I received a review holster for the S&W 629; even using the kit for breaking in the holster (to make sure you get a tight fit while allowing for slight manufacturing tolerances), the thumb break will not snap. We are not talking a small difference but many tenths of an inch. Even gently tapping with my plastic headed gunsmithing mallet is not going to solve this. It strikes me that my 629 has an adjustable rear sight that looks like it could be the reason for failure to seat. I believe fixed rear sight 629s are quite rare, usually special order 3" barrel versions, for those of you not getting enough daily handweb abuse. Any other guesses?
This is a tight enough fit that I do not see it as a big deal: I am not going to carry this beast except if hiking in grizzly bear territory (which really never happens), or when running to the store during a Zombie Apocalypse (which is slightly less likely). If I ever live somewhere that requires concealed carry of a .44 Magnum, it is time to move (perhaps off-planet). I also do not see myself running or jumping fences with this mass of beautiful stainless steel on my belt, either. The snap break is just not needed. I am just trying to figure out: Why?
Possible that they used the wrong model for design/fab work, or just mis-marked the holster. Or, just screwed up during production.
ReplyDeleteIf the gun fits well, and the intended use doesn't require a restraint devise to keep it from getting launched during some unusual/heavy activity, consider just cutting the now excess parts off. I've done this with thumbstraps. I've also redone the snap position to correct the problem. Often that isn't feasible due to the design, so cutting it away tends to be the default fix, other than sending it back for repair or replacement. (being left-handed, I've discovered that a much higher percentage of those holsters are defective than ones made for right-handers)
We met at the gunblogger rendezvous, although I don't know if you'll remember me.
ReplyDeleteI suspect we have different usage for our .44s. Mine are primarily used when recreating out of doors in bear country. For me, the securing straps are crucial. Waddling in and out of boats and rafts, walking up and down beaches and streams, fishing ankle to bellybutton deep in same, I need that thing very secured. I have inadvertently been dunked, stuck, dropped or simply fallen in all manner of mud, creeks, rivers or even the edges of the gulf of Alaska while wearing a 629 or Vaquero. Haven't lost one yet although my brother who lives in SE Alaska did once. (He recovered it sometime later.)
As for concealment, it is handy when returning home at the end of a hard and wet day (and it seems there is no other kind of day in bear country) to pick up a meal or groceries along the way, and to simply drape a coat or fishing vest over my sidearm, rather than unbelting to leave it in the vehicle.
Your mileage may vary, of course, but that's my 2 cents worth.
All best wishes,
FormerFlyer (the 6'3" fat guy with the beard who shared a table one evening with you and your lovely bride)