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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 03-04-2012, 06:45 PM
ShinySix ShinySix is offline
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Default Conceal your 6" revolver

In regards to revolvers, proponents of concealed carry typically shy away from anything longer than 4”. Searching for viable methods in carrying a 6” revolver in any frame size proved to be as elusive as one might seem. But if you’re like me and want to carry what you shoot most often… read on. I picked up a 686-6 (six round) 6” a few months ago. While a joy for general range shooting and target work, the L frame poses several obstacles for the gunner wanting to tote his steel. And for those wanting to conceal said gun, the options narrow considerably. The first hurdle is choosing an appropriate holster. Ready- made holsters for 6” guns usually pander to the cowboy action crowd or open carry segment. After searching for several months I decided on a Sourdough Pancake from Simply Rugged with included inside-the-waistband straps. The provided slots double the rig as an excellent field holster for hunting applications. The IWB straps are conveniently located as far away from the cylinder as possible. Bob Leahy definitely did his homework on this one. Worn at the 4 o’clock position with IWB straps, the holster provides plenty of coverage and secures the 44 oz. gun better than I expected.



But a good holster is only the first step. The big rubber Hogues Smith & Wesson provides on L frames are a nasty bulk when you’re trying to conceal them. Try sitting down with a 6” holstered revolver that wears a Hogue; you’ll look like you have a misplaced 12” bone growing out of your back. Here’s where it gets tricky; you want the smallest grip possible, but one that provides ample space to lend a grip and tame recoil. Initially, I ordered some Retro Combats, square to round butt conversion, finger grooves from Ahrends. While waiting for the grips I decided I would need to go smaller. I placed a second order from Top Gun Supply which happened to have some Ahrends boots grips, finger groove, round butt, in cocobolo. The boot grips are flush with the bottom of the frame, but still allow me to wrap my pinky around the bottom with my support hand for a full grip. I ran some full house reloads with the boot grips and besides altering my trigger finger placement a little bit, I could not tell much difference in recoil from the Hogues. A 6” L frame with boot grips becomes concealable at this point. No more freaky bone sticking out the back. I can sit down comfortably and get up with nothing more than an inconspicuous tug on the back of my shirt to make sure the grip isn’t catching on any fabric.



A third and equally essential piece of equipment is the gun belt. Notice I said gun belt and not just belt. If you want to carry a cell phone on your hip then get a belt. If you want to carry a gun then get a gun belt. Any part of your gun rig can make or break your experience and comfort so don’t cheap out. I went with a 1.75” setup from The Beltman in brown with a square silver colored buckle. It’s the finest belt I’ll ever own and I say that because I doubt I’ll ever have to replace it.



Finally, there is the question of reloads. I use Safariland comp-1s for my J frame and I really prefer the pushing motion to release cartridges rather than relying on fine motor skills to twist a knob in combat conditions. I naturally chose the comp-2s as my reloading platform and practiced with them considerably. I carry two comp-2s in my right pocket, habitually readjusted over my keys when I exit the vehicle. The keys typically get yanked out when I’m doing a reload but at that point I really don’t think it matters.

The only thing left is to practice. Clearing leather with a 6” revolver takes a little more time, but its very do-able. I tend to rotate my wrist to the left when the cylinder clears and then straighten out on presentation. And there you have it, a 6” L frame concealed.
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Old 03-04-2012, 11:38 PM
fishcreekrim fishcreekrim is offline
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If I wanted to carry 6" concealed I would go w/ Bianchi 1500(shoulder holster) MHO/YMMV
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Old 03-05-2012, 03:49 AM
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I've carried a 6" revolver concealed now and again, and agree with all three points you made about how to make it work. I stand 5'06" in shoes, and to make things worse I'm short-waisted.........but it can be done. Many of the lessons I've learned about carrying hidden guns go back to my early PD days when I had to wear a 4" k-frame in a Hi-Ride holster. By the time I cleared leather my thumb was in my armpit, and I finally got permission to wear a special low-ride holster once I showed the Chief (who was 6'04" and long-waisted) why it was needed.

Good holsters and good belts are expensive.......and worth it. I've heard Beltman's products recommended by several savvy shooters I know, maybe it's time to buy one more good belt!
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Old 03-05-2012, 04:36 AM
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I carried a 6.5" Model 29 in a Bianchi X-15 shoulder holster for many years. I was never "made." The biggest concern was hiding the grip, requiring proper selection of the cover garment (I used the factory target stocks, they fit my hand and were good for control). It worked well, and it was the most comfortable way to carry it.
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Old 03-05-2012, 07:22 AM
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You did your homework on that baby. Great set up and one heck of an accurate CC weapon.
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Old 03-05-2012, 11:59 PM
stantheman86 stantheman86 is offline
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I often carry my 6" 10-5 in a Bianchi IWB K-frame clip holster. With heavy jeans or tac pants like Blackhawk it's no problem. I carry almost exclusively IWB.

I have also carried a 6" full lug Ruger GP100 that I set up for CC with a spurless DAO hammer and XS Big Dot sights. I'm also 6"4" and built like a bean pole so I have more leg to hide a longer revolver.
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Old 03-06-2012, 12:33 AM
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Congrats on working this out. 686's are solid wheelguns.
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Old 03-06-2012, 02:10 AM
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My LCP doesn't do anything for you.................does it? I keep it in an empty box of matches, next to my Chapstick, and my keys. Cherry Chapstick. All in my front right pocket.
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Old 03-06-2012, 09:05 AM
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To CC this 6" 66-6 would be difficult enough...



but my scoped 6" 629-6... that's a real problem!



I think I'll stay with my 642 or 296 in their respective R. Mika pocket holsters.

Stainz
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Old 03-06-2012, 10:03 AM
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I carry a 6 inch 29-2 here and there and found it conceals pretty good with my simply rugged sourdough holster. I usually wear an un-tucked shirt and it stays hidden and confortable. Still doesn't conceal as well as my 4 inchers though.
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Old 03-06-2012, 03:23 PM
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There is no way that's comfortable! I am all for self protection but I think I am just as protected with my 442. Hey more power to you, I just can't imagine it.
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Old 03-06-2012, 06:22 PM
ShinySix ShinySix is offline
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River2k, I must admit I had some serious doubts before the holster arrived. I took the plunge knowing I could use it for hunting with the slots. The IWB straps were just icing on the cake. For anyone wanting a similar setup it needs to be emphasized that this system can work, but you need all the ingredients. You can have your cake and eat it... but it is a lot of cake.
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Old 03-06-2012, 07:17 PM
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If you want to carry a 6" L frame and are starting from scratch, look into the 386XL--http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766364_-1_757767_757751_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
All the oomph and only 30 ounces!
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442, 629, 642, 686, ahrends, beltman, bianchi, cocobolo, combats, concealed, j frame, k-frame, l frame, leather, model 29, presentation, round butt, ruger, safariland, smith & wesson, smith and wesson

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