Hey All,
I know this has been asked here before, but in spite of searching via the search function......I cannot find a solid thread related to the carry of N frames.

Who among you are man enough (or silly enough) to conceal carry an N frame?

What N frame model S&W do you carry, and in what holster?

Do you live in rural area?

How often do you carry the N frame?

Why do you stick with a heavy/large firearm, when there are lighter options available?

I have an OWB holster on order from Lobo, and am trying to convince myself that, if I can carry a K or L frame......than how much bigger can an N frame really be?

(my N frame is a 625 w/3" barrel)

Sometimes, just sometimes. When the weather mandates a coat. I prefer trench style, lined or not. They cover a Model 27-2 3.5" in a Kramer Belt Scabbard well enough.
Why that instead of my usual 19-4 2.5" or a M.R. 1911C? Because I like that 27-2.

And I am by no means a "big" guy". Maybe I could lose a few pounds. But not too many.

I can't see concealing an N frame except under a winter coat. That would be easy. A really big/tall dirty Harry sized guy could hide one under a sport coat. An N frame is indeed bigger and thicker.

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USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

I used to carry a 629 w 8 3/8" before I transitioned to sanity.
It rode in my jacket sleeve mostly, I never did find leather for it I liked.
As Ive been reading lately, seems S&W recently punched an L frame out for 44 magnum as the model 69 ... interesting. I might have to justify that one.
While I am often found preaching from the pulpit of 45 auto, truth be told, the 44 magnum is my true love amongst the handgun calibers.

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it just needs more voltage

I carry a 624 3" on occasion in a Threepersons rig. Heavy, but not too bad. The tall front sight and adjustable rear don't benefit concealability. The only true N-frame carry piece that I would consider is a 629 Carry Comp. I passed on a NIB model years ago, and regretted it afterwards.

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I'm with the banned ...

My first carry gun, on the job in 1976 was a 4" Mod 29, and a 6 1/2" Mod 29 when I worked late nights.
I carried them off duty as well. Back in those days, we just used Mexican Carry, not called "Border" carry for PC reasons, ie just sticking the gun inside your pants.
Actually the 6 1/2" carried in your pants was more secure, and more comfortable, because of the longer barrel, the cylinder being above the belt...

Later when I got a Milt Sparks Summer Special holster, I carried the 4" most of the time. I learned early on to buy my pants 2" bigger in the waist.

I have carried an N Frame offduty/concealed quite a bit over the years even to this day.

Even though I am now retired, for a Primary carry gun I either carry a 1911, or an N Frame in 44 Mag, or 45 ACP.

Smaller bores need not apply...

Also if I am going to be using a 6 or 6 1/2" Mod 29 or Mod 25 on a hunting trip, and want to travel "light" I will carry the same revolver as my Primary CHL while traveling to the hunt.

I have a DeSantis model 46 inside the pants holster that carries these big guns very comfortably. The cylinder of the revolver is above the belt.

Again, if you buy your pants 2" bigger in the waist, you can carry a big gun very comfortably...

I have also been known to carry my 325 Night Guard, as a No2, in the pocket of my pants, when they have big pockets, or in a coat or vest pocket...

What can I say, I am an N Frame, Big Bore, kind of guy...

I'm carrying a 4" M28-2 right now. Have been all day in complete comfort. I have it in a LOBO IWB rig. Am wearing a sweatshirt and it just disappears.
For a gun this size I prefer IWB over OWB.

Lobo will get you a great product at a really nice price.
Jim

I've never carried an N frame for SD and don't ever think I would when I can shoot the same bullets quite well from either a K or J Frame. My carry piece has been a M60-7 for many many years and it now gets stoked with Buffalo Bore +P (HEAVY) 158 gr. LSWCHP-GC which does an HONEST 1040 fps. from my 2" gun. I feel that is more than adequate and am very happy so I have never considered lugging around a full size Revolver all day long.

The ONLY time I would consider doing so is if I was Hunting with a Handgun, YMMV.

I used to routinely carry my 327pc snubby concealed on hiking trails (urban trails in Phoenix, so I did need to conceal). It was the perfect hiking gun since it was so light, and I regret selling it. I still carry the 627 2 5/8" in a Kramer scabbard, and occasionally a 3" model 24, 3 1/2" model 27. Definitely have to plan my wardrobe with loose shirts but its doable. Why? Like tompehret said, I like those guns!

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Brad

I believe that anyone who carries an N frame on a daily basis would put it back in the safe in a heart beat if they tried carrying a K or J for a week.

