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CCW Holster Python Combat Elite

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3.2K views 30 replies 9 participants last post by  first colt  
#1 ·
Picked up a Python Combat Elite 3" for concealed carry, but having difficulty in finding a high quality IWB CCW holster. Any suggestions?
 
#4 ·
Those are pretty hefty with the unfluted cylinder (I need to weigh them both sometime). I think the Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder Hoster is a great option, especially with the weight.

For IWB, my preference is a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2, but that will take some time. If you want something quick, the Garrett Silent Thunder Warrior can be had within a few weeks. High quality, but to me it doesn't carry as easily as the VM2.

For OWB, I've found the Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake to be comfortable, very concealable and quite durable. Also reasonably priced and available with a short lead time.
 
#5 ·
Those are pretty hefty with the unfluted cylinder (I need to weigh them both sometime). I think the Galco Miami Classic II Shoulder Hoster is a great option, especially with the weight.

For IWB, my preference is a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2, but that will take some time. If you want something quick, the Garrett Silent Thunder Warrior can be had within a few weeks. High quality, but to me it doesn't carry as easily as the VM2.

For OWB, I've found the Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake to be comfortable, very concealable and quite durable. Also reasonably priced and available with a short lead time.
I've never EDC'd a wheel gun, but +1 on the VersaMax II. I use it with ALL of my EDC 1911's, which most people consider to be heavy pistols, and I barely notice the weight with the VersaMax II and a Daltech Force Bull belt rig.
 
#9 ·
I've never EDC'd a wheel gun, but +1 on the VersaMax II. I use it with ALL of my EDC 1911's, which most people consider to be heavy pistols, and I barely notice the weight with the VersaMax II and a Daltech Force Bull belt rig.
That's where I started my love for the VM2, with my 1911s. When I started buying revolvers, I was skeptical about using the VM2 with one, but ordered and am now convinced. Still one of the best!
My 2.5 comes in at 2.5 pounds so the combat elite 3 i guess a tad heavier . I use 2 for my python ,the garrett for quick trips ,summertime wear and the kramer for all day both require a loose fitting shirt for CC and a good belt .
I've got the Python Combat Elite as well as a 3" Python. The Elite feels substantially heavier to me, but I need to actually weigh them to see if my perception is accurate. Won't be home to them for another couple weeks or so.
 
#10 ·
Just to note, if you are looking at all for an inexpensive OWB holster, the De Santis 00133 leather pancake style holster works well. Originally designed for the 3 inch S&W L frame revolver, it also fits my 3 inch Python very well. As it does my S&W 69 2.75" .44 mag. A very versatile holster. In fact, most holsters designed for the S&W series of L frame revolvers also fit the Python very well, something to note if you are having a hard time finding one specifically marketed for the 3" Python.

Larry
 
#12 ·
I'm also using a Galco for my 3". Carries nicely. How do you feel it carries for CCW?? I'm in the PNW and heavy shirts and jackets will be the norm for the next 3-4 months! I mostly wear cargo pants with a Bullhide or Hank's Belts heavy belt.
 
#13 ·
Colt Python 3" is THE gun of choice for CCW for me personally. Let me quickly dive into this.

I tried carrying all steel compact semi-auto, and polymer micro compact, AIWB and IWB at 5, and walking around with one of those was perfectly fine. Keep in mind it's really hot where I am all year around, so I usually wear super thin shorts or pants, or pants that convert to shorts, with either short sleeve or more formal long sleeve shirt on the outside. Shorts or pants with such thin stretchy fabric are NOT load bearing, and I can forget about pocket carry of any kind, and shoulder rig - well it does not work. So, it is stiff gun belt and IWB for me.

Anyway, walking about all those holster and gun options worked real well for me, for the most part. Most part being the spare magazine. I resorted to carrying spare magazine in the pocket, since I don't want anything else sticking out on my belt. Magazine was rather visible in the pocket from thin fabric. But the main issue with these guns is that they would not work in the car. You can't go anywhere here without a car, so any trip to anywhere you gotta sit in the car. With semi autos the grip would dig into my side or stomach and make me move the firearm into the center console, which became pain in the butt.

Now, Python grip with service panels is a thing of beauty. It is thin and smooth, and I can sit on it all day long in the car, and the rest of firearm leans into my body. Spare speed-loader WAS a pain, until I swapped it to a speed strip. Now I carry Python all day, any day, and I can get in and out of the car without worrying about it. I love it.

Why not smaller revolver? I decided to go with the biggest one I can comfortably carry, because the lighter you go, the worst shooting experience gets. You pick some super light snubby, and you end up not wanting to shoot it at all. I was thinking about K-frame, 13/65/66, but decided to give Python a try, and I loved it. So Python it is.
 
#15 ·
I've carried since we moved to WA State (from Cali) over 20 years ago. Currently, I have carry permits for WA, UT, & OR. I have run the gambit from a Colt .25 to a Colt SAA Sheriff's in .44 spl. Full size 1911, Commander, Officer's Enhanced 1911, full gambit of Glocks from G43 to G29SF, Bersa, Colt 380, Walther 32 acp., S & W 19 2.5". Living the Cascade Foothills, I field carry the Python, a G-20, or Ruger OM Blackhawk in 45 Colt. My wife and I currently carrySigP-365 in 9mm (9+1). During winter (which is coming upon very fast this year!), I switch to a G-27 converted to 357 Sig or G-29 SF in 10mm. I have had three Pythons: the first two were BBQ guns (I think there are some old pics I posted a couple of years ago). I Love them but my 3" Stainless is now a bedroom gun!
 
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