Best way to carry a 4 inch K frame?

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ladder13

ladder13

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I stuck my M64 NY-1 in my waistband today for a trial run. Think I like the idea.
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Any holster recommendations? IWB or OWB?

Mike
SWCA 1975
 
IWB is easier to conceal. OWB is more comfortable. OWB pancakes are a lot easier to conceal than Askins-type holsters.

IWB holsters with the loops or clips set on the wings are much more comfortable and easier to conceal than those with the loops right over the gun (the typical Summer Special style).

I carry a 4" Model 65 in both an IWB and OWB from K&D Holsters and could not be happier.

bEpOuuF0+oaKBUx9GYMd-qK6pzbjE-Hj0300.jpg


eOfx7jPPL8hzcoBNhG5D0pLvD2MgeE660300.jpg
 
As you can see from the pic, the clips on the IWB are at their lowest setting, meaning that's as high as the gun will ride, but the belt still goes right over the cylinder. On the OWB, the slots set the belt to pass over the bottom 1/4 of the cylinder, so the gun rides that much higher.

If you request, Kevin Manley can substitute leather loops for the kydex clips, and that will make the IWB holster ride a little bit higher.

If you really want a high riding IWB, CABO Holsters is the way to go.
 
With a good belt and holster, a K frame will be a breeze to carry. I've had best results with my L frames using a Mika IWB, but my Leather/kydex FIST holster has served well too. For the money it would be hard to beat a Mika, but being the gunleather maestro that he is, I'll bet Wyatt's holsters are about as good as it gets.
 
Some of the old retired cops in our gun club carry their 4" K-frames IWB leather holster.

The revolvers served them well during their 30 years on the job and they see no reason to change now.
 
Originally posted by flop-shank:
I've had best results with my L frames using a Mika IWB..... For the money it would be hard to beat a Mika
Click to expand...

Ordered one today, spoke to the man.

Mike
SWCA 1975
 
The best IWB I've found for 4" guns is the CABO leather high ride, which positions the cylinder above the belt. They're very simple in construction, but comfortable and easy to access.
 
Yup!

Las armas son necesarias
Pero nadie sabe cuando;
Asi no, si andas paseando,
Y de noche sobre todo,
Debes llevarlo de modo
Que al salir, salga cortando.
Martín Fierro
 
Last week, I acquired another S&W, this time the four inch 66-2. Called Sparks same day, and ordered yet another VM2.

Expecting horse/shark VM2's for my 686 snub and Commander early next week (shipped out 2 days ago). Nothing works better for me, I've tried a bunch over the years.
 
I regularly carry a 4" 64-1 or a 65-1 in a Galco Speedmaster opentop,OWB holster,it carries the 4"K frame comfortably on the strong side,rides high enough to access your strongside hip(for wallet access) and front pocket(for speedloader access if you choose or for a pocket BUG),easily concealed by T-shirt,shows very little imprint,has excellent retention for a open top holster.About $45-$50 when I ordered mine many moons ago don't know what they're bringing now.Very similar to Wyatt's 2nd photo.
Equalizer
 
Cut off 2 inches and stick it in your pocket.

After carrying a model 10 for a few years, I decided to buy a model 60 2" bbl. and stick it in my pocket. It shoots the same load, is a lot less bulky, weighs a considerable amount less, and within a few shooting practice sessions is no harder to keep on target. Why struggle and be uncomfortable all the time? I find I always have the gun on me, instead of leaving it at home because of the hassle of trying to conceal a larger framed gun. Just my 2 cents.
 
Mike,
check your sources and see what the NYPD guys used to lug 'em around in. iirc there was a time that they had no authorized j frames when the model 60's were recalled and everyone had to carry their duty gun or nothing off duty. i've seen somewhere either authorized or issue combination iwb/owb holsters for the NY-1's that have a spring steel belt clip on them.
i have a galco that rides high and is stiff but high ride requires stiff belts too or it gets floppy. i find that when i use high ride holsters i prefer shorter barrel length on the gun or the butt is in my armpit before i clear leather. of course i'm a bit shorter.
we should be able to get on with business soon , i get my M&P .40 monday (or so i'm told)
Regards,
Rich
 
Originally posted by chief38:
Cut off 2 inches and stick it in your pocket.

After carrying a model 10 for a few years, I decided to buy a model 60 2" bbl. and stick it in my pocket. It shoots the same load, is a lot less bulky, weighs a considerable amount less, and within a few shooting practice sessions is no harder to keep on target. Why struggle and be uncomfortable all the time? I find I always have the gun on me, instead of leaving it at home because of the hassle of trying to conceal a larger framed gun. Just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...
Because your answer is not universally correct.

I've tried pocket carry with a J frame. It is OBVIOUS that you are carrying something unusual in your pocket. It doesn't matter if I wear chinos, slacks, loose fitting jeans, or cargo pants. Anyone who knows what to look for will make you ASAP.

OTOH, I can walk around with an N frame in either an IWB or OWB holster and an untucked button-down shirt and NO ONE can see it's there unless I pull the fabric tight over the gun.

Concealability of a belt carried pistol over a pocket carried one is even more dramatic when you figure in guns smaller than N frames such as K frames or the new semi auto M&P.

I can conceal IWB an M&P 9 compact and an additional magazine (24 rounds of .38 Special +P equivalent) FAR more easily than I can conceal a 5 shot J frame with no reload in a pocket.

Hell, I can conceal TWO M&P compacts (one on either side) easier than I can hide a J frame in a trouser pocket.
 
I've tried pocket carry with a J frame. It is OBVIOUS that you are carrying something unusual in your pocket. It doesn't matter if I wear chinos, slacks, loose fitting jeans, or cargo pants. Anyone who knows what to look for will make you ASAP.
Click to expand...

I EDC a S&W 642 in a pocket holster and have yet to be made. I also occasionally carry a 640 or a Glock g23 in an OWB with a sweater or hoody over it. Again, I have yet to be made. I run with LEOs (I'm a retired Marine and have alot of "Cop Buddies") and none of them have made me yet. People, especially older people like me (65 YO) do carry lots of things in their pockets so weight in pocket is not really an obvious tell. The BGs are going to have a lot more on their minds than trying to pick out whether little baldheaded old men are carrying guns. The crooks we encounter around here are not experts in detecting whether someone is CCWing or not. Pocket carry is a viable method of carry, as are many other methods, if you match your holster and weapon to your life style.
 
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