Kytac Appendix IWB J-Frame Holster Review (tuckable)

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Burk Cornelius

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Background: I have wanted to start carrying my 642 in the appendix position, so I asked David Elderton at KyTac Holsters to make me an appendix carry holster for my J-Frame. I hadn't seen exactly what I wanted so I explained it to him and he came up with a design. I don’t know if it has a name so I will just call it the “Burk”

First Glance: When you first look at it your response will be “damn, that is SMALL” which is exactly what an appendix holster should be. The edges are smoothed and polished and the overall look is sleek. No edges protruding or pointy things in a place where you don’t want pointy things.

Holster quality: The holster is a very high quality Kydex as all of David’s stuff is. Not sure of the thickness he used but it is thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to not be bulky. You can tell this is quality workmanship just by looking at it. The clip portion is attached to the body of the holster with two screws, not rivets.

Firearm fit. The fit for my 642 was excellent, as I assume it would be for any J-Frame size revolver. I shot the Heartland Carry Gun match with this holster and the draw was smooth as butta with no “jerk” required to get the gun out yet the retention was sufficient.The retention is adjustable with two small screws. I will probably tighten themup a little for my daily carry.

Overall Impressions: The revolver rides IWB so the back of the cylinder is even with the top of the waistline. The large kydex clip is offset from the cylinder to keep a thinner profile. I wear a double Filson belt and I had David make the clip extra big so it would go all the way around it. The big belt helps stabilize it as well. The holster doesn't rock back and forth any and it definitely doesn't try to tip forward like some snubby holsters.

The clip is attached to the body of the holster at the bottom (muzzle end) so as to make it tuck-able. I have not tried this feature but it looks like it would work just fine. David recommended placing some thin washers between the body and the clip to make a little more space for a shirt, if tucking. I will post some pictures with it“tucked” later

PROS:

Very Minimalist
Nice fit and finish
Good retention
Quality Kydex
Smooth draw
Easy On/Off
Made in Oklahoma!

CONS:

makes we want to get another one for my G26

OVERALL RATING: 5 +P hollowpoints (out of five)

PICTURES:
ai373.photobucket.com_albums_oo177_BurkC_P3070024.jpg

ai373.photobucket.com_albums_oo177_BurkC_P3070028.jpg

ai373.photobucket.com_albums_oo177_BurkC_P3070006.jpg
 
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Crosstimbers Okie

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That's the best way to carry a 2 inch J-Frame sized gun. I carried mine that way for years in a Milt Sparks IWB holster. The snapped belt loop made it more comfortable because it allowed it to swivel while bending over or sitting down.
 

Burk Cornelius

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ADDENDUM

I wore this holster 14 hours a day for the last three days at a conference wearing a suit (sans tie) and used the tuckable feature. You have to figure out how to tuck it properly but I got the hang of it and after that it was a breeze. 330 Land Surveyors and not one person ever noticed that I had the J -Frame tucked in the appendix position, and many of them are gun guys.

So, if I hadn't already given a 5 hollowpoint rating I would raise it. Bottom line, this is the best appendix j-frame holster made
 

poopgiggle

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Gettin' some deja vu over here...

ai.imgur.com_26aFc.jpg


Looks just like my Comp-Tac 2 O'clock except I got mine with a J-clip. It's less obvious than a clip like yours but its hold on the belt is tenuous at best; half the time it's just hanging off my pants.
 

Michael Brown

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ADDENDUM
Bottom line, this is the best appendix j-frame holster made

Have you fought with this on and tried to retain it?

I'm skeptical of any kydex belt clip's ability to keep the gun from being ripped out.

I would want to put a flexible loop on it before I'd be confident it wouldn't fail in a fight.

Michael Brown
 

poopgiggle

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Have you fought with this on and tried to retain it?

I'm skeptical of any kydex belt clip's ability to keep the gun from being ripped out.

I would want to put a flexible loop on it before I'd be confident it wouldn't fail in a fight.

Michael Brown

Since this holster, like most IWB holsters, doesn't have any retention mechanism I think the gun would just come out of the holster before you'd have to worry about belt clips failing.

One of the advantages (theoretically, I haven't tested it myself) of appendix carry is that it's in a position where it's easier to keep someone from grabbing it and fight for the gun more effectively.
 

Jefpainthorse

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one of the big reasons for appendix carry is -

it's supposed to be possible to draw when a bad guy has you in a bear hug or pinned with the arms trapped. The theory is, if your hands can still wiggle around- you should be able to draw the gun- and make a Hail Mary pelvic shot on the adversary.

Mike... if I was a LEO and had to worry about fighting suspects to effect an arrest I'd probably have that holster made with a substantial belt loop too.
 

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