Though (as you guys know) I’m carrying a slab-sided bottom feeder on a daily basis, I haven’t completely ditched my J-Frame. The 640 Pro gets pulled for those times when I must be 100% positive that my gun concealed. The holster it has been riding in is one I’ve yet to mention here: the Harry’s Holsters Icon J-Frame holster.
Recently Harrison Jones, the owner of Harry’s Holsters reached out and asked if I’d review this piece of Kydex. I agreed, and as soon as I pulled his Kydex out of the package I knew this was going to be a worthwhile addition to my carry options.
Harry’s Holsters Icon Features
The Harry’s Holsters Icon is what I’d call a “minimalist” holster design. It conspicuously lacks any superfluous material and fits my little 640 like a glove. While many holsters (especially AIWB holsters) seemed to be designed longer than they truly need to be, this one isn’t. It’s just big enough to fit the 2 1/8th” barrel, and fit it perfectly. If you’re packing a stubbier version of the 640 you might notice a tad bit of extra space, but there won’t be much.
As soon as I took the Harry’s Holsters Icon out of the package my first thought was, “wow, this thing is light!” I contacted Harrison Jones of Harry’s Holsters to ask if this was an exceptionally thin Kydex. As it turns out, at a nominal 0.08″ it’s not, but it may seem that way for a couple of reasons. First, as I mentioned earlier, there isn’t any extra material adding to the weight. Another factor contributing to the illusion that this is a very thin holster is how well-finished all the edges are. They are finely beveled and expertly finished.
The Icon is molded tightly to the gun, which can cause secondary problems in some designs. The sharp angle created by the leading edge of a revolver’s cylinder can cause a sharp area on a holster that can be quite uncomfortable. The Harry’s Holsters Icon doesn’t suffer this fate; the area surrounding the forward edge of the cylinder is sculpted into a comfortable, rounded profile. The entire outer surface of this rig is smooth and rounded; there isn’t a sharp edge to be found.
The Harry’s Holster Icon has a single belt clip rather than loops. The Icon’s clip, the Discrete Carry Concepts Mod W, is a spring steel clip. It boasts a nice under-hook which prevents the clip from coming off unless you want it to come off. The hook is also reversible, making this holster appropriate for right- and left-handed shooters. I’m usually not a fan of “convertible” holsters but this one actually works.
Finally, the Icon features a single tension screw. If found this required a little tightening initially to give me an audible and tactile “click” when the gun locks into the holster. I tightened this to the point that I could invert the holster without the revolver falling out. This offers all the retention I desired in a concealed rig while still permitting a smooth draw.
Wearing The Harry’s Holsters Icon
There have been several occasions in the past couple of months where wearing the 640 has been necessary because of my environment. I instruct for a living, which means standing in front of people, pretty much all day. Some of my audiences wouldn’t care if I open-carried (which I don’t). Some of my audiences would be aghast if they became aware that a gun was anywhere near them. With these groups I need completely assurance that my gun isn’t going to show.
Since getting the Icon, I’ve had quite a few occasions to wear my 640 in front of audiences of the latter persuasion. First and foremost, it hides my hardware very well. The gun disappears under anything, all the way down to a tightly-fitting t-shirt. I’ve yet to think twice about whether or not I’m printing with the 640/Icon combo. Secondly, it is comfortable. The minimalist design and melted edges make this one of the least bothersome holsters I’ve carried in awhile. I’ve been using it in the appendix position and really appreciate this factor.
If there’s one complaint about the Icon it’s the single clip. This can cause the holster to cant when I sit down. This pushes the butt of my revolver out and reduces its concealability somewhat. This isn’t a major issue but it does require me to adjust the gun slightly upon standing up. This may be a necessary evil on a holster this compact; adding another clip (or a wider one) would increase the overall size of the holster somewhat. I’m not sure the trade off would be worth it.
Harry’s Holsters’ Warranty
Harry’s Holsters provides a “No Nonsense Warranty” that I really appreciate it. So much so, I’ll post it, in it’s entirety here:
Harry’s Holsters No Nonsense Warranty is all about the most important person, you the customer! We will repair or replace your Harry’s Holsters in the event it becomes damaged or defective—at no charge to you. If your product cannot be repaired, we’ll replace it with a product in perfect working order of equal or better physical condition.
It doesn’t matter how it happened, whose fault it was, or where you purchased it. You can count on the No Nonsense Warranty for all your holster needs.
- Unlimited Lifetime Warranty
- Fully transferable
- No warranty card to fill out
- No receipt needed to hang on to
- If it’s made by us it’s covered!
- If you ever have a problem, no matter the cause, we promise to take care of you.
The No Nonsense Warranty does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that does not hinder the performance of the product.
Warranty does not cover normal wear.
The Bottom Line
This is an extremely well-crafted, minimalist holster. If you’re looking for a deep concealment rig for your J-Frame, check it out. Though currently the Harry’s Holster Icon is only available for up to 2.125″ J-Frames, I’ve talked to Harrison and he tells me that he is working on a Gen 2 model. The future version should support some other firearms including both the 2- and 3-inch Ruger LCRs and 3-inch S&W J-Frames.
You can order the Harry’s Holsters Icon as a “quick ship” option for $49.99, but it only comes in basic black (that’s my preference, anyhow). For a slight upcharge you can have it in any of a huge array of colors including four shades of brown, Tiffany Blue, Zombie Green, and half a dozen variants of Kryptek camo.
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I’m excited to hear about future three inch barrel options!
That looks like a nice rig! Do you wish the top was a little higher along the forward edge to shield the rear sight from skin contact, or do you not feel that?
I haven’t had a problem with that in this rig so far. I think This one sits a bit lower than my Dark Star, or the Dark Star doesn’t cover as much of the gun (I need to dig it out and compare) but overall, so far so good!
Very nice rig. I have been pleasantly surprised by how small a package a five-shot gun makes. Mine is a Taurus 85, copying so much from the J Frames, and it vanishes when carried. I pocketed it in a Simply Rugged holster until my Kimber K6S arrived.
Looks like I’ll be buying one soon. What kind of belt is that?
Jason,
It’s a tactical nylon belt from Precision Holsters – standby for a full review,
Justin
I really enjoy your write-ups, and consequent discussions, they are simply top notch. I have been carrying a S&W 442 in a sticky holster AIWB. It works ok for the most part, is comfortable and convenient to use, but I find myself wanting something a bit more secure and durable.
I was wondering how you would compare this Harry’s Holsters Icon to the Aker Model 160A IWB Holster that Mike Wood reviewed in February?
Thanks again,
Another Mike (not Mike Wood)
Mike,
Thanks for the clarification on names – lot of Mikes running around here! Unfortunately, I haven’t worked with the Aker and Mike (Wood) hasn’t worked with this one, so it’s hard for us to give a head-to-head comparison. Since both of these holsters have similar function, serve similar roles, and are similarly priced the choice probably largely comes down to your preferred material.
Sorry I can’t give you a better answer than that!
Justin
Justin,
Thank you for the response, yeah ….. lots of Mike’s out here that’s for sure. I reviewed both articles again, paying close attention to where you and Mike locate yours on your belts and how high they sit. Looks like you wear yours closer to how I wear mine in the sticky holster, and the Icon is a bit adjustable.
So based on all your’s and Mike’s excellent write-ups and pictures and my “thinkin'” and “mullin”, I ordered up a Harry’s Holster Icon.
Again, I very much appreciate your articles thank you.
Another Mike (not Mike Wood)