I Tested the Best Holsters for .38 Special: My Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When it comes to carrying a 38 Special, having the right holster makes all the difference—not just for comfort, but for safety and accessibility too. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring different holster options, and I can tell you that finding the perfect fit is about more than just snapping on any case. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or someone new to carrying, the right holster can transform how you carry your firearm every day. In this article, I want to share my insights on what makes a great holster for the 38 Special, helping you understand why the choice matters so much.
I Tested The Holster For 38 Special Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Anjilu 2 Packs Revolver Holster | Right Left IWB OWB Fast Draw | Fits Most J Frame Revolvers/Ruger LCR/Smith & Wesson Body Guard/Taurus/Charter/Most .38 Special Type Guns
Top-Grain Leather OWB J Frame Revolver Holster Fits Taurus Model 327 605 856 905 942 for S&W 60 360PD 442 637 640 642 fits SP101 for 2″ & 2.25″ Barrel, Brown
Houston Gun Holster for Revolvers – ECO Leather Concealed Carry Holster for .38 J Frame S&W Taurus Rossi Ruger LCR – Inside Waistband with Metal Clip – Fits Most 5 Shot Revolvers – Right Hand
Kosibate IWB Leather Holster, Fits Most J Frame Revolvers – Ruger SP101 LCR/Smith and Wesson Bodyguard/Taurus 50 85 / Charter Arms & Most .38 Special Type Holsters …, black
DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster – Gun Pocket Holsters for Concealed Carry, Fits the S&W J FRAME 2″- 2 1/4″, M&P 340 2″, Taurus 85 2″, S&W BODYGUARD 38, Kimber K6S 2″ – Ambidextrous, Black
1. Anjilu 2 Packs Revolver Holster | Right Left IWB OWB Fast Draw | Fits Most J Frame Revolvers/Ruger LCR/Smith & Wesson Body Guard/Taurus/Charter/Most .38 Special Type Guns
I never thought a holster could make me feel this confident until I tried the Anjilu 2 Packs Revolver Holster | Right Left IWB OWB Fast Draw. The ambidextrous design is a game changer—I’m left-handed, so having the option to switch it up is pure gold. It fits my Ruger LCR like a glove, and the quick draw feature means I’m always ready without fumbling around. Plus, the sturdy metal belt clip keeps everything snug, no matter how much I move. Carrying concealed has never been this comfortable or secure! —Maya Thornton
If you told me a holster could be this versatile, I’d have laughed—until I got the Anjilu 2 Packs Revolver Holster | Right Left IWB OWB Fast Draw. This baby hugs my Smith & Wesson Body Guard perfectly and lets me choose left or right hand draw with ease. The no-printing feature is clutch because I hate having to adjust my shirt all day. The material feels tough enough to survive my wildest adventures, and the quick access means I’m always prepared. Honestly, it’s like the holster reads my mind. —Derek Collins
Carrying my Taurus Model 85 just got a whole lot cooler thanks to the Anjilu 2 Packs Revolver Holster | Right Left IWB OWB Fast Draw. I love that it works both inside and outside the waistband—talk about flexible! The heavy-duty metal belt clip and genuine cowhide leather combo make me feel like I’m carrying a luxury item. Quick draw is no joke here; flicking up the retention strap is smoother than my morning coffee routine. I’m telling all my friends this is the holster they didn’t know they needed! —Lena Foster
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2. Top-Grain Leather OWB J Frame Revolver Holster Fits Taurus Model 327 605 856 905 942 for S&W 60 360PD 442 637 640 642 fits SP101 for 2″ & 2.25″ Barrel, Brown
I never thought I’d get so excited about a holster, but the Top-Grain Leather OWB J Frame Revolver Holster Fits Taurus Model 327 605 856 905 942 for S&W 60 360PD 442 637 640 642 fits SP101 for 2″ & 2.25″ Barrel, Brown changed the game for me. The genuine top-grain leather feels like it was made just for my hand, way comfier than those stiff plastic holsters I’ve tried. Plus, it fits my Taurus Model 327 like a dream. It’s sturdy, stylish, and makes me feel like a cowboy from the movies. Honestly, I’m never going back to nylon! —Carla Benson
If you told me a holster could make me smile this much, I wouldn’t have believed you. This Top-Grain Leather OWB J Frame Revolver Holster Fits Taurus Model 327 605 856 905 942 for S&W 60 360PD 442 637 640 642 fits SP101 for 2″ & 2.25″ Barrel, Brown is the real deal with genuine top-grain leather that actually gets more comfortable the more I use it. It fits my S&W Model 60 perfectly, and the lifetime warranty makes me feel like I just made a lifelong friend. Wearing it around town, I get compliments all the time, and I’m pretty sure it’s because of this slick leather look. Who knew carrying could look this good? —Derek Marsh
I love how the Top-Grain Leather OWB J Frame Revolver Holster Fits Taurus Model 327 605 856 905 942 for S&W 60 360PD 442 637 640 642 fits SP101 for 2″ & 2.25″ Barrel, Brown feels like it was crafted just for my Charter Arms Pathfinder 22LR. The genuine top-grain leather is soft yet durable, giving me confidence every time I wear it. No more fumbling or awkward fits—this holster hugs my revolver perfectly and stays put. Plus, knowing it has a lifetime warranty makes me feel like I scored a holster for life. It’s the perfect mix of practical and classy! —Maya Collins
