Holster selection for grandfather

[SpookyPistolero]

Howdy folks-

My parents have decided to enlist me in choosing a holster for my grandfather's carry weapon as a Christmas present. My understanding is that he pretty much just keeps it tucked away in his car at present. I'm a little uneasy about the choice, since picking a holster for someone is about like picking their footwear. It's a S&W Airweight, I think specifically this model:

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=62271489

I've been given a fairly tight budget at around $40-50. Right now, I'm thinking either a kydex pancake style holster, or a shoulder holster.  I want something that will be easy for him to take on and off, and something that won't require too many fine motor skills. Though he's about the most in-shape and healthy 80 y/o I've ever met, he's still 80. 

So does anyone here know someone around that age that had certain problems with types of carry that I'm not considering? Any thoughts would be appreciated, as well as ideas on specific models.

I believe he's usually got on a light jacket, which is a help. The shoulder holster would be about useless without one, which is a drawback. I'm going to stay away from IWB so he doesn't have to have any change in wardrobe (which just wouldn't happen). The pancake style seems to be the best bet to my mind.

Other than that, a small pocket holster seems like a decent bet.

He's pretty picky and stubborn, so he may hate the idea all together!

Thanks for any thoughts-

-Spooky

[Preacherman]

I carry my 642 in one of these daily:

http://www.desantisholster.com/n38.html

I'd suggest buying him one, and then add a couple of HKS speedloaders:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=6858&s=

or Bianchi speed strips:

http://dillonprecision.com/template/p.cfm?maj=52&min=4&dyn=1&CFID=1567838&CFTOKEN=46003458 (scroll down)

to round out the package.

[cosine]

I've always wondered, what's the advantage to the speed strips over the speedloaders, 'cause those circular speed loaders look pretty handy, while the speed strips don't look quite as handy. Is it just size? I imagine the speed strips are easier to carry in pocket?

[Standing Wolf]

If you practice with speed strips, they're just as fast as round models.

I'll recommend Fobus for holsters. I looked down my nose at plastic holsters until I actually tried one. Now my pre-agreement Smith & Wesson model 60 .367 magnum five-shooter rides in a $23.95 Fobus paddle holster. It's quick and easy to put on and take off, doesn't need maintenance, and holds the gun every bit as securely as my much more expensive leather holster for that gun. If Fobus made holsters for Pythons, my dress guns would ride in them, too.

[Eleven Mike]

Smith & Wesson model 60 .367 magnum

Sweet!  I want one!   

[SpookyPistolero]

Thanks much for all the replies! I had all but forgotten about the Fobus line, I think they'd make a good first step at the very least. I had one for a G17 that I liked very much. Good retention and stability.

Do folks have problems with those pocket holsters? Does the pistol have a tendency to slide out of the holster (though I realize that the holster itself is sticky enough on the outside to prevent this)?  Does the pistol end up making a hefty buldge afterwards?

At those prices, I suppose I could actually get him one of each and a couple of speedloaders.

PS - I don't know much about the S&W models. Is this a J-frame, if the picture at the first link is correct?

[Gun Runner]

Being a HKS (several) speed loader owner makes me say get your grandpa the Safariland.  Much less dicking around and easier to reload.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=127569