Model 649 357 vs Model 19 carry comp for CCW

[Homelander]

Hey guys, new to the forum here. So recently I've been dead set on Smith's model 19 carry comp as a carry weapon as I like the idea of being able to tame full power 357 loads out of the relatively compact k-frame due to the compensator. However, I recently came across a nice looking 649 no-lock 357 and am having second thoughts. By the pictures the 649 looks a lot easier to conceal along with the option of throwing it in a pocket if need be. However, I plan on iwb carry regardless of the decision.

So would the 649 THAT much easier/comfortable to conceal than the model 19? I'm around 6' 220lbs and on the muscular side, and my usual attire usual consists of jeans and an athletic-fit t-shirt. I really don't have a desire to wear a jacket most of the year being in Florida and I don't want to wear a baggy shirt to conceal my gun. Would the 19 likely leave an unsightly bulge with my current attire? Also, would the 3inch barreled model 19 iwb likely be uncomfortable when driving a car that's seated low to the ground? Thanks in advance for the help!

*please try to keep the discussion between these two firearms

 

[Frailer]

Is a 649 a lot easier to conceal than a 19?

Yes.

A K-frame worn IWB doesn't sound fun (nor comfortable) to me. And it will not conceal under a form-fitting shirt.

 

[Greyman50]

Wearing a loose baggy shirt here in Florida is, " the way to go". Much Cooler and unlike most other states/ places one will not get a " second look" and its confortable.

 

[SuperMan]

Both are great guns but the 649 is easier to conceal...

It also doesn't sound like you have carried before...how are you planning on carrying?

Really one has two options when carrying...get a gun that fits your current style, or dress to the gun... I have always been one to dress to the gun.

Bob

 

[HOGSTR]

I think you have to consider how the hammer spur on the 19 will get caught on your shirt or outer layers. That's one of the great things about a 649 for carry, or any of the humpback revolvers...you get the benefit of single action without getting hung up.

Otherwise I think either gun will suit you fine.

 

[sodacan]

I have a 649-2 (38 special). It's pretty snappy with +P. I would have zero interest in shooting magnum rounds out of a "J" frame. The 649 is a great revolver for pocket carry. If you insist on the 357 magnum round for carry, I have three words for you--Practice, Practice, Practice. Good luck.

 

[Homelander]

Thank you all for the replies on the matter. I've heard a lot of people talk about the grips on the revolver being what makes or breaks concealment more than any other dimension of the gun. I guess another factor to consider is that do I really gain any concealment meaningful concealment if I downsized from a k-frame with a boot grip/service stocks to a j-frame with a 3 finger grip? Or would I be giving up far more performance than what that marginal concealment is worth?

Both are great guns but the 649 is easier to conceal...

It also doesn't sound like you have carried before...how are you planning on carrying?

Really one has two options when carrying...get a gun that fits your current style, or dress to the gun... I have always been one to dress to the gun.

Bob

Yeah I haven't carried a gun before, I plan on carrying either weapon iwb at either 3 or 4 o'clock.

I have a 649-2 (38 special). It's pretty snappy with +P. I would have zero interest in shooting magnum rounds out of a "J" frame. The 649 is a great revolver for pocket carry. If you insist on the 357 magnum round for carry, I have three words for you--Practice, Practice, Practice. Good luck.

I don't blame you. 357 to me wouldn't be worth it in the snubby configuration, however I do like having the capability. I'd plan on carrying some 158 gr lswchp +p in the 649 if I go that route.

 

[Frailer]

Thank you all for the replies on the matter. I've heard a lot of people talk about the grips on the revolver being what makes or breaks concealment more than any other dimension of the gun. I guess another factor to consider is that do I really gain any concealment meaningful concealment if I downsized from a k-frame with a boot grip/service stocks to a j-frame with a 3 finger grip? Or would I be giving up far more performance than what that marginal concealment is worth?

…

Yeah I haven't carried a gun before, I plan on carrying either weapon iwb at either 3 or 4 o'clock.

