In this week’s revolver piece, I describe the way I carried a revolver as a primary gun on a ca.-1,700-mile road trip.

Why a revolver? The trip centered around the release of an improved revolver line as discussed here last week. As long as I was being revolver-centric, I may as well get deeply into the handling and employment of the revolver as a protective device.

I had a few holsters I had been using around the place in the weeks running up to the trip. I’m still wearing the revolvers today – not because I’ve changed my mind about autos, but to continue evaluation of the gear and carry methods.

I predominantly wore in front of the hip in one of two holsters. One was the Icon 2.0 holster from Harry’s Holsters. The other was the Galco WalkAbout 2.0.

When I tired of having the gun in front of the hip, mostly after my return from the trip, I used the DeSantis Gunhide FLETC 2.0.

Each holster has its own positive aspects as well as its own disadvantages.

Starting with the holster that’s been here longest, the Galco WalkAbout 2.0 is an inside-the-waist holster that lets you carry a speedloader with the holster. With the S&W J-frame (shown), the loader fits fine inside the ‘cup’ that keeps the sidecar formed. With the six-shot HKS DS-A speedloader – which works with the Kimber K6xs and was originally made for Colt D-frame 38 revolvers, just take the forming cup out of the loader pouch and the six-shot loader fits.

The soft pouch that comprises the holster and loader carrier are vastly more comfortable than a hard polymer shell. Being seated in a semi-compact SUV for long hours of driving found that the Galco was worth some comfort points. Having the loader next to the gun was fine.

After the trip, I found that the loader’s turning knob apparently moved enough to leave the rounds loose in the pouch when I went to remove the loader. The ammo was still there, it’s not a show-stopper, but it’s something to consider. It’s more to do with the loader than the pouch.

The hard polymer holster that went on the road was the Icon 2.0. Made by Harry’s Holsters, it’s a thoughtful revolver IWB that shows concern for comfort as well as concealability. For trips of 3-4 hours behind the wheel, it’s almost unnoticed. There are no sharp edges on the holster. The only sharp edge is on the DCC Monoblock, a spring clip system that keeps the rig secure on the belt.

There’s a low profile “wing” that’s pressed in by your belt. It moves the rather large Hogue stock of the K6xs into your body, preventing “printing.” Adjustment in the holster is simply accomplished; Harry’s Holsters has a considerable video presence online, with instructional information for their holster lines. A few other companies have video consumer outreach and Harry’s does the content very well.

After my return, I went to an outside the waist holster, the DeSantis FLETC 2.0. The holster can be ordered with an ammunition pouch – you can specify one which holds a circular speed loader, a loading strip (like the DeSantis Swift Strip), or you can opt for a 2x2x2 pouch.

I opted for the latter.

When you pop the snap on the pouch, it opens far enough to allow access to the spare rounds but it doesn’t flop open, dropping rounds out.

Made from tan saddle leather, the gun is held at a 15° angle; if you try to draw “straight up,” the holster holds the gun. Consider that someone trying to seize the gun from behind will have some issues getting the gun out.

To get it out, it’s more like the old “FBI draw,” pulling the gun slightly up and forward. You can still arc back to a proper “step 2” of the draw by rotating the wrist. It’s faster than it sounds.

I had a long trip and traveled through a bit of rough country. Having a pair of 38 revolvers to assist in protection needs occupied my mind not at all. After spending time on the range with Bryan Eastridge and Darryl Bolke, I had time to practice revolver work while I was covering a media event. As always, I found something else – another lesson or three to learn. Learning never ends.

Life is good.

Support gear for revolvers is better now than ever. I’ll be watching for more as time goes on.

— Rich Grassi