How to carry an N frame (56k death)

[b79holmes]

I was just about to start a new thread asking about N frame IWB.

I have a High Noon Closing Argument on order for my J frame and have a CABO-EH for my M29 which seems okay at 4:00 o'clock with a flannel shirt but I didn't think it would work in a tee in hot weather.

Pointers to successful N frame holsters are a great help.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[b79holmes]

Wyatt, one question.
That holster is comfortable all day along against bare skin?
Bill

 

[HKSmith]

I recently started carrying a 625-11 (.45 Colt snubby) in a Bell Charter Oaks belt holster (OWB). It's a beautifully made holster and tucks up tightly against my waist. No problem under a jacket or sweater - T-shirts are not an option in NE Ohio in the Winter!

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by b79holmes:
Wyatt, one question.
That holster is comfortable all day along against bare skin?
Bill

No. But neither are any of my leather holsters. I was not wearing an undershirt in the photos as they were a demo. But when I carry I wear an undershirt even in the hottest, most humid summer days. I am used to it, as I had to wear one for ten years under Uncle Sam's navy uniforms regardless of the weather or how hot it got in the main machinery room.

 

[flop-shank]

Originally posted by b79holmes:
Wyatt, one question.
That holster is comfortable all day along against bare skin?
Bill

It looks like I'm not the only one!

The key to comfort against bare skin is to carry as religiously as possible and to have a good belt. YMMV

 

[xrmattaz]

With a liberal application of moleskin to the backside of the CTAC, carrying against bare skin is doable, although I also prefer a tshirt, even in the summer.

 

[b79holmes]

Originally posted by flop-shank:
The key to comfort against bare skin is to carry as religiously as possible and to have a good belt. YMMV

I already have a belt-man belt. I just really sweat in the summer.

I have a Mika pocket for my J frame, the CABO for the N frame and smart-carry's for them both.

I have a High-Noon Closing Argument on order for the J and am working on an IWB for the N. The CABO just doesn't' feel secure enough.

In my state, concealability is a super high priority, so I like the idea of the tuckable designs.

Bill

 

[starbuck]

I use a Barsony holster I got on ebay. It has 3 moisture barriers and is soft to the skin. I have several for different frame sizes and they work good for me. I added the fancy coin to dress it up a little.

 

[flop-shank]

Originally posted by b79holmes:
In my state, concealability is a super high priority, so I like the idea of the tuckable designs.

Honestly, I just don't see a tuckable working with an N frame.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by flop-shank:

Originally posted by b79holmes:
In my state, concealability is a super high priority, so I like the idea of the tuckable designs.

Honestly, I just don't see a tuckable working with an N frame.

Me neither, and I have a tuckable holster. The cylinder bulge is too obvious without a shirt draping over it.

Tuckables work very well with semi autos and J frames. I don't have a tuckable for my K frames, but I think those are borderline due to the cylinder based on my trials with an N.

 

[starbuck]

The above Barsony holster is holding a S&W 386pd--K frame and disappears under my t shirt here in Florida. The wire clip is strong and hooks onto my shorts or jeans. This set-up works for me but then I don't carry a 2 pound plus gun all day so it may not work for others.

 

[b79holmes]

Originally posted by flop-shank:
Honestly, I just don't see a tuckable working with an N frame.

Sorry, so the C-TAC is IWB but not tuckable.
I just ordered one so I will see how it works for me.
Thanks,
Bill

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by b79holmes:

Originally posted by flop-shank:
Honestly, I just don't see a tuckable working with an N frame.

Sorry, so the C-TAC is IWB but not tuckable.
I just ordered one so I will see how it works for me.
Thanks,
Bill

The CTAC IS a tuckable holster. But the bulge of the cylinder is going to be VERY noticeable if you carry an N frame in a CTAC with the shirt tucked in over it.

That's what I meant by a tuckable holster "not working".

As I said, tuckables work great with slimmer guns.

 

[BugBeard]

Some wonder what business S&W has making an N-frame with a 1 7/8 inch barrel.

The answer?
N-frame snub + thunderwear =

It's bonafide deep concealment in the right location, just right of the belt buckle for me.

 

[magicmanmb]

Originally posted by Wyatt Earp:
Since I've been called out as a liar for saying that I routinely carry an N frame IWB, and that I conceal it as well or better than a semi auto, I decided to set up a little pictorial to show how it's done.

First, the weapon:

Just so everyone is clear as to what it is:

The holster, a Comp-Tac CTAC IWB tuckable for 4" N frames (and shorter):

Wearing a t-shirt:

Wearing a square cut camp shirt:

And the easiest garment to use for concealment:

Any questions?

I would suggest to those who want to buy larger pants instead look for trousers like the 5.11 diplomat pants. They have an expandable elastic waistband so you can buy your regular size & have the room for IWB. That way you don't have to limit to a certain CCW weapon for specific pants.

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by magicmanmb:
I would suggest to those who want to buy larger pants instead look for trousers like the 5.11 diplomat pants. They have an expandable elastic waistband so you can buy your regular size & have the room for IWB. That way you don't have to limit to a certain CCW weapon for specific pants.

I don't like looking like I stepped out of a police catalog.

I buy all my trousers one size up (from 34 to 36) and can carry everything from an M&P compact to a full size N frame in comfort. The only difference is which hole I tighten the belt to.

 

[magicmanmb]

The diplomat line looks like dockers. Mag pockets are on the inside of the regular side slit pockets and instead of 1 1/2" belt they take up to 1 3/4" like a leather jeans belt. They just have an expandable waistband and heavier pockets and a little heavier material. Not the mall ninja look

 

[andyo5]

I'd be asking "Honey, does this gun make me look fat?". I honestly can't stand to carry anything bigger than a J frame IWB. I will admit that I am overweight and this probably contributes. I usually just slip my Model 642 into my right front pocket.

 

[flop-shank]

When I put on an extra five lbs. IWB carry becomes more difficult. It helps having hips to hang the gun on.

 

[akr]

Mr. Earp---

We didn't get to see your smiling face....and, furthermore, I don't want to hear about your waist size anymore.