Conceal 325 nightguard

btnfinance · #1 08-18-2010, 09:43 PM

I need help from you experts out there, I just bought the gun I have been lusting after for 18 months,a model 325 nightguard,can I get some advice on options on how to conceal and carry this bad boy.

thanks in advance.

Bratastic007 · #2 08-18-2010, 10:05 PM

8 rounds of .357 Mag is pretty formidable. Unfortunately, concealing a revolver with a cylinder big enough to hold 8 rounds of .357 is an equally big task.

I own the "big brother" to the night guard--the R8. For concealment I selected the Lawman Leather Goods Dirty Harry Shoulder Rig. There is a post in the Concealed Carry and Self Defense board about Lawman Leather, with some great pictures. They make nice stuff, but be prepared to pay upfront and then wait a year or so to get it.

A shoulder rig may be overkill for a snubbie, though. I would suggest a custom outside the waistband pancake style holster. There are many good manufacturers who frequent these boards.

I'm just thinking that the width of the cylinder may make the pistol too thick to comfortably fit inside your waistband.

Also, be sure to invest in a good belt as well.

Congrats on finding a great gun!

btnfinance · #3 08-18-2010, 10:25 PM

thanks for the reply, actually the 325 nightguard is a 45acp,,but your advice is appreciated,,

NE450No2 · #4 08-19-2010, 01:29 AM

The best way for me to carry any N frame S&W concealed is with a Milt Sparks Summer Special. It is an inside the waist band holster.

I have been using IWB carry since 1968. I always buy my pants 2" bigger in the waist.

It might take you a while to get used to IWB, but I find it most comfortable.

Another way to carry is to have a quality belt, and a quality holster.

With any short barreled handgun you need to be sure that the holster you pick does not allow the handgun to "lean out" away from the body.

I recommend you go to a good gunstore,take your 325 and get help from a store employe while you try on holsters with your EMPTY gun.

For comfortable carry, IWB or regular holster, you must have a quality belt.

I have a 325 and I really like it.

btnfinance · #5 08-19-2010, 11:16 AM

thanks ne450no2---I am glad you like your 325 as I have not shot mine yet (just got it yesterday) I have carried a s/w 638 airweight in an uncle mikes pocket holster for years, 38's are nice but, jmo, you can't beat a .45, I can carry the 325 in my pocket (in pocket holster) although it is a bit bulky, I am going to gun store this weekend and see what I can find,I am considering a SOB holster, although it may not be practical when I sit down,just have to try it and see. have never tried IWB will give it a try..I also have never used moon clips, I like them. Can't wait to take my gun to the range, I know this is not a gun you want to fire 100 rounds in, it is purely a self defense gun , which was what I was looking for, for every day carry,

38-44HD45 · #6 08-19-2010, 01:56 PM

Take a look at the Sparks Versa Max II. For concealing large revolvers, I've found nothing better.

NE450No2 · #7 08-20-2010, 01:55 AM

If by SOB you mean "center of behind the back" I would never carry a gun there.

Two main reasons, one if you fall on you back you might be serioulsy injured.

Also a gun there is the second farthest away from your hands. Only an ankle gun is farther away.

I would not even carry a 3rd, 4th, or 5th gun there.

NE450No2 · #8 08-20-2010, 01:58 AM

I carried a S&W 6" Mod 25 as a Duty gun for several years.

Full Moon clips are the quickest revolver reload there is.

btnfinance · #9 08-20-2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NE450No2

If by SOB you mean "center of behind the back" I would never carry a gun there.

Two main reasons, one if you fall on you back you might be serioulsy injured.

Also a gun there is the second farthest away from your hands. Only an ankle gun is farther away.

I would not even carry a 3rd, 4th, or 5th gun there.

thanks, I see what you are saying, I will need to try out a lot of holster options before I will be satisfied,
I took my gun to the range last night, it is very accurate, and I was amazed the recoil was not that bad,

btnfinance · #10 08-20-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NE450No2

I carried a S&W 6" Mod 25 as a Duty gun for several years.

