Although I have quite a few 6" and 6-1/2" S&W revolvers (K-frame and N-frame) in my modest collection, I don't ever carry them. The largest revolver I ever carried routinely was a 4" Model 57 in a Bianchi X15 shoulder holster. These days, I find it easier to carry my S&W M&P 10mm 2.0 with 4.6" bbl, and it holds 15+1.
Who Packs a 6" N Frame?
- Thread starter 41special
- Start date
The Norseman
Member
6” to 4”
I sort of got away from packing my 6” revolvers
while out walking the woods. Really like packing
the Mountain Guns now.
I have modified Bianchi shoulder holsters; cut the
twin springs loose and shorten the length for
more compactness and comfort. Cut the Rear Sight
window bigger too. Had a boot repairer restitch
the bottom.
Sometimes I just carry the Revolvers in a Pistol
Rug with handles. It’s not like I’m going to be
in a quick draw shoot out while walking around.
I sort of got away from packing my 6” revolvers
while out walking the woods. Really like packing
the Mountain Guns now.
I have modified Bianchi shoulder holsters; cut the
twin springs loose and shorten the length for
more compactness and comfort. Cut the Rear Sight
window bigger too. Had a boot repairer restitch
the bottom.
Sometimes I just carry the Revolvers in a Pistol
Rug with handles. It’s not like I’m going to be
in a quick draw shoot out while walking around.
In My younger days I carried a 6.5 model 29 everywhere. Hunting, fishing, backpacking, ETC. After getting the 475 Linebaugh and putting close to a thousand rounds through it, I carried it hunting, fishing, backpacking, ETC. Why?? Because I wanted to. And I could carry it all day long. It has accounted for 3 Elk, a few deer, some pigs, coyotes, and loaded it weighs the same as the 29 does empty.
Same story here. That was when I was younger, tougher, and loved shooting the gun. Now I considered anything heavier than a Commander a terrible burden. I used the same holster, and in the winter often used a Safariland shoulder holster. Still have both but never use them. I don’t enjoy shooting .44 Magnums any more and I have no need for .44 Magnum power here in Indiana.
My friend used to carry a 27 and 28 in a shoulder holster, and sometimes a 58. I drew the line at a 1911
TheHobbyist
Member
Deer hunting I would sometimes carry a 6" 29 or 629, depending on weather, on my belt for 50 yards or less.
Mehutch
Member
I packed this 29-3 6" barrel on my long trips into the bush, but switched to my 5" 629 years later. Never under gunned.
switch to this...
switch to this...
Piwo
Member
When hunting deer, I used to carry a 6 inch model 29 in a full flap holster on a GI pistol belt. An M1 carbine mag pouch perfectly held 2 speedloaders. I liked the GI belt as it comfortably distributed the weight and it adjusted large enough to go over my hunting coveralls. The only real walking involved going to and from my deer stand. I also loved the ability to instantly and easily snap the whole rig off and on if needed.
When I was younger, in warmer weather I would carry it in a Bianchi X-15 for woods loafing or other non physical activities. Not that I did this a lot...There really is no need for a .44 magnum in Ohio for most non hunting uses and that gun got heavy quickly. There are a lot of other lighter options, even in N frames that serve the same purpose as well. The mountain guns and the 22-4 44 Spl. are what I use when I need a big bore. Otherwise K frame or semi auto.
When I was younger, in warmer weather I would carry it in a Bianchi X-15 for woods loafing or other non physical activities. Not that I did this a lot...There really is no need for a .44 magnum in Ohio for most non hunting uses and that gun got heavy quickly. There are a lot of other lighter options, even in N frames that serve the same purpose as well. The mountain guns and the 22-4 44 Spl. are what I use when I need a big bore. Otherwise K frame or semi auto.
MakeMyNight
Member
Going back to the Big game hunting years, I always carried either My Model 67 with home brewed hot loads, or My Ruger Super Blackhawk 44mag as a companion to My Ithaca Buck Buster 12 ga single load Deer Shotgun.
New N frame revolvers in 45, 44, 41 caliber were not easy to acquire back then, ie, unless You always had $400 in the wallet at all times, and You knew someone of importance.
During early Fall 1983, My new Redhawk 44 mag arrived, so I sold My Super Blackhawk to a friend at work, to help make the purchase.
After that, the Redhawk was frequently on My belt, during November Big Game hunting days...Yes, it scored a number of times.
Always wanted a couple N frame magnums when I was young, but the cost and lack of availability was always an issue.
From mid 1989 onward, the local Police Departments stopped using revolvers, in lieu of autoloaders, thus new S&W N, L, & K frame revolvers began to appear in the GS showcases.
It wasn't until Oct 1993 that a new N frame, model 657-2 (41mag) was available for Me to purchase...talk about love at first sight!
