Concealed Carry for the Big Thumpers (N Frames)?

[bubbajoe45]

I prefer IWB and generally use a Lobo like Roundgunner's last one pictured above. That style, with the snap straps help distribute the weight over a broader area across a good stiff belt and IWB keeps it in tight to the body. I carry Nightguards (325 & 329), 24-3 LHs, and also have one for 4" guns (29-2,3). I also sometimes use a Milt Sparks Summer Special for my 4" fixed sighted N frames 21-4, TripleLock, and HE-4th.

 

[RSanch111]

Too heavy for me. Used to carry an N-Frame as a backup during the winter under my uniform jacket in a shoulder holster. Even a 2" model 66 is too heavy for me in an OWB belt holster for only 6 shots off-duty. If I carry an N-frame in a belt holster, chances are, I'm on a mission..... Otherwise, I'd carry a full-size Glock or Sig with 2 extra mags for the same pain in the butt factor.

 

[vipermd]

I have had the pleasure of dealing with Rudy for a 10+ years, Black Hills Leather 956-712-9434. I have High ride OWB holsters for 629,57,500,19, plus derringers, double rig shoulder holster and all have been superb in workmanship and comfort. Photos of 500 SW, 4" . Be Safe,

 

[Redhawk500]

Kramer IWB for 4 inch N frames

They are made of stiff, durable, horse hide. The top stays open and re-holstering is easy. IWB and OWB are both excellent.

 

[Buford57]

Carried a 4" 28 in a Roy Baker Pancake for many years. If I ever feel the need to go loaded for bear again, my Mountain Revolver will fit in it.

 

[Rushing1]

Add another fan to the Galco silhoutte high ride; I carry my 629 4'' with it and a good stiff belt. With a light jacket over it, no problem with concealment.

I just ordered a Classic Engraved S@W 29 4 inch Engraved. Should be arriving in a couple of weeks.
I've been eying the Galco Silhouette High Ride.
Thanks for the info. This has been a very useful thread for me as the 29 will be my first 44 revolver.

Mitch

 

[Damol]

Going to bump this thread, just so much good info I cant let it go.
Love it.
Leather is something that just sings to me..
Along with N frames.

 

[jack the toad]

I'll bump it too. I wanted a hi-ride and ran across this S&W stamped Galco Silhouette, thanks Hank Dodge. Since stamped, am guessing it's a Lew Horton? Anyway, I prefer open bottom but want barrel covered, which it is with the 2" M625 barrel. Just arrived today so too early to tell how I'll like it but from looks it's off to a good start, IMO.

 

[crazyphil]

Whatever holster you choose, be sure the loaded cylinder is at, or below
belt level. Otherwise, the grip will sag outward and the outline will show
through your cover garment. Here are 3 that I kinda like, Left to Right:

Gaylord Federal Speed Scabbard
Eubanks
Hunter model 3100

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

I know there will be a few of you who carry the 2 1/2 - 4" N Frames so..... how do you do it? What is your favorite holster and carry method?

I carry my 5" 629 "Classic" .44mag every day, from pajamas-off until pajamas-on. In a homemade under-the-shirt vertical cloth shoulder holster rig. Very comfortable and well-concealed.

 

[jack the toad]

Mike, would you provide pics please?
ETA:
Sounds very interesting and I'm sure others would like to see it also.

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

Mike, would you provide pics please?
ETA:
Sounds very interesting and I'm sure others would like to see it also.

I've got a jpg of it on my computer, but I can't figure out how to copy that into here.

I can describe it though. It primarily consists of a long elastic strap: 2" wide, KNITTED (not woven or braided) elastic (I get it at JoAnn's fabric stores). The knitted type is required, because it goes around compound curves without kinking much better than woven or braided elastic straps. It is attached to the top rear of the cloth holster (under my left arm), and goes vertically upward to a spot just behind my neck, then up and over my right shoulder, down the right side of my chest, then curving around to the lower part of my back (on the right side), and finally running across the lower part of my back, attaching to the lower front part of the cloth holster. A short piece of 2" knitted elastic strap goes from the upper front of the holster, running upward in front of my left shoulder, and ending when it intersects (and is stitched to) the first long strap, just behind and to the right side of my neck. Two 1" elastic straps (with plastic connectors over my sternum) run across my chest, connecting the holster at two points to the vertical 2" strap running down the right front of my chest. One of those straps is almost horizontal, and the other is slanted, from high on my right side to low on my left side. Finally (and very important), there is an NON-elastic 1" strap running from the 2" elastic strap (where it goes from the lower front of my right chest around my right side) to the upper rear of the holster (angling upward across my back). That is the "anti-sway" strap, that prevents the upper part of the gun from rotating forward when I bend over.

