IWB Revolver Carry

[Whit]

My experience carrying IWB is limited to all sizes of 1911, using the Galco Royal Guard and Kramer horsehide holsters. I find both comfortable to carry and easy to conceal. So I'm giving some thought to an IWB holster for one of my revolvers.

Is carrying a revolver, either a Ruger SP101 Wiley Clapp or a Smith Model 13 3" or something similar, going to be as comfortable and concealable? Comfort is a subjective subject, however I would value the opinions of those of you who regularly carry IWB with those or similar revolvers. To be even more specific, carrying in the Galco or Sparks Summer Special or SS2 style holster.

Thanks in advance for your input and stay safe out there. Have a blessed day.

 

[Erich]

I've been carrying since the Eighties - revolvers and semiautos. The answer to your question is that it's entirely subjective. Some people like the revolver more; some like the semiauto more. I've carried revolvers IWB in the holsters you've mentioned and found them to be totally comfortable. No one here but you can say whether you will agree. (I find the two revolvers you mention to be darned comfortable IWB, BTW. But I usually carry semiautos these days, for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with comfort.)

 

[ContinentalOp]

Short answer: Yes, it can be comfortable, with the right gear. You may need to adjust the size of your belt, or use the next larger hole on your belt, or similar adjustment if you're using a velcro belt.

I've carried a 3" 65 in a Milt Sparks SSII holster, sometimes for 12+ hours, with good comfort and concealability. I also had a good double-layer leather gun belt to help with support. I don't have any experience with the Galco.

A VMII-style holster may be more comfortable since the outboard loops spread the weight out and the larger surface area spreads out the belt pressure more. It'll also give it a lower profile because the loops aren't directly over the cylinder and the rear loop pulls the butt of the gun into the body more.

One other point that I always mention when discussing the carry of a revolver. I recommend looking for a holster that carries the cylinder even with the belt (the SSII holster I used did this...I don't know about Kramer's similar IWB holster). It may seem counterintuitive to stick the bulkiest part of the gun directly under the belt, but I've found it helps with stability, which helps with both comfort and concealability. Basically, when arranged like this, the holster has to work less to keep the gun concealed and stable.

Hope that helps.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've been carrying a 3" Model 65 or 66 IWB in a Milt Sparks Summer Special since 1986. FWIW; for me 4" barreled revolver is too long to carry IWB. but I can carry a auto with a 4.25in slide

IMO it's subjective....... I bought a half dozen Sparks IWB holsters at one Burg gunshop...... all used all but unworn.

Bought a buddy an IWB holster for his Sig 365...... told him he had to give it 10 days to 2 weeks.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

.... told him he had to give it 10 days to 2 weeks.

My experience is after the 10-14 day "Try-out", If you do it right you won't notice it is there, until it is gone! If you are noticing it, you need to adjust something.

If after a much longer period you suddenly start noticing any gun, you most likely gained weight! So adjust by dieting.

Ivan

 

[Murdock]

Like the OP I routinely carry all three sizes of 1911 IWB, either in a Milt Sparks Summer Special or VMII. My 3" Kimber goes well in a good quality Kydex rig when IWB.

I also have a 3-inch M65-5 that I have been carrying in a VMII. I'm really trying to like that combination. It's OK, but nothing I have ever carried IWB is as comfortable as a 1911 (although a CZ75 is close) in Milt Sparks leather. Still haven't found the right place on my waist for the M65, 'cause the cylinder is fatter than the 1911's slide,. Contrary to one post above, the cylider does indeed ride at belt level in the VMII, not above it. (See photo).

I like my Smiths, but shoot 1911's better than revolvers, so the pistols almost always get the nod over the revolvers. I always use an excellent pistol belt. I 'm 6-feet and usually weigh someplace between 205 and 215.

 

[FiveG]

I've used a Milt Sparks Versa Max II with my 3-inch model 65 for at least 10 years. With the outboard snaps, reduces the lump well, and it's very stable with a good belt. I forget it's there quickly. Highly recommended.

For speedloaders, they either go in left pocket, or in a Del Fatti leather speedloader holder I bought long ago. Not sure he makes them anymore, but it holds the speedloader on top of the belt, and opens easily with a snap.

 

[mikerjf]

For me and snubs, IWB and AIWB (appendix IWB) is two different things. 3-5:00 region doesn't work at all for me, but 1:00 is great. The snubs short barrel is what makes it work, so I don't know about a 3"... seems like anything over 2" becomes a problem for me when sitting.

I concur with the "put the cylinder under the belt" idea.

 

[haywood]

I'm carrying a 3" 36 IWB. Heavier guns bother my back after a while but I have carried a 4" 7 shot 357 for a while when my back was healthy.

 

[BB57]

I carry a 3" 686+ and weight wise it's very close to my 9mm Commander.

I find the 686 to be more comfortable. It's a bit wider in the cylinder, but its thinner everywhere else and both conceals better and is more comfortable.

In terms of weight, the key is to use a well made double thickness belt with a metal or polymer insert to ensure it doesn't start to sag or roll over.

A good holster is also important. I've used two that work very well.

One is a Next Holster "Guardian". The wide area a dual belt clips spread the weight and make it very comfortable while keeping the profile thin.

The other is a Wild Bills Concealment "Covert Carry" It uses a single offset clip to maintain a thin profile and it's a tuckable design that will will work with a dress shirt. The space in front of the holster is perfect for a slip over speedloader carrier.

 

[Buford57]

I carried a Colt Lawman Mk III 2" IWB in a Bianchi Pistol Pocket at 4:00 for several years. About the size of a Model 10 or 19. Yes it takes some adjustment and make sure it is not pressing against the sciatic nerve.

 

[sceva]

An IWB with a revolver can be discreet and comfortable with the right holster.

I like my AKL Concealco ( From the Original company) with my Ruger Speed Six ( similar in size to a K Frame)

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Short answer: Yes, it can be comfortable, with the right gear. You may need to adjust the size of your belt, or use the next larger hole on your belt, or similar adjustment if you're using a velcro belt.

It's all about the right gear, that holster and belt combination, and where you place the holster, of course.

And there is this!!!! And don't I know it!

If after a much longer period you suddenly start noticing any gun, you most likely gained weight! So adjust by dieting.