I only used that revolver for target range shooting, & protective carry on My Wife's family farm during Spring, Summer, & early Fall, because Black Bears are frequently present during those seasons.
Now, into My 70's, I have gained some sweet N frames, but seldom use them, because the family farm is located in a socialist run state....hence taking a firearm there could net one a number of years in prison.
New N frame revolvers in 45, 44, 41 caliber were not easy to acquire back then, ie, unless You always had $400 in the wallet at all times, and You knew someone of importance.
During early Fall 1983, My new Redhawk 44 mag arrived, so I sold My Super Blackhawk to a friend at work, to help make the purchase.
After that, the Redhawk was frequently on My belt, during November Big Game hunting days...Yes, it scored a number of times.
Always wanted a couple N frame magnums when I was young, but the cost and lack of availability was always an issue.
From mid 1989 onward, the local Police Departments stopped using revolvers, in lieu of autoloaders, thus new S&W N, L, & K frame revolvers began to appear in the GS showcases.
It wasn't until Oct 1993 that a new N frame, model 657-2 (41mag) was available for Me to purchase...talk about love at first sight!
I only used that revolver for target range shooting, & protective carry on My Wife's family farm during Spring, Summer, & early Fall, because Black Bears are frequently present during those seasons.
Now, into My 70's, I have gained some sweet N frames, but seldom use them, because the family farm is located in a socialist run state....hence taking a firearm there could net one a number of years in prison.
Exmilcop
Member
Canadian law, but for very few exceptions (trappers, prospectors, etc.) prohibits the wilderness carry of a pistol by a civilian. The loophole is that antique status pistols are perfectly legal but they must be open carry. Under a jacket or whatnot can leave you open to "carrying a concealed weapon" charge. In that vein, I have a mechanically excellent S&W 1st. Mod. DA in .44 Russian that I tote when I go off into the woods or bush. I was lucky in finding a Crossman holster that proved to be a perfect rig for open carry.
Attachments
Exmilcop - Love the gun but, well, that's just a stupid law. So your answer begs the question - would a Colt Single Action Army, a design that came out in 1873, be OK? And, if so, would it have to be an old one or could you carry a new version of it? And if it has to be old, how old? Sorry for all the questions but your response just brought out the lawyer in me.
I used to pack a 38/44 Outdoorsman with 6" barrel while flyfishing in rattlesnake country. I made my own snake rounds with 7-1/2 shot. I like snakes and never had to remove one from his territory, they usually glide off if given a chance. Around here they are not common enough to become a pest, fishing where they were a problem was actually better in the fall when they were more likely to be in the rocky outcroppings surrounding the creek.
Exmilcop
Member
Under Canadian law, to meet the criterion of "antique" status, the pistol must have been made before 1898 and must be in a calibre that is not currently readily available. Mine is in .44 Russian but I had a beauty in .44-40 and I had to sell it at a US auction (for a loss I might add, given the disparity in prices here vs the USA) since .44-40 is on the list of currently available pistol ammo. As to SA vs DA, I wanted the double action option and you should see what a good Colt goes for up here! I don't know if Colt made their pistols in .45 Schofield, but that's the only big bore with some OOMPH that I would have picked over the .44 Russian. As to old vs new? Catch this! A Pietta or Armi San Marco reproduction of an antique pistol, whether cap-'n-ball or cartridge, being made post 1898 would have to be registered as "restricted" and subject to all the looney laws surrounding transport, storage, use, etc. I could write a book on the stupid gun laws enacted by our looney left Liberals but that would take several pages which would be illegible after being exposed to head of steam I'd have on me by the time I was done.
Sir, you have my sympathy. It sounds like like an old Colt SAA in something like 41 Colt would be OK. Of course, one would have to actually find the ammo and that would be quite a feat these days. Think I'll just stay here in good ol' Wyoming!
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Can never make up my mind which is my favorite but a very frequent companion is my 1965 6” M57 sometimes in a shoulder holster but most often in a belt holster
My woods or farm walkabout revolver is either S&W 629 Mountain Gun or Ruger Blackhawk with 4 5/8” barrel in 45 Colt. Use to carry 6” S&W 28, but wanted something little more compact. Weighing only 38oz, the Ruger is a lot of gun.
Abbynormal
Member
Here in Indiana, I have both a 6" M29-3 and a M27-2. I have both a belt (that can be used as a strong side or weak side) holster and a Bianchi shoulder holster.
I use both calibers woods walking, camping and hunting. Usually, the shoulder holster comes out in cold weather.
I use both calibers woods walking, camping and hunting. Usually, the shoulder holster comes out in cold weather.
I've carried the 6" 29 plenty to hunt.
