Anyone carry a Mountain lite?

[Jager01]

I need a firearm to carry at work that "disappears" I move around a factory (family owned) allot, lifting pallets and heavy barrels, so I do not want anything bulky or obtrusive but something with enough power behind it (The factory is in the ghetto and we have frequent murders, read that as weekly, all around us). Can anyone comment on the carry-ability status of these revolvers? Thank you and God bless.

 

[remat457]

Lots of interest in the 386 lately. Mine is an SC aka Mountain Lite : http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/298912-386-input-requested.html

You can get a really high up holster and the lightweight makes it very comfortable. The Bantam Grip really stands out in this respect. I have a Galco Silhouette.

The cylinder is pretty thick (1.56") so I haven't tried to IWB. As mentioned in the thread I don't think it is my favorite magnum to shoot.

 

[mc5aw]

I had a ML some time ago. Beautiful revolver, but @ 19oz, shooting .44 Specials was the most painful handgun experience I ever had. With the open backstrap grip, five rounds left a crease in my hand and my arm hanging like a dead snake. I put a big 500 Mag grip on it and could shoot a box of ammo before quitting. You might check around for a used Night Guard as it gives a bit more weight to the whole big bore package.

 

[SAFireman]

The conceal-ability has a lot to do with your body type. The Mountain lite will get the job done, but may be bulky for your build....you might also consider a Commander sized gun. S&W makes one with a scandium frame that is a delight to carry and lays flat against the side.....not to mention, the 45 ACP round is a proven fight stopper

 

[BlackSky]

A 632 would likely fit the bill. 6 shot, .327 Fed Mag, J frame. Stuff that little puppy into a good IWB and it's gone.

 

[Jager01]

I thought the 640 pro or 632 pro would be a great option, harder than hens teeth to find though.

 

[gunner]

I alternate carry between a S&W 396 44 Spec and a S&W 1911 SC E Bobtail. The 396 weighs in at around 21 oz inloaded. Recoil with the 396 is actually not bad with 180 gr HP Hornady XTP. I would compare the recoil to my M19 with 158 gr SP 357mag loads. I use a OWB Don Hume.
The 1911 SC weighs in the neighborhood of 30 oz and my favorite load is 165 gr CorBon Power Ball. I cannot tell any difference between the SC and my Springfield Loaded Champion which weighs about 6-7 ozs more. I use an IWB Comp-tac holster.
Neither sags or drags

 

[texasgreg]

I carry my 386 sc Mountain Lite in a Simply rugged pancake. Great holster. I carry .38 special federal low recoils for carry. I carry this gun loaded with 4 rounds of snake shot and 3 cartridges when fishing here in Texas. I also have it's "twin" in .22 LR, the 317 Kit gun. Makes a nice pair for fishing in Texas.

We don't have bears to contend with when fishing in Texas. My major encounters have always been with water moccasins and the very occasional bobcat, skunks and hogs. Usually the hogs are not out when I'm fishing, but if I'm in hog country, I tend to carry a rifle or 12 gauge of some sort. I've seen lots of gators while fishing but never had the need to shoot one. We tend to steer clear of gators when we see them or hear of one being in the area.

I got lucky and found a nib 386 two years ago from the original purchaser. He sold it to me for what he paid for it, and had the original receipt to prove it. It's one of my favorite guns, and although it's easier to carry than my 2.5" Python or M66, I like shooting the heavier guns a lot better.

 

[shawn mccarver]

If I worked in a combat zone, and needed something concealable, I would put a Glock 19 or 23 into the pocket of some cargo/work pants.