N-frame holster for CCW - IWB or OWB

[Irelander]

I recently purchased a 629 PC and I am loving it. I got it mostly for hiking/backpacking trips, but I find myself wanting to carry it more often. The holster I use for hiking is a Wilderness Tactical Safepacker holster. I'd like to get a nice leather holster for EDC but I'm having trouble deciding on IWB or OWB. I'm have a pretty thin athletic build so hiding an N-frame may be a bit tough. I can't really imagine how big of a bulge I will create with an IWB holster, so I've been thinking of going with OWB. Just wondering how many of you guys carry an N-frame and what mode you use (IWB or OWB). What works? What doesn't? What problems with concealability have you encountered?

I've been looking at Lobo Gunleather since I've heard a bunch of great reviews here and I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a holster much less wait for several months to get it.

 

[moxie]

I can't imagine CCW with a 629 unless you are one supersize hombre, IWB or OWB. You've said you're thin, so that doesn't work. Strongly suggest you look at something more suitable like a 442 or LCR.

 

[chief38]

I do own N frames but I would not consider carrying them for CCW either inside OR outside the waistband. Just too big, bulky and cumbersome. While the 44 magnum may be a super powerhouse for hunting or for protection against dangerous game in the woods, I feel it is the wrong caliber for self defense against two legged animals. More than likely the bullet would exist the body retaining enough energy to harm innocent bystanders. Just my .02 cents........

Chief38

 

[NE450No2]

My first On Duty carry gun was a 4" S&W 29-2 44 Mag [1976].
When I went to Deep Nights I carried a 6 1/2" Mod 29. I carried both of these revolvers on duty and off duty for several years.

To this day I still carry them a lot [I am retired now], for concealed carry if I am traveling to a hunting trip.

I use a Milt Sparks Summer Special for the 4", and a Galco [Mod 55 I think] for the 6 1/2", both of these are inside the belt holsters. I also have a pancake style belt holster for the 4 " I use a lot as well.

I have no problem concealing these guns with just a shirt tail left untucked or by wearing a vest such as a Filson or a 5.11.

If I am not wearing one of these 44 Mags then I am wearing a 1911 in 45 ACP. I use the Milt Sparks Summer Special or a Milt Sparks Mod 55 for the 1911.

I NEVER carry anything less than one of these for a Primary.

Here is a hint, if you are going to wear a gun inside the waistband, then buy your pants 2" bigger in the waist.

When you go and have a suit fitted wear your gun and extra ammo and have the Tailor, fit the Suit around your gun and gear...

 

[NE450No2]

When carrying the 44 Mag I carry Urban loads in it, that are designed not to over penetrate...

But if you look at statistics about 85% or so of the shots fired in gunfights miss the intended target. So why worry about over penetration of the 15% OF THE SHOTS THAT DO HIT???

Still I do not carry 300gr Hard Cast bullets in the gun when in the city...

However I might have them handy for the "next 6".

After all after SIX 44 Mag rounds have been fired, everybody that is not dead, will be hiding behind something.

 

[Irelander]

What position do you carry your 629s in? Strong side, ***, Appendix...

What position provides the most concealment for these brutes?

 

[inFALable]

I occasionally carry an N-frame (.44 Mountain gun or M58) in a Sparks SSII (horsehide) with only a T-shirt. It doesn't print and is very comfortable, especially with the MG.

I'm 6'2" and 160 lbs. Good leather and belt makes a big difference. Build matters too. I wear a 42 coat and have a 31" waist.

It's certainly possible just not as easy as a nice flat auto.

 

[badge]

Plus one on the Milt Sparks holster. I use it and it works quite well.

 

[StatesRightist]

Plus 1 on the good leather and belt comment, they will either make or break your attempt.

I will admit I'm a big guy, but I have zero issues carrying N frames. I frequently CCW carry either a 3" and 4" 629 or an 57MG as a primary. I do tend to carry them more in the winter, but still carry them from time to time in the summer. I carry mine in a Galco OWB, just behind my strong side hip, the break in your body allows the gun to ride behind the profile of your hip and makes it blend in.

IWB, think stinking a boat anchor down the front of your pants....lol.

A .44 is an excellent CCW choice, so long as you choose the right ammo. Hunting ammo will over-penetrate, the SD stuff will not. I agree with NE450 on the speedloader rounds, one of mine has 300gr Hornady HP's in case I need to barrier bust. JMO.

