Recommendations For IWB Holster for Model 69

gregwes · #1 05-11-2021, 06:24 PM

Hi all, new guy here and I hope you all can help me out.

I'm looking for an IWB holster that will fit my Model 69 in .44. The barrel length is 2.75"

Any recommendations would be great!

Thanks so much!

Greg

crazyphil · #2 05-11-2021, 07:43 PM

I believe your Model 69 .44 is a S&W L Frame. I would not carry that
heavy a gun inside the waist band. If you do, be sure that the cylinder
is right even with the belt. If the cylinder is above the belt, the weight
of the loaded cylinder will cause the top heavy gun to sag outward.

An example is shown on the left below. An old Baker pancake. As you
can see the cylinder is above the belt, so it does tend to sag outward.

The following 4 all illustrate the cylinder in line with the belt, and although
they are all for smaller revolvers, they are all good IWB makers who I will
recommend.

2nd from left is by Bell-Charter-Oak called the Chicago Rocker
3rd from left is by Alessi called Hard Shell Talon
4th from left is by Delfatti shark trim
5th from left is by Garrity Inconspicuous

crazyphil · #3 05-11-2021, 07:55 PM

I have been known to carry my full size Colt's 1911 Gold Cup in this
Milt Sparks VMII IWB holster. The belt loops so far apart helps to
distribute the weight of the gun better. If I was going to carry a heavy
revolver like your Model 69 I would seriously consider the VMII. They
are kinda expensive and usually a long line ahead of you.

gregwes · #4 05-13-2021, 06:50 AM

Thanks so much for the advise and links! Much appreciated.

Best,

Greg

gwpercle · #5 05-13-2021, 09:45 AM

Carrying a large frame S&W stuffed down inside your pants is not for the overweight , large framed or older guys . If you are young , lean and mean get a holster /belt combo that is stiff , holds the gun securely , doesn't sag and is well made (quality doesn't come cheap ) and give it a try .
crazyphil , post #2, has some excellant examples of quality gun leather , he knows a thing or two about holster's .
Good Luck ,
Gary

Borderboss · #6 05-13-2021, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

I believe your Model 69 .44 is a S&W L Frame. I would not carry that
heavy a gun inside the waist band. If you do, be sure that the cylinder
is right even with the belt. If the cylinder is above the belt, the weight
of the loaded cylinder will cause the top heavy gun to sag outward.

An example is shown on the left below. An old Baker pancake. As you
can see the cylinder is above the belt, so it does tend to sag outward.

The following 4 all illustrate the cylinder in line with the belt, and although
they are all for smaller revolvers, they are all good IWB makers who I will
recommend.

2nd from left is by Bell-Charter-Oak called the Chicago Rocker
3rd from left is by Alessi called Hard Shell Talon
4th from left is by Delfatti shark trim
5th from left is by Garrity Inconspicuous

Very good advice. Revolvers and high-ride IWB holsters do not go together at all. I had a snub Charter Arms .38 that I tried carrying in a Bianchi "Pistol Pocket". That thing was constantly turning itself upside down.

As to the Pancake Holster, one of the ways to keep that tucked in is to run the belt on the outside of the holster instead of the more conventional way. This way the belt is pulling in on the outside of the holster. I carry my Colt 1911 that way in my Uncle Roy's.

Claymore33 · #7 05-13-2021, 10:57 AM

MILT SPARKS

chief38 · #8 05-13-2021, 11:36 AM

Contrary to most when I carried a M60 with a IWB it was always one of the soft inexpensive suede versions with the spring clip. They are by far the most comfortable of all since they are only about 1/16" thick and quickly conform to the firearm. Leather, Kydex, etc. is too thick, uncomfortable and bulky for me to like.

Some are concerned about re-holstering after pulling Roscoe. I am not! If you are reholstering there is obviously no more threat and so two hands can be used to put the gun into the collapsed holster. After yo pull Roscoe, there is no more secret that you have a gun. The gun can temporarily be just tucked in your waistband, pocket or jacket pocket of you are wearing one to be properly holstered later.

Les Greevy · #9 05-15-2021, 07:53 PM

I carry my M69 in a MK-TEK iwb holster made for the L frame. Works fine.

RoyM52 · #10 05-15-2021, 09:25 PM

Milt Sparks VM 2

jcs266 · #11 05-31-2021, 11:27 PM

Without hesitation my #1 IWB is the Milt Sparks Summer Special. I carry this quite frequently with my 3” M686 and swear by it. It’s extremely well-made, very stiff, sturdy construction. It keeps it’s shape very well so when you re-holster it doesn’t squeeze shut after the gun is removed.