Who carries a K-frame concealed?

jtcarm

jtcarm

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And how hard is it?

I'm finally applying for a CHL. Texas is about to go open carry, but I don't think I really want to do that.

I'd like something a little beefier than a J frame. I looked at the Ruger SP101, but seeing the 2" .357 weighs 25 oz, I think I'd just as soon step up to a six-shot revolver.
 
I don't have a K-frame anymore, but I used to carry either a 3" 65 or a 2" 64 without too much difficulty. My 3" 65 was actually more concealable than the Glock 23 I had. The grip is the hard part to conceal. I used either Ahrends grips on my 65 or PGS Hideout grips on my 64. They were comfortable to shoot and didn't snag on clothing.

Good holster/belt selection and dressing around the gun is key. I used a VM2-style IWB holster, a 1.5" Beltman belt, one-size larger pants, and untucked shirts. It concealed really well. It was also quite comfortable for me. I wore it that way up to 16 hours/day without a problem.

Of course, what worked for me may or may not work for you. The only way to find out is to try it.

Here's a picture of the 3" 65 and the holster I used:

65Wraith.jpg


I have to admit, I often regret selling them.
 
I started carrying a 3" Model 65 around 1986..... it was replaced ( for the most part) by a 3" 66 in 88 or 89......... by 1991/92 I had pretty much transitioned to a 3913/14 as my primary concealed carry gun (replacing the 3" K-frames and a Walther PPK).

That said when I'm at the cabin or out hiking in the Laurel Highlands of Pa. my most common carry is still my 3" Model 66......... concealed....

All my 3" round butt K-frames sport Spegel Boot grips......

I generally carry in a Milt Sparks Summer Special..................... or a Bianchi..high-ride thumb-break 5BH holster at 4 o'clock or a 111Cyclone crossdraw holster at 9 o'clock.

Not hard to do..... yes you do have to "dress around" your firearm....... which unless you are carrying something the size of a Keltec .32 .....is something you will have to do anyway..

for example; I can carry a J-frame in my Wrangler's front pocket....... but it's uncomfortable and it takes about 30 seconds to dig it out......
 
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When I carry my 2.5" 66, I use an OWB Galco pancake holster with a forward FBI tilt. The original magna grips with a Tyler T adapter keep the bulk of the gun to a minimum. A shirt, heavy sweater, or jacket conceals the rig. As others have said, a good holster and belt combo are essential.
 
Have both the 2" and 3" K frames. Since you mentioned the SP101 I have to admit that it has become my go to carry revolver. The 5 shot capacity disadvantage is offset by the advantage of a slightly smaller frame / cylinder width and a little less weight. Carried in a Lobo E Pancake with a stiff Bull Hide belt and you almost don't know it is there.





 
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Am I the only one who owns and loves the Milt Sparks PMK? It works great for an OWB, but I prefer the IWB SS2.
 
I did for a while, an M-15 in a Galco Combat Master, but not anymore. To be honest, it's hard to justify the size and weight for what you get. :o

J-frames are quite robust; here's a guy who has documented just over 6,000 rounds over the past 3 years: Project: Break my J frame.
To keep perspective, that's a $400 gun that has digested about $2000 worth of ammo and is still going strong. :)
 
K frame carry guns

During the 70's and into the 80's I carried this M-65 for 10 years, everyday. Carried it in a IWB scabbard clip on holster made by S&W. It was my off duty gun, and it was hot & humid where I worked then, so it was carried under a loose fitting shirt. When I replaced it, it was with a 3" 65 RB. I have also carried a 4" M-58 or M-29 with a IWB rig when the mood strikes me. It's all in how you dress for the gun. Good belt, good holster, appropriate clothing. Even with the SQ BT, if I am using a IWB, it pulls the gun into my body contour....and makes it much more difficult to spot.
 

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I can't carry everyday because of work and the places I visit are off limits to firearms. But when I do my choice is a Model 10-5 2 inch RB. I have a Model 36 but I shoot the 10 a lot better. I can't do pocket carry as I have my wallet in my left front pocket and keys and pocket knife in the right. Thinking of getting rid of the j frame and trying to find a Model 12.
Using a quality holster and belt will make a world of difference in comfort and confidence provided you practice.
 
I like my 2" Model 15 with bobbed hammer and Safariland/Rogers grips. For a long time I carried it in a Don Hume JIT belt slide, which covers the muzzle, but over time it has gotten slightly loose. I now carry it in an O'Rourke pancake. With my body shape and clothing, the adjustable sights are no problem, and make aiming somewhat faster than with a 12 or a 10. The hammer spur did have to go, but by now I can shoot just as accurately DA as SA.

I consider it my smallest respectable gun. I can shoot it faster and more accurately with better ammunition than my J frames. It is also more comfortable to shoot. The J frames are OK, and I often carry one, but the 2" 15 is my smallest real gun.

Oops, forgot to mention the belt, which from experience I believe is critical. I use one from www.thebeltman.net . I'm sure there are other real gunbelts, also.
 
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Waywatcher said:
I did for a while, an M-15 in a Galco Combat Master, but not anymore. To be honest, it's hard to justify the size and weight for what you get. :o

J-frames are quite robust; here's a guy who has documented just over 6,000 rounds over the past 3 years: Project: Break my J frame.
To keep perspective, that's a $400 gun that has digested about $2000 worth of ammo and is still going strong. :)
Click to expand...

Interesting post. Was wondering if the 442 he is using is pre or post lock version.
 
K frame Round Butt

I carried a 3" Model 65 RB for years. On the belt or in a shoulder holster---no problem. I found it just a bit too thick for IWB carry.

I think the key to comfortable K frame carry is to select a model with a round butt. It doesn't print under a jacket nearly as obviously as square butt models.
 
I admit that my usual carry is a Colt Commander. But on occasion I have and do carry K, L and even N frame revolvers with up to 4" barrels in OWB holsters concealed and comfortable under nothing more than a slightly oversized T-shirt.
As others have already said, its all about the belt, holster and in some cases the stocks on the gun.
 
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