Any experience carrying a .44 N frame IWB

[Named User]

I'm kinda short on cash so trying not to waste money on holsters I won't use, carry a 66 4" primary a 629 3" secondary. I have a shoulder rig for my 66, and thinking about the 629 riding IWB. The cylinder is quite large so I was wondering if anyone has experience with it? Thanks.

 

[DocB]

Maybe outside the waist band. It's just going to pull your pants down and gouge into your side. Even Dirty Harry used a shoulder holster for his N Frames.

 

[Named User]

Thanks for the info, I hadn't thought too much about the weight vs the belt difference in IWB carry. OWB may work well with the gun being so short.

 

[Old cop]

The key to this is to have a good belt and holster combo. There are belts made specifically for carrying a heavy gun and they have several styles to suit how you need to dress. If it were me this is where I would start.

 

[Rpg]

I'm not a fan of iwb holsters for revolvers. For me, they are quite uncomfortable, although not as uncomfortable as shoulder holsters or ankle holsters.

The key to comfortably carrying any handgun for more than an hour or two is a quality holster paired with a real gunbelt from the same manufacturer. A proper belt will run over $100.00.

Cheaping out on these items is false economy, in my view, particularly with larger handguns (eg 1911's). This applies to N frames in spades.

 

[Watchdog]

To carry a .44 N-Frame IWB, you'd probably have to increase the waist size of your pants by about three inches, possibly more, if you expected to maintain any level of comfort.

Get yourself a good OWB belt slide holster that holds the gun close to your body, preferably at waist level.

You don't really realize how big an N-Frame anything is until you start figuring out how to carry one concealed/comfortably.

 

[Highhawk1948]

I carry a large single action .45 Colt IWB. Good "gun" belt and a clip on old Kramer holster made for it. It is good if your pants and belt are about 2 inches bigger than you need. Depends on how bad you want to carry that revolver.

 

[shell627]

Also with a heavy gun besides a good belt.Consider suspenders worn under a tshirt with a light outer shirt you can conceal a lot.

 

[Named User]

Thanks for all the good information. Suspenders are actually in my wardrobe. OWB is looking pretty likely. I don't mind paying for quality just trying to limit some trial and error cost. I definitely want great concealment, ran into issues with OWB concealment on a 1911 that I fixed by switching to IBW, but then felt uncomfortable with a SAO design and a hammer drop away from an unintended discharge into my leg. Switched back to my wheel guns, and am trying to nail down the best set up.

May just get a new shoulder rig for the 629, and switch to the premodel 10 OWB. I just feel a little under gunned with a .38.

You guys are being a great help though, thanks a lot.

 

[caleb4387]

simply rugged is known for supporting big guns well

 

[Grayfox]

I tried it. Didn't work for me. Now I only carry N-frames in a good OWB holster.

 

[Named User]

Great info guys, thanks. Looks like it's OWB.

 

[Acroyer]

I have a Theis holster that I can carry my Mod 28 IWB without too much problem. I have a good gun belt and the pant size is a couple larger than what I normally wear.

I don't carry the 28 anymore, though. While it was not uncomfortable, the sheer size of it made it difficult to draw, as the grips rode pretty high on my ribs. Besides, for the weight vs caliber vs capacity arguments I just couldn't stick with the N Frame for concealed carry. I might feel different about it with a .44, though.

 

[Buford57]

+1 on all the negatives for N-frames IWB and the need for a good gunbelt. I did, however, carry a M28 and a M24 OWB (not at the same time) in a Roy Baker Pancake. I got used to it.

Whatever neighborhood you travel that requires a .357 with a .44 backup is one I'd just as soon avoid.

 

[zzclancy]

IWB Kramer.

 

[Iggy]

I carry N frames all the time. I have a heavy belt and suspenders and OWB holsters.. I wouldn't even consider trying to stuff one of them big old boogers in my britches.

 

[keith44spl]

I have Mexican carried a 3 1/2" N frame from time to time,
course I'm 6'2" most times (depending which convenient store I'm leaving)
and 250 lbs of raw sinew....so comfort don't figger into it.

Most times, I jest slide this'n on my pant belt and
stick in what ever the carry for the day is and go with it.

Colt Defender - S&W N Frame - S&W M39







.

 

[Poohgyrr]

IWB Kramer.

For my thoughts, carry really is a personal choice. Before the Internet was born, some of us started with Kramer and Sparks IWB's for full size autos & S&W N frames. It can still work today, and remains a personal choice. Two inches max on pants waistband. Those OWB's also work well, and they can sure look great.

 

[Old Arkansawyer]

I use a Simply Rugged which can be used in side with loops or outside without loops. Good quality and conceal well. I mostly carry strongside outside waistband.

 

[Deputy25]

Simply Rugged OWB, or Sparks Summer Special IWB for my 4" 29.