Smith And Wesson Forums banner

N Frame or Larger Revolver Owners-How Do You Carry?

19K views 55 replies 38 participants last post by  TJC357 
#1 ·
Since I'm back to revolvers after a long absence, and since
deciding on carrying a 3" 629 (go BIG or don't go), I would
appreciate to hear from the crowd who like large revolvers.
What do you carry, and more importantly, how do you carry
it?
What style of holster do you like? Make & manufacturer
would help.
Pics would be great. Show off that big iron holstered or
out in the open for all to enjoy.
Thanks so much for your time and comments.
 
#26 · (Edited)
Me too. The biggest thing I routinely carry is a K-frame snub and even that is rare.

I have a nice Astra Terminator that would be the only N-frame that would even be worth considering for concealed carry.
But with a 7-shot 357 titanium snub and a 5 shot 44 special that both weigh nearly a pound less than the Astra, it isn't even a serious consideration.

Just curious, why would anyone want/need to conceal an N-frame? The only reason I can think of for choosing an N-frame would be if the 44 magnum was necessary. I can only see that caliber as necessary for grizzly bear defense, and in the woods concealment isn't usually a consideration. In WA open carry is legal even in urban areas, so no need to conceal where bears live. For 2 legged predators a 357 or 44 special are more than adequate. So why try to carry an N-frame concealed?

Now, if you are looking for open carry options, that's a different story altogether. If that is the question then I have a couple of Hunter brand and an S&W brand holster that work well for my N-frames. My favorite is a Guide Gear chest rig/bandolier combo. No worries about having a 2-3 pound revolver trying to pull your pants down. ;)
 
#3 ·
Hey Motorman,

Usually I use a shoulder rig, for the 6-1/2" or 8-3/8"..

Will use a belt rig for the 4" or 5", and on occasion the 6-1/2"

Get a GOOD BELT, and a pair of suspenders! :D The Perry Suspenders hook onto the belt...

Later, Mark
 
#7 ·
I will carry my 610 on a more than regular basis. I have 2 OWB holster and 1 IWB holster for it.

The IWB is a Milt Sparks VersaMax2. A google search will turn them up pretty quick'

The two OWB holers are made by a guy in New York, Mike Taurisano ( Tauris Holsters, L.L.C. - Custom Leather ) Those holster are very well made, hold up well to wear and are just very comfortable for carrying the N Frame in. One word of caution, he is a one man shop and is also very hard of hearing. If you call him make sure you speak loudly. He can be gruff at times. He will also work with you to get the holster made the way you want it. If you want it to ride a little lower, let him know and if he can accommodate you he will.

The first pic is of the backsides so you can see how the one attaches.









If you want a OWB holster for an N frame you could do a lot worse than Mike.

bob
 
#12 ·
well, i've never carried 5", as i don't personally own a 5". However, that being said, i have effectively carried a 4" in a couple of different ways. First, is the "Dirty Harry" method, vertical shoulder under a jacket or a loose over shirt. Being from Florida....i wouldn't suggest this one for ya. What has probably worked the best in my experience is, using an otw style yaqi-type slide holster. What i do, is position the holster directly over my right back pocket, such that when the firearm is in position, the barrel slides into by back pocket. Realize, that there is some potential for your rig to be spotted if you wear a button up shirt with decent tails, untucked you should be alright. Granted, i also carried in this method in an open carry state, so if i would have become exposed, it would not have been much of an issue. Hope this helps some!
 
#14 · (Edited)
I particularly like the Bianchi 5B holster. This 4" Model 57 41 Magnum is right at home in this one.

Gun Firearm Revolver Trigger Starting pistol


This Basket Weave Bianchi 5B looks good on a 5 Screw 6 1/2" pre model 27 .357 Magnum.

Gun Firearm Revolver Trigger Hand


Of course with older revolvers as this pre war 38/44 5" it is nice to have a Carved S. D. Myres even though strap has been replaced.

Gun Revolver Trigger Carving Gun accessory


Years ago there were some holster makers that did not mark their work. I do not think that was because they were cheap. This plain black holster fits the 38/44 5" well Tool Knife Blade
and also worked well with a 5.5" S&W model 1917.
 
#16 ·
My woods concealed carry is a 4" S&W 29-2 .44 magnum in a Bianchi 5 Black Widow holster @ 3:00 on my belt covered by an untucked shirt. My woods or hunting open carry is either an 8" Colt Anaconda .44 magnum or 7 1/2" Ruger Super Redhawk .454 Casull in a cross chest holster.
 
#17 ·
Why my S&W Performance Shop 460 of course and sometimes my dad's 44RM long barrel but mostly the 460 in a ballistic nylon cross draw chest holster on the outside of my camo. It's heavy, too heavy to wear / carry any other way. Even the 44 RM is heavy enough in the DeSantis holster to pull my pants down if I don't have my belt cinched tight.

I like the cross draw because it's super easy to get the revolver out but I still need to find a tree to steady it. It's one shot terminal on deer out to 100-120 yards and extremely loud so my standard haring protection, Walkers Game Ears are always inserted. The 460 and the 44 can cause serious hearing issues.

The ballistic nylon cross draw I have accepts the scope mounted as well. Think I paid about 40 bucks for it on Flea-Bay a couple years ago. Worth every penny. Just like an under the armpit rig but fits on your chest.
 
#18 ·
Thanks for all of your N Frame holster input. It has been helpful. I recently ordered and received a Wright Leather Works pancake for my 629 3" and it works well. It will carry better once the cooler weather arrives, where I can wear a vest and/or a jacket. It is a surprise that this style of holster can actually hold and help conceal this large frame revolver. I also ordered a horsehide 1 3/4" belt from Kramer Leather in Tacoma, which should help support the weight.
 
#30 ·
(edited 16 November, 2019)

While I have used a 5BH the holster in the photograph is a well used Safariland. I believe a Model 29. When I say well used, it has been restitched twice, most recently completely restitched. It was hard to retire it but I believe the Sunday holster is a suitable replacement.

Kevin
 
#22 ·
I prefer to carry my six inch 28-2 in a El Paso Tom Threepersons holster. It has a useful forward cant. Just about ideal. For my four inch 28-2, I prefer a Bianchi 111 Cyclone holster. It can be used either side draw or strong side. I prefer it side draw. This works out great when carrying a rifle during deer season. Also nice when driving a car, truck, etc. Sincerely. bruce.
 
#29 · (Edited)
This Model 29-3 3" N frame came with this S&W holster marked 624.

Gun Firearm Revolver Trigger Starting pistol



This Bianchi model 27 N frame holster holds this 38/44 cut down Outdoorsman 38 Special revolver.

Leather



A 6 1/2" Model 25 1955 .45 Target needs a big holster Like this Lawrence Model 7 Shoulder Holster.

Leather


This Berns Martin Calhoun City Holster holding the 4" Cut Barreled 38-44 pre war Outdoorsman.

Handgun holster Leather Scabbard Quiver
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top