Yes a J takes a bit more practice to shoot as good as an N, but a K is certainly not a big deal to quickly master.

Yes, I find the K frame the perfect carry size, and am actually selling my J because the K works so well.
Just wanted to know who does carry N frames consistently.
I just got mine, and am not yet sure how much concealed carry action it will see. (Lobo IWB on order)

I carry a 1911 in 45 ACP or an N Frame in 44 Mag or 45 ACP not because it is Comfortable, but because IF I ever need it, it will be Comforting...

Used to use a Model 58 in a Milt Sparks IWB. Then they developed the .357 Sig so I use a Glock 32. No Soul but they go bang,.. always.

I carry my model 58 frequently. I usually open carry, but I have concealed it with a shirt. The holster I use is an OWB de santis thumb break with a Forward cant. The toughest part of carrying an N frame is the weight.

Nothing silly about it. It's not as comfortable as the 1911, but isn't bad at all under a button up shirt. Those requiring winter gear are doing it wrong.

When I do carry, which is quite often, I carry a 657 3" .41 mag. Love it. Usually carry it under a Hawaiian type shirt.
Carried in a custom holster made by Diamond D Custom Leather in Alaska many years ago that they made for me. It does not bother me in the least. I am a fairly large guy at around 250. I have many guns of all sizes, and have no interest in carrying anything else but a N frame. Just my thought's.

Regards,
JOHN

I am 6' 220lbs and have worn a 4" m28 and 5.5" 1917 IWB with satisfactory results; the latter worked best when sitting was not a bit part of the mix. But the m28 works fine under a sweater, a sportcoat, or untucked dress shirt.

As for weight, with a good belt and holster, it is fine. I grew up carrying a government model, so the revolver is not much different. Though the flat 1911 is easier to stay low profile with, or for NPE use.

Anymore, I save the fun stuff for the woods and the weekend when away from civilization. G19 gets the nod for regular work and after hours carry. The weight trade off just isn't there - heavy gun, 6 rounds, awkward ammo carry, etc. - for the revolver, even though I subjectively prefer it to the Glock.

Collects

An out of state buddy of mine has a double shoulder holster rig that holds TWO S&W 327's.
The last time I visited him I wore it for a while and we went to the range and did some shooting.
It was very comfortable to wear. [Let the record reflect that I am used to shoulder holsters, it does take some time to get used to them.]

Now, while I am not a 357 Mag kind of guy, I will say that two 327's with 16 rounds of 357 Magnum, with revolver reliability, was one heck of a good self defense package. I liked it.

Like you I found the 327's even with 357 Magnum ammo to be very controlable.

IF, I was a revolver only kind of guy, I would have the same setup with TWO S&W 325 Night Guards, and a pocket full of full moon clips.

Rick, that is one nice looking Rig. I have a similar looking holster, no thumb break, that I use a lot with my 44 Mag.
Very comfortable to carry, very concealable.
One secret is to have a good stiff "gunbelt".

If I want/need to be even more low profile I use my Milt Sparks Summer Special.

610. DeSantis pancake. Every now and then. But I love the 10mm.

I really wanted a 327, but decided two light weight j-frames would be better. I ended up with a 442 and a 340pd. I don't have to carry both all the time. But when I do, I have 10 shots instead of 8 and also about $400 left in my wallet.

Unfortunately, I do still want the 327!

Gee, I have CC this one from time to time.

M21-4
No different then the 1911 to me.
Only 5' 8" & 162 lbs.
But do CC my M49, Colt DS more.
Also a M431 2.5".44Spl or M10 3"

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

I use one of David Keith's holsters.

Attached Images

24-3 3 inch rig 017.jpg (163.3 KB, 102 views)

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KSCowboy

Here's what the model 58 looks like in the De santis. I sometimes throw a shirt over it if I want to conceal, but I usually open carry.

Like I said, it's the weight that is the toughest part of wearing an N-frame.

Attached Images

holstered.jpg (36.7 KB, 166 views)

I ordered up some Eagle Secret Service Boot grips today (Rosewood, smooth)
and a Mernickle High Ride OWB holster......

I'm gonna carry this sucker! (625 model 1989, 3" barrel)

My K frame will still see most of the action though....

Haven't seen him posting in awhile but flopshank used to carry a 6 inch 629, 4 inch K, and one of those mini 22 derringers.
A steel J is too much for me.

