Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand Review

First Thoughts on the Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand

The Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand holster presents itself as a budget-friendly option for carrying a medium-frame revolver. Specifically designed for outside-the-waistband (OWB) carry, its ambidextrous design aims to accommodate both right and left-handed shooters. It promises a versatile and accessible way to secure your firearm.

My search for a reliable OWB holster that wouldn’t break the bank for my Smith & Wesson Model 19 led me to this product. I needed something durable, comfortable, and above all, ambidextrous, as I often train with both hands to maintain proficiency. The Bulldog holster seemed to check all those boxes.

Upon unboxing, the holster felt surprisingly sturdy for its price point. The nylon material felt reasonably thick, and the stitching appeared solid. The ambidextrous clip seemed well-attached.

I was also considering the Bianchi Model 5 Black Widow and a leather DeSantis Speed Scabbard at the time. However, the Bulldog holster’s price and ambidextrous design ultimately swayed my decision. While leather options offer a classic aesthetic, I needed practicality and affordability first.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The low price raised some concerns about long-term durability, but the promise of ambidextrous functionality was definitely exciting. I was eager to put the Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand to the test and see if it could live up to its claims.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand was at my local outdoor range. I wanted to assess its comfort, retention, and draw speed under controlled conditions. I specifically ran some drills involving drawing from both strong and support hand sides.

The weather was moderately warm and sunny, and the holster performed adequately. The revolver sat securely in the holster, and the draw was relatively smooth after a few practice runs. I could already feel that the nylon can get sticky in a wet environment

There was a noticeable “break-in” period required, as the nylon initially felt stiff. However, after about an hour of use, it started to conform to the shape of my revolver better. The ambidextrous clip functioned as intended, allowing me to switch the holster from my right to left side without tools.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand has shown some signs of wear, but remains functional. The stitching has held up well, but the nylon is starting to fray slightly around the edges of the clip. The friction points have faded and softened.

The holster has primarily been used for range training and open-carry during hikes. Cleaning is relatively simple; I usually wipe it down with a damp cloth and let it air dry. It is not built to withstand abuse.

Compared to some of my more premium holsters (Safariland, Galco), the Bulldog holster’s durability is noticeably inferior. However, given the price difference, this is to be expected. It serves as an adequate temporary solution, but not a professional grade holster.

Breaking Down the Features of Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand

Specifications

The Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand is constructed of heavy-duty, water-resistant nylon. It features a four-wall construction, including a vinyl vapor barrier and deluxe padding with scratch-resistant fabric. This inner lining is a nice touch for protecting the finish of your revolver.

This holster is designed for medium-frame revolvers with barrel lengths between 5 and 6.5 inches, fitting S&W K/L/N frames. It comes in black, with an ambidextrous clip and belt loop for versatile carry options. The size is listed as Sz 14, referring to Bulldog’s holster sizing chart.

The ambidextrous design is a significant feature for shooters who prefer to practice with both hands or who may need to switch their carry position based on the situation. The use of nylon makes it lightweight but less durable than leather or Kydex.

Performance & Functionality

The Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand performs adequately for its intended purpose: securely holding a revolver. Retention is acceptable for light activity, but not ideal for rigorous movement or tactical scenarios. The simple clip provides adequate attachment to the belt, but has no active retention feature.

The holster’s main strength is its ambidextrous capability and budget-friendly price. Its weakness lies in its long-term durability and lack of advanced features like adjustable retention. It meets basic expectations for an inexpensive nylon holster, but does not exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand features a simple, functional design. The nylon material is relatively lightweight and comfortable against the body. However, it lacks the refined aesthetics and custom fit of more expensive holsters.

There is no significant learning curve. It simply slides onto your belt and secures your revolver. The ambidextrous clip allows for easy switching between right and left-hand carry.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand is not designed for extreme use. The nylon material will eventually show signs of wear, especially with frequent use. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is recommended.

Repairing a nylon holster is generally not feasible. Once the stitching or material fails significantly, replacement is the only option. Do not use harsh chemicals.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand comes with no additional accessories. Customization options are limited due to the nature of the nylon construction. Modification is not recommended.

It may be possible to add aftermarket belt clips. However, this requires specialized tools and sewing skills. It will also void any potential warranty (which is unlikely with a holster at this price point).

Pros and Cons of Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand

Who Should Buy Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand?

The Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need a basic, ambidextrous OWB holster for range use or casual open carry. It is also a good option for new gun owners who are just starting out and want a simple, affordable holster to learn with. It works best when training.

Those who require a high level of retention, extreme durability, or advanced features should skip this product. Law enforcement, military personnel, or those who regularly carry in demanding environments should invest in a higher-quality holster made from leather or Kydex.

A sturdy belt is a must-have accessory to ensure proper holster support and stability. A dedicated gun belt will greatly enhance comfort and draw speed.

Conclusion on Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand

The Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand is a decent entry-level holster that offers good value for its price. It delivers on its promise of ambidextrous functionality and provides a secure way to carry a medium-frame revolver. However, it is important to have realistic expectations about its long-term durability.

At $18.49, the price is definitely justified for what you get. It’s an ideal solution for individuals who need a simple holster without breaking the bank.

I would recommend this holster to beginners, casual shooters, or anyone needing a temporary ambidextrous solution. However, remember that you get what you pay for, and investing in a higher-quality holster is advisable for serious use. Consider the Bulldog Extreme Black Nylon OWB 5-6.5″ Med Frame Revolver, Most Ambidextrous Hand if you are just starting.