EDC'ing a larger frame revolver?

I carried a 2.75" Ruger Security Six IWB in an AKJ Concealco holster for a few winters. With a good belt and untucked shirt it was not bad.

Nobody notices a stoved up old cowboy in a leather vest.

N Frames Smiths.
1916 vintage HE MK II 45 Colt, Model 27 357 Mag, Model 27 357 Mag
I carried these on my pants belt with suspenders for several years. I've gotten older and carry a smaller
pistol now.

westernrover said:

Go for a longer barrel. You know what they say, it's not the barrel that's hard to conceal, it's the grip. I've found this to be true, but that it's not that hard to conceal large grips either so long as they're not right on the hip. The other challenge is bearing the weight. I found a Kydex or steel reinforced belt helps (1/4" thick leather alone was not enough), but that suspenders are much better for bearing the weight than any belt.

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This matches my experience exactly. I find no difference whatsoever in carrying a 2" gun vs. a 4", but I certainly shoot the 4" better! The caveat as that I am 6' 1", so it may be that other folks find longer barrels an issue.

Suspenders are miraculous for any gun weighing more than a few ounces. All those years spent tugging up my pants, before I learned my lesson!

Styx said:

Does anyone else EDC concealed a L frame, Ruger GP100, or other larger frame revolvers? If so, please share your experience.

I just picked up a 2.5" and 3" S&W 686. I actually like the 2.5" the most, and my plan is to start carrying it on a regular basis after I get some rounds down range. IMHO it's not as huge and bulky as the internet would have it seem. I don't foresee any problems being able to conceal it.

Here are some pictures of the two new 686+ revolvers I acquire along with some comparison photos.

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A Don Hume JIT slide OWB at 3 o’clock is a cheap and effective way to carry the 2.5 inch under a buttoned up shirt one size too big. It rides nice and high and costs about $40.

Styx,
I am 79 years old. I have migrated through K & J frames and all sorts of automatic pistols.
I found I really like the Sig P365 and carry one OWB daily.
It was quite an interesting trip.

This stainless Taurus 617 is in my carry rotation. This shows how big the 7 shot is next to a J-Frame

Just carried this Pre lock 4” 686+ mountain gun loaded with 180gr Self defense ammo….. And belt pouch reloads, All day with no issue.
A good belt makes all the difference. It’s one of my most commonly carried Revolvers. It’s a L frame and with the slender barrel, smaller grips- It carries Like a K frame,Weighs the same also. Yet As a 7 shot the notch’s are between the chambers so it’s as strong as a N frame 27. One of my most favorite.

Iggy said:

View attachment 1039568
N Frames Smiths.
1916 vintage HE MK II 45 Colt, Model 27 357 Mag, Model 27 357 Mag
I carried these on my pants belt with suspenders for several years. I've gotten older and carry a smaller
pistol now.

Click to expand...

Got to love the 4”, N frame.


My choice is an ACP revolver in a Sunday holster, all day, everyday.


Kevin

I have no problems carrying a full sized large gun. But, I forget, I'm 6'5 and 350+ lbs. My wife's bersa thunder is on her, the same size as a 4" GP100 is on me.

The holster is the key point. Regardless of IWB or OWB, it MUST fit your body and secure the gun.
Have a belt capable of supporting the weight.

My EDC is full size 1911, in a custom holster.
On occasion, I carry a Ruger Blackhawk 4.6" or Vaquero 4.6", in custom holster.
With a VersaCarry belt
No problem concealing or all say carry.

Other holsters, worked, but comfort was lacking and holstering was difficult.

Before getting the belt, pants sagging made carry uncomfortable and concealment problematic.

Most of us probably have a drawer full of holsters, that don't fit or are just not quite right, for some reason.

Unfortunately, until you wear it awhile, you don't know.

Switching from a 1.5" wide galco cop belt to a 1.75" wide simplyrugged belt has made a lot of difference in support. I have a bad habit of wearing a belt forever until it is like a wet noodle.

I've carried 3 different GPs, a 4" fixed sight half lug, 4" adjustable sight full lug, and 3" fixed sight full lug. All but one was with a Simply Rugged Sourdough holster.

Also carried a 5.5" Redhawk in the same holster design. More dressing around the gun, but still possible.

These days I just carry a Glock.

The SIG P229 weighs about 38 oz. fully loaded with a 15 round magazine. In a revolver it would be a S&W Model 686 with a 4" barrel also weighing in at around 38 oz. With the SIG it's relatively comfortable with an OWB or IWB holster that's been properly designed and constructed, along with a very stiff gun belt. Typically shoulder holsters on me, for the most part, tend to feel too confining to my movements and not as secure as a belt holster.

For me an OWB holster works best for comfort with a large frame revolver like a S&W Model 686. I find that with the exception of the smaller 5 shot J frame cylinder, the larger L frame cylinder presses into my side too much with an IWB set-up to be comfortable for very long. Now for some reason, and I don't know why, but a horizontal type shoulder holster for my 4" barrel Model 686, is a surprisingly comfortable holster to wear, even for long periods of time!

Model 69 S&W IWB.

bannockburn said:

..The SIG P229 weighs about 38 oz. fully loaded with a 15 round magazine. In a revolver it would be a S&W Model 686 with a 4" barrel also weighing in at around 38 oz…

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Interesting, the SIG and the L frame weight the same as my EDC, a S&W Model 22-4. They are all a bit heavier than the 1917 I cut to 4”.

Kevin

.38 Special said:

I have successfully