Model 29 for concealed carry?

f8 crusader · Aug 9, 2010

I am thinking about doing something different during the upcoming winter month's, I recently adquired a 4 inch 44 magnum mountain gun, I plan to use an X15 holster and a safariland trooper 1 holster, I like how it rides high and close to your body and recently bought (more like stealing considering what I paid for it

) 2,000 round of ammo for it, JHP, silvertip and hydra shok, I use a private hunting area to practice during the weekends, I set up pepper poppers and falling plates targets, winter time for me means packing my trusty 45 officers model using the askins avenger holster, if we have another hard winter like last years the smith would do great under a heavy jacket, what do you guys think?

6pack · Aug 10, 2010

Sounds good to me.

.44RemMag is my favorite cartridge and any reason or way to make it work in a carry situation would be a plus in my opinion.

NE450No2 · Aug 10, 2010

I have "packed concealed" S&W 44 Mag quite a bit.

I use a Milt Sparks Summer Special for the 4" and a De Santis No46 for A 6 1/2".

I ALWAYS BUY MY PANTS 2" BIGGER IN THE WAIST.

I have been carrying Inside the ants since 1967.

Back then we did not have the quality IWB holsters we have today, we just stuck the gun in our pants. It was called Mexican Carry back then, as it was widely used in South Texas along the Mexican border, where it eas to hot to wear any type of coat. You must left your shirt tail out to cover the gun.

Not a good idea really, not that secure. A good IWB holster is a much better idea.

bronco45 · Aug 10, 2010

Years ago I carried a Model 24 4" in a CC situation as a Deputy Sheriff. The keys to success for me was: a good high ride holster like a Galco Combat Master and a real "gunbelt" stiff and able to support the weight of gun, holster and speedloader and a 6 shot cartridge slide.
Kept the 24 filled with Federal 200gr SWCHPS, today it would be a Buffalo Bore load.
I also wore handcuffs but you probably won't.

Carried this way several years until Dept. allowed 1911s, then opted for a Colt GC.

jubela#4 · Aug 10, 2010

I think you will be fine packing that 29. I pack a 29-2 4 inch myself. I use either a Lawman Leather shoulder holster or a Lobo Gunleather Tom Threepersons on a Loboleather gun belt.
As has been stated, a real gunbelt is needed to properly carry the weight of a loaded 29.

USAF385 · Aug 10, 2010

No problem. I carry my 629 in a shoulder holster a lot during cooler weather. You'll be fine even with a lighter jacket. One of the reasons I love the fall is because once I can wear a jacket, I bust out the shoulder holsters. Actually I'll even carry my 4 inch 681 in a shoulder holster underneath just a thicker button up shirt (unbuttoned).

cmort666 · Aug 11, 2010

Now that I'm making holsters, I'm seriously considering making an OWB for my 4" 29-2 for fall and winter carry under a sweater.

I've also considered making a "pocket" holster for that gun for my parka. In Ohio, if you carry on body in a vehicle, it has to be in a holster. I'd like to make a holster to go in the breast pocket of my heavy parka. It would make the gun much more accessible in the vehicle while keeping me legal.

rjroberts · Aug 11, 2010

I carry an N frame - 627 8-shot IWB. 2 3/4" barrel.

SteveA · Aug 11, 2010

I carry a 4" 629 all the time n cooler weather. My holster is either an El Paso Saddelry tortilla or a Simply Rugged Sourdough. Either works great and my reloads are usually a couple of Tuff Strips in the off hand pocket.

willy · Aug 11, 2010

I carry a 6" 29 with 200gr. XTP at 1200fps iwb in front of the left hip for right hand draw.
When I'm wearing a coat!

Mule88 · Aug 13, 2010

Willy, I use that same bullet and velocity for a midrange load....good choice.

MTKTM · Aug 13, 2010

I've never CCW'd with an N-Frame, although have several including the 327 PC gun with 2" barrel, and a 629 with 2 5/8". I'm intrigued by the idea, however, and am thus interested in this thread and appreciate the suggestions. I would think that the grip configuration would be a really big factor with these guns, i.e., a 4" with the old square butt and Target stocks would be tougher to conceal than a round-butt with boot grips, etc. What sort of stocks or grips are you guys using on your CCW N-Frames?

cmort666 · Aug 13, 2010

MTKTM said:
I would think that the grip configuration would be a really big factor with these guns, i.e., a 4" with the old square butt and Target stocks would be tougher to conceal than a round-butt with boot grips, etc. What sort of stocks or grips are you guys using on your CCW N-Frames?

When I make my concealment holster for my 4" 29-2, I'll probably go back to the magnas. The only reason it has Pachmayrs on it is that I had to run a couple of boxes of 240gr. Winchester White Box Magnums through it to test it during an attempted repair of and eventual replacement of the barrel. Most of the time I had it previously, it had either magnas or the grips from my old M1917. Either work perfectly well with .44 Specials, which is all I ever shoot out of the gun anyway, and all I'd carry.

michael thornton · Aug 13, 2010

all my n frames are 4 inch or less, i do carry them at times makes you feel all warm and fuzzy dont it?

bronco45 · Aug 13, 2010

For a square butt N I use Magnas and a T-grip. For a round butt I use a custom set of magnas from Altamont and a T-grip.

I wear a size 9 or medium glove. the right grip makes a huge difference for concealment purposes. Thanks MTKTM for reminding me about the grip issue. Mine was solved due to hand size.

jimmyj · Aug 14, 2010

Hi:
Way back when: I carried a Model 29 4" in a Galco Miami Classic style shoulder holster. Also a Safariland Shadow belt holsterr at 4:00 O'clock.
Even when I was young and skinny IWB holsters didn't work for me.
Consider contacting Ray at "Lobo Leather" for your needs.
Jimmy

NLP · Jun 8, 2025

I carry both my 6 1/2 inch and 4 inch barrel in a shoulder holster ( Bucheimer type custom made). I have carried my S& W Model 29’s CCW for the last 30 years. I have been shooting a Model 29 since the age of 12years old (under adult supervision until I was an adult). It has saved my life 3 times and I trust it better than any semi auto. I keep it lubricated & clean. I use a mixture of magnum rem & 44 specials both 240 grains on the range. I carry Hornaday hollow points 44 specials for CCW. It has saved my life 3 times during attempted robberies. If you can handle the recoil, the loaded weight and have become proficient at using it, then go for it as a CCW. Don’t get “ Dirty Harry-itus” because this weapon is not for everyone. I’m a big person and this weapon fits me. I’m very comfortable with it, in fact it is always with me except at work. If you decide to use this weapon as your CCW, prepare, practice. & respect it. You won’t be disappointed.

Shibadog · Jun 9, 2025

I one time packed a 4 5/8” SBH concealed for two weeks just to see if I could.

. Worked, but not something I had a desire to continue. Also, be VERY careful carrying a big gun in winter because you can conceal it under a coat. You certainly CAN conceal it, BUT if it’s buried under a heavy coat in cold weather it likely will not be readily available if needed.. A J frame in a coat pocket will be more effective than a 29 or 1911 you can’t reach…

gym cat · Jun 9, 2025

My rule of thumb. If you can conceal it --- carry it.

AlHunt · Jun 9, 2025

If I wanted to conceal carry something that big, I'd do it in a cardboard box under my arm.

Model 29 for concealed carry?

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