-stock cowhide holsters are about $35.

But J frames are small enough you likely can get away with a quality OWB holster. A tight fitting pancake or belt-slide model.

Something like one of these two Blackhawk models would likely do well.

http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.asp ... H-420800BK" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.asp ... H-4205XXBK" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and be sure to check out GT Distributors http://www.gtdist.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; when you get to town. Best gun, ammo, accessories prices in town.

I do not have a picture with my J frame in an Alessi Holser (CQC-S), but I think they are worth every penny.

Here is a picture of my Alessi and my S&W M&P. It is an OWB, but wears great.

Really nice Alessi - do you know if they are still making those?

The Crossbreed Supertuck also looks nice. Thanks so much for the links.

As for revolver carry, I think the J-frame S&W snubbie is the best front pocket gun money can buy. The shape just works well in a front pocket, long curved grip is easier to grap than a small semi-auto. For pocket carry, I prefer snubbies over any semi-auto

with this statement. Sometimes I carry a full size semi in a High Noon IWB holster. BTW, your Mika covers more of the trigger than my Uncle Mike with a 12 oz J-frame. I will check on that, although I have carried it this way for many years now. Welcome to Texas.

eddieconcarne wrote:Really nice Alessi - do you know if they are still making those?

You can go here: http://www.alessigunholsters.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I always speak to Tom. It is probably my imagination or he is a great salesman, but it is as if it does not take as long as if I do not ask for Tom. I will do my best to get a photo with my J Frame in it and post it.

nothing wrong with carrying a j-frame.
sometimes I do it too - though my j-frame is made by Ruger :-)

eddieconcarne wrote:Can anyone recommend a good non-pocket holster for a J-frame? I love my Mika (great design), but might prefer an IWB if I'm going to carry all the time.

Well, if it's not in your pocket, might as well go with a bigger gun

(Stolen from RugerForum)

Because nothing says "go away" quite like .454 Casull in a snubnose. You might need to carry a fire extinguisher to balance your belt and deal with the aftermath, though.

A tip re. the CHL process. If you apply online to TX DPS or your application packet, it can take a while to arrive. However, your CHL class should have application packets to hand out. So it can be quicker not to get the packet from DPS but just to get it on the day you take your CHL class.

Revolver carry I use a JIT slide with my Ruger SP101 in 3" or cheap Uncle Mikes IWB. With the JIT position at 4 o'clock the Ruger disappears under untucked oversized tee, golf shirt or the proverbial Hawaiian shirt. I prefer the 3" barrel for slightly better sight plane. I just have to be careful about hem length. Deep stealth I opt for my Kahr in tuckable Galco.

First of all, Welcome to Texas.... I moved my family here from California 5 years ago..best decision I ever made. The one thing about Austin you will discover rather quickly, is it is a lot like California, and I say that as a negative comment. Fortunately, Austin is not representative of Texas in general. As for CHL, in the summer I frequently carry a S&W airweight in a Bianchi 100 at 3 o'clock (IWB). I also use a cross breed super tuck, which is more comfortable. I find it is extremely easy to conceal a small revolver with either holster. All you need is a loose fitting, over size shirt and your good to go.

eddieconcarne wrote:Personally, I've always been a revolver guy. I love and collect Smith & Wessons, but more than that, I've just always felt more comfortable with them - handling them, shooting them, carrying them around the house (about the only place I can legally carry in this god-forsaken state). Once I complete my Texas move and acquire my CHL, it's been my plan to qualify with a semi, but carry a revolver for defense (likely a J-frame).

First and foremost: Should I stick to my plan to carry a revolver based on personal preference and comfort level or should I "man up" and grow accustomed to carrying a pistol?

First of all, welcome to Texas and the CHL Forum, eddieconcarne. I am also a California transplant to Texas. I am a legal immigrant.

My preference is to carry a six-shot revolver. Not a Smith & Wesson, but a Colt Detective Special. I also have a couple of semi-autos, Sig and Sphinx, which I also carry.

I assume that the "man up" statement is "tongue and cheek", but only you can decide what and how you want to carry. I suggest that you carry your J-Frame S&W. As you become more familiar and comfortable with other handguns your choice may change. I think that the majority of the forum would agree with me that it is more important "that you carry" rather that "what you carry."

FWIW, my rig is a High Noon Cowhide, Down Under with straps. It is very comfortable and conceals my handgun. The sweat shield keeps my gun from rubbing against my skin and helps keep it dry during the humid Texas weather. http://www.highnoonholsters.com/Product ... traps.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I carry a Smith 342 PD in a paddle holster with an oversize shirt. Old timer here and I started with revolvers and shoot them best. Austin is a liberal town so good place for a Kalifornian to settle in. No state taxes so enjoy your freedom.

eddieconcarne wrote:Really nice Alessi - do you know if they are still making those?

The Crossbreed Supertuck also looks nice. Thanks so much for the links.

Lot of Californy escapees here - I too was born in California - but since it was on the Federal land of Fort Ord, it's more like having been born in a foreign land but still an American citizen...

I carry a SW 360PD typically in a DM Bullard crossdraw or in a DeSantis pocket holster. Welcome to Texas!!