The chest strap is on the opposite shoulder. That is the "M3" style. Later the military changed it to the "M7" style which has the strap over the near shoulder and a transverse retention strap. Stupid - it's overly complicated and less comfortable, with no added retention, really (I have one of each style in .45). The original design is better and the design made by hoslter makers copying them now.

Open carry seems weird if you're in a gun-unfriendly place, but I got over it a year or two ago, partly out of necessity and partly out of a desire to say "well, if me exercising my right when necessary makes YOU uncomfortable, then that is your problem, not mine." But within reason. I wouldn't openly carry in downtown Seattle (some do I hear), but in the wilds where it's needed I don't feel "uncomfortable" any more.

The important thing is to carry the "L" or "N" frame high enough that the barrel does not stick out under you shirt. I forget the number but, GALCO makes one for about $50.00.

Just some added info. I'm 5'8" and 215 lbs. I carry a 625 mountain gun in a pancake holster and nobody seems to notice. I've carried this way for the last 3 years and have never had issues with my chosen method of carry. I am a firm believer in the writing of John Linebaugh, hence the caliber. My dad carries a 29 with a 6" barrel most everywhere, and I never knew it until I was in my late 20's.

I'm 5'5" and 170. I only have a couple of vintage N-frame holsters, and they don't seem to hold it close enough to my body to conceal well. I wish I knew someone close by that had a Spark VM-II or other to see if these short barreled N-frames always do this, or if a modern holster would work better for me.

I carry a 27 ounce 329PD when I go into the outback fishing, or camera shooting. I am just partial to an N frame .44 magnum when I'm in the outback. I don't carry it concealed, but do carry my hunting license (coyote are always in season here in California). I wear it on my belt on either hip, but prefer cross draw with it @ 11:00. It all depends upon what else I'm carrying.

I do want to carry an N-frame snubbie, but I have to find a way to find the right holster that will keep it tucked tight to my side. I don't feel good about open carry so want to find something that's right.

I think a holster that holds the gun a bit lower would probably help. Plus a reinforced mouth my too. The 3" barrel and heavy butt (of the gun!) makes it lean away from my body.