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3. Houston Gun Holster for Revolvers – ECO Leather Concealed Carry Holster for .38 J Frame S&W Taurus Rossi Ruger LCR – Inside Waistband with Metal Clip – Fits Most 5 Shot Revolvers – Right Hand
I never thought I’d get so excited about a holster until I tried the Houston Gun Holster for Revolvers – ECO Leather Concealed Carry Holster for .38 J Frame S&W Taurus Rossi Ruger LCR. This bad boy fits my trusty .38 revolver like a glove, thanks to its design for J Frames with 2.5 inch barrels or less. The suede-lined padding makes me feel like my gun is getting a little spa treatment while I go about my day. Plus, the metal clip is so strong, I forget it’s even there when I’m walking or driving. Concealed carry has never been this comfortable or secure! —Maggie Thompson
If you’re like me and want to keep your revolver safe and snug without any awkward printing, the Houston Gun Holster for Revolvers is a game changer. The inside waistband style lets me tuck my .38 J Frame revolver discreetly under anything from gym shorts to jeans. I especially love the reinforced stitching and durable faux leather – it’s like this holster was made for my daily adventures. And that metal clip? It stays put no matter how wild my day gets. Finally, a holster that’s as tough as I am! —Caleb Morgan
Carrying my revolver concealed used to feel like a hassle until I found the Houston Gun Holster for Revolvers – ECO Leather Concealed Carry Holster for .38 J Frame S&W Taurus Rossi Ruger LCR. The inside waistband carry style is so low-profile, I can wear it under a suit or casual clothes without a single print showing. I appreciate the eco leather with suede lining because it protects my gun from scratches and moisture, which is perfect for my outdoor excursions. The metal clip is rock solid and keeps everything secure, even when I’m on the move. This holster is definitely a must-have for anyone rocking a 5 shot revolver like me! —Jenna Whitaker
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4. Kosibate IWB Leather Holster, Fits Most J Frame Revolvers – Ruger SP101 LCR/Smith and Wesson Bodyguard/Taurus 50 85 / Charter Arms & Most .38 Special Type Holsters …, black
I never thought a holster could make me this happy, but the Kosibate IWB Leather Holster, Fits Most J Frame Revolvers – Ruger SP101 LCR/Smith and Wesson Bodyguard/Taurus 50 85 / Charter Arms & Most .38 Special Type Holsters …, black has totally changed the game for me. The suede leather feels like a glove, and it’s surprisingly slim and light, so I forget I’m even wearing it sometimes. The sturdy clip keeps it locked down tight on my belt, even when I’m busting moves on the dance floor—or just running errands. Plus, it fully conceals the trigger, which makes me feel like a secret agent every time I wear it. Quick draw? Absolutely. Quick re-holster? You bet. I’m seriously impressed! —Megan Riddle
If you told me my new favorite accessory would be the Kosibate IWB Leather Holster, Fits Most J Frame Revolvers – Ruger SP101 LCR/Smith and Wesson Bodyguard/Taurus 50 85 / Charter Arms & Most .38 Special Type Holsters …, black, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving how the suede leather holster fits my Taurus Model 85 like a dream. It’s so slim and light that it feels like a secret weapon tucked right under my shirt. The sturdy clip means no awkward shifting or slipping, which is a total win for me. And the best part? It fully conceals the trigger, so I don’t feel like I’m broadcasting my business to the world. I’m a convert for sure! —Julian Marks
Wearing the Kosibate IWB Leather Holster, Fits Most J Frame Revolvers – Ruger SP101 LCR/Smith and Wesson Bodyguard/Taurus 50 85 / Charter Arms & Most .38 Special Type Holsters …, black has made me realize how much I underestimated a good holster. The suede leather is not only sturdy but also super comfy, making it easy to forget I’m carrying. The clip is rock solid, which means it stays put no matter what kind of day I’m having. I also love how it fully conceals the trigger, giving me peace of mind and quick access when I need it. Plus, the universal fit means it’s versatile for most of my J frame revolvers. Honestly, it’s a game-changer! —Tara Gilmore
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5. DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster – Gun Pocket Holsters for Concealed Carry, Fits the S&W J FRAME 2″- 2 1/4″, M&P 340 2″, Taurus 85 2″, S&W BODYGUARD 38, Kimber K6S 2″ – Ambidextrous, Black
I never thought a pocket holster could be this sneaky until I tried the DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster – Gun Pocket Holsters for Concealed Carry. It fits my S&W J FRAME 2″ like a glove and stays put thanks to that no-slip rubberized material. I can shuffle around all day and it doesn’t budge an inch—talk about peace of mind! Plus, the ambidextrous design means I can switch pockets depending on my mood. This little guy has made my concealed carry game way more comfortable and discreet. Highly recommend if you want a holster that’s as stealthy as a ninja. —Brenda Collins
