IWB 19/66 versus J-Frame

[aterry33]

Anyone feel that the 19/66 was that much more bulky so as to be really noticeable? I often carry a 642 IWB at 4:00 or so in an Alessi Talon and forget it's on me.. I've thought about picking up a 66 (2.5") to try. I know it will be heavier of course.

 

[edw794]

i'm presently packing a mod 66 2.5" in a fist iwb holster and have considered going back to my j frame, also using an iwb holster. reason is the mod 66 is noticeably heavier. as to the question of the mod 66 being bulkier, i find while it is, concealment is not that much of a problem. besides the weight, the j frame is more comfortable to carry as there is less bulk using an iwb.

ed

 

[jframe]

I've carried a three inch Model 13 in a Bianchi Pistol Pocket, and never notice it's there. It carries just as well as my old Model 40. I've got a snub Model 19 now that I stuck in the same holster, and other than the extra half inch of holster length, it carries even better than the 13.

 

[bubbajoe45]

I've carried a three inch Model 13 in a Bianchi Pistol Pocket, and never notice it's there. It carries just as well as my old Model 40. I've got a snub Model 19 now that I stuck in the same holster, and other than the extra half inch of holster length, it carries even better than the 13.

I would think that for pocket carry, the fixed sights would provide a safer, more reliable, and smoother draw.

 

[Poohgyrr]

For myself anyway, the little J frame absolutely disappears.

That said, the snub M66 is a very handy carry piece and flew off the shelves when the wheelgun was still a popular carry gun..

 

[jframe]

I would think that for pocket carry, the fixed sights would provide a safer, more reliable, and smoother draw.

The Bianchi Pistol Pocket is actually an IWB holster; I thought the same thing til I saw one in person.

 

[Pontiaker]

Even my J frame was a little bulky in my waistband, I started carrying my Colt Pocketlite Mustang and have not gone back.8 rds of .380 Hornady Critical defense and extra mags are super easy to carry....I coudlnt imagine carrying my 66 in my waistband as an EDC...Short term carry no problem but every day, everywhere no thanks.

 

[Batjac]

I went back to a 2 in k-frame also. Carried a model 60 for awhile but didn't like my little finger hanging off the end of the grip. For me anyway the slightly longer grip of a k-frame is worth it and dosen't seem to be any less concealable.

 

[18DAI]

Hard to beat a 2.5" 66 as an EDC. My 0.02 Regards 18DAI.

 

[sipowicz]

If you can do it, fine....but don't believe anyone who says a 19 is as concealable as a j-frame...that would undo the laws of physics wherein an object of greater size is actually greater in size...

 

[jframe]

If you can do it, fine....but don't believe anyone who says a 19 is as concealable as a j-frame...that would undo the laws of physics wherein an object of greater size is actually greater in size...

I agree. I've actually seen folks who talk about pocket carrying a k frame, and I just can't see how in the wide world of sports that would work.

 

[681ismyfavorite]

much of the IWB comfort problems folks have tend to do with the fact that they are stuffing a gun in their pants without going up one size in pants first.

 

[Ducktape]

I sometimes carry a 3" 66. Its fine as long as you have smaller grips on it.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I have and carry a 337 Ti .38 almost all the time now. I own and carry a variety of K and L frames from time to time when camping or hiking on the mountain above my home in Colorado. I have a 3" 686 CS-1, a 3" 66-2 and a .357 Mtn gun. I trade off between them. I carry them in a IWB or a Simply Rugged OWB and they are fine to carry all day. They are much heavier then the J-frame and much more so than my Ti .337. Everything is a compromise but you can carry any of the above comfortably with the right holster and belt. I have carried and concealed them all day with no problems.

 

[Iggy]

I have carried both sizes IWB over the years without difficulty or discomfort. However comma, old age and my chest settling down to about belt level (Dunlop's disease) make carrying either one in an OWB holster more practical and comfortable now.

A good quality holster and a better belt makes either one quite feasible.

 

[canoe on the yukon]

As someone else alluded to,the law of physics can't be denied.Bigger and heavier is bigger and heavier....period.

One man will complain about the K frame's comfort while another man will carry an N frame with no qualms.Your physical size.manner of dress,carry mode and mental attitude all matter.

You cannot know by theory.You will need to try it to determine this for yourself.

 

[flop-shank]

After carrying a 50 oz. N frame for over a year, my 4" 586 feels like it's almost not there. Carrying any gun IWB is helped by a few different things. Body type, skin (some people have skin that is incompatible with life itself), attitude (no I'm not calling the attitude of those who carry less cannonage than me into question, that's their schtick), and time spent carrying a given set up will affect it's comfort level. That largely sums up the physical/mental end of packing.

As far as hardware goes, the pants (loose fitting carpenter's jeans a couple sizes too big are great for big guns), belt, holster and even whether a person wears underwear or not, are factors that will influence how big a gun one can live with. I'm sure others have tricks that are escaping me right now. Suspenders........

 

[SmithSwede]

Here's my perspective. I'm 47, about 6'1" and 220 lbs at the moment.

To me, the big divide in carry guns is between (1) a gun that is so light and small you can drop it into a jacket or pants pocket and forget about it, vs. (2) a gun that is big enough, and heavy enough, that you need a proper belt and holster.

In my experience, if you are going to "suit up" and wear a sturdy belt and good holster, there is little point in carrying a J-frame. Might as well carry a K-frame.

I actually find a 4" K-frame to be very, very comfortable. The extra barrel length makes it easier to carry because it stablizes the rig. If I don't want to carry something of that size/weight category, I usually drop down to a Seecamp .32, not a J-frame.

Everyone is different. You have to figure out what works for you. But what I discovered is that the guns that "obviously" loooked too big to carry were NOT, and the guns that "obviously" looked small and easy to carrey were NOT.

 

[canoe on the yukon]

While I agree with Smithswede on several points,I respectfully disagree with resorting to a mousegun.The only place where I've personally found the J frame to shine is in coat pocket carry.Because of it's weight,it doesn't sag the jacket (particularly good with an aluminum frame).One can nonchalantely hold the gun without drawing attention with the hands in the pockets.I've been in situations where I've done this many times.

Otherwise,I much prefer packing a larger gun.