I am looking for recommendations on quality holsters for a S&W model 29 6.5” revolver. I have been thinking about a couple holsters of different styles. Of course a shoulder holster is almost mandatory because of the history on the 29 6.5”. A belt holster would be nice as well. I am partial to full flap holsters for a revolver this big. I am hoping there are some good recommendations from quality holster makers.
![Image]()
M25max
Holster recommendation S&W 29 6.5”
I am looking for recommendations on quality holsters for a S&W model 29 6.5” revolver. I have been thinking about a couple holsters of different styles. Of course a shoulder holster is almost mandatory because of the history on the 29 6.5”. A belt holster would be nice as well. I am partial to full flap holsters for a revolver this big. I am hoping there are some good recommendations from quality holster makers.
![Image]()
You'll find that El Paso Saddlery is notorious for delivery issues. They are usually a month or two later than stated.
Fantastic product, but famously poor delivery time.
Fantastic product, but famously poor delivery time.
Home | Rodek Leather Works
www.rodekleather.com
Give Ed a call and tell him what you're looking for. He's easy to talk to. He'll tell you if he can do it.
All his stuff is made to order.
Ed does custom work. You won't beat his prices and quality anywhere. His prices are generally 1/3 or less of commercial prices.
Ed is a perfectionist. If it's not exactly right then he won't ship it. He uses heavy leather that maintains its shape and lasts. His isn't some flimsy cheaply made stuff. It's thick quality leather.
Unless it's something unusual Ed's turn around delivery time is about 1-2 weeks.
Ed works out of his house and is the only employee. It's a hobby for him. He's been doing leatherwork since at least the 70s that I've known him.
www.rodekleather.com
Give Ed a call and tell him what you're looking for. He's easy to talk to. He'll tell you if he can do it.
All his stuff is made to order.
Ed does custom work. You won't beat his prices and quality anywhere. His prices are generally 1/3 or less of commercial prices.
Ed is a perfectionist. If it's not exactly right then he won't ship it. He uses heavy leather that maintains its shape and lasts. His isn't some flimsy cheaply made stuff. It's thick quality leather.
Unless it's something unusual Ed's turn around delivery time is about 1-2 weeks.
Ed works out of his house and is the only employee. It's a hobby for him. He's been doing leatherwork since at least the 70s that I've known him.
I also have a 29/6.5", I have a Simply Rugged holster, but this is a very large platform for comfortable carry. 
Besides the holster, have you considered what gun belt you're going to hang it on? that M-29 has some pretty serious weight on it. Anythingother than a dedicated gun belt will make your life miserable.
For me a full flap holster is a pain in the keester to draw from. They look good, but without a lot of practice they're not very efficient.
I recommend going to a gunstore and looking at a varitety of the holsters available, and try them out with either your pistol (if they'll allow it), or one of their pistols.
My ultimate preference is the 1791 holster brand. @ Home | 1791 Gunleather e-Shop Holsters, Gunbelts, Rifle Sling, Magazine
For my N-frame revolvers I prefer a simple thumb strap holster
Holsters are so hard to get "right", that many of us have multiple holsters for any given carry gun. What I think You might like may be so far from reality that what we like can only be simple suggestions.
I have 3 very large totes full of holsters, for many of the guns I own. And most of them are in the totes because they never lived up to my expectations.
This photo is about 25% for the holsters I have. Most of these are for revolvers. My absolute favorite outfit is the black Lawrence gun belt and holster, at the far right top in the photo.
Blackcloud3 here on the forum gifted it to me.
![Image]()
For me a full flap holster is a pain in the keester to draw from. They look good, but without a lot of practice they're not very efficient.
I recommend going to a gunstore and looking at a varitety of the holsters available, and try them out with either your pistol (if they'll allow it), or one of their pistols.
My ultimate preference is the 1791 holster brand. @ Home | 1791 Gunleather e-Shop Holsters, Gunbelts, Rifle Sling, Magazine
For my N-frame revolvers I prefer a simple thumb strap holster
Holsters are so hard to get "right", that many of us have multiple holsters for any given carry gun. What I think You might like may be so far from reality that what we like can only be simple suggestions.
I have 3 very large totes full of holsters, for many of the guns I own. And most of them are in the totes because they never lived up to my expectations.
This photo is about 25% for the holsters I have. Most of these are for revolvers. My absolute favorite outfit is the black Lawrence gun belt and holster, at the far right top in the photo.
Blackcloud3 here on the forum gifted it to me.
I prefer a cross draw for my .44 Mags. They are comfortable to wear, don't bang into the equipment when getting on and off the tractors, or when driving. I have carried my 4in, 6.5, and 3in this one often.
This model from Mernickle
(I am old, so it was cheaper when I got it.
This model from Mernickle
(I am old, so it was cheaper when I got it.
For a big revolver like the S&W 29 with a 6.5" barrel, you’ll want something that balances comfort, retention, and durability — especially if you're carrying it in the field or using it for hunting.
For leather, I'd highly recommend Simply Rugged or Galco. The Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake is a classic — it works OWB and can be converted to crossdraw or chest carry with their Chesty Puller rig. Galco also makes the Kodiak Chest Holster, which is great for hiking or backwoods carry.
If you're looking for a chest rig, also check out Diamond D Custom Leather — their Guide’s Choice is a favorite among revolver hunters.
For more modern materials, GunfightersINC makes a Kydex chest holster (Kenai) for large revolvers that fits the 6.5” barrel perfectly and is very secure.
These aren’t cheap holsters, but for a big iron like the Model 29, they’re worth it.
Hope that helps!
For leather, I'd highly recommend Simply Rugged or Galco. The Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake is a classic — it works OWB and can be converted to crossdraw or chest carry with their Chesty Puller rig. Galco also makes the Kodiak Chest Holster, which is great for hiking or backwoods carry.
If you're looking for a chest rig, also check out Diamond D Custom Leather — their Guide’s Choice is a favorite among revolver hunters.
For more modern materials, GunfightersINC makes a Kydex chest holster (Kenai) for large revolvers that fits the 6.5” barrel perfectly and is very secure.
These aren’t cheap holsters, but for a big iron like the Model 29, they’re worth it.
Hope that helps!
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
