Greetings, All,

I've been wondering if anyone gets their concealed carry license, and uses an N-Frame Smith as their carry piece? I've been thinking about trying my M657 3" .41 Mag, and have a nice Kramer IWB holster for it, but have yet to do more than carry around the house, just to see how I like it.

Do any of you CCW Guys and Gals carry a large, short-barreled Smith, like my Lew Horton 657? I'd love to hear what you think about doing that, What holster you use, and how it's worked out for you! Thanks, very much, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

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Honor God, above all.

I carried a 4" 329 for a while. Not bad in a Kramer scabbard but it required either a loose second shirt cover or a jacket.

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Centennial Every Day

I mostly carry a 29 with a 4inch tube. I carry it in a desantis speed scabbard and load it with the federal 240 gr. Hydrashock self defence ammo. I personally don't find it hard to conceal or notice the extra weight.

For many years, I carried a Model 29 with a 6.5" barrel in a Bianchi X-15 shouder holster. Carried easily (the shoulder holster made the weight issue disappear) and it concealed well (I am a fairly large guy, too). I know of several who carry 4" N frames IWB. It should not be a problem, depending on how you dress for the occasion (wouldn't be too well concealed in swimming trunks and flip-flops).

4" 329 in simply rugged pancake but like photoman44 said you might need a size larger shirt. I can go around in jeans and a untucked tee shirt with a 6 round belt slide and full size 44magnum and no one knows

I carried a couple of different 4" N frames in a Kramer IWB #2(?). Make sure your pants are a little loose in the waist and you use a good belt.

I was 5'11" and weighed about 190 when I carried those. An XL T shirt or a pullover fleece hid it just fine.

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Stu

I've got this rig on as I sit here and type. Model 27 3 1/2" under an untucked shirt.

Have any female LEOs ever looked at you funny because of the spurs?

I actually have carried a 3" M29 in a Belly Band under a tucked in shirt in total comfort, and it was completely concealed. The shirt has to be "bloused" a bit, it can't be tight. Just grab a hunk of the shirt in a "Hackathorn rip", untuck it and draw. It doesn't look like it should work, but it really does.
Jim

I do it and love it. I always thought N's would be too much for this application but I was wrong. I carry my 624 3" in a Lobo Gunleather IWB and it's a dream. No issues at all and can carry it all day long. Make sure you have a good quality gun belt though, makes a huge difference.

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~ S&WCA No.2159 ~

Carry N's and L's these days (mostly L's) but...

627 PC "Bloodwork", 2.5", in Desantis Speed Scabbard, or
686-5 Plus 4" in I forget who pancake or older Bianchi X-15 shoulder rig
686-4 Plus 2.5" in Desantis Speed Scabbard

Also do carry off body a lot due to work requirements and for that I use the EXCELLENT Maxpedition Jumbo. This has built in gun pouch with room for LOTs of speedloaders or other gear. An over the shoulder slinger so to speak.

Never could get used to IWB holsters. OWB pancake versions seem to work best for me, just get oversized t shirts or button shirts. One thing that is essential imo is a good thick, wide leather belt. Numerous makers offer "gunbelts" and those are ideal, but I found mine years ago in various colors.

Hope this helps but I'm a fan of carrying what you shoot best, in a caliber that hits hardest, and on that criteria, N frames do just fine thank you very much.

I carried a 6" Mod 57 in a Safariland shoulder holster for duty and later both a 57 and a 29 8 3/8" for hunting for over 30 years. I use either a Safariland or a Bianchi X-15 with both guns.

Contrary to popular belief I find the big frame, long barreled guns surprising comfortable for all day carry if in a well designed shoulder holster. Of course they aren't an "ideal" concealable choice, far from it for the obvious reasons, but when additional firepower is wanted or needed they are the only way to go.

I wouldn't hesitate at all to use a barrel length up to 6" with an N frame for "street" use, providing the proper stocks, holster and clothing choice was appropriate. I also believe more 3 and 4" N frame guns are being CC'd today than people realize....

JMHO

Years ago, I used to try to lug around a 4-inch Model 629 - shortly after they came out, in fact. After about a year of hauling it around, all the while fully realizing I didn't need 44 Magnum power here in Indiana, I despaired of the burden and switched back to my old standby .45 Commander. The S&W was a bear - especially in the summertime.

Enough of that was enough. So it got moved to the floor of the truck and it rode along there for a few more years, just in case it was ever needed. Later, when I started to notice how touchy society was getting about the theft of firearms from vehicles, I decided to just leave it at home.

There are a lot of goodies (holsters, belts, etc) out there now that weren't available then, but I can't see lugging that weight around, no matter what. Just too much of a good thing.

