J Frame vs K Frame for CCW IWB

[zogger]

I have recently been carrying my Model 66 4" as my EDC IWB. I carry it in a Garret Industries IWB revolver holster. Previously I carried my Model 60 3" in a similar holster.

What I found is that the added weight of the 66 does not seem to make it any harder to carry. With the grips I have on each gun (Pachmayr Grippers) and the holster, the K frame does not stick up much higher than the J frame. Given the K frame holds 6 rounds and has a longer barrel, I seem to draw and shoot better with it.

What have you guys found? Thanks!

 

[uncleted327]

If you can conceal the grip you can conceal the gun. I carried a 4" square butt 686 IWB for over a year, have also carried a variety of N frames, 4.25" 69 and a bunch of different semis. Not always the most comfortable to carry big iron, but if you want to carry one there's always a way.

 

[stansdds]

Yes, the grip is the most difficult part to conceal unless barrel length gets much longer than 4 inches.

 

[CB3]

Disclaimer: I don’t carry revolvers, but I believe some IWB carry principles apply no matter the gun/action.

I have found that guns with longer barrels are more comfortable to carry (AIWB) because the holster is more stable with more contact with my body; the additional spread of the contact area actually reduces localized pressure; and the grip sits in closer to my body because the holster does not have as much tendency to tip outward.

Regarding additional weight, a good stiff belt distributes weight around my hips. I usually carry a full size 9mm M&P with a red dot sight. Loaded in the holster, it weighs 40 oz., while my smaller Shield 9mm in the holster weighs 29 oz. The FS gun weight difference is not noticeable on my nylon 1.5” rigger’s belt. The pressure from the smaller holster is noticeable.

When I started carrying concealed decades ago it was with a Browning Hi Power. I did not have the correct equipment (holster and belt) and quickly gave up. I bought into the common refrain that small guns are easier to conceal and carry. I spent 15 years concealing small guns, that I shot rather poorly, before I started going up in size. It was not until I tried AIWB with a good, fitted Kydex holster and 1.5” nylon web belt that I was able to comfortably carry a full size, full capacity, modern pistol that I shoot very well.

 

[delcrossv]

My two most common carry guns are a 66-4 and an 940. So there you go- use what works for you

 

[ContinentalOp]

I've carried both, a 642 and either a 3" 65 or a 2" 64. Significant difference between them, but the Airweight frame is a major part of that.

With the right gear, either can be carried easily. When I had the 65 I typically carried it in either a Milt Sparks Summer Special II or a VMII-style holster by another maker. I usually carried the 64 in the same holsters. Belt was a 1.5" double-layer bullhide Beltman. I could carry either gun for 12+ hours/day without a problem.

Most of the time I've carried the 642 as a primary/only gun it was in a Side Guard Holsters Quick Clip IWB holster. Much easier to carry and conceal than my K-frames. I currently carry it as a BUG in a Wilderness Tactical Renegade ankle holster. I will rarely pocket carry it, but when I do it's usually in a DeSantis Nemesis holster, sometimes in a Blue Force Gear pocket holster. To me, that's the big advantage of a J-frame snub over a K-frame, carry versatility. I'm pretty sure I don't want to try carrying a steel K-frame in either a pocket or ankle holster.

In my experience, what CB3 mentioned about barrel length and stability is partially true. For example, my current EDC is a Beretta PX4 Compact, but I've found that carrying it in a Kramer IWB #3 holster for a full-size PX4 improves stability and comfort.

However, particularly with revolvers, I think holster design plays a more important role than barrel length. I've only carried IWB, but I think the same could apply for OWB. What I've found is that having the revolver's cylinder paralleling the belt provides sufficient stability regardless of barrel length (within reason, of course). Remember that the mass of a revolver is concentrated in the cylinder, its center of gravity. Having that positioned at belt level (or possibly lower) stabilizes the gun better than a higher-riding holster. It might be different for AIWB, where having the barrel long enough to lever the grip into your body can be a comfort/concealability factor.

Also, stating the obvious, everybody's different, so what works for me may or may not work for you.

Just my opinion.

 

[zogger]

For example, my current EDC is a Beretta PX4 Compact, but I've found that carrying it in a Kramer IWB #3 holster for a full-size PX4 improves stability and comfort.

Until I had to switch to a revolver due to arthritis in my hands (I have great trouble racking the slide), my EDC was also a Px4 Compact 9mm. Very nice shooting gun. I probably shoot it the best of all my guns.

 

[Gene L]

A J-frame is easier to conceal, but way harder to shoot. I find them uncomfortable to shoot unless I put large rubber grips on them, and then they're not very concealable. I have a 36 and a 642, but they go uncarried and unshot.

