Ok, we all probably carry a J-frame (or should), BUT, I'd like to put a larger bore Smith for woods.

With a great belt and OWB holster, is there a big difference in carrying a 3" N-frame over a 3" L-frame? I'm sure it's a bit heavier and thicker, which is why I'm inquiring about OWB holster use (although I'd like to hear if many of you carry an N-frame IWB).

Thanks in advance.

I carry IWB. My 629 5" full underlug and my 686 6"er weigh about the same. Pick based on the gun that fits your hand best or the caliber you like most. If equal, I think the L frames lower bore axis is a plus.

Usually, I will carry a M-36 2" around town, and for general carry. In the woods, where concealment is not that important, I mostly carry my M-10 4" in a OWB concealment holster. Unless I carry the M-66 2 1/2", for the more potent caliber. Bob

When that puppy on your hip goes over 40 ozs. it does make a rat's ass bit of difference whether or not it's an L or N frame.

Choose the gun you like and enjoy!

MOONDAWG

A model 625 in 45ACP was on my license when I was a PI and I carried in a FIST kydex IWB. No one ever noticed, either.
And yes, it was comfortable.

Just finalizing decision on a woods carry gun. Maybe a 696 (44 Special) or a 657 (41 mag) or maybe even a 29 (all snubbie 3" guns). But I think I'm preferring one of the stainless guns. Thoughts?

I'm 5'9" and 170 pounds. I'm pretty fit and I hike more than 99% of the public. I find that there's a profound difference between carrying an N-frame and an L-frame for any distance. I have a 3" N-frame, and I just don't carry it . . . it's too heavy. Furthermore, the cylinder's just too darn thick for me to carry it comfortably. I carried it on a short (one-hour) hike a couple of months ago and just had a miserable time. I have a 4" N-frame that I might carry in a shoulder holster sometime. I own a shoulder holster for it that is quite comfortable for carrying, but I don't feel it conceals the gun well at all unless I'm hiking in deepest winter - and concealment generally matters to me because I don't want to alarm the granolas that I encounter while walking.

It's subjective, though: a good friend of mine carries a 5" N-frame in his hip pocket (I didn't believe it until I saw it) sometimes, and doesn't seem put out by it. FWIW, MY subjective feeling is that if I'm looking for a carry gun for serious on-my-feet-in-the-outdoors time, I go small and light. A K-frame 3" .357 with 180-grain bullets is a favorite, but increasingly I'm carrying a 3" J-frame stoked with THE LOAD.

Thanks Erich,
I do plan to have a snubbie J-frame and snubbie K-frame on my list, but was looking for something with a larger "footprint" like a 44 special or 41 or 44 mag. Sounds like given a choice, you'd go with the L-frame 696.

Depends. I'm about 5'7", 170lbs, and much less fit than Erich. Several years (and 12-15lbs) ago, I spent a few days fishing in the mountains, most of the time with a 4" 629 Mountain Gun in a Sparks Summer Special under an untucked shirt. Quite comfortable. With a good, stiff belt and a holster that fits the belt well, a 3-4" N-frame is plenty packable. As soon as Sparks starts taking orders again, I'm about to order a VM-II for a 4" N-frame, in which I'll sometimes carry 629s (3" or 4"), sometimes a 4" 624. That said, there is a noticeable difference between L and N frames, in terms of "packability," and Ls do carry easier, Ks even moreso, at least as far as ITP carry goes. Outside the belt, Moondawg has it pretty much on the money: Over 40oz., and frame size doesn't matter so much. BTW, if you're going to load hot, the 696 is not the right .44 Special in which to do it. Take a look at the thickness of the barrel at the rear of the forcing cone, and you'll see why.

With the 696-1, I planned on using (but not a steady diet of) the heavy Buffalo Bore with 255gr cast bullets.
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#44spl

It states it's safe for all guns except Charter Arms. If you know differently, PLEASE let me know as that would completely change my choice!

In an L frame go .357 IMO. In an N frame, so far as defense against humans is concerned, I would go with the .41. I'm thinking that a 3" .44 mag. would be hard to control and I prefer the .41 over the .44 spl.

quote:

Originally posted by hoser:
With the 696-1, I planned on using (but not a steady diet of) the heavy Buffalo Bore with 255gr cast bullets.
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#44spl

It states it's safe for all guns except Charter Arms. If you know differently, PLEASE let me know as that would completely change my choice!

I'm sure they would be safe, but I wouldn't shoot many of them. A 255 at a grand is pretty hot for the 696's thin forcing cone. I've shot a good bit of Buffalo Bore ammo, and have found that Tim's velocity figures are pretty much on the money. Also, I've always taken his word for what is safe. However, "safe" and "good for the gun" are two different concepts.

Flop has a point that I'd add to: In an L-frame .357, you can get 7-shooters. If human varmints are your likely targets, I'd MUCH rather have 7 .357s on board than 5 .44 Specials.

This is a woods gun and meant for some backup with bear spray against SMALL black bear -- so I want a reasonably large bullet!

Bear gun talk has been talked to death, so no need to go into all that again. Let's just say I won't be in Grizzly country!

For a small blackie, I think I'd be as happy or happier with 7 rounds of THE LOAD or full-house 158-180gr. loads in a .357 as with anything safe in a 696, but others might disagree.

Yeah, I actually do all my hiking in black bear country (generally up "Bear Canyon" behind my house), and I am perfectly happy with 180-grained .357 loads that do 1230 fps from my 3" gun. Whatever floats your boat, but I have more confidence in them than I would in any .44 Spl from a 3" tube. Then again, I wouldn't feel at all bad with my 255-grained .45 AR loads that do 950 fps from my 3" gun . . . again, whatever floats your boat. Some people want to buy a gun that shoots a caliber that starts with a "4" - this is America; have at it!