Full Moon clips are the quickest revolver reload there is.

I do like the moon clips, but do you need a tool to release the empty casings,,no problem loading them but I can't seem to get them to release.

NE450No2 · #11 08-20-2010, 07:03 PM

Yes a tool is a good idea.

Check Dillon or Midway.

Brian41 · #12 08-21-2010, 09:11 AM

I carry a 325 PD and 629 Backpacker in a Haugen Leather Big Magnum Carry holster and a Bianchi gun belt. It is a pancake style holster that holds the gun tight to the body with the cylinder just above the belt.
Surprisingly a light cover garment covers the big guns well.

FinnMike · #13 08-23-2010, 12:16 AM

I carry my 325 Scandium in a Tucker AIWB with no problem under a t-shirt. I'm 6'1" 195 lbs to it "tucks" nicely to the right of my buckle. Very comfortable seated as well. The OWB is a TT rig, it also hides under a t-shirt at 1600 although a patterned Polo or Hawaiian shirt works best. Here in Washington state we can legally open carry so even if it shows a tad there is nothing to worry about. However, I never OC as it scares the sheeple and I don't need the hassle.

xopher88x · #14 01-01-2011, 11:30 AM

I have the itch for a 325 or even a 3" 625 and I've done some testing with my 686 4" in terms of how I'd carry a larger framed revolver. Am I crazy to think I could carry it with the cylinder below the belt line? I can still get a combat grip when drawing, in testing anyway. I would use a SuperTuck or Kholster style product to achieve this due to the ability to adjust depth and cant. Cylinder above the belt isn't deep enough concealment for me.

everReady Rob · #15 01-01-2011, 12:02 PM

Lucky you.

That 8 round 357 is a sweet gun, and my next, I hope.

The SOB holster is a bad idea I think. Haven't heard one person who wore one like it after a couple of weeks. Despite the obvious problem or drawing should you find yourself on your back, most say it almost impossible to sit for any period of time. They keep making 'em so they must fill a niche for some.

Good luck and enjoy that gun.

samwood · #16 01-01-2011, 04:03 PM

For practice you might want to try these polymer moonclips: S&W Revolver Rimz Speedloader 625 Speedloader, 5-Pak - Beckham Design . No need for tools to load or unload.

For unloading metal moonclips, some suggestions are included in this thread:What's the best tool for loading and unloading Moon Clips??

bubbajoe45 · #17 01-10-2011, 03:29 AM

I carry mine IWB in a FIST holster. I originally wanted something that would put the cylinder above the beltline, but it's just not practical (not secure enough)

dirtygrunt95 · #18 01-10-2011, 08:12 PM

I carry my snub nose N frame in either a Lobo gunleather iwb holster or enhanced avenger. As far as unloading moonclips I find that using a screw driver that has interchangeable different bits seems to fit inside the 45 acp case. I place the screwdriver head inside the case and just pull it straight out. Also you can use 45 auto rims which are able to use speedloaders with.

J.P.60 · #19 01-10-2011, 09:01 PM

Best position for me is the cross draw, being the most comfortable and very ready. Before you go looking for holsters, make sure you have a good belt.

ASA335 · #20 01-11-2011, 06:27 PM

I have this one for my 325 NG -

Lobo Gunleather. Ray's a member here and he's great to work with.

Moon clips is the way I go, full moon, half moon or 1/3 moon (I favor full moon). A "demooner tool" can be had inexpensively and is very handy in removing cases or rounds from the moon clip.

Peace,

NE450No2 · #21 01-13-2011, 11:36 PM

You can carry a 6"or a 6.5" S&W with the cylinder above the belt with good security, but not a 4" or less.

I have been using a Milt Sparks IWB holster for many years with a 4" N frame with perfect satisfaction.