Quote:
Originally Posted by Sportsterguy
"But...it is a bit of a "strange concept". I think it is too large to carry in normal concealed circumstances, except for maybe offensive linemen in the NFL. It might work if a normal to bigger sized person goes about with a coat or jacket on. Or carries it in a purse, with little room for anything else."
I have to disagree with that statement. With a quality holster, belt, the correct outergarmet and a larger waist size in the pants that 696 will dissapear and be quite comfortable to carry with a Inside the Waistband holster. Been legally packing a full size 1911 since 93 IWB and also pack a 3" 657 .41 mag OWB, and a few other S&W's and never has anyone ever noticed them. I'm 5' 7"'s and 167 lbs BTW.
My only complaint with the 696 is it's missing one hole, but makes up for that as its a potent round that shoots very well in a small package. Like many other Smiths I wish I would have bought a prelock when they first came out and prices were down on them. A 3" 686 is the better gun for SD but only when using magnums for the extra power and can be had for less money.
With that said I still want one!
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As to the emboldened.. I'm a big guy, ex athlete and I stay in shape. However, I got up to almost 270lbs in January; I looked good everywhere except the stomach. I've carried a 3" M629 for the last year, OWB Holster, with a Beltman Bullhide Belt. The revolver/rig still concealed/hid nicely and was comfortable to wear even driving my truck. However, since February I decided to get back to the weight I was when my wife met me as a promise to her. Since Feb, I've lost 35lbs.. 90% of it was in the gut "front butt", region. Oh, and I no longer have a double chin which is a plus too, hahaha! I went from a 40" waist to a 35" waist after a nice dinner! And the same gun/rig now fits and conceals even better on me @ 6'2" and weighing a comfortable 235lbs.
It's all about the holster and belt combo rig I certainly agree with you about that! Nobody has to be a ogre to OWB an "N" frame. My little brother is 6'1" and 185lbs. He carries a 625 I recently sold him, with a good belt and Azula holster that you have to look hard to see any kind print and 98.5% of the Sheeple will never think twice.
Pic of me a couple months ago of me with the Jerry Miculek M625 with a quality belt and aforementioned Azula Holster (I sold him the whole set-up.) This rig stayed so snug to my body that there was pretty much zero printing. In summation, I think a trimmed waist person can OWB an L or N frame 3" or 4" barreled Revolver better than someone with a bigger waist. This has been my experience
at least. YMMV..