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Sure you did

Many people are surprised these days, with all the high-tech wonder-pistols and new designs being announced every week or so, but in my holster making business I still see 57% of all orders are for revolvers. Most popular by far are the J-frames, followed closely by the N-frames. Well over 90% of all orders are for concealed carry holsters.

Holster types are all over the board, from IWB to OWB, and just about all N-frame models are represented. In the shop I use 3 dummy guns and 4 real revolvers to match the majority of variations in N-frame revolvers while patterning and forming the holsters. Very seldom does a day go by without another N-frame holster being made, and most days see several in production.

Yes, lots of people are using and carrying them.

It probably wouldn't be much of a burden to conceal carry one of those scandium N-Frames.

It's an inexpensive DeSantis. It cost me all of $55 new, but does the job. It felt like it took months to break in, but is absolutely worth it.

A sturdy, wide gunbelt is definitely a must for carrying a full size gun. I've contemplated following the lightweight gun trend (subcompact guns are best suited as backup IMO), but I want to know it's there.

It may not be comfortable, but I feel a full framed gun is comforting in that it raises confidence and increases self awareness of your carry condition.

After reading this thread I gave it a try today, carried my 29-2, full 6 1/2 inch barrel in a hip holster under my suit and long coat as a test to see how it worked. I carried it on my hip in a cheap thumb break button holster, with a French army 2 inch leather belt, more than enough to secure the rig. Since we were already being a bit over the top, I carried my Gazelle shoulder rig with 1911 and magazines so I can play mall ninja for a day.

The rig couldn't fit under my suit coat no matter how I tried it, the gun was too long. Couldn't try to raise the belt wihtout it looking way out of place, and even in the best condition it would never match up to anything a serious carrier would consider concealed. Luckily its still basically winter here, so my large wool trench coat easily concealed it, but obviously not a practical solution to carry conceal, as you can't wear a big coat at all times. So, for the conceal part, the big N frame with long barrel flunks the course. I can get my Uzi under my coat too, but I wouldn't dream of even trying to carry that concealed.

What surprised me was the weight and bulk was not much of an issue. I really didn't notice the gun at all to be honest, and feeling confident in its concealment I even drove to town and shopped with it. The only time I noticed it was when I bent down to grab something from a lower shelf, and as long as you squatted straight, there was no problem, comfort or conceal wise. Even driving didn't give me as much trouble as I anticipated.

I always dress in suits, and prefer large full size pistols, so I carry what a lot of conceal carry consider big. As much as I like my "Dirty Harry" revolver, I think 1911 and 4 inch barrel revolvers are the limit for what I'd consider practical. I'm thinking about a 27, and perhaps a 4 inch barrel would be more appropriate. That or just start open carrying. Idk.

I sometimes carry a 627 Pro Series 4" in a holster Ray (Lobo Gun Leather) made me, with matching speed loader carrier either loaded with moon clips or a speed loader. Not many problems requiring self defense I can't solve with eight rounds of .357.

Generally carry a Glock of one flavor or the other, but this 627 and a 3" Ruger GP are in my rotation. I have never felt under gunned!

Yes, the 627 is big, and heavy. But it is reliable, accurate, and powerful.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

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I hope I copied that right

I have a real good DeSantis 1.5 inch gun belt.

I use an OWB holster and carry isn't a problem at 3:00 under a jacket with a speed loader in each pocket.

The DeSantis belt makes all the difference. Got it for $30.00 at LGS. I use it for my 28-2 (4-inch), 1911, and for my 39-2/439.

I wish I had gotten that gelt sooner.

Sure the 28-2 is heavy, but a good holster and belt will make CCW possible for a lot of side arms.

I routinely carry a Model 24 in either 3" or 4" barrel and on occasion a Hand Ejector Model of 1917 in El Paso Saddlery C-Force IWB holsters with a Carhart vest as a cover garment and a Filson double belt. I'm kinda " Husky" so it works well. In my opinion lot more comfortable than my Colt Government Model. A revolver is more "curvy" and pokes less than the Government Model which is has more sharp angles. I also have the same holsters for my K-frames but when I want a big bore I go with the 24,28, 29 or 1917.

I took a walk today with my wife (about 2 miles) with the 625 tucked IWB in a Remora holster (not made the an N frame, but I sliced some stitching to make it work temporarily), and it concealed GREAT and was not overly heavy.

I think a revolver conceals SO much easier than a semi auto, and while my K frame will be my primary carry.....the 625 just might see more and more part time carry!

Going to place an order with Lobo for an IWB holster, and have an OWB on order from Mernickle.

