Anyone conceal a 686+ IWB or even OWB regularly?

[50jimmy]

I love my 686, seven shooter with crimson trace laser and I can hit what I aim at with the sights as well. I do have a taurus 9mm pop gun for ccw, but honestly I only really really trust a revolver if the shtf.

Anybody carry one regularly? What kind of holster rig do you use?

 

[biggs357]

I did for many years and loved it.I hate iwb holsters only because to me they are very uncomfortable.If you want my opinion then i would get a good pancake for it,nothing works better,except mabye a sholder holster.If you want a good holster try this site i use for all my holster needs.
www.packinheatleather.com

 

[Wyatt Earp]

I'll go one better. I routinely carry N frames IWB.

How, do you ask? By using a strong belt, a good holster (Comp-Tac's CTAC is outstanding), and by buying all my trousers one size too big (I wear 34 and buy 36). Additionally, with an IWB rig you have to try different places along your waist to make sure the gun isn't pressing against the hip bone.

An N frame is easier to conceal than a Glock or semi auto M&P.

 

[flop-shank]

Jimmy, welcome to the forum.

Like Wyatt, I carry an N frame, but used to carry a 4" 586 and a 6" 686 IWB. L frames are easier to carry. I used a Mika IWB holster and also a FIST kydex/leather hybrid. The Mika was more comfortable, but the FIST allowed easier reholstering.

Much of the secret to carrying a large, heavy revolver is to wear it as much as possible so you are used to it.

 

[50jimmy]

Thanks for the welcome....and the information. I guess I will have to try out one of those plastic holsters, I am pretty partial to leather.

 

[xrmattaz]

Just ordered a Comp-Tac CTAC for my new 329PD (it'll be here in a week, in my experience) and a new Sparks VM2 (my normal daily holster) should be here sometime in April.

I find the L and N-frame revolvers rather easy to carry/conceal, as the cylinder is the only bulky thing on 'em....the frame is narrower than a 1911.

I've been carrying IWB on the right hip for so long, I find OUTSIDE the waistband uncomfortable (seriously!).

 

[Big Foot]

An N frame is easier to conceal than a Glock or semi auto M&P.

Yeah, sure...And the cylinder bulge goes where?
As far as purchasing 1 size bigger, it isn't too bad for a small waist, but for some of us bigger guys; who wants to look like Omar the Tent-Maker just for IWB? Even Clint Smith with his famous "not comforting" remark would cringe in his jockey shorts.
Sticking a N-Frame or full-size 1911 IWB doesn't pass the real world test: been there, done that....

 

[RufusG]

Anybody carry one regularly? What kind of holster rig do you use?

Don't know if this counts as regularly but I carry a 3" L when hunting or otherwise out in the desert. I use a Mernickles pancake (forget model) built for the gun which conceals well partly because of the 3" barrel, I also sometimes use an El Paso Tom Threepersons made for a 4" N which hangs a little lower and is harder to keep covered. I really don't like pancakes that much but they may be the best option for something the weight of an L.

 

[Srigs]

I carry my 66-1 2.5" K-frame about 20% of the time in one of my The Slide's OWB.

Here is a pic of a slide but just a BQ version that I use for open carry get togethers.

 

[flop-shank]

Originally posted by Big Foot:
Sticking a N-Frame or full-size 1911 IWB doesn't pass the real world test: been there, done that....

Then I must be hallucinating, because I have a 5" 629 IWB on my right hip right now.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by Big Foot:
Even Clint Smith with his famous "not comforting" remark would cringe in his jockey shorts.
Sticking a N-Frame or full-size 1911 IWB doesn't pass the real world test: been there, done that....

I don't really care what you or Clint Smith think.

I routinely carry an N frame IWB all day long and no one can tell it's there. Whether you, Clint Smith, or anyone else believes it or approves of it is irrelevant.

 

[Big Foot]

Hey Wyatt, here is my N-Frame...If you can carry something like this IWB: "you da man!".
Actually, like you, I don't care what you carry.

I found that an L-frame 686 was even worse: holster/belt withstanding...

