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Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: MillCreek on November 23, 2021, 10:26:25 AM

Title: New Chicago screws on a kydex holster
Post by: MillCreek on November 23, 2021, 10:26:25 AM
I have a variety of snub nose revolvers in .38 and .357. I have a few kydex holsters for them, but they generally are sized for a J-frame.  Most of my .357 snub nose revolvers would not fit regardless of how loose I set the tension screws.  I had an idea the other day and ordered a longer (1/2 screw and 5/8 inch spacer) set of Chicago screws and spacers from Amazon.  After replacing the original tension screws with the longer set, my 2.25" SP-101 now fits in the J frame kydex holster like a glove and I have lots of screw thread capacity to tighten or loosen the tension screws as needed. I wish I had thought of this earlier.
Title: Re: New Chicago screws on a kydex holster
Post by: lee n. field on November 23, 2021, 10:50:09 AM
I have a variety of snub nose revolvers in .38 and .357.

They multiply.

Quote
I have a few kydex holsters for them, but they generally are sized for a J-frame.  Most of my .357 snub nose revolvers would not fit regardless of how loose I set the tension screws.  I had an idea the other day and ordered a longer (1/2 screw and 5/8 inch spacer) set of Chicago screws and spacers from Amazon.  After replacing the original tension screws with the longer set, my 2.25" SP-101 now fits in the J frame kydex holster like a glove and I have lots of screw thread capacity to tighten or loosen the tension screws as needed. I wish I had thought of this earlier.

How is retention now?  That's usually done by molding to the trigger guard, and how I picture what you've done would screw that up.

There's a bunch of different guns in that intermediate size between j-frame and K-frame.  I would not expect an SP-101 to fit well in a molded hard kydex j-frame holster. 
Title: Re: New Chicago screws on a kydex holster
Post by: MillCreek on November 23, 2021, 11:05:20 AM
^^^Of note, the Ruger fits well in this holster (note it can accommodate a 640) with the replaced tension screws: Clip and carry holster  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDY7GW3?ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details&th=1&psc=1

The Ruger does not fit as well in this holster, even with the replaced tension screws, as the holster above:  Gun and Flower holster  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094MWGLBP?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

The clip and carry holster is physically larger than the Gun and Flower holster and I think that accounts for the better fit with the replaced tension screws.  Even with the replaced screws, I cannot get anything larger than the SP-101 into it.  My 2.75 inch Security Six would not fit.

Both of these holsters are designed to fit several generic J-frame sized guns, and they are not specifically molded only for a 2" S&W 637, for example.  So I think this is the quality that gives me some room to tinker with the tension screws.  By adjusting the screws, I can shake upside down the clip and carry with the Ruger in it and the revolver does not fall out.  I can also draw and reholster without dragging.  Unless I find a better candidate, I think I will get a couple more of the clip and carry, swap out the tension screws and devote those to my .357 snub revolvers.  The gun and flower holsters will be reserved for my .38 J-frame size revolvers and I don't need to swap out the original tension screws for that use.
Title: Re: New Chicago screws on a kydex holster
Post by: Grandpa Shooter on November 24, 2021, 09:53:52 AM
Don't forget to put some mild thread locker on the screws.  Over time they will loosen up.  I've used them for years on saddles, reins, halters, belts I have repaired or made, and learned to use a thread locker to secure them.
Title: Re: New Chicago screws on a kydex holster
Post by: Lennyjoe on November 24, 2021, 10:16:23 AM
Exactly what I didn’t do and I lost a screw for my kydex P365 holster. Was wondering if Amazon had them so I’ll look for a replacement now.  Thanks for the heads up.