Best J-Frame Holsters | Concealed Carrying Options for Every Occasion

Best J-Frame Holster:
Relentless Tactical - The Ultimate Suede Leather IWB Holster

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This is the simplest holster on the list, and one of the finest construction methodologies for a revolver, though we might disagree that an IWB is the ideal revolver situation.

For those that need IWB, this is a very good option, with the simplicity of the suede sleeve design, the high-end clip/hardware, and the obvious value of buying a Relentless Tactical product (the warranty and premium build quality are worth the money alone – even if you forget about the design).

The design is also legitimate though, and the great retention from the cone-shaped sleeve design means you're getting one of the best IWB fits of any revolver holster, especially with the textured nap of the sued material which keeps the holster stationary during a draw cycle. Simplicity wins the day here with this design and for anyone who absolutely needs IWB carry, this is an obvious top-tier contender.

Bottom Line

If you are fed up with all the new-fangled tech, add-on, happy gun culture or the poor-quality imports that flood the market in every hot new product segment, this is the holster for you – provided you need an IWB (inside waistband) holster.

The simple sleeve design cradles your high-end J-Frame in a blanket of soft conforming suede that helps to keep the holster in place during your draw and makes sure you can avoid printing with the front half of your revolver inside of your waistband.

The quality of construction is unmatched nowadays in the industry at this price point and Relentless is relentless about their customer support and service.

Runner-up: 
Fobus Smith Wesson J-Frame

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While it would have been preferable from a durability perspective to have a Kydex gun component, this is decidedly a Fobus holster, and their durability is pretty amazing already. The seriousness of the design of this holster is hard to match.

The form-fitted plastic that contains your J-Frame allows good tension control and positive locking for your firearm. The paddle attachment secures the holster to your hip on an OWB configuration and is comfortable and strong. The lifetime warranty is amazing, and the draw is smoother than just about any other revolver holster.

From an innovation and technology perspective, few holsters can compete with the Fobus J3 variant. Easy maintenance rounds out a bevy of features many competitors are jealous of.

Bottom Line

The bulk on this holster is outweighed by the innovations it brings to the table. It is a seriously well-thought-out holster for those who want to carry a revolver in a modern implement.

The sure engagement on the trigger guard for the retention of the gun and the smooth draw potential means you are getting a very premium holstering and de-holstering operation.

The lightweight and adjustability for a hip holster are very good. The anti-snag sight channel helps to get a clean, fast draw. This is one of the two best drawing holsters on the list. If you need your gun fast, this is an excellent option.

Best J-Frame Holster Second Runner-up:
Cardini Leather - Inside The Waistband Leather Holster For S&W J-Frame

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This is a well-made, budget-priced premium cowhide holster that offers a very nice IWB option for those willing to carry a revolver IWB. While some might frown upon the extra width that comes with a cylinder instead of a slide, this can be a very effective tool for those who must carry IWB.

The suede lining offers a very soft material for your firearm that will not damage the anodized finish on the airweights and will cradle the stainless steel and blued guns properly, without damage to the surface finish.

A lifetime warranty and top-quality stitching give peace of mind; the steel clip gives strong waistband retention on any sized belt due to the open clip design.

An insert into the skin side of the holster keeps it stiff enough in the waistband to allow a legitimately smooth draw despite the uneven profile of the J-Frame (and all other revolvers).

Bottom Line

You’re getting a legitimately made, strong, leather holster that has some creature comforts for your gun and body, with things like the stiff skin side insert that helps with draw smoothness and the suede liner which doesn’t scratch your gun.

The steel clip is better than most competitors who only offer a closed-off, plastic clip design. Steel gives a ton more durability.

Best J-Frame Pocket Holster:
UTG 3.9" Ambidextrous Pocket Holster

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It’s like an envelope for your revolver, but it’s brutally efficient. If you ever conceive of needing a pocket holster, this is such a “no-brainer” with its affordable price point. If it weren’t so well built, it would still be a compelling option, but the quality of materials, attention to design details, and stitching make it the best value on this list.

This is the perfect pocket holster if you anticipate having to ever draw your weapon because, with a revolver and the sticky rubberized fabric additions, you’ll have no issue drawing from this option.

You are getting much more than you’re paying for. It will also cradle your gun in soft, non-scratch materials. This is an ambidextrous option for any pocket carry enthusiast.

