Which one to get for appendix carry?

[hkcavalier]

With summer coming I want to get an appendix carry revolver.

I'd thought I'd get a J-frame, probably a 637PC, but I know of a couple Model 10 snubs in local shops that are very good deals. Obviously bigger than a J-frame...anyone have any experience appendix carrying these? I'm 6' and 190, pretty slender, and this will be my T-shirt gun.

Is there or was there a 637 no-lock?

Please do not reply with advice that I should carry a semi or some other manufacturer's revolver. I'm posting the question on this forum for a reason

 

[AtomHeartMother]

I carry a 642 more than anything else....also appendix carry. It's so comfortable I don't even notice it. I use the grip clip, no holster. I'd have to look and see who makes them but they work for everything but the most physical activity. My friends tease me saying a guy who carries a 5 shot snubbie with a speed strip, is the definition of an optimist. I have a 9mm sub compact but I just can't leave the snubbie at home. Sorry for the windy post and I didn't answer your question but I can tell you j frames are very comfortable for edc.

 

[scruffy]

AIWB 442 everyday in an Uncle Mikes #4. Very comfortable and easy to slip into jeans/shorts pocket if needed. My wife has a 637 and I also have a M60. They carry ok, but the hammer can dig into my belly in some positions and it is definitely not conducive to pocket carry.

 

[gnystrom]

On the advice of a number of members here I ordered a holster from Side Guard Holsters. Their Minimal Snap appears to be exactly what I was looking for as I wanted the strap or clip to be on the side of the cylinder bulge.. Delivery to me should be mid May.

 

[Bill In Texas]

I regularly carry a 637-2. It's not a PC model, but it was left to me by a very good friend when he passed away. It's probably at least 10 years old and does have the lock. I don't know if they were ever made without. I don't appendix carry with it much because it fits so well into a pocket with a DeSantis Superfly pocket holster. Hope this helps!

 

[duke77togo]

I'd thought I'd get a J-frame, probably a 637PC, but I know of a couple Model 10 snubs in local shops that are very good deals. Obviously bigger than a J-frame...anyone have any experience appendix carrying these? I'm 6' and 190, pretty slender, and this will be my T-shirt gun.

I have carried snub j-frames (a 642 and a 640) with good results for a few summers, so I feel ok leaving some comment (though my body type doesn't match yours exactly, I'm 5'10" and 160).

For on belt carry, you may find that having your holster made with extra length might help stabilize the gun and keep the grip from printing as much (snubs have a short barrel and grip may tend to flop out). I went with a steel J frame mostly when I had a belt because the extra weight was not a big deal on a good belt. I was able to conceal and carry comfortably, but every time I go to the trouble of putting on a belt, I want to put on a bigger gun. This was a personal choice for me, and not necessarily a knock against this config.

For quick errands (or whatever) with no belt, I have become a fan of Dark Star Gear's casual carry AIWB (there's a thread over at PT forums about this config). With an airweight, this seems just the right weight to conceal without pulling pants down, and is quick on and off. Was a good match to what I wanted for the snub airweight role. I was able to conceal and carry comfortably in T-shirt and shorts.

I know Tom over at DSG can make holsters with extra length if you need it.

Is there or was there a 637 no-lock?

Any reason you don't just pick up a no-lock 642/442 (which are plentiful right now)? No hammer to snag on draw or print while concealing.

 

[Jingles]

I love my 642 - don't even know it is there. I use to carry a model 10, but it is much heavier than the 642 and has the hammer that cuts into your gut regardless of how thin you are. I would vote for a no-lock 642.

 

[hkcavalier]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll keep my eye out for a 642 or 442 and leave those old Model 10s be.

 

[riverrat38]

The Centennials are the only S&W revolvers you can get with, or without, the internal lock, if you want new. Your choice.
For belt carry, I prefer the 640 Pro. I don't find the all steel guns to be a problem in a belt supported holster.
For pocket carry, the alloy frame models are very nice.

Best,
Rick

 

[Old cop]

During my LEO days I carried a K frame snub IWB and did not find it very comfortable b/c I too am tall & thin. Between the girth and weight it's just too much for me so my J got the call for this type of carry.

 

[jimmyj]

Model 12 2" RB

 

[walkin' trails]

In my experience with appendix carry, I found that a Centennial works better than a revolver with a conventional hammer. My AIWB is currently a High Noon Mr Softie, and I've carried both a 640 and a 36 in than manner. The 36's hammer had a tendency to poke and be uncomfortable. If the holster has a shield, it would probably mitigate the problem, but you have to try it out. While a M10 2 inch is certainly a neat fun, the alloy Js, particularly a 442/642 are much lighter and very easy to carry.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
Depending where you keep your pants,, a short barrel is best.
The size / weight of a gun is secondary to the barrel/grip
as these things show the worst.
Also when you sit , the barrel can hit your leg and push the gun up.

 

[WisconsinKen]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll keep my eye out for a 642 or 442 and leave those old Model 10s be.

If the snubbie model 10s interest you and the price is really right, you could (I know this is gonna get me in trouble) bob the hammer.

 

[medic15al]

I am built like Santa Clause and when younger and skinnyer I carried a 11 O'clock crossdraw of a J-frame. I chose the humpback Bodyguard M-38 as I was drawn to the design and wanted snag free drawing while keeping the SA option. Later a 1967 Colt Agent with factory shroud for a small 6 rnd capacity snub. I carried these IWB under my uniform shirt. (Paramedic in Birmingham)

I would consider a Centennial or Bodyguard for the snagless design if you wish to carry this way. Or even a cut hammer spur DAO hammer.