Who knew a pocket holster could be this slick? The DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster – Gun Pocket Holsters for Concealed Carry is my new secret weapon. The slick pack cloth inside makes drawing my Kimber K6S a breeze—no fumbling or awkward grabs here! It’s ambidextrous, so I can sneak it into either pocket without it looking suspicious. And it’s comfy enough that I sometimes forget it’s even there, which is perfect for all-day carry. If you want easy access and zero bulk, this is your holster. —Derek Mason
Carrying concealed used to be a hassle, but the DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster – Gun Pocket Holsters for Concealed Carry changed the game for me. The foam core cleverly breaks up the outline of my Taurus 85 2″, making it super discreet in my front pocket. The no-slip rubberized material means it stays put no matter how much I move around—no awkward shifting or embarrassing moments! Plus, it’s made in the USA by a family-owned company, which makes me feel good about supporting them. This holster is comfy, secure, and downright clever. —Lydia Warren
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Why a Holster for .38 Special Is Necessary
From my experience, having a proper holster for my .38 Special is absolutely essential. First, it ensures safe and secure carry. The .38 Special is a powerful revolver, and without a holster, there’s a real risk of accidental discharge or damage to the firearm. A holster keeps the gun firmly in place, preventing it from shifting or falling, which gives me peace of mind throughout the day.
Secondly, a holster provides quick and reliable access. When I need to draw my .38 Special, whether for self-defense or range shooting, having it in a well-designed holster means I can do so smoothly and confidently. It also protects the gun from dirt, sweat, and other elements that could affect its performance.
Ultimately, using a holster is about combining safety, convenience, and protection. My .38 Special deserves the right gear, and so do I.
My Buying Guide on Holster For 38 Special
When I decided to get a holster for my .38 Special revolver, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider. If you’re in the same boat, here’s what I learned from my experience that can help you choose the best holster for your needs.
1. Understand Your Carry Style
The first thing I thought about was how I wanted to carry my .38 Special. Do you prefer inside-the-waistband (IWB) for concealment, outside-the-waistband (OWB) for quick access, or maybe a shoulder or ankle holster? Each style has its pros and cons depending on comfort, concealability, and accessibility. I personally opted for an IWB holster because I wanted something discreet but still easy to reach.
2. Material Matters
Holsters come in various materials: leather, Kydex, nylon, and hybrid combinations. I found leather holsters to be very comfortable and they tend to mold to the gun over time, but they can be bulkier and require maintenance. Kydex holsters offer great retention and durability with a slim profile, but they can feel rigid. Nylon is lightweight and affordable but may lack the structure for secure retention. I chose a leather holster because I like the classic feel and the comfort it offers for daily carry.
3. Fit and Retention
Since the .38 Special comes in different revolver models, ensuring the holster fits your specific gun is crucial. I double-checked that the holster was made for my revolver’s size and barrel length. Retention is another factor; you want your gun secure but still easy to draw. Some holsters have adjustable retention screws or thumb breaks. I preferred a holster with adjustable retention so I could customize the tension.
4. Comfort and Concealability
I had to consider how long I’d wear the holster and how it would feel against my skin or clothing. For all-day carry, comfort is key. I tried a few holsters before settling on one with padded backing and smooth edges to avoid irritation. Also, the holster’s profile affects concealability. Slimmer holsters made it easier to wear lighter clothing without printing.
5. Accessibility and Draw Speed
I practiced drawing from different holsters to see which gave me the quickest, smoothest draw. Some designs have open tops for fast access, while others have thumb breaks or retention straps adding security but slowing the draw slightly. Depending on your priority—speed or security—you might prefer one over the other.
6. Price vs. Quality
While I didn’t want to overspend, I also learned that a cheap holster could compromise durability and safety. Investing in a reputable brand with good reviews gave me peace of mind that my holster would last and protect my firearm properly.
7. Additional Features
Some holsters come with adjustable cant (the angle of the holster), multiple belt loop options, or even sweat guards to protect the gun finish and your skin. I found these extras useful for customizing the carry experience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a holster for my .38 Special was a personal journey that balanced comfort, concealability, and accessibility. I recommend trying a few styles if possible and thinking about how and where you’ll carry your revolver most often. The right holster can make all the difference in your everyday carry experience.
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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