I carry a 3" 24 every day (14-20 hours straight)in a Black Hills Leather IWB paired with a Beltman belt. I usually have no problem concealing under a tshirt. Weight is no problem to me, a good belt and holster is key to stability. I cannot carry owb, it flashes the gun and even when covered makes me look like have an alien growing out of me.
I've found that any round butt 4" N is comfortable and easy to conceal (I am a bigger lad though).
I've never used a Kramer for an Nframe, but did use one with a 1911 and love their products. I think your n frame/kramer combo should be fine. Make sure you get a good pistol belt.

Have any female LEOs ever looked at you funny because of the spurs?

Nah, females of any flavor don't pay much attention to old geezers like me. We're just background noise.

...are in my daily carry rotation. The model 24-3 can be a bit heavy, compared to the 325NG, but it's an outstanding handgun.

Carry my 3" 657 in the winter in a LOBO IWB holster. Load the 657 full of 210 gr. Speer Gold Dots with 1 spare speedloader. Feels great all day but I did need to go up 1 pants size as it is wider than my Colt Commander which is my main CCW. When the wx is really cold and people are heavily bundled up the 657 goes on for penetration.

Make sure if you go the IWB route on the holster buy ya a QUALITY holster and belt as was suggested. I highly recommend "The Beltmans" belts. He lives 2 hours from me and have two of them, 1 black and 1 in brown. I bought the black one five or six years ago and its still going strong. Little on the pricey side but worth every penny for comfort and stability. I carry the Colt Commander in a LOBO IWB with a Beltman belt. Nary a difference between the two for comfort and stability, but the Commander is easier to conceal as its much thinner.

You are very well armed with that 657, at least thats the way I feel when its on my hip.

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V/R
Roger / SG

For quite a few years I carried either a 4" Redhawk or 4" 625 concealed often under just a T shirt. As a belt gun I now prefer a 3" full lug 625. All of these are carried in the same El Paso Street Combat holster. It can be done, as long as you choose your attire carefully.

Dave Sinko

Wore a 4" M28, IWB today with slacks and an untucked dress shirt. Met with clients, went about my business, nobody any the wiser for it.

Is this a combo I'd wear in an NPE? No, probably not. But it conceals well enough and is comfy, even at the end of the day.

Here are my two rigs that i wear when I carry my N frames.
Easy to wear and easy to hide---rides high under the arm and is more than comfortable.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

Good lookin' rigs.

Tell us who made the holster with the basket weave please. Thanks.

Mr. O

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USMC/5803 '79-/91
FBINA- 163rd

I think height/weight is important when considering to carry an N frame concealed. I'm assuming the guys that do are "big".

carry a 3 inch 29 now-- a 6 inch before I got the shorty and I am real doubtful anyone would ever call me small.

I'm 5' 7" and weigh a whopping 167lbs. and can easily conceal the 657, full size Springer and a Colt Commander. Just need the right shirt, holster and belt to hide the grip. In the summer I wear Columbia Fishing Guide Shirts 1 size larger than normal (excellent for staying cool and concealing your weapon) and winter time I usually wear a button down flannel or large sweatshirt. For the last couple of years I wear an UnderArmor shirt as my first layer both for comfort and the keep the sweatguard from chafing my side.

Have never been made in over in over 18 years when I first started packing my full size Springer using a Milt Sparks Summer Special holster. I recommend a IWB that has snaps on both sides to pull the weapon in tighter to your body. Try a LOBO out. Great holster for the money!

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V/R
Roger / SG

You need a good belt - not a worn out cheap one. Still, I had to try this recent acquisition - a Lobo Leather OWB made for my 2 5/8" PC627 UDR. Great holster - poor belt.



Too much of me already IWB, so OWB was the choice for the short N-frames. Until I get a better belt (It takes a big cow...), I'll go back to my L-frame 296 in a Mika pocket holster:



It fits at least 2/3 of my pants' front pockets - a smaller 642 in a smaller Mika holster fits all pants' pockets.

Stainz

The Basket weave is from Ross Leather in S. Africa.
The Floral is from Black Hills in Laredo, Tx.
Both are custom.
They are old style gunbelts. 3 inch straps. They ride High on the waist and are comfortable.
I am only 5' 10" and they conceal very well.
The misconception of gunbelts comes from Hollywood, not reality.
The guns ride comfortably under the arms---sitting or standing.
NO--they are not quick draw, but, they are quick enough.
Got to get the Hollywood thinking out of your mind.
Both gentlemen were easy to work with and work is very good.
More pics
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

The only method for CCW an "N" Frame that works for me is an OWB holster worn "Cross Draw" at a 45 degree angle.

