MArooned Product Review: Michael's Custom Holster K/L-Frame Tuckable

I mentioned a few months ago that Michael had sent me an "as yet un-named" holster for my Smith & Wesson model 242 ti. Well, it's been a while, and to the best of my knowledge the holster is still unnamed, but I wanted to give a more detailed review now that I've had some time to wear it out and about and inside outside upside down. Here's the holster in question again:

Name Me!

That's the 242 right there, and I've also been carrying my Smith & Wesson model 13 in this holster as well. The 242 is an L-frame, a medium to large frame revolver; the 13 is a K-frame, slight smaller but still a decidedly large handgun. This size was the standard duty gun for police both local, state, and Federal for decades, and for good reason. The gun is large enough that even .357 Magnum rounds out of the model 13 are manageable, and in the 242, there's seven rounds of .38 Special +P goodness.

The tradeoff, of course, is weight: the model 13 weighs over 35 ounces loaded. The 242 is much lighter at 21 ounces loaded; however that's heavier than the Ruger LC9 with one more round. These aren't guns that carry easily - unless you have the right equipment. Enter Michael. I've got his Executive II for the much smaller and lighter J-frame, and even my dad's all-steel model 36 is a joy to carry all day long. I wanted to see if Michael's magic extended to the larger revolver, and I'm happy to report that it most certainly does.

The first thing I noticed was how well the holster tucks the gun into my body:

Keeping things close

I find it works best around four o'clock, setting the gun slightly behind my back. The curves of the holster fit best in that position, and it's a comfortable, easy reach with my dominant hand. Obviously a vest, fleece pullover, sweater, or sweatshirt can conceal this easily; however, it is also tuckable:

Gone!

I carried my model 13 - all 35 ounces of it - all day long for the better part of several weekends, and Michael's quality holster made it easy. With the Airweight 242, it was like there was nothing there at all. The holster does not move at all; holds the revolver securely yet allows for a smooth draw, and holds up extremely well to day-to-day carry. I have no qualms whatsoever about carrying a full size revolver in this holster, because I know that no matter what the day has in store for me, the holster can handle it.

Now all Michael has to do is give it a catchy name - let's give him some ideas!

That is all.