Quick answer: For a 357 Magnum revolver, an OWB pancake holster with a thumb break is the most popular choice, a leather IWB holster suits discreet carry, and a shoulder holster is comfortable for larger, heavier revolvers. Match the holster to your barrel length, such as 4 or 6 inches, and consider a speedloader case or pouch for spare rounds.
The .357 Magnum is one of the most versatile revolver cartridges ever designed. A revolver chambered for it can also fire .38 Special rounds, which makes it popular for target shooting, home defense, hunting backup and carry. These revolvers are larger and heavier than small-frame models, so the holster you choose matters. Here is how to pick the best one.
Match the holster to your revolver
Unlike many semi-automatic pistols, revolvers come in many barrel lengths and frame sizes. Before you shop, note:
- Frame size, such as a K-frame or a larger N-frame or similar
- Barrel length, commonly 2, 3, 4 or 6 inches
- Special grips, rails or accessories that change the shape
Our product pages note the barrel lengths each holster is made for. If you own a medium-frame Smith & Wesson, see our K-frame holster guide; for a smaller one, see the J-frame guide.
OWB pancake holsters for 357 Magnum
A pancake holster keeps a heavier revolver close to your body and spreads the weight along your belt. Our 357 Magnum pancake holsters are handmade from genuine cowhide leather:
- Open-end pancake holster, 2-slot, thumb break
- Closed-end pancake holster, 2-slot, thumb break
- Open-end pancake holster with a single speedloader case
- Open-end pancake holster with a double speedloader case
- Closed-end pancake holster with a double speedloader case
- Pancake holster with a single speedloader case and belt
- Pancake holster with a double speedloader case and belt
357 Magnum IWB holsters
For discreet daily carry, we offer leather IWB holsters with belt clips for 357 Magnum revolvers: the K165 and KM158, in black and brown. Inside-the-waistband carry works best with a sturdy belt and relaxed waistband when the revolver is large; our IWB vs OWB comparison helps you decide.
Handmade leather holsters for 357 Magnum revolvers
Shoulder holsters for 357 Magnum revolvers
A shoulder holster is one of the most comfortable ways to carry a large revolver. It moves the weight from your belt to your shoulders, and a speedloader pouch on the opposite side balances the setup. Options include:
- Vertical shoulder holster for 357 Magnum 6-inch and similar revolvers
- Vertical shoulder holster with a double speedloader pouch, 6-inch
- Vertical shoulder holster with soft lining and a double speedloader pouch, 4 to 5-inch
- Vertical shoulder holster with a double speedloader pouch
- Vertical shoulder and belt holster with a double speedloader pouch, 4-inch
- Basketweave vertical shoulder holster with a double speedloader case, 4-inch
Read our shoulder holster guide to learn how to wear and adjust them.
Two-gun and combo sets
If you carry or collect more than one revolver, the 2-gun basketweave shoulder holster and 2-gun shoulder holster for Colt, Taurus, Ruger and S&W revolvers carry two guns at once. The combo set pairs a basketweave shoulder holster, a pancake holster and a double speedloader case. See all shoulder holster sets and OWB revolver holster sets.
Speedloader pouches
A speedloader loads all the rounds in a revolver’s cylinder at once. Our leather speedloader pouches come in single and double styles, including belt clip versions: the single pouch, two-single pouch, single and double pouch, two double pouch and single pouch with belt clip. They are made for 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum and .38 Special speedloaders, so check the product page for your size.
Barrel length guide for 357 Magnum revolvers
| Barrel length | Typical use | Holster style that works well |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 3 inches | Compact carry | IWB or pancake |
| 4 inches | General purpose, service and carry | Pancake, shoulder or IWB |
| 5 to 6 inches | Range, hunting backup, long-barrel use | Shoulder or OWB holsters made for long barrels |
357 Magnum or 38 Special: does the holster change?
The same revolver can fire both cartridges, but the holster does not change with the ammunition. The holster is made for the revolver’s frame size, barrel length and shape, not for what is loaded in it. Follow the revolver manufacturer’s guidance on ammunition, and use the product listing to confirm which frames and barrel lengths a holster is made for.
Common mistakes with 357 Magnum holsters
- Choosing the wrong frame size, such as a holster made for a smaller revolver.
- Ignoring barrel length.
- Using a belt that is too thin to carry a heavy revolver.
- Skipping a plan for spare rounds; a speedloader case or pouch solves this.
Heavier revolvers benefit from a strong belt; see our gun belt guide. For safe handling, review our holster safety rules.
Before you order
- Confirm frame size, barrel length and any accessories.
- Choose your carry style: pancake, IWB or shoulder.
- Decide on open-end or closed-end and a thumb break.
- Add a speedloader case or pouch if you want spare rounds on your belt.
- Check your belt; see our gun belt guide.
For more on revolver carry, read the ultimate guide to revolver holsters. Browse our full 357 Magnum collection and OWB revolver holsters.
Key takeaways
- A 357 Magnum revolver is larger and heavier than a small-frame revolver, so OWB and shoulder holsters are popular.
- Barrel length matters: match your holster to your revolver, for example 4-inch or 6-inch.
- Pancake holsters with a thumb break add retention; some include a single or double speedloader case.
- A leather IWB holster with a belt clip is available for discreet carry.
- Speedloader pouches carry spare rounds, and shoulder sets balance the revolver with a speedloader pouch.
Carry your spare rounds in leather
Frequently asked questions
What holster fits a 357 Magnum revolver?
A holster made for your revolver's frame and barrel length will fit best. Our 357 Magnum holsters include pancake OWB, IWB and shoulder styles, many listed for 4-inch or 6-inch barrels. Confirm your exact model and barrel length on the product page.
Can a 357 Magnum revolver be carried concealed?
Yes. With a good holster and belt it can be carried concealed. Many people find OWB pancake or shoulder holsters more comfortable than IWB for a larger revolver.
Can I shoot .38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver?
Yes. A .357 Magnum revolver can fire .38 Special cartridges as well as .357 Magnum, which is one reason these revolvers are so versatile. Always check your revolver's markings and the manufacturer's guidance.
Do you offer holsters with speedloader cases?
Yes. Several of our pancake holsters include a single or double speedloader case, and we also offer stand-alone speedloader pouches in single and double styles, including belt clip versions.
What is a 2-gun shoulder holster?
A 2-gun shoulder holster carries two revolvers, one under each arm, to balance the weight. We offer 2-gun leather shoulder holsters for Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum revolvers.
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Always follow your firearm manufacturer's instructions, practice the basic rules of firearm safety, and make sure you understand the laws that apply where you live.