N frame for carry ?

[Neumann]

An N frame revolver in steel is a heavy revolver, but not unreasonably so. A 3" 629 weighs about 48 ounces loaded, approximately the same as a steel 1911. The revolver is thicker than the 1911, but not hard to conceal with the right grip (round butt) and holster (pancake or IWB).

You need a good reason to carry a .44 Mag, and bear country is such a reason. I've been getting used to mine, using a Sparks VM2, in anticipation of a trip to the Pacific Northwest. .44 Spl loads are generally lighter than shown for .45 Colt, but pushed to 900 fps would pack a lot of wallop without a lot of recoil. I suspect the .44 is going to gain popularity as more places adopt magazine limits, even for the mean streets.

I wouldn't recommend an N frame for .357 Mag. The 686 L frame is perfectly proportioned, and relatively easy to shoot even with hot magnum loads. It weighs about 40 oz, loaded with 7 rounds.

 

[magman44]

I carry the 329 PD 4". I made an IWB similar to the Crossbreed supertuck. I forget I have it on. It weighs nothing.

 

[ptgarcia]

I wouldn't recommend an N frame for .357 Mag.

I would. An N-frame capable of shooting 8 rounds of .357 Mag can be a great alternative to a semi pistol in states like NY and CA where magazine capacity is limited.

 

[Eaglestroker]

While this is a bit gussied up it's the first high ride rig I made for my 24-3. I really like carrying that and my 624, and my 2.5" 629-8 Backpacker. I've found since buying the Backpacker I really love the 2.5" barrel length for carry but it's not THAT much of a difference. A thick belt and holster is not really a question in the equation.

 

[57 Fan]

I don't carry with the wood grips (put on Hogue rubber for that) but I have learned to CC this .41 very comfortable. As was stated earlier, just a large button down shirt and I have no issues. I'm 5'-10" and 165lbs.

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[TAROMAN]

Have carried my 3" 624 in this Lobo holster.

Will admit, however, that my first pick is now a Colt Lightweight Defender .45 in a Lobo IWB holster.

 

[Frank V]

Zigstar

Back to your original question. Yes a number of us carry an N frame CCW. If I can wear a wool vest or jacket, I can conceal a N frame. A holstermaker I really like is Simply Rugged. Simply Rugged Holsters ? Holsters, Gun Belts, Ammo Pouches and Accessories Rob makes his version of the pancake with inside out straps that allows concealed carry of N frames. The inside out straps allow IWB carry & the belt slots allow OWB carry. I use his holsters a lot. A good holster will go a long ways towards packing an N frame all day.
If you choose a .44 Mag, consider loading it with a heavy .44 Special. There are several on the market Buffalo Bore & Double Tap are a couple of the best.
Good luck, let us know what you decide.

 

[zigstar]

Thanks to everyone for all your help..

 

[ferretray]

Heres my take on it:
Revolvers are my first love, and I'm pretty good with em'.
I've carried everything from a S&W Mountain Gun to a 642. They all have a place, for me.
Carried that MG in a Mitch Rosen pancake, on a Beltman gunbelt. Held it all up with a pair of Perry suspenders. Surprisingly comfortable. Certainly comforting.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Some of us have the option of open carry or concealed carry, so an N-frame would definitely make sense in open carry. In fact, if I find the right .38-.44 Heavy Duty, I'll probably OC it.

BTW, comparing semiautomatics to revolvers in an attempt to show that semiautos are superior for concealment doesn't tell the whole story. There are no straight lines in nature, including people who tend to be lumpy. This means that another lump won't be as noticeable as an unexpected straight line to the casual observer. I usually carry a 3 inch Model 13 and a Model 37 when I conceal and have concealed a 4 inch Model 686 without looking like a hunchback.

FWIW, I've seen lots of other semiauto fanboys claim that the "antiquated" M1911 platform is HARDLY the ideal concealed carry platform, even when it's made by Kimber.

ECS

 

[amazingflapjack]

N frame carry

I carry a Bull Dog 44, but I have a 627-0 5 1/2 inch RB with unfluted cylinder, combats, and full under lug that has a great balance and handiness to it, that I would try if I were going to carry a different revolver.

