My normal carry is a Glock 19 IWB with a S&W 642 in the pocket. Lately I've wondered about carrying a 2.5" S&W 19 IWB. Has anyone had any experience carrying a 19 like this? How does it compare to other things you've carried?

Thanks.

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Aaron Terry

I've carried the stainless version, 2.5" 66-2. I've used a cheap Uncle Mikes IWB, and a nylon Bianchi.

The gun carries easily IWB. Conceals under a T-shirt. The grips I have on are Hogue Bantams. They are a little sticky, but I've yet to have a problem with printing, or anything else. Regards 18DAI.

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

I used to carry a 3" 19 IWB appendix with a clip draw. It was a lot heavier than the 60 I did the same with and it could be brutal sitting in the car but I could have made it work if I persisted. That half inch might go a bit towards being more comfy than a 3.

I have never carried a model 19 but off the top, you are going to notice the difference in weight, and it will probably feel heavy until you get used to it, and it will probably be marginally thicker so you will need to let your belt out a notch, and I would suggest carring IWB @4:00-4:30 at a 15 deg cant, it should conceal pretty good there and not be too bad to sit down with

I used to have a 4" 19-2 nickel, and currently have a 4" 19-3 blued. They'll work the same as any other gun in their size class for IWB carry. The rear sights have sharp edges, thus some old technology clip on holsters will have these poking you. That's what annoyed me.

So do you guys think there's a better IWB option in a revolver? I've carried J-Frames before, but only pocket carry, never IWB.

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Aaron Terry

A Smith 19 4" has been my main CCW gun for a long time. It is about the best thing I've found for CCW, and I've tried a lot of things. But I confess to experimenting with a Browning HP using a new holster.

I carry the Smith 19 at 4:00 in a Kramer IWB holster, beneath untucked, button-up shirts. It has Herrett Jordan trooper grips. I find it very comfotable, largely because the grips are smooth and curved, so there is nothing to dig into my side.

I've tried to carry snub nose guns--J frame Smith and Colt DS. I find the 4" Model 19 to be easier to carry, all thing considered. The longer barrel prevents the gun from constanly feeling like it is going to tip out or flip over the belt. The 4" is a bit heavier, but that's not a big deal with a good belt and holster.

The best thing about carrying a 4" Smith is that you are not compromising on anything. Unlke a snubnose, the 4" lets you be as accurate as you are capable of being. .357 Mags can be controlled in that size gun, unlike some of the smaller guns, so you are not compromising on power. And it is more comfortable long term than a thick Glock.

I highly recommend it. Just work on finding a holster and belt, and don't give up too soon thinking that it is too heavy or big.

I've carried Model 19 and 66 snubbies in a Bianchi suede IWB holster with a T-shirt covering it. No problem, as long as your pants aren't too tight...

I do more often use belt carry holsters for that size gun, but a lot of that is personal preference.

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'Merica!

The Model 19 S&W makes a fine concealed carry handgun. For IWB use you will probably notice that the cylinder will be right under the belt line, which means a thicker package inside the belt-line; might have to go up a couple of inches on belt size. A good stout belt will support the weight better, and not have to be pulled uncomfortably tight to do the job.

The rear sight and hammer of the Model 19 can cause some discomfort unless the holster incorporates a shield between that area and the wearer's body.

The grip-frame angle of the revolver allows more forward cant without stressing the wrist, and this aids in concealment.

Best regards.

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Life of the party until 8:00PM

I'm left handed & carry my 2 1/2" 19 using a RH Blackhawk IWB holster. I carry it just off my left hip, butt canted forward. I have a bit of a gut, so with my shirttail out, it doesn't show.