The result is that the rig holds the gun snugly against my body, with no flopping around like you get with other shoulder holsters. And I think that long 2" strap that runs along the length of my two shoulders spreads the load of the gun better than any other holster ... that's why I can carry that gun all my waking hours without it feeling heavy to me. It took MANY trial-and-error iterations to finally get it right, starting years ago with other guns.

To put it on, I hold the lower part of the holster (with the gun in it) with my right hand, and stick my left arm through the triangular hole formed by the two straps that run from each side of the top of the holster to the point where those two straps are stitched together. I then stick my right arm behind me, through the long 2" strap near where it connects to the lower front of the holster. Finally, those two non-elastic straps with the connectors are connected.

 

[jcs266]

Being a big guy myself, I have always been able to get away with carrying N-frames (my favorite carry guns). I use a SimplyRugged sourdough pancake holster that has kept my 4-inch 's like my Model 29 and now my Model 57 kept very well concealed under a light jacket. It also works well with my Model 27-2.

Ditto here, as a bigger guy it's not that difficult. I wear loose fitting comfortable clothes now as a retired guy, so I wear a full size revolver. Simply Rugged pancake or a Milt Sparks summer special is how i carry my 3" 686 daily now. My 4" 629 Mtn Gun would be worn the same. A speed strip in my pocket and that's my EDC.

 

[Nemo288]

I've got a jpg of it on my computer, but I can't figure out how to copy that into here.

We'd love to see your homemade shoulder rig!

Use the "Advanced" mode then go down to "manage attachments".
There you choose and upload your pictures, pdf's, etc.
Use the preview mode to see what you are sending before you hit "submit".

I have a few shoulder holsters but all but one are for longer hunting revolvers which I now prefer a "chesty" for.
I have used a cheapy Uncle Mikes to carry a Bulldog under the arm pit but don't really trust the upside down style to be secure.
A good shoulder rig for 3" L frames has always been on my wish list but never seems to happen.
Mernickle is currently making me a cross-draw for a 396 which doesn't fit in the L3 I already have due to the very high front sight.

3" 624 in the BLW holster that came with it:
Even though the cylinder is above the belt (which I like), it doesn't lean away from my side and "print".
The 1.75" Galco belt may help with that.
I also have a pants loop in between the holster slots directly behind the gun.
Craig Spegel ebony extended boot grips.
All the 3" L Frame 44's ride nice in this holster as well.
Best high-ride OWB 3" 44 holster I have ever used.

 

[ostlund]

You'd be surprised what you can hide under an open shirt or light jacket! This is my hunting rig for a 6 1/2" 629-4 Classic. Our goals and needs are varied but I've never warmed to belt carry for the jamming in my ribs while driving, or printing when reaching for that bottom row at Home Depot. Shoulder holsters make sense for me. I attach the off side to belt but let the gun side be "free." It follows my movement nicely and allows for comfortable fit with frame pack. A shoulder holster also keeps your gun protected from the elements such as snow, branches and yes rocks when traversing rock slides. And when you have to drop your pants your gun is always in the same place! Oh, you can also draw with your left hand which might come in handy. Another thing to consider is it is completely comfortable when seated in a car and is easy and discreet to draw without the contortions needed from a belt holster.

The 4" Galco rig is for my 629-1 or 29-4. I recently bought it so it has zero miles on it.

I've tried other shoulder rigs but non compare to Galco. They're expensive but you end up buying only one!

 

[ostlund]

Don't get me wrong...I'm fond of all fine leather. This is my El Paso Saddlery rig.

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

Use the "Advanced" mode then go down to "manage attachments".
There you choose and upload your pictures, pdf's, etc.

I don't see an "Advanced" choice anywhere. Just a "Quote" button to click.

 

[adwjc]

I don't see an "Advanced" choice anywhere. Just a "Quote" button to click.

Hit the Orange POST REPLY button, on the bottom left side of your screen,
below the first box you will see a another set of ADDITIONAL OPTIONS, second set is labeled MANANGE ATTACHMENTS,
that one will open the area you need.

You could also open the EDIT window on your original post and see the same thing, a second ADDITIONAL OPTIONS box below the text box.

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

OK. Here's my attempt to post the jpg:
(it rotated the thumbnail 90 degrees CCW for some reason. But when I click on the thumbnail, it displays it properly. I'll go ahead and try submitting it.)

This rig is for my previous EDC: a 5-shot 4" Model 69 L-Frame .44mag. But the rig for my current EDC (a 6-shot Model 629 5" .44mag) is almost exactly the same, except the cloth fabric is heavier ... it's called "fire-hose cotton" ... I had to special order it, Jo Ann's fabric stores don't carry it.

 

[Nemo288]

Very Cool.
I have a feeling you could sell as many of those as you would care to make.
I wear a lot of blue clothes so maybe a blue fabric would be my choice.