 

[cornfed83]

I've been wondering this myself lately, as I just picked up a 3" 629-1 that I plan on carrying. I've been thinking OWB because I don't have pants that will fit with this beast riding in it! That and if I'm carrying a 6 shooter I'll be carrying at least 1 speedloader as well and that will be outside of the belt so I may as well carry the gun the same way and be more comfortable.

 

[sipowicz]

That will print like crazy....I'd go ankle.

 

[CWH44300]

I carry a 329 PD, and use a pancake from simply rugged, I wear it at 4oclock and find that it covers with an untucked T shirt pretty good and I'm 5'9" and 200lbs but you've got to have a good belt (mine is from simply rugged ) nice and tight

 

[NE450No2]

What position do you carry your 629s in? Strong side, ***, Appendix...

What position provides the most concealment for these brutes?

I carry strong side just behind the centerline.

Unless I am going to be in a big crowd or in a bar [which now that I am retired, I try to avoid both] then I carry on the strong side between the belt buckle and the centerline.

So my gun is "up front" where I can protect it in a crowd, or when in the bathroom, and it does not print at all when bending over the bar, and I can get to it while seated, with minimal movement.

In a public bathroom, always try to go into a stall and close the door, no matter "what my business is".

 

[David Sinko]

I've been carrying N Frames for quite a few years and a 4" Redhawk for a few years prior. I always carry OWB, behind the hip. I don't mind the extra weight. Once I even played table tennis for an hour in the gym at Georgia Tech with a 4" 625 on my hip. It was under a T shirt and I doubt anybody knew it was there.

A single El Paso Street Combat holster carries all my large frame revolvers, with barrel lengths from 2" to 4".

Dave Sinko

 

[Neumann]

It's not hard to conceal an N frame if the barrel is 4" or less. A 4" revolver is a lot bigger and longer than a 4" pistol, because a pistol is measured to the breech, compared to the face of the cylinder. You could conceal a 6" revolver, but it would be hard to draw from a high-ride holster. I have an Alessi shoulder holster for a 6" 629, which hides pretty well under a vest or jacket.

IWB holsters for revolvers are problematic. Your belt puts a lot of tension on the cylinder, making it hard to draw even with a steel reinforcing band. I have the best luck with Grizzle or Sparks VM2 holsters in this regard, with 3" or shorter barrels.

The best solution with a cover garment is a pancake OWB holster, which holds the gun high and flat, with just the right amount of retention. Grizzle and Alessi holsters are a good bet, not too expensive and a reasonable delivery time. For a revolver OWB, you want a belt-slot type, not quick snap. Snap holsters put too much strain on the cylinder, causing it to bind.

A round butt is considerably easier to conceal than a traditional square butt grip, and a boot grip is nearly perfect. I don't find boot grips any harder to shoot than other grips, as long as the revolver is not too barrel-heavy, such as a 4" Mountain Gun or a 3" or shorter snubbie.

 

[Poohgyrr]

Yup, it can be done. At one time, CCWing a "large" revolver was the only way it could be done. Here is a pic of an old family 1950's N frame, from back then... I have IWB and OWB holsters from Sparks and Mernickle for my 3 1/2" to 4" N frames. And - for those "lazy days" - just ordered a Model 1 Pancake from Lobo for my 2 1/2" M66. (K frames do carry easier)...

 

[NE450No2]

Yup, it can be done. At one time, CCWing a "large" revolver was the only way it could be done. Here is a pic of an old family 1950's N frame, from back then... I have IWB and OWB holsters from Sparks and Mernickle for my 3 1/2" to 4" N frames. And - for those "lazy days" - just ordered a Model 1 Pancake from Lobo for my 2 1/2" M66. (K frames do carry easier)...

That is a nice handgun, but for gosh sakes get a BIGGER knife.

 

[tenmikemike]

Sometimes I carry my 4" 29-2 in a Simply Rugged pancake holster. I am kinda bulky for my height and I have zero problems carrying at the 4:00 position with no printing (It helps that it has a Hogue grip on it). I wear an undershirt, shorts and an untucked & unbuttoned dress shirt over it all here in Phoenix year-round. Also a double speedloader pouch (from the NRA store) on the off hip.

 

[GLV]

Sparks Versa Max 2

I use the above for 329 and 629MG. I have carried IWB for 40 years or so. Sparks is one of my favorite makers. I also have holsters from Null, Alessi, and a few others.

Currently I an 6' and 150 lbs.

Carrying all the time requires a state of mind that took my late wife many years to understand.

 

[WNC Seabee]

625-3 3" .45ACP in a Simply Rugged pancake. Works well for me!


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