I might appendix carry a back up weapon. Does anyone carry a 296?

Would a 296 be harder to conceal than a night guard .44 magnum? Cant tell which is larger?

Would a glock 23/27 be easer or harder than the above to mentioned to conceal in an appendix area? Figure an appendix is a quick CQB drawl and a .44 special is a good cqb round.If the night guard is the same size I would go with it over the 296

I have a Glock 32 and two Glock 26's, same size as the two Glocks you mention. I would not want to carry either in the appendix position. The revolvers would definitely be thicker than the Glocks, due to the cylinder width. A S&W #908 or #3913 would be lighter and thinner than a Glock.

Those guns are pretty big for concealed carry especially the Night Guard. If you want a revolver a K or J frame would be an easier fit.

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If I'm not mistaken, the 296 weighs less than the NG by about 5-7 oz.

As a civilian, I decided pocket carry would be better for me, permitting much more frequent carry of my 296 than my very occasional OWB carry. It would fit a front pocket of my cargo pants easily - and some jean's as well. Dress pants worked, if their pockets were deep enough. Then I discovered it's .38 Spcl smaller sibling - the 642 - it fits any pants.



My usual carry load is the Georgia Arms 200gr Gold Dot load that mimics the CCI Blazer load, just in new brass instead of aluminum cases. In the woods, my main carry of it these days, it carries a first shot of a 240gr LSWC. Either way, its a dedicated 'kick' to shoot. As an L-frame, it is a bit filling, pocket-wise. It was a planned eventual buy, after it's 'American Rifleman' front cover appearance, many years ago (~'98?).

I finally bought mine new , at less than half it's MSRP, 1/03. It's a picky piece - they suggest no lead - and 200gr or less, due to bullet-pull. The Ti cylinder pares some weight away vs the recent 396NG model, but it's sensitivity in cleaning, etc, is problematic. The OEM boots, horrid for recoil management, are a requirement for pocket carry. For OWB, the usual K-frame standard of it's day, Uncle Mike's rounded Combats, which cover that backstrap, are far better. All in all, it's a PITA ... but mine has a home!

Stainz

I appendix carry a Glock 17. I am 601 and 185 lbs and have zero issues concealing it, even in a T-shirt. Although when I am in a T-shirt only, I have to move the pistol more toward the center of my body. I use a $25 dollar Galco IWB holster to keep the trigger covered. I have appendix carried for about 17 years and find it works better than any other method I have tried. Of course, YMMV.

About right. The NG has a stainless cylinder and a slightly longer barrel.

I have appendix carried an all-steel 3" L-frame on a clipdraw. It's doable, not the most comfortable but not ridiculous. I'm a big fan of appendix carry but it's a personal thing.

I'll never understand why they went with the bodyguard profile with that gun. I mean, it's kinda cool cause it's different, but there was no way it was going to sell well.

I wish they had done the gun with a standard hammer, and offered it in 2" and 4" fixed sight versions. The Night Guards are a little closer to the right idea. I just need to figure out how to get a longer barrel on mine.

I regularly carry a Glock 19, 26 or a J Frame AIWB. Very comfortable with the right holster.

I think the bigger cylinder of your revolver might be a bit thick, but you'll only be sure by trying.

BTW - the Fist ultra-thin kydex holsters are great for AIWB carry.

The 296 & 396NG share the same length (2.5") barrel. The 296 has a black serrated/pinned ranp front sight; the 396NG has the XS Sights 24-7 Tritium Night Sight. The Ti cylinder saved some weight - 18.9 oz vs 24.2 oz.

The first 396 came out in 2001 as the AirLite Ti 'Mountain Lite' - and had a 3" barrel, HiViz front/V-notch adjustable rear sight, and .375" hammer - weight - 18.0 oz. The same basic gun, except for it's red ramp front/white outline adjustable rear, in all SS, had been available then for a few years - as the 696 - at 36 oz!

Sadly, once again, the availability of the 396 - lately as the NG version - has dried up. I predict that it, like my 296 & 696 have, will develop almost a cult following. If you want one - and find one - get it now.

Stainz

I love mine......

396TI Mountain Lite

I've been appendix-carrying a 296 for years, usually wearing shorts and a casual shirt or t-shirt. It works great -- comfortable, smooth, easy to hide, much better than a Glock (thick, square grip) or a revolver with an exposed hammer. If I can't wear a shirt outside my pants I switch to a Model 38 or 638 in a pocket holster. I carry reloads for the 296 in Bianchi speed strips designed for .38/357 rounds. You can force five .44 Special rounds into one, ending up with a kind of fan-shaped item that works quite nicely.

LIMEY46,

You do know that they make 44 speed strips now I love my 296 and its sister the 242, I carry them in my cargo shorts front pocket.

I carry a G23, G27 or J frame in appendix mode and have done so for over twenty years. I will occasionally carry a 2" M64 in the same location. It offers a quick draw and hides very well. Try a High Noon holsters Mr. Softy for a cheap, but good, holster to try it out.