For me the difference between carrying a J-frame and a K-frame isn't "marginal." There is no way I can conceal a K-frame without "dressing around the gun," and I would never carry a K-frame IWB behind the hip. The diameter of that cylinder pressing against me would be unpleasant.

In the final analysis you're asking a question that only you can answer.

The only thing I'd add is the oft-cited Rule #1: have a gun. All other things (caliber, capacity, etc.) are irrelevant in comparison. If your lifestyle and fashion choices mean you might leave the gun at home, then you don't have the right gun. IMHO your *first* consideration should probably be how you're going to carry it, as this can influence your firearm choice substantially. As you say you've never carried a gun before, prepare to do some experimentation.

To be frank, it sounds to me like you've decided on the 19. Go ahead and give it a try. In the worst cast scenario it doesn't work as a carry gun for you, but that's OK. You'll still have a gun you like, and you'll get the opportunity to buy another gun.

 

[Dgfrtsgt]

Hello my name is Bruce and I live in Vegas. I have carried numerous semiautomatics and of course revolvers. I appendix carry and can hide a k frame with a slightly larger t-shirt. The j-frame is easier to conceal but way harder to shoot well and you give up one round. Anyway that's my two cents worth.

 

[SuperMan]

"I'm around 6' 220lbs and on the muscular side, and my usual attire usual consists of jeans and an athletic-fit t-shirt. I really don't have a desire to wear a jacket most of the year being in Florida and I don't want to wear a baggy shirt to conceal my gun. Would the 19 likely leave an unsightly bulge with my current attire?"

"Yeah I haven't carried a gun before, I plan on carrying either weapon iwb at either 3 or 4 o'clock."

...you are basically asking the impossible...either IWB or OWB...even with the 649. It is going print badly with your current attire. It will probably show just standing to anyone behind you but it is really show if you bend at the waist at all.. How long past your belt do your current t-shirts go...

To wear a gun as big as a 19 at the 3-4:00 position takes a vest to hide it. A 649 IWB will take at minimum a LOOSE LONG t-shirt or a lightweight cover shirt.

ps...I've been teaching CC since the early 1990s...

 

[eb07]

There is also an the fact that the 19 eats up 357 recoil.the j frame won't.

 

[hyena]

Of the two guns you're considering, I'd go with a 640 Pro.

Not trying to be a smart a**. I see no way you can conceal the model 19 based on the info you provided. You'll find that out once you've tried it, and I'm afraid the gun will end being left at home. As was said above, the best gun in a fight is the one you have on you.

If the sixth shot is important to you, look at a Kimber K6S. I'm not a Kimber fan, but have shot one a lot and consider it the equal of my 640 Pro.

I think of my 640 Pro as the J frame that shoots like a K frame.

Having said all that, I usually carry a 642 or Bodyguard 380. Lighter is better, for me.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[kraynky]

I carried a 638 IWB at 4:00 using only a Barami Hip Grip for years. But I still had to wear a looser/longer than normal untucked shirt. I "dressed to the gun" as Superman said.

Now some 30 years later, I carry a 6906 or a 4516 most days, sometimes a Shield 45, (I like a 45) but I am used to loose shirts, a vest or light jacket most days.

Carrying IWB requires a larger size trouser and/or belt too. Not to mention a heavier thicker belt, to prevent sagging.

No one can tell you what will work best for "you", other than trial & error. I commend you for realizing the importance of protecting yourself and those around you.

Carrying a loaded weapon requires a huge amount of awareness of one's surroundings as well. Plus a mindset of being willing to actually draw that weapon if needed, and use it.

What ever you decide to try, practice the draw with an unloaded weapon until you feel comfortable and able. When you start carrying it, resist the urge to constantly "check on it". .

There are already folks all around you carrying now, and they have been without you knowing it. You'll become one of them by properly concealing your weapon and blending in. Learn to not be self conscious about it, and don't ever talk about it openly to people that you don't know really well.