Bottom Line

This is such a simple choice for users who anticipate needing a pocket carry option for any small gun, especially for a revolver. The combination of size and materials make this a sheath that can easily stay in your pocket while drawing your weapon without snags, or difficulties getting the gun out quickly.

For the price point, you will not be disappointed. There is also front and back storage for some folded currency, a license, a spare key, or similar. This holster also doubles as a great range protective cover for smaller guns.

Best J-Frame Ankle Holster:
Uncle Mike's Off-Duty and Concealment Kodra Nylon Ankle Holster

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This is the perfect ankle gun. You heard it here. No questions that the J-Frame has every single attribute that you want in an ankle gun. It’s lightweight, high powered, durable, and feels good in the hand. This holster is kind of the same for ankle holsters.

This has every attribute you want in an ankle holster: it is solidly built, stays in place, and always secures the entire mechanism of the revolver and is made by a premium producer. The top strap keeps your holster from slinking down when you walk or run.

The behind the hammer thumb break retention strap keeps your gun from hopping around. The stretchy material is better quality than most competitors (yes you pay more) and offers the type of compression you need for a real ankle holster.

Bottom Line

This is probably the best ankle holster on the market, even if it is a lot more expensive than many variants. You’re getting decades of proven reliability and customer service from the Uncle Mike’s brand.

You’re also getting well-thought-out details like reinforced stitching, a pivoting thumb strap for retention, and a very good quality material for active use. For the money, it's well worth it, even though it's pricey compared to peers.

The retention strap is built to a MUCH more durable standard than competitor products. This is a game changer.  

Best J-Frame Shoulder Holster:
Galco Miami Classic Shoulder System for S&W J-Frame

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While it may seem like overkill for a small framed revolver to be in a shoulder holster; especially one that is so overbuilt like the Miami Classic, this is a great combination if you are smaller-framed yourself or know you don’t want to carry a full-sized pistol daily.

The serious weight distribution, combined with the lightweight of a J-Frame, will mean you are able to do more with your holster on, including fighting, running, reaching, etc. You would get an approximately one-pound revolver distributed over your two shoulders and potentially connected to your belt with a suspender-like tie-down.

That's an amazingly easy daily carry weapon. The solid build-quality of premium leather and a very adjustable harness including a completely untethered, fully rotating hub that allows full reach and no movement of the shoulder harness.  

Bottom Line

Great for a detective or a federal agent, but maybe a bit much for most office workers, this shoulder holster will give you the comfortable carry you desire, especially if you are a smaller-framed person who wants to keep your gun small and don’t need a full-sized duty or concealment firearm.

This is not as concealable as other options but does give you a ton of options for when you will be seated or needing to move heavily; that doesn’t mean you have to be doing both, but it will work well for either. Leather quality and a very well-made retention design softens and conforms over time to get you even more comfortable over the years, which this will last.

The horizontal carry position offers even more safety than the already safe double action revolver. The included accessories allow for speed loaders to be added.

Best J-Frame Kydex Holster:
Concealment Express: S&W J-Frame

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Along with the Fobus holster listed above in this article, the Concealment Express is easily the most interesting option for what is traditionally considered a classic concealed carry option among a field of modern, new-tech firearms.

With the existing performance of the J-Frame still competitive among all this new firearm technology, the holster shown here has decided to take the burden of “innovation” on itself.

The look and feel are almost out of harmony with the simple, classically styled J-Frame, but the design implementation takes the gun/holster combination to the next level. The slick, easy to draw from Kydex sheath is custom fit for the J-Frame and the super simple styling doesn’t detract from a “function-centric” design.

The adjustable tension screws and very strong belt clip, as well as the coverage for those models that do have more robust sights, the holster offers a truly snag-free option for the J-Frame.

The rigidity offered for an IWB makes this possibly one of the faster draw-to-shoot combinations on the planet. That is, you'll get it out faster, more safely, and on target in less time and will have fewer hiccups on the draw compared to other options.

Bottom Line

For the money, you’re getting one of the best-designed Kydex holsters available for a revolver that hybridizes the Kydex experience with the revolver experience. You get a fast, smooth draw and excellent protection against unwanted removal of the firearm due to the rigid Kydex build and the strong adjustment capabilities.

The top-quality hardware fits most belts, even big 1.5 inch belts and the super flexible mounting options offer you several choices for the positioning and angle of holstering. You also get a ridiculously good warranty.