 

[Frank V]

Boy a lot of people (myself included) like N frames.

 

[coltchris]

Just bought a 657 PC 2 5/8" and seriously considering a Sourdough Pancake from Rob; haven't seen anything better for the dollar. Thoughts?

 

[shawn mccarver]

Since it is not a pocket gun, get the 4 inch and you will pretty much have to have an IWB holster. I suggest a kydex one as they are thinner than leather, and with that big cylinder, you are going to appreciate less bulk in the holster. I suspect you will tire of it pretty quickly. If you really carry every day all day, as opposed to just on the grocery store trip on Saturday, then you will have lower back pain after a few weeks of 12 to 18 hours a day. You will then get a lightweight Colt Commander and have more shots in a more manageable and controllable pistol in a caliber that is second to none in stopping power. When you order your kydex IWB holster, go ahead and order one for the 1911 or Commander also so you have it when that day comes.

 

[coltchris]

Shawn: I appreciate your attempt to dissuade me of my firearm of choice! Your assuming I know nothing about firearms and their specifications and also assuming I will use this N-frame for EDC. I have a multitude of revolvers & pistols for EDC and use them as I see fit. My posting only referred to an OWB carry holster for a particular revolver and any thoughts from people who may own one; no matter the purpose of carry. Also, at 74 yrs. young, I fully understand what gives me pain and what doesn't!

 

[jimbo-indy]

I often carry a 6 1/2" Model 610 in a Bianchi X15 shoulder holster. Why? 1st, the 610 is the arm that I can shoot most accurately and quickly(it's my best bowling pin gun). 2nd, it loads with moon clips for quick reloads. I like shoulder holsters because I spend most of my time sitting at a desk or driving. Just try to get to that IWB rig while in your car with seatbelt fastened. I have worn a vest of some type nearly every day for many years. My coworkers will comment if I don't have my vest. It's also a great way to carry cell phone, business cards, pens and all the other things I use throughout the day. Weight has never been a problem with either the shoulder rig or OWB holsters. My OWB guns are either a CZ97B or a 639 (both double action as it the revolver). Neither are lightweights but seem to diaspear with quality holster and wide double leather belt.

 

[DR505]

Just bought a 657 PC 2 5/8" and seriously considering a Sourdough Pancake from Rob; haven't seen anything better for the dollar. Thoughts?

I have a Milt Sparks PMK that I like for my 3" 657. It carries well, is sturdy as heck, and looks nice. I'm opting for the #5 from Lobo though for my 4" 29 and another #5 for my 6.5" 657.

 

[LOBO]

Just bought a 657 PC 2 5/8" and seriously considering a Sourdough Pancake from Rob; haven't seen anything better for the dollar. Thoughts?

That holster is hard to beat. I have one for my 4" N frames. The holster is very comfortable, and has great retention w/out affecting the draw. If you get one, you may want to opt for the hardware that allows the holster to be converted to an IWB rig.

 

[CWH44300]

Just bought a 657 PC 2 5/8" and seriously considering a Sourdough Pancake from Rob; haven't seen anything better for the dollar. Thoughts?

I haven't either and I've been looking(and trying them) for a long time. Enjoy your new rig.

 

[Stainz]

How not to carry a 2 5/8" PC627:

The Lobo leather is fine - good thing, as the cheesy $11 WallyWorld belt is not. Buy a good/properly sized belt!!

As to size of that PC627 vs an L-frame 2.5" 686: The 627, at 37.6 oz, weighs less than three ounces more than the L-frame 686 and is 1/8" longer in OAL. I like the 8 round capacity, too, even if I do carry 'only' +P 158gr LHPSWCs. Before getting my 642 years ago, I pocket carried a 296 - 5 shot enclosed hammer .44 Special. Before getting a Mika pocket holster for the 296, I infrequently carried it in an OWB holster. As a civilian, I just don't like that form of 'carry', preferring pocket carry, something I cannot do with my snubby N-frames!

Stainz