It will become so natural, you will sometime forget that it's there, and feel naked when it's not. LOL!

It takes commitment. Don't forget to carry a "reload", and practice hitting what you're aiming at, with the ammo you carry. A snub nose isn't for everyone.

 

[Birdhunter6]

I live in Illinois. I occasionally carry a 3" K frame 13-2 IWB in the winter months under a coat. My year round EDC is a 640 pro. The .357 cylinder gives the ejector rod a longer stroke which is helpful when reloading but I load it with +P .38s. A J is more difficult to shoot well than a K so train & practice.

If you don't want to dress to the gun your only option is pocket carry. The draw is slow but carry is secure and concealment is certain. You must use a pocket holster that encloses the trigger guard. Most are smooth inside and textured outside so they stay in the pocket when you draw. I find that carpenter jeans have roomier pockets that work well and the 'watch pocket' on most jeans holds a J frame speed loader securely.

When forced to go somewhere that I feel required to carry more than a 5 shot revolver with 1 reload, I move the 640 to my support side pocket as a BUG and carry a primary pistol IWB at 4 o'clock. 13-2 if wearing a coat or baggy sweatshirt, but usually a G43X. I still have to dress to the Glock but not to the extent I would to carry a K or L.

 

[Frailer]

If you don't want to dress to the gun your only option is pocket carry…

There is another option, but it's not for everyone.

A few years ago, before I retired from teaching, our school district was strongly considering arming a few teachers, me among them. I'm 6'1", 175 pounds, and I knew there was no way for me to carry a firearm while wearing khakis and a tucked-in polo around a bunch of high school kids who notice *everything*, so I reached out to a couple of "high speed" acquaintances with experience in NPE carry. The recommendation they came up with was a SmartCarry holster. I contacted the owner, explained my situation, and he sent me one for free; I bought a second so I'd have a spare.

I ended up not needing it for work (we made alternative arrangements that would permit authorized folks to access other weapons), but I came to really appreciate its versatility. I use it to carry a small revolver—or even a Glock 26–when discretion is particularly important. I use it in conjunction with a Kydex "trigger guard" to be doubly safe, but this isn't essential.

Edited to add: I didn't intend this as a recommendation for the SmartCarry over pocket carry. On the contrary. Pocket carry permits something that no other socially-acceptable carry method does: the ability to actually have the gun in your hand while walking around—or establish a grip on your weapon if you think things are about to get hinky.

 

[Univibe]

Instead of carrying a Smith 19 (6 rounds, no reload), carry Glock 19 (16 rounds, fast reload).

 

[Homelander]

Sounds like I just might have to go the Don Johnson route and break out the white blazer more often. Jokes aside, this is all good information and I appreciate you guys giving your input. As of right now I feel like I'm going towards a 638 bodyguard in the pocket as It'll be a guarantee that I'll always have it on me, no matter my attire, and I also like the idea of being able already have a discrete grip on the pistol before any action starts. Due to it's light weight, I'll also be able to comfortably use it as an ankle gun for the days I feel like putting in the extra effort to dress around the model 19, likely if I anticipate to be spending time in the rough side of town.

 

[hyena]

That's a good choice, and will serve you well.

 

[Dgfrtsgt]

I was going to recommend a belly band. Today I am out and about with just a T-shirt and jeans concealing a 3inch King Cobra
357 mag. I went to see my doctor. Nobody noticed what I had. The disadvantage with the belly band is a slow presentation because the gun is deep
I am a much smaller dude than you, 5'5" 160lbs.

 

[Homelander]

I was going to recommend a belly band. Today I am out and about with just a T-shirt and jeans concealing a 3inch King Cobra
357 mag. I went to see my doctor. Nobody noticed what I had. The disadvantage with the belly band is a slow presentation because the gun is deep
I am a much smaller dude than you, 5'5" 160lbs.

Thanks for the recommendation. If carrying the k frame iwb doesn't work out I'll probably give that a shot.