 

[Sgt 45]

AIWB and I carry L frame 686+ or 69, N frame 629 5" or 629 V-Comp. Holster and good belt make a huge difference.

 

[chief38]

The first carry gun I bought was a M10 2" RB K Frame which I carried about a year or so. That was back in 1979-1980 and suits and sports jackets were rapidly fading away from every day wear. I then decided to switch over to a Model 60 and that became my EDC for 39 years. IWB, OWB, shoulder, ankle, pocket - did all of them! It was only last year or so I decided to switch once again over to a P365.

With today's dress, pocket carry is very comfortable with both the M60/36 and the Sig P365 - both in DeSantis Pocket Nemesis holsters.

 

[jim lock]

All great information. I think you have to try all scenarios and see what's best for you. Your size and weight, comfort level with weapon, which one you shoot better should all determine what you carry. It should be your decision. You may find out both are great in different carry situations. Have fun figuring it out. Jim

 

[ltj9296]

I carry a k frame snub AWIB. It is very comfortable for me, and with the right shirt easy to conceal. I wear Dickies button up work shirts a lot. They are cut loose enough that it is very difficult to see any bulges from k frames grip. I used to carry a j frame, but even though it is heavier, the k frame is just as comfortable. I am on the slim side and body shape may be a factor.

 

[KSDeputy]

I carry a CS 45, and have for 20 + years. I sold my two favorite revolvers when the semi-auto craze hit law enforcement. I bought a new model 60 snub nose, and wanted a 3" model 65. I only buy new, so I bought a 2.75" model 66, and replaced the rear sight with a fixed sight. I do not like adjustable sights. Now I have the revolvers I want.

 

[haywood]

I’ve been carrying a Pair of 442’s for a while now. Sometimes I would exchange the waistband 442 with a larger 7 shot snub. This never lasts long and I always went back to the 442. Just lately I traded for a 3” S&W36. I’ve been carrying it in the waist. I think I have found my new waistband gun. The few extra ounces hasn’t been that noticeable and the same holster works. When the weather requires a jacket I can still move the 442 from pants pocket to the jacket.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Yep.

I don't even bother to carry a J-Frame IWB.

I use a Bell Charter Oak Mae West to tote a 4-inch Smith & Wesson Model 10 with perfect satisfaction.

 

[Ingramite]

I routinely carry either a 442 or a 64 snub iwb with Barami Clip Grips and Tyler T adapters.

 

[chief38]

The K Frame is a bit easier to shoot with stout +P loads but if one practices regularly (as we all should) it should be a non issue for Model 60/36 EDC'ers. To me the one extra round of the K isn't worth the extra weight and bulk - but that's a personal thing. Ultimately, 11 rounds of +P 9mm and 17.8 ounces the P365 weighs convinced me to bail on a revolver for EDC. For me, I can shoot 200 +P rounds a day with the P365 where as after 20 rounds of +P Buffalo Bore 158's through my 2" M60 I was done for the day!

 

[bmcgilvray]

I'm simply unwilling to practice to any great extent with stunted, cramped guns of any sort, J-Frames included. This cliché about the smaller gun one has with him is more effective than the larger, more effective guns he may leave at home doesn't really resonate.

I try to carry as large a handgun as I can contrive to conceal and it's not so hard to leave the runts behind. I'd rather leave 'em behind than feel like I have to practice regularly with 'em.

I can shoot them well enough for "get off of me" ranges and use them as back-ups, but will not dedicate myself to them. I particularly don't want to depend on them.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

What I found is that the added weight of the 66 does not seem to make it any harder to carry. With the grips I have on each gun (Pachmayr Grippers) and the holster, the K frame does not stick up much higher than the J frame. Given the K frame holds 6 rounds and has a longer barrel, I seem to draw and shoot better with it.

What have you guys found? Thanks!

This has been pretty much my experience, until I was in my late sixties or early seventies. Then I found that a very stiff gun belt was a significant aid, and in my early seventies I found that I occasionally needed to take a vacation of a week or so sometimes with a steel J or an aluminum K (I carry a minimum of seven days a week). The need for a vacation has varied. Often I could carry a steel K for only two or three weeks, but lately I have gone months with my Model 15. ??

Carry the best gun that you can.

 

[carpriver]

I like to carry a J frame model 60 3in barrel with a larger grip, It's loaded with a good jacketed 158 grain +p. And the same load in my 3 in 686 +. As has been said the size of the grip what makes it difficult to conceal. I don't feel under gunned with either revolver. I practice regularly to stay sharp. I also carry 1911's practice with them I like to change it up now and then.