Conceal a K-frame 4 inch
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cshoff
Member
It can be concealed inside the wasteband, with the right holster and the right clothing. I guess it depends on how baggy you want your clothing to be. Sometimes during the winter months, I will carry my 4" Ruger GP100 in a OWB holster when I will be wearing a big coat.
You might look into a Kholster holster for it (www.kholster.com) and try that in a pair of pants that are a couple inches too big. Use a good gun belt and try a loose fitting, extra long shirt. Depending on the build of your body, that may be all it takes.
You might look into a Kholster holster for it (www.kholster.com) and try that in a pair of pants that are a couple inches too big. Use a good gun belt and try a loose fitting, extra long shirt. Depending on the build of your body, that may be all it takes.
Nanook 450
Member
www.mernickleholsters.com are my favorite . . .
I also appreciate the Bianchi #111 Cyclone which has a thumb strap, covers the trigger guard and can be worn cross draw on strong side.
I also appreciate the Bianchi #111 Cyclone which has a thumb strap, covers the trigger guard and can be worn cross draw on strong side.
flop-shank
US Veteran
Burk, I like FIST ( www.fist-inc.com ) kydex/leather hybrid IWB holsters with a cant (model 1A) and a body shield. I carry a 5" N frame in such a holster and find it comfortable. I also sometimes carry 4" and 6" L frames in a FIST hybrid. Make sure you get a good belt. Mine is from www.thebeltman.net and I'm very pleased with it. You will probably want smaller grips to aid it concealability. Be advised, some rubber grips drag on clothing and will cause your gun to print. I use wood magna-style grips made by Altamont.
photoman
Member
I've carried a 4" Model 64 in an El Paso Saddlery Threepersons but only in the wintertime under a jacket.
xrmattaz
Member
For me, it's the FIST #12 for OWB carry, or the Comptac CTAC or Sparks VM2 for IWB.
I've found perfection with any of these, daily, with one of my 4" N-frames.
I'm done holster shopping.
I've found perfection with any of these, daily, with one of my 4" N-frames.
I'm done holster shopping.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Every holster selection will involve varying degrees of compromise among the four basic factors involved, (1) comfort, (2) concealability, (3)accessibility, (4) retention.
For your 4-inch K-frame, the barrel length is the easiest part to deal with, as it requires little to conceal it. The grip frame, on the other hand, can be quite difficult to conceal with many holster options.
Carrying inside-the-waistband (IWB) requires clothing selections that permit at least 2 additional inches in the waistband. Outer garments can be shorter, so long as the waistband area is fully covered.
Carrying outside-the-waistband (OWB) permits normal sized trousers and belts, but requires somewhat longer outer garments to fully cover the holstered revolver.
For most folks, IWB carry suffers from the comfort aspect, while it is certainly more concealable. Also, OWB carry offers higher comfort while requiring some thought to wardrobe selection.
Cross-draw applications and shoulder holsters are really only applicable to a very narrow field of applications, and each presents additional challenges for concealment, comfort, and accessibility.
Think about what you wish to accomplish, what is most important to you. Then communicate with a holster maker or two, express your needs clearly, and see what recommendations they might make. You might be surprised with something that you never would have thought of.
Always keep in mind that a holster design that is strong on concealment but weak on accessibility, or a holster that is strong on accessibility but weak on concealability, or any other combination that is "wrong" for your purposes, will most likely end up being left at home and not be with you when the situation requires an armed response.
At the most extreme, we have to deal with situations with what we have chosen to carry with us. If we don't have our sidearm, that means fists, feet, fingernails, teeth, maybe a handy rock or something else. Do your homework, look at what is available, get advice from others who have carried under your circumstances, and make a choice that is right for you.
For your 4-inch K-frame, the barrel length is the easiest part to deal with, as it requires little to conceal it. The grip frame, on the other hand, can be quite difficult to conceal with many holster options.
Carrying inside-the-waistband (IWB) requires clothing selections that permit at least 2 additional inches in the waistband. Outer garments can be shorter, so long as the waistband area is fully covered.
Carrying outside-the-waistband (OWB) permits normal sized trousers and belts, but requires somewhat longer outer garments to fully cover the holstered revolver.
For most folks, IWB carry suffers from the comfort aspect, while it is certainly more concealable. Also, OWB carry offers higher comfort while requiring some thought to wardrobe selection.
Cross-draw applications and shoulder holsters are really only applicable to a very narrow field of applications, and each presents additional challenges for concealment, comfort, and accessibility.
Think about what you wish to accomplish, what is most important to you. Then communicate with a holster maker or two, express your needs clearly, and see what recommendations they might make. You might be surprised with something that you never would have thought of.
Always keep in mind that a holster design that is strong on concealment but weak on accessibility, or a holster that is strong on accessibility but weak on concealability, or any other combination that is "wrong" for your purposes, will most likely end up being left at home and not be with you when the situation requires an armed response.
At the most extreme, we have to deal with situations with what we have chosen to carry with us. If we don't have our sidearm, that means fists, feet, fingernails, teeth, maybe a handy rock or something else. Do your homework, look at what is available, get advice from others who have carried under your circumstances, and make a choice that is right for you.
You write sensible advice, Lobo. I am beginning to think you know whereof you speak!
Nanook 450
Member
If you have no problem wearing pants two inches or more larger that you normally do, then get an IWB holster. I use a cover garmet over the Bianchi - either a shirt or a vest. I'm not buying pants to accomodate an IWB holster.