 

[deckert]

I carry a 2.5" L frame 242 everyday, all day. Although it is a AirLiteTi, and therefore quite a bit lighter than your 686+, it is also a 7 round cyclinder.

It goes in a Galco Speed Master which holds it high and tight and thus bulk isn't a big problem. I would think that the considerable weight difference in these guns would make a 686+ less enjoyable to carry, for me. But if you're good with that, carrying an L frame is really quite doable.

 

[Pisgah]

With a bit of forethought and the right brlt and holster, carrying an N-frame concealed in an IWB holster is a cinch. Buy your pants 2" bigger in the waist. Have a good, stiff belt -- the wider the better, within reason. The holster should be (preferably) soft-bodied with reinforcement at the top to ease reholstering the gun. If you must have thicker, firmer leather at least be sure that the side next to the body is absolutely smooth, and make sure that however the holster is attached -- either belt loop or sturdy spring clip -- the attachment is firm, allowing minimal holster shift.

I carry a 4" Model 27-2 often for defense, and when hunting the IWB is mt favorite way to carry my 4" 29-2 -- comfortable, completely protected and secure.

 

[Colt357]

One of my most often carried holster guns (not pocket guns), is a 686+ Mountain Gun. I carry it IWB in a Fist #19. I have often carried it 16-18 hours straight including several hours of driving, with no fatigue or discomfort.

With the right holster and belt combination, I find the 686 MG to be surprisingly comfortable to carry and effectively conceal.

Dennis

 

[kennyb]

jimmy i have carried a 2.5"model 686 for a long time...during the winter i wear a lot of sweat pants and wind pants...the bellyband that i got from the glock catalog does a great job...with normal pants i use a uncle mikes inside the waist holster (sidekick) that works well too.....i have used similar holsters for many years with no problem and i wear all the time...as someone mentioned here earlier i think a lot of it is simply getting used to it

 

[bhk]

Originally posted by Big Foot:

An N frame is easier to conceal than a Glock or semi auto M&P.

Yeah, sure...And the cylinder bulge goes where?
As far as purchasing 1 size bigger, it isn't too bad for a small waist, but for some of us bigger guys; who wants to look like Omar the Tent-Maker just for IWB? Even Clint Smith with his famous "not comforting" remark would cringe in his jockey shorts.
Sticking a N-Frame or full-size 1911 IWB doesn't pass the real world test: been there, done that....

Gee, I find my 1911s carried IWB the most comfortable carry of any of the IWB/OWB/gun combinations I have tried (including lots of OWB options). Even with good pancakes and good gun belts, it always feels like the gun is pulling way from me. Not so with IWB carry.

 

[tanksoldier]

Originally posted by Big Foot:
Sticking a N-Frame or full-size 1911 IWB doesn't pass the real world test: been there, done that....

I carry a 5" Colt Series 70 IWB rather often.

 

[BugBeard]

Originally posted by Pisgah:
With a bit of forethought and the right brlt and holster, carrying an N-frame concealed in an IWB holster is a cinch. Buy your pants 2" bigger in the waist. Have a good, stiff belt -- the wider the better, within reason. The holster should be (preferably) soft-bodied with reinforcement at the top to ease reholstering the gun. If you must have thicker, firmer leather at least be sure that the side next to the body is absolutely smooth, and make sure that however the holster is attached -- either belt loop or sturdy spring clip -- the attachment is firm, allowing minimal holster shift.

I carry a 4" Model 27-2 often for defense, and when hunting the IWB is mt favorite way to carry my 4" 29-2 -- comfortable, completely protected and secure.

I agree. When I carry my N-frame PC 327 snub it's with a SmartCarry / Thunderwear used as an IWB holster. It is annoying as far as comfort compared to my J-frame due to bulk unless I wear really loose pants, but it hides pretty damn well! It is possible and I also believe Wyatt Earp.

 

[50jimmy]

I have a sourdough pancake holster on order from simply rugged in alaska. I had them put the floral carving and it will come with belt straps to convert to IWB....I have high hopes for this rig, I looked all over before I sent in the order...I will post a review after it gets here and I have a chance to wear it a bit.