I have been reading some about the use of a 44spl for carry. Does anyone carry a S&W 24? It looks kind of big for comfortable carry. If anyone does, how does it carry? I don't mind being a little uncomfortable as long as the gun is decent and the 44spl makes a big hole

I sometimes carry a 3" 624 when the weather is cooler and I'm wearing a jacket or unbuttoned shirt. T-shirt and shorts usually finds me with an airweight in my pocket. I'm used to the weight as I wear a duty rig every day I work.

First, let me say that I love N-Frames. I have several. One of them is a 24-3, round butt, 3" barrel. It would be the easiest N-Frame to conceal carry. I like the gun. A lot. It's fun to shoot.

But what I carry is a .45 auto. S&W model 457. Alloy frame, and eight .45 size holes versus 6 .44 size holes in a lighter, smaller, easier to conceal package.

And like Charlie, shorts and t-shirt means model 38 airweight bodyguard in a pocket.

Don't get me wrong, it can be done. If that's the only gun you have, do so by all means. But in my opinion, there are better options.

Okay, everyone. Feel free to disagree or tell me I'm an idiot. You won't be the first. Or the last.

I have a 3.5", round butted 624 that will conceal in a pancake style holster made for the 3.5" M27s. The pancake design smooths out the contours and bulge of the cylinder and the round butt makes it print less. This carry requires a stiff, tightly buckled belt.

None of this makes it any lighter and I have to admit even a Glock 30 (staying with a caliber that starts with a "4") conceals better. As thick as the Glock is it's thinner than the N-frame cylinder. And, both the Glock and a Kimber Compact with an aluminum alloy frame are lighter. Obviously the Kimber is much thinner than the 624 and that much easier to conceal.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

I often carry a 624 4" SB in the woods. Carried in an El Paso #77 Tortilla holster. Reasonably comfortable and concealable, even with an un-tucked T-shirt. The 624 goes on the more serious, deep woods treks. Closer to home, I have recently been carrying a new 396NG, which is over a pound lighter than the 624. The 396 is also a bit thinner and with the RB is very easy to conceal and much more comfortable to carry all day.

When my CCW comes up for renewal I am considering switching my 4" Colt Trooper for my 4" M624. (Permits around here have to list the guns, and you are limited to 3.) They are about the same weight, and although a bit larger, I don't think it would be harder to conceal, although it would mean an investement in new leather. I have carried a 6.5" M 29 in a shoulder holster and 4" and 6" M25-5s open carry while at work, so I am no stranger to N frame carry.

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Formerly know as Lucky Derby

I carry a 24 3" Round Butt every day, every season, from 7am-11pm. Jeans and jacket or shorts and tshirt, I have the 24 and two speedloaders. I carry it in a Black Hills Leather IWB (a totaly rock solid holster) on a Beltman 1.5" belt. A good belt is one key to concealability, making it easier to carry heavier pistols.

I don't find it hard to carry or conceal, I actually find a .38 in my pocket more bothersome. The only time I don't wear the 24 is when I'm in a suit, then I have to switch to the Detective Special.

The J Frame .38's strong point is concealability, while it gives up a great deal in accuracy and ease of shooting. While an N frame is harder to conceal than a J frame, I don't find I give up so much in concealability as to negate its greater accuracy and easy shooting, and I prefer the .44 over the .38 for self defense.

Of course, at above 300 and 6'2", I might can conceal more than others can get away with.

Holster and belt are the keys. I carried a 4" MG 44 in a Mernickle off duty for several years. Mid length jacket in the cold months and a J Frame in front pocket in warm months. I have carried the 629 in an IWB but after a coupla hours it became uncomfortable.

If I wear a 44 today it's the MG and it's still carried in the Mernickle Performance Series high ride. I carry concealed in the woods, surprise is always nice to have on your side. Here is a picture of my TR22 in the Mernickle rig:

I have a 4" M-24 made in the early 80s. I occasionally tote it in a Roy Baker lined Pancake holster and it rides high and flat enough to be out of sight and reasonably comfortable. I like the new Tuff speed strips for having six extra rounds of WW Silvertips or Corbons. Herrett's roper style stocks work well for a gripping surface and the smooth walnut does not print against a sport coat.
I sometimes alternate into the 4" M21 fixed sighted version using all the same accessories.

Those are some good ideas of how to carry. For whatever reason (getting older maybe) I'm tending towards revolvers for carry and the 44 spl seemed like a good round. I used to have a 44spl many years ago and I enjoyed shooting it but never carrie it. I normally carry a Glock 27 or 23, but as of late have been toting my S&W J-Frames. I have a K-Frame I carry occasionally. I like the idea of toting a 44spl. As I remember it was easy to shoot and makes a bigger hole Did S&W ever make something in a 44spl along the lines of Charter Arms size or the old Taurus 431?

You have a couple of choices, you can look for a steel frame
696 or the lightweight version, 396 Nightguard. Now that we are nearing cooler weather, I'll be switching to the 396 for carry. Had it out at
the range the other night after having the hammer replaced with a bobbed one.



Its a lot easier to carry than my 624, and I don't mind a 5 shooter.

During winter I switch between my 4566 an my 3" 624. I carry the 4566 in an Aker Lighting, and the 624 in a ElPaso saddlery Tortillia rig.

That's right I forgot about the Night Guard. How does it shoot since it's so light? I have the XS sights on a couple of my J-Frames and I think they are great for old eyes, so that makes the NG worth condsidering.

You sir have to be married

Half right. Divorced. Three daughters. Two of whom are over 21 and have no qualms telling off Dear OLD Dad if they think he's being a goofball. *sigh*