I'm looking to buy my friend's Model 12 with 4" barrel. I like the weight of it and how it shoots. I've never carried a revolver that wasn't a snub. Does anyone have experiences or recommendations for IWB/OWB carry?

Sure do. I'm carrying a 4" M19-3 right now in an OWB leather holster. It's about 31 degrees out right now so I have a sweater on that covers it. No problem whatsoever. IWB carry is even easier to conceal, although not as accessible.
Jim

I carried a blued S&W Model 10, tapered barrel, square butt, today in a Don Hume JIT belt slide strong-side under a sport coat all day today. No one noticed. YMMV.

ECS

__________________
CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

Carrying a 4 inch k frame IWB is not hard once you find the right holster. For example Lobo Gun Leather - IWB belt-loop style, for revolvers and autos

Lobo does great work. At a VERY good price.
Jim

I use a Milt Sparks VM2.

The biggest con is a little bulge resulting from the material stacking of the cylinder, base holster leather x 2, metal reinforcement band x 2, and metal reinforcement band cover x 2.

The biggest pro is the weight distribution.

4" barrels give the holster more to hold on to and provide good leverage to hold the butt in.

Lobo does make excellent holsters. My 12-2 is carried in a Tucker OWB holster and the fit is great. The model 12-2 RB is a great .38 to carry. It's so light you don't know it's there, and the 4" barrel gives you a little more velocity over the 2".

I've carried 4" k frames on and off for years. My faforite holsters are both OWB. I like the Bianchi Shadow. It's a pancake type that holds the revolver tight to the body. The second is a Don Hume JIT. I'm a big fan of this holster and have one for pretty much every handgun that I own.

I carry mine in a Lobo Gun Leather - Model 1-SL Pancake style with Snap-Loop belt attachment. I reversed the loops and carry it between belt and body. I hardly know it's there.

__________________
Gotta love N-frames...

I carried a 4" Model 10 in an open top Tagua Gunleather holster. OWB.

Extremely comfortable.

Thanks guys, I'm going to give it a shot so to speak.

You simply can't own, carry, and shoot anything better than a four inch 'K' frame. In 357 magnum, it is perhaps the best all around revolver Smith has ever produced. When taking into consideration 'all' these factors- weight, size, portability, durability, accuracy, versatility, fast handling, and power- it has no equal. JMHO.

I've carried a similarly sized Ruger Security Six (my S&W 64 stays safe at home) OWB under a sport coat. Even on my skinny behind, the gun conceals very well.

I use a Bianchi Pistol Pocket Model#3 for 4" Ks. Thumbreak + adjustable cant. It's IWB and comfortable.

I agree with the poster that said that the 4" K frame is a dandy. I carry mine in an Alessi belt slide. You kinda forget it's there after a while.
Peace,
Gordon

Attached Images

favorite fall and winter.jpg (101.1 KB, 166 views)

__________________
better have that checked

Slight variation--Ruger Security Six 4" in Sparks #200AW OWB daily for many years and to the present day.

If I ever run across a 4" Model 12 I will be severely tempted...

For true CC, I use Adams holster IWB for my K frame carry.

__________________
Don't look, reload and shoot!

Sorry to sound like a TV ad LOL

__________________
Don't look, reload and shoot!

I have used a K.L Null IWB holster for many years and highly recommend his holsters.

I'll tell ya, I've spent hundreds on those DeSantis pancake holsters, and other brands of IWB and slide holsters, and the best I have found so far are those simple, decently priced Bianchi IWB leather clip holsters. The ones with the Bianchi badge on the clip, they sell them at MidWay USA.

They make them for the J, K and L frame 4" and they are simple and rugged. I have used my 4" K-frame sized holster for over 2 years now to carry my 4" 64-7, 64-3,66-7, Ruger Service Sixes and also at times one of my fixed sight 4" Ruger GP100's. The K-frame size will also fit an L-frame size fixed sight gun like a 581 or GP100.