I have a 4 1/2" Model 10 that I'd like to start using as my carry gun. A revolver that's a little smaller/lighter or an autoloader isn't in the cards right now. I'm 5'11" and 275lb so I have some room to put the thing. My daily wear in the summer is generally jeans with a T-shirt not tucked in, which seems like it'd help with concealment but I'm not sure how good having the gun directly against my skin is - I SWEAT when it gets much over 70F. I know anything is possible, but is it practical or feasible? Can anyone recommend a good holster? Would you recommend small of the back, weak side butt forward, strong side butt rearward, or belly with butt to the strong side? Thanks.
Model 10 CCW
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Highhawk1948
Member
Get the right kind of holster and it will work just fine. Make sure it has a shield on it to keep the gun away from your skin.
Kframerbluvr
Member
First order of business is to have a good, thick stiff belt to carry the gun and holster on. That alone will solve a lot of problems with comfort and concealment from the start.
I would recommend a strong side outside the waist band holster with about a fifteen degree forward cant. Look for a "pancake" style holster. Don't forget at least one reload somewhere on your person.
As far as sweating goes, I carried M10s on and off duty for many years and I kept a silicone gun wiping cloth next to the place I stored the revolver when it was not being worn. Unholster, unload, wipe it off, put it away. Never rusted.
I would recommend a strong side outside the waist band holster with about a fifteen degree forward cant. Look for a "pancake" style holster. Don't forget at least one reload somewhere on your person.
As far as sweating goes, I carried M10s on and off duty for many years and I kept a silicone gun wiping cloth next to the place I stored the revolver when it was not being worn. Unholster, unload, wipe it off, put it away. Never rusted.
Mtnfolk325
Member
I always carry a Model 38-0 in a Mika Pocket holster, but .... more times than not, I also carry a 4" Model 64-3 in a Simply Rugged Sourdough Pancake at about 4 o'clock. I use a 5-stitch Instructor Belt and wear Perry 3-point Suspenders. In the summer I wear an Under Armor Compression T and either an untucked 3XL Golf shirt or light weight short sleeve button front. Winter, I add a long sleeve Henley or T over the Compression T and use a long sleeve 3XL Flannel or a tucked in long sleeve button front cotton with a 3XL Flannel Vest. BTW, I'm 5-11/280. It can be done .... ;o)
P.S. Reload is a Speed Strip in the watch pocket above the Mika plus another in a flat belt pouch at about 2 o'clock.
P.S. Reload is a Speed Strip in the watch pocket above the Mika plus another in a flat belt pouch at about 2 o'clock.
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Shorty 45 MK2
Member
I'd recommend strong side inside or outside the waistband (just depends from person to person, like I prefer IWB, but others can't stand it.) with a good gun belt and wear a shirt one size larger than you normally wear and if you use IWB pants with 2" bigger waist. You also want to probably want to wipe down the gun every night if you sweated to keep it from rusting.
I can personally recommend members Snubbyfan and Eaglestroker for both belts and holsters. Members Lobogunleather and Bell Charter Oak also makes some great stuff.
BTW: I tend to carry the stainless steel cousin of your M10 the M64 with a 2" barrel in summer.
I can personally recommend members Snubbyfan and Eaglestroker for both belts and holsters. Members Lobogunleather and Bell Charter Oak also makes some great stuff.
BTW: I tend to carry the stainless steel cousin of your M10 the M64 with a 2" barrel in summer.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
The most likely difficulty you will encounter is finding any holster made for a Model 10 with 4-1/2" barrel. That is not a common barrel length, more likely either a special order or possibly a cut-down 6". Standard barrel lengths offered for the Model 10 have included 2", 3", 4", 5", and 6".
By the way, revolver barrels are measured from end to end, i.e.: from the face of the cylinder to the muzzle. Over the years I have seen some confusion from customers over this, some measuring from the front of the frame to muzzle. If you are at all unsure I recommend measuring (from front face of cylinder to muzzle end) before you start holster shopping. If in fact you have a 4.5" barrel your choices will be limited to a 5" holster or a special order holster.
Best regards.
By the way, revolver barrels are measured from end to end, i.e.: from the face of the cylinder to the muzzle. Over the years I have seen some confusion from customers over this, some measuring from the front of the frame to muzzle. If you are at all unsure I recommend measuring (from front face of cylinder to muzzle end) before you start holster shopping. If in fact you have a 4.5" barrel your choices will be limited to a 5" holster or a special order holster.
Best regards.
ContinentalOp
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I would recommend staying away from small-of-the-back holsters. There are too many negatives associated with them.
I think a good OWB or IWB strong-side holster is a good place to start. Just know that everybody's different and even if two people have the same build it doesn't necessarily mean a holster that works for one person will also work for the other. The only way to find what really works for you is by trial-and-error. You should go ahead and get a holster box/drawer ready; we all have them.
Also, most people can probably conceal a bigger gun than they think they can. It just takes a little more thought and planning in terms of holsters, belts, and clothing.