Going to carry using full moon clips, and look into speed strips with 45 auto rim for reloads....

Down here in Florida where it's almost always t-shirts and shorts weather, I mostly just stuff a Model 642 in my pocket- inside an Uncle Mike's or Malabar Gunleather pocket holster. But occasionally I like to carry the 8-shot .357 N-frame. Like some of the other Forum members, I also use one of Ray's Lobo Leather holsters for my Model 627-5 with 2-5/8" bbl. I have a Pancake 1-D (dual), for either strong side or my preferred crossdraw carry. Ray's holsters snug the body and conceal well under a lightweight jacket, especially something like a surplus camo field jacket.

I have no difficulty concealing a 3" 629, in a Sparks VM2, under a light jacket or untucked shirt. While heavy, the cylinder tends to ride on top of my hip, which takes weight off the belt.

Why carry a .44 Magnum? I want something out west that will do more than annoy a bear. That may change. As Illinois criminals become accustomed to armed "victims," they will probably start wearing soft armor. It's already happening in Detroit, per their police chief. Type II armor offers about as much resistance to a hard cast .44M as cardboard.

I carry them because I shoot them well with modern ammunition.
The right body shape is important. I can do it, even in warm but not hot weather.
I have a business suit cut to help conceal a firearm, so that helps.
Or, I'll wear a light jacket or vest -not a photog "GUN HERE!" vest, but a business or light casual vest cut a little long.
I'll carry:
A 29-10 four inch with Hornady cartridges.
A 627-5 with 2+5/8" barrel, rarely. Just doesn't sit right on my belt.
A 627-5 Pro Series with 4+1/16th" barrel, fairly often. Lighter than the 29 and carries more ammo. The barrel helps hold it in place on my belt.
Occasionally a 28-2 or 27-8PC. No real advantage over the 29, I just like them.

I've carried a 3" Model 657 around the woods here in a Milt Sparks PMK. I also carried a 4" Model 27 for a while, as well as a 1911. However, my every day CC rig is this one holding a Glock 21. Agency frowns on using non-approved weapons.

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No good deed goes unpunished.

My usual carry revolver is a 4" K frame. However, I've carried 4" L and N frames with no problem. A 4" M21 or M22, or one of the Mountain Guns, weighs about the same as a 4" M19 due to all the metal missing from the cylinder, and the tapered barrel. My 681, 27-3 and 28-2 are another story, though. The biggest drawback is the lack of my favorite speedloader - Safariland Comp II - in N frame size.

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Regards,

Chuck

I regularly carry a Model 58. Here it is in a Ryan Grizzle holster.



And here it is in a Tom Threeperson style holster by Lobo Leather. I swear I forget I have it on when I carry it in the Lobo holster. And that isn't a lie, but I am a uniformed patrolman by trade so wearing just an N frame is like being naked.

I ended up finding a good deal on a 327 so I gave in to the temptation. I figured I would eventually anyway so might as well buy it sooner than later. .




My lgs threw in a Don Hume JIT slide holster for it, and it looks like it was made for the 327. Ed.

yes been in Florida, don't know what winter has to do with weapon choices LOL

Been known to carry a N frame.

I like them, they can have a great power to weight ratio and I shoot them well.
Yup, I carry one.
329 PD in a rig from simply rugged

When I was a young hooligan roaming the woods my 4-inch Model 29 was out on patrol every weekend, not because I was in any sort of danger or had any need of it here in Indiana but just because I loved the thing and enjoyed having it along. Of course, back then I had only one other pistol I could take on my expeditions, and since it was an autoloader and always throwing its precious .38 Super brass hither and yon, the Model 29 always got the honor.

My supply of sixguns has improved over the years and these days I never think about a Model 29 except to take to the range. If I need to wear a gun I prefer a .45 Commander. The N-frames are just too big and too heavy for me now, and the Commander lies flatter on the belt.

I carry N frames, also. Usually I have on a 3" k frame, but I do like a 3" 24, or a 3 1/2" 27. I have a 3" 629 that gets carried occasionally, but not very often. I never wear a J frame on my belt, but one can be found in my pocket.

I use Tom Three persons, a Kramer vertical scabbard, and the holster that was designed and sold with the 24.

I have lots of smaller and lighter options, but these are revolvers that I just plain like - that simple.

Unless it is really hot most of the time I wear shirt-jacs, and they conceal just about anything. I have heavy wool shirt-jacs for the winter, and light weight ones for Spring, and Summer.