N frame concealed carry? Do you?

[wheelyfun66]

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)

 

[tompehret]

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.

 

[tompehret]

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.

 

[moxie]

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.

 

[venomballistics]

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.

 

[mc5aw]

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.

 

[NE450No2]

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...

 

[NE450No2]

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...

 

[NE450No2]

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...

 

[P&R Fan]

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

 

[chief38]

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.

 

[BCDWYO]

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!

 

[chief38]

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.

 

[wheelyfun66]

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)

 

[NE450No2]

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...

 

[badge]

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.

 

[American1776]

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.

 

[Rick_A]

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.

 

[1scooter]

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

 

[cemeteryman]

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.