Blackhawk Leather Speed Classic J Frame Holster allows for fast and natural draw
Sometimes the simplest things can amaze. The Blackhawk Leather Speed Classic holster amazes. Not for one specific reason, but because the sum total collection of details make this holster work. The Blackhawk Leather Speed Classic Revolver Holster demonstrates outstanding concealability, excellent retention, fast draw time, and surprising comfort.
Inspired by the famous Berns Martin design, the Blackhawk Speed Classic is intended for outside the waistband carry of a J-Frame snubnose revolver – like the Ruger LCR or many of the Smith & Wesson J-Frame models – exposed or internal hammer designs. In the mid 1930’s, Berns wanted a holster that would allow him to carry a revolver high on the hip in the Alaskan wilderness that offered excellent retention yet easy access. Soliciting some help with the leatherwork from his friend Martin, the beginning of the Speed Classic design was born.
There are two secrets to this holster.
The split front design allows for strong retention with sacrifice of draw speed
First, it rides high on the hip. This aids both concealment and comfort. The combination of a short barrel gun with a high riding mount means you can easily conceal this rig with an un-tucked shirt. No long sport coats or vests required. If you are a professional photographer, feel free to wear the vest anyway – it will do a fine job of hiding your snubbie revolver.
Second, the revolver is retained by spring pressure on most of the cylinder and frame. A split front to the holster, bridged by an elastic strap, allows the revolver to be drawn simply by rocking it forward, at which point it slides right out of the holster. The motion couldn’t be more natural. This has quickly become our favorite way to carry a Ruger LCR .357. It’s instantly available, yet you almost forget its there.
The Blackhawk Leather Speed Classic is highly recommended. You can find one here: Blackhawk! Classic Leather Speed Holster J-Frame
Read about more carry styles and over 120 different gun holsters in The Insanely Practical Guide to Gun Holsters – available at Amazon.com! Learn more about our Insanely Practical Guides!
Great, something else I NEED now. Thanks!
🙂
I purchased one when it first came out. I used it for a few weeks and decided that after long-term use the leather and elastic band were eventually going to give and retention would suffer. The holster is a good design but the leather is too thin and moulding is not tight enough. Currently using their Detachable Slide model with an adjustable thumb break for my S&W 649 (.38spl model). Because the thumb break is adjustable via velcro, I can get the thumb break over the shroud of my gun. Again, the leather is thin and not moulded tight enough. Once the thumb break is unsnapped there is not enough retention to hold the gun in. It’ll do for now because I’m used to the draw stroke and so happy I have a thumb break. The detachable feature is great because I don’t have to unthread my belt to take the holster off.