Real world S&W M66 CCW rig?

G

Guy B. Meredith

New member
S&W just gave me a new M66 that I intend to use in IDPA. I would be interested in suggestions for real AND efficient concealment rigs that are legal in IDPA. Something relatively inexpensive, i.e. no $125 leather beauties. I just go for the workhorses.

I plan to use Safariland Comp III speedloaders, but may modify that if they do not qualify as real world gear.

Would really like to see belt line photos to illustrate how the holsters and speedloader carriers function.

There seems to be a bit of the specialization and gaminess in IDPA that it supposedly abhors in IPSC, but I prefer to use only "real world" gear.
 
Model 66 CCW rigs

I will tell you right up front that I have not had the greatest luck carrying speedloaders concealed unless they are in a jacket pocket. But, truth be told, I'm a small-framed guy that doesn't have a lot of belt room to play with. I am currently carrying my spare ammo in a DeSantis cartridge pouch. They also make an interesting speedloader carrier that I haven't tried. Take a look here for pictures and good prices on DeSantis leather:

http://www.rfholsters.com/rfholsters/dept.asp?dept_id=11

As for holsters, I have been carrying my 66 and my 686 in a Dillon "Master" holster. For the money, I think it is the best leather holster on the market. It carrys fairly high and tucks the butt in well. They can be found on Dillon's website.

Hope this helps.
 
Although they are normally thought of in conjunction with semiautos, don't overlook IWB holsters for revolvers. They position the cylinder right at the belt line and allow more realistic barrel lengths instead of the silly 2"-2.5" version of a concealment revolver.

I know and have known several people who carry revolvers in "Summer Specials". The best are from Milt Sparks, who are one of the few makers who recognized and pay tribute to the originator, Bruce Nelson. Sparks leather isn't cheep but I don't think they are up to your "$125" price.

If you wear a concealment garment that is longer than say, an Ike jacket (Levi's jacket), Milt Sparks also makes the PMK. It is one of the best designed revolver holsters I've seen for concealment. It too is based on a Bruce Nelson design, the #1 Professional, just re-engineered for revolvers.
 
Not really what your looking for I'm sure but this is a "real world" scenario.

About 6 months ago I sent my regular carry 3" model 65 in for some work. Not wanting to be without a gun I carried my 4" model 19 because it was the only thing I had that met agency requirments. Carried it concealed nearly everyday for a good 6 weeks in a Bianchi Cyclone holster (strongside not crossdraw). I had to work hard at it except for days working court (46R suit coat on a 6'3" guy covers about anything ;) ). Wore longer vest or jacket usually , even got by a few days with Hawian style shirts. Also carried the gun further back than usual, just behind my well... "love handles" .

If your willing to change wardrobe a bit you can make nearly anything work. As the Cyclone really extended no lower than my Regular bladetech for my 3" 65 (which really rides too low IMHO) length of overgarments was not the problem. Covering and hiding that damn square butt wrapped around Eagle Heretige grips was the challenge. I was glad to see my 65 back, but really if yours is the newer round butt 66 and you can put up with smaller grips I think it's workable with some compromises on your part. Though I'm certain there are LOTS better holsters than the Cyclone for the job, I just had the "covered trigger guard, retention strap, no IWB" policey requirments that narrowed my choices a lot.

Good luck and if you find anything, please post back!

Best, Blueduck
 
Was legal
Maby still is.
Galco Silhouette.
I put a kydex sight chute in so even longer barreled guns come out fast.

Sam
 
Try the Fobus plastic holster (paddle or belt) for the Smith K-frame. Dirt cheap (under $25 most places), perfectly functional, IDPA legal, and can handle barrel lengths from 2½" to 4". I use it for CCW on the occasions that I carry a 4" barrel M66. For the 2½" barrel, I prefer a shorter paddle holster or IWB.
 
I've carried a 66 in an Alessi IWB holster for years. I'm fine with it in a polo shirt, but I'm a large framed guy.

Speed loader usually in my pocket (if I carried one). Usually carried a Bianchi speed strip since it was much easier to hide and less bulky.

Safariland makes a much smaller speedloader, only a nub for a handle. Not too bad to carry in your pocket.
 
I've had trouble finding a good leather belt holsterfor my Model 19 2.5" barrel. I would suggest you look at a Blade Tech kydex straight drop holster. I have used them for Glocks and 1911s and find them to be the best 'real world' carry holsters I have ever used. They are tough, quick, and quiet.

Re: the speed loaders, I believe Blade Tech makes kydex carriers for these, too. I have used a DeSantis speed loader pouch -- I'd pass on that option. The leather is very firm, making insertion and removal difficult. Also, there's the thumb snap to contend with. I have also used Bianchi Speed Strips, and continue to carry them with my 642, but Lord they are slow.

So, my recommendation is a Blade Tech straight drop kydex holster and matching speedloader carrier (single or double). Sorry I don't have any belt line photos as you requested. I believe Blade Tech's web site is www.blade-tech.com.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I have a load of information to start with...

By the way, I am on the slim side.

The holster won't be used real world--not in THIS (Contra Costa, CA) county. It will be for IDPA in keeping with the spirit of the game of practicing for real life rather than specializing to beat competition. Who knows, I may get lucky and move out of this county some day and wouldn't want to have to start all over again.
 
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