You could use a shoulder holster rig - I have three but never use them. You would still need a cover garment.
I know mine is an L frame 686 but it's just as big and heavy.I have done some experiments with summer carry and my bigger guns.I carry owb with a long summer shirt and tan shorts.Infact i spent from 10am till about 7pm t/c/b with no problems at all.I even had my youngest(19 month) son in my left arm to see that would hinder my carry and it didn't.
PeterCartwright
Member
I got a Sourdough Pancake for my Model 10 and 15 4" guns from Rob at Simply Rugged a few months ago. The holster, mated to an Aker 1.5" belt, pulls the butt of the gun tight against the body. The holster can also be ordered with add on loops that make it an IWB holster. Nice product!
PC
PC
JohnK
US Veteran
I will NEVER understand the concept of IWB carry.
You have to enjoy pain to do this. Plus wear pants that make you look like a dork.
The gun is STILL visible, and a covering garment is necessary.
Whatever floats your boat.
You have to enjoy pain to do this. Plus wear pants that make you look like a dork.
The gun is STILL visible, and a covering garment is necessary.
Whatever floats your boat.
bhk
Member
I find IWB more comfortable than OWB carry and find that method much more easy to conceal. For example, waist length jackets, shorter vests, and just an untucked t-shirt work fine.
My exact waist size is probably about 35 1/4. I buy 36-inch pants and can wear them just fine with or without my gun IWB. Now, I don't carry N-frames IWB, but do regularly carry a 1911 or my 3" Model 60 that way almost every day when any kind of cover garment is appropriate.
I find with IWB carry the gun never wants to sag on my waist (I do use good gun belts), nor does it want to pull away from my waist as it does OWB even with the best belts (like my Belt Man belt). I just think it takes a good gun/holster combination to make IWB comfortable. Doesn't bother me one little bit and most folks don't need to huge pants to carry this way.
My exact waist size is probably about 35 1/4. I buy 36-inch pants and can wear them just fine with or without my gun IWB. Now, I don't carry N-frames IWB, but do regularly carry a 1911 or my 3" Model 60 that way almost every day when any kind of cover garment is appropriate.
I find with IWB carry the gun never wants to sag on my waist (I do use good gun belts), nor does it want to pull away from my waist as it does OWB even with the best belts (like my Belt Man belt). I just think it takes a good gun/holster combination to make IWB comfortable. Doesn't bother me one little bit and most folks don't need to huge pants to carry this way.
flop-shank
US Veteran
No. The gun isn't visible, and a square cut button down shirt is all that is necessary (busy patterns and heavier fabrics work best), nor is pain involved. Everyone's milage may vary on this one, but as bhk said, the gun, holster and belt must work in harmony with the wearer's body. As the gun gets bigger each component becomes more critical. I carry a 5" full underlug N frame and I'm not a very big guy (5'7"/~200 lbs.). No one sees it.
Erich
Member
John K, sounds like you need to get around more folks carrying IWB - I'm surprised, since you say you're an instructor. I've been carrying IWB for more than 20 years, and you're just completely wrong about the pain, the pants and the gun's visibility.
I have some IWB rigs that don't require a cover garment, but I agree that it works better with one.
Getting back to the OP's Q: I carried my Model 13 4" for years in a cheapie suede Brauer Bros. IWB. Many holsters will work - you should have no problem finding one.
Getting back to the OP's Q: I carried my Model 13 4" for years in a cheapie suede Brauer Bros. IWB. Many holsters will work - you should have no problem finding one.
Nanook 450
Member
I know there is pain, unless my pants are two inches bigger than normal, comfortable pants with a good belt. If I were twenty pounds lighter, maybe IWB would work - this whole discussion is a function of body type, not some superior knowledge.
Massad Ayoob
Member
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We buy the pants to fit US.
Now there's us AND a gun in there.
2" larger waistband, and gun carried BEHIND the ileac crest of the hip, makes it disappear. Put on some compact grips (Spegel boots, for instance), and with a good IWB, a 4" square butt K-frame disappears like a Detective Special.
Now there's us AND a gun in there.
2" larger waistband, and gun carried BEHIND the ileac crest of the hip, makes it disappear. Put on some compact grips (Spegel boots, for instance), and with a good IWB, a 4" square butt K-frame disappears like a Detective Special.
Mas,
I couldn't agree more. I routinely carry both an L frame 4" 686 and a 5" Nighthawk 1911 in precisely the same way you mentioned. I wear one size larger pants and the gun disappears in a Summer Special right at around the 3:30 mark. The key is a good belt and IWB and to cinch up the belt a notch. I can wear either gun all day without any discomfort whatsoever. I do find the 1911 slightly more comfortable, however, given its slimness.
I couldn't agree more. I routinely carry both an L frame 4" 686 and a 5" Nighthawk 1911 in precisely the same way you mentioned. I wear one size larger pants and the gun disappears in a Summer Special right at around the 3:30 mark. The key is a good belt and IWB and to cinch up the belt a notch. I can wear either gun all day without any discomfort whatsoever. I do find the 1911 slightly more comfortable, however, given its slimness.
Nanook 450
Member
Thanks for confirming that WE buy pants to fit US that are two (2) inches larger in the waist, and use a good IWB holster. I'm at a 38 and holding - when I loose some weight I will save my old pants and try IWB. . .
MASS, I have a new friend by way of girl's competitive soccer in Norman, OK (our girls are on same team) - Marshall McDonald, OKC SWAT leader, he speaks very highly of you. I'd still like to get you to OKC for a class some day.
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