Like others have said, a good belt is key, especially when carrying a steel K-frame. Beltman belts work well for me.
When I carried a 3" 65 it was usually in a Wraith IWB holster (similar design to the Milt Sparks VM2, which is also an excellent holster) and with a 1.5" Beltman belt I could carry that gun 12+ hours/day with good comfort and concealment.
I like Side Guard Holsters. I think they're an excellent value. Other holster manufacturers I've had good experiences with are Milt Sparks and Kramer Handgun Leather.
Another thing to consider is what kind of grips are on your gun. Large rubber grips, like Hogues or Pachmayrs, can make the grip area larger, making it harder to conceal. They can also snag on your cover garment, which also makes it hard to conceal. I like wood grips for a concealed gun. My preference for K-frames would be Ahrends boot grips without finger grooves. That's what I had on my 3" 65. I also like Spegel boot grips. They're not made from fancy wood, but PGS Hideout grips worked well for me on K-frames. You can get them from Brownell's for around $20. That's what I used on a 2" 64.
I think a good OWB or IWB strong-side holster is a good place to start. Just know that everybody's different and even if two people have the same build it doesn't necessarily mean a holster that works for one person will also work for the other. The only way to find what really works for you is by trial-and-error. You should go ahead and get a holster box/drawer ready; we all have them.
Also, most people can probably conceal a bigger gun than they think they can. It just takes a little more thought and planning in terms of holsters, belts, and clothing.
Like others have said, a good belt is key, especially when carrying a steel K-frame. Beltman belts work well for me.
When I carried a 3" 65 it was usually in a Wraith IWB holster (similar design to the Milt Sparks VM2, which is also an excellent holster) and with a 1.5" Beltman belt I could carry that gun 12+ hours/day with good comfort and concealment.
I like Side Guard Holsters. I think they're an excellent value. Other holster manufacturers I've had good experiences with are Milt Sparks and Kramer Handgun Leather.
Another thing to consider is what kind of grips are on your gun. Large rubber grips, like Hogues or Pachmayrs, can make the grip area larger, making it harder to conceal. They can also snag on your cover garment, which also makes it hard to conceal. I like wood grips for a concealed gun. My preference for K-frames would be Ahrends boot grips without finger grooves. That's what I had on my 3" 65. I also like Spegel boot grips. They're not made from fancy wood, but PGS Hideout grips worked well for me on K-frames. You can get them from Brownell's for around $20. That's what I used on a 2" 64.
That's a helluva wardrobe. How about some fashion show pics???
19ontheslide
Member
I carry my 4" model 10 daily in a Blade-Tech IWB kydex holster. I know a lot of guys shy away from kydex, but in my opinion it's not any harder on a gun's finish than leather; it just wears it differently. Kydex will rub the high spots and contact points between the gun and the holster faster, but once that's done the rest of the gun tends to stay how it is. Leather on the other hand takes longer to show wear on the gun, but it tends to wear larger areas instead of just the contact points. It should be noted however that my EDC model 10 is an Aussie police trade-in from Bud's, so it was finish-challenged when it came to me and I bought it specifically to be a pistol that I wouldn't cry over when it got dinged up by being carried.
I usually wear a t-shirt between the gun and me, then a light overshirt over everything, but on really hot days I'll just go bare under the overshirt. Either way, my model 10 gets a lot of regular (like several times a week) Eezox applications around the trigger guard, left side of frame behind the cylinder, thumb latch, hammer, and grip frame (basically all the areas that aren't covered by kydex that sit next to my body). And I strongly agree with those who have already mentioned the importance of the belt in a carry system. Hopefully you can find a holster/belt/wardrobe combo that works for you. I know it's not tacticool to say so these days, but I still believe that the majority of folks (myself included) are well and goodly armed with a plain old K38. Good luck!
I usually wear a t-shirt between the gun and me, then a light overshirt over everything, but on really hot days I'll just go bare under the overshirt. Either way, my model 10 gets a lot of regular (like several times a week) Eezox applications around the trigger guard, left side of frame behind the cylinder, thumb latch, hammer, and grip frame (basically all the areas that aren't covered by kydex that sit next to my body). And I strongly agree with those who have already mentioned the importance of the belt in a carry system. Hopefully you can find a holster/belt/wardrobe combo that works for you. I know it's not tacticool to say so these days, but I still believe that the majority of folks (myself included) are well and goodly armed with a plain old K38. Good luck!
Bell Charter Oak Holsters
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Well, first of all the barrel length is very unusual, unless you are measuring wrong. As Ray stated, (Lobo) they were not produced in that length standardly. That's the first issue, accurate measurement. Refer to his post for the correct factory production barrel lengths. However, if it's a post factory cutdown, a custom holster is in order, providing that's what you want. I think you will find any K frame over 3 inches uncomfortable for prolonged periods, worn inside the waistband.
