44 special for conceal carry

[burch]

I have a 696 and it`s too heavy for concealed carry. So what are the recommendations for a lighter weight 44 special ?

Burch

 

[burch]

I have a 696 and it`s too heavy for concealed carry. So what are the recommendations for a lighter weight 44 special ?

Burch

 

[GatorFarmer]

There were the alloy framed .44 specials - 396 I think they were called? There were also the various and sundry Charter Arms products that should be lighter than an all steel L frame. Rossi and Taurus have made .44 specials as well, perhaps with alloy parts, I'm not sure.

How are you carrying the 696 now that you're having a problem? Perhaps changes to belt/holster could fix the problem without the need for a new gun?

 

[Andy Taylor]

There is the 296 and 396 and the 396 Night Guard. The Charter Arms bulldogs are very popular in a small lightweight .44, but quality is sometimes lacking. Taurus also has made a 5 shot .44 special.
How are you carrying the 696? a good holster and belt can make all the difference in the world.
www.simplyrugged.com
I would recommend a sourdough pancake with teh inside out straps so you can use it both IWB and OWB. Then get a nice belt from www.thebeltman.net
1.5" horsehide is what I use with the simply rugged holser and have no problems carrying a 4" N frame all day.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

I think your belt and holster are not up to the task.

I often carry 3 and 4 inch Model 29s IWB all day without a problem. Belts by The Beltman and holsters by K&D and Comp-Tac.

 

[Spotteddog]

Lucky,
Would that be the same town Sarah was mayor of?
Welcome back Wyatt!

 

[burch]

I`m not carrying my 696. I just figured by handling it, it would be too heavy. My carry gun has been a 442 Airweight. Now the problem with that is, it`s too lightweight. I can`t seem to get any accuracy with a heavy load out of it. In fact, i`m thinking about selling it. I`ve always been a 44 special fan and also have a cowboy pistol in that caliber and love it. I also love my 696 no dash but like I said, just handling it seems a bit heavy for conceal carry but that`s just my opinion. If I did go with the right holster it would have to be some sort of OWB. The holster I use for my 442 is a pancake style and works pretty well. Are some of the other S&W`s you`ve mensioned earlier models. I hate the locks and that`s another reason I might let go my 442.

 

[44 Deerslayer]

I often carry a 3" 629 or a Ruger Alaskan .44 mag. Neither is a lightweight gun but comfortable all day with a good belt and a Simply Rugged holster.

I was surprised at how easy it was to do when I first tried one of the Simply Rugged holsters. They are wide and flat and conceal easily under a light shirt.

 

[burch]

Originally posted by Lucky Derby:
There is the 296 and 396 and the 396 Night Guard. The Charter Arms bulldogs are very popular in a small lightweight .44, but quality is sometimes lacking. Taurus also has made a 5 shot .44 special.
How are you carrying the 696? a good holster and belt can make all the difference in the world.
www.simplyrugged.com
I would recommend a sourdough pancake with teh inside out straps so you can use it both IWB and OWB. Then get a nice belt from www.thebeltman.net
1.5" horsehide is what I use with the simply rugged holser and have no problems carrying a 4" N frame all day.

What is teh ?

 

[bk43]

In John Taffin's "Gun Digest Book of the 44" he has a chapter on the 329PD which he uses for carry and sport. The way he tricked his out wouldn't be my choice but it's an interesting read and you might pick up some ideas.

Wyatt is also probably on the right track. I like Mitch Rosen stuff and anything from him or another good maker should make a 696 very easy to carry.

Bob

 

[cowart]

The 329PD runs about 26oz.

 

[flop-shank]

Originally posted by Wyatt Earp:
I think your belt and holster are not up to the task.

+1.

I am most happy to see the retun of my friend from Ohio!

Wyatt, as time allows, I'll send you an e-mail.

 

[burch]

Originally posted by keith44spl:

Originally posted by Wyatt Earp:
I think your belt and holster are not up to the task.

I often carry 3 and 4 inch Model 29s IWB all day without a problem.

+1

Ya gotta us a 'gun belt'... not a dress pant belt to comfort carry of a wheel gun.

Here's one of my design, model 24 3"

Su Amigo,
Dave

WOW, that`s mighty purdy. I really do like that.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by burch:
What is teh ?

A common misspelling of "the".

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by burch:
If I did go with the right holster it would have to be some sort of OWB.

You might want to take a look at this for an alternative viewpoint.

 

[ladder13]

Welcome back Wyatt. Apology offered for thread hi-jack.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Nice to be back.

 

[DJINCO]

I noticed a 629 Compact Carry in the classified section. Great gun, short barrel, ported and PC.

 

[signsrup]

I think one of the hardest things to do is move from an airweight j-frame to anything else.

I have been pocket carrying a 642 for a couple of years because it was easy and convenient. I usually work in jeans, and it's really easy to drop it in a pocket and go. Getting a grip, and getting it out of my pocket in a hurry could be a problem though.

I made the switch to a 3953, and occasionally a 3" 64. I guess my point is to move up in firepower or capacity there are tradeoffs.

Pick what you are comfortable carrying from a proficiency and caliber standpoint, and figure out what you need to do to carry it. You need to understand moving from a J to an N will probably mean some wardrobe changes, and give the N frame some time to get used to it, because it's going to feel like a brick for a few days.

Pay attention to Wyatt, he's my N-frame carrying hero.

 

[Mickey D]

I carry my 696 frequently in this Andrew's Custom Leather pancake, along with a Beltman belt, they are both carried without a hitch.
Just need to dress to the gun, with a shirt tail out.