More pics of the floral.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

Grins and laughs are accepted. This is purely an example of how they look on the body.
Yes--I do wear them with simular shirts and with jackets.
NONONO--I do not wear both holsters together--that pic was for grins and laughs.
All that folage is necessary to cover the undergrowth.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

Thats just funny ... If one of the young ones is nice to me .. I tell my wife that I probably remind her of her grandfather.

I carry a model 28 that has been modified. It has a 3" bbl ( 2 7/8 to be exact ) and has been converted to a round butt. I use a Don Hume holster that fits great and is not uncomfortable to wear strong side or cross draw. I'm 5'6" around 165 -170 I'm definitely not a big guy, but it conceals really well. It also has a certain wow factor when I show it to someone.

Mostly I carry a M66 4 inch. Sometimes I'll step up to to my M25-5 or 29-3.

thats a real good looking rig

I also like the rig. Who is the maker?
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

A good "gun belt & holster" makes it easy to carry a N-Frame. I kinda like the Dave Bullard belt/holster pictured below. I don't have any "Spurs" like Iggy. Maybe i can trade you a pair of Florida specials "Flipflops" for a set of spurs. Wow, they are neat looking.
Carl

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Retired FBI Agent

I do, on occasion, carry my 629 Mountain Gun in a Simply Rugged rig, but only if I'm wearing my jacket.

That rig was built by our own Dave Keith. (Keith44special)

A whole passel of memories


RED RIVER CUSTOM LEATHER - Home


exfebee

That is about as clean and neat a carry rig as I have seen. Very nice.

624LH in an ElPaso Tortillia. Cool weather carry here.



Some times I'll pack my Ruger Flattop .44spl in the same type rig.

Lew Horton 624 3" in the original holsters.





Notice the cylinder is completely above the belt in
the pancake holster. VERY comfortable and close.
Doesn't take much extra belt either.
The belt I use is a Galco SB-5. I get nuked, this belt will be what's left.

I have been looking for something similar for a 4"
but no one seems to go that high a ride any more.
Any tips?

I am sending the DeSantis back. It is very
uncomfortable and takes 2" extra belt. The cylinder is
right on the belt.

Several folks make similar duty holsters but the pancake
has eluded me as far as the cylinder being above the belt.

Thanks for any advice!

---
Nemo

Those are some nice rigs. I like the stuff from Red River, it has real flavor. I didn't know about them.
Rudy, down at Black Hills in Larado works on good reputation and is a guy that aims to please. I like his stuff. For the money Ross is hard to beat.
Good, wide straps are the key--most anybody can do a decent scabbard---good'uns are a different story.
El Paso, since the old man died, has changed. Can't get 'em to build what they don't have a jig for, anymore.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

While I do not CCW the 629PC (2 5/8") often, or any other N-frame for that matter, I have done so in the Simply Rugged pancake holster on a handful of occasions.



I have also carried a 327PC on many occasions in a fanny pack, primarily while bicycling.

as i type this ...i have on the 3"M657 in an ankle holster..holster is by wolverine...i have carried it this way for a long time...

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

I have to know.

Sorry I should have read all the post first. Got the information thanks.

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No Fear is lack of experience.

I have been using an ElPaso 1942 S.H. for my 3.5" M27-2s.

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Bill - SWCA #2327

I carry a 29 10 5/8" IWB at the one oclock position. This can be a problem because women get the wrong idea.

I have carried my 3" Lew Horton 629 in a Don Hume scabbard when it's cool enough to wear a jacket and it carries well.
This time of the year, however, I lean toward carrying my Ultra Carry 1911 since it's easier to conceal under a shirt than the N frame.

my 3 1/2" model 27 that I round butted and made a set of grips for. I carried it in a Safariland upside down shoulder holster and it hid very well under a coat, vest or a shirt worn tails out. Sure wish that holster was still in production.

I carry my PC 627 UDR in a Lobo Enhanced Pancake belt holster easily concealed under a Cabela's Safari vest.

Iggy: Love that Western rig, partner.

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Steve
NJ State Trooper (rtd)

For about a year and a half I carried the 629 Classic I'm holding in this pic every day. Carried it holsterless, butt-forward (reverse Mexican is the politically incorrect term).

I used a Bianchi B10 belt to hold it up. After a few months I started tucking a flat piece of leather between me and the gun to prevent it rubbing me as much and protect it from my sweat (stainless can rust with exposure to enough salt water).

I worked out a draw I could do without sweeping myself. Draw, twist then start forward and up with the gun.