As a policeman in NYC working plainclothes during the 70's, I routinely carried a 2 inch snub gun and my service revolver, a 4 inch Model 10. I couldn't afford a second snub gun at the time and I was not undercover, so concealment was not a major issue. I think rather quickly you will discover despite your described physical proportions (I was quite larger than you back then) that eventually, you will find it agonizing for long hours.
Having said this, if this is what you have and what you can afford for now, a good quality hi ride pancake makes sense, in conjunction with a sturdy gun belt and cover garment. An IWB will be torture after a few hours in and out of the car. Similarly, a shoulder rig would be more comfortable, but requires a cover garment, year round, despite climate.
If I were to carry an M10 for work or play today, I'd use a HALF BREED SLIDE. Fast, compact, concealable. Here's a stock photo with a Chiefs Special.
Hope you find this helpful.
Lefty
As a policeman in NYC working plainclothes during the 70's, I routinely carried a 2 inch snub gun and my service revolver, a 4 inch Model 10. I couldn't afford a second snub gun at the time and I was not undercover, so concealment was not a major issue. I think rather quickly you will discover despite your described physical proportions (I was quite larger than you back then) that eventually, you will find it agonizing for long hours.
Having said this, if this is what you have and what you can afford for now, a good quality hi ride pancake makes sense, in conjunction with a sturdy gun belt and cover garment. An IWB will be torture after a few hours in and out of the car. Similarly, a shoulder rig would be more comfortable, but requires a cover garment, year round, despite climate.
If I were to carry an M10 for work or play today, I'd use a HALF BREED SLIDE. Fast, compact, concealable. Here's a stock photo with a Chiefs Special.
Hope you find this helpful.
Lefty
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Kframerbluvr
Member
Mtnfolk, your reload setup is exactly what I do, even when I carry a J-frame as a BUG to one of my plastic fantastics.
Finally broke down and bought a new Galco 2x2x2 ammo pouch after getting tired of searching every LGS and gun show bargain bin and junk box looking for an old LE turn in. Works great and worth every penny.
I carry a Model 12 4" in Lobo IWB holster. I carry it next to my skin, with a loose polo-style shirt over it. Very comfortable, even more comfortable than my Lightweight Commander in a Milt Sparks Summer Special.
Whitwabit
US Veteran
What ever holster and position to carry you decide, a friend who works in a hot environment, Florida, helped his sweating problem by buying 2 of the same IWB holsters and rotating them. Letting one dry out while he wore the other then switched. Sorry can't tell you the brand but it was leather, horse hide I believe.
The following work very well for my model 10 tapered barrel and my model 66, both with four inch barrels. I strongly recommend that you wear a t-shirt also.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014VVLHK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00"]Amazon.com : HKS 203M-P Plain Double Speedloader Case, Black, Medium : Hks Speedloader Pouch : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qSS%2BDJs4L.@@AMEPARAM@@51qSS%2BDJs4L[/ame]
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000C1CM9?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00"]Amazon.com : HKS 10-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 64, 66, 67/Taurus 606, 65, 66, 80, 82 : Speed Loader : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Kiw2geuzL.@@AMEPARAM@@41Kiw2geuzL[/ame]
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SS28YG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00"]Amazon.com : 56 - Black Belt - Taper (1.25) : Gun Belts : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/3138UpTrw9L.@@AMEPARAM@@3138UpTrw9L[/ame]
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WB6J94?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00(Go"]Amazon.com : Gould & Goodrich B803-94 Gold Line Three Slot Pancake Holster (Black) Fits RUGER 4" Bbl., GP100, Security Six, Service Six, Speed Six; S&W 44, .357, 581, 586, 681, 686, 696 : Gun Holsters : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41jyE9PdHRL.@@AMEPARAM@@41jyE9PdHRL[/ame] with the holster for the slightly larger frame model. It fits better)
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014VVLHK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00"]Amazon.com : HKS 203M-P Plain Double Speedloader Case, Black, Medium : Hks Speedloader Pouch : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qSS%2BDJs4L.@@AMEPARAM@@51qSS%2BDJs4L[/ame]
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000C1CM9?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00"]Amazon.com : HKS 10-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 64, 66, 67/Taurus 606, 65, 66, 80, 82 : Speed Loader : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Kiw2geuzL.@@AMEPARAM@@41Kiw2geuzL[/ame]
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SS28YG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00"]Amazon.com : 56 - Black Belt - Taper (1.25) : Gun Belts : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/3138UpTrw9L.@@AMEPARAM@@3138UpTrw9L[/ame]
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WB6J94?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00(Go"]Amazon.com : Gould & Goodrich B803-94 Gold Line Three Slot Pancake Holster (Black) Fits RUGER 4" Bbl., GP100, Security Six, Service Six, Speed Six; S&W 44, .357, 581, 586, 681, 686, 696 : Gun Holsters : Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41jyE9PdHRL.@@AMEPARAM@@41jyE9PdHRL[/ame] with the holster for the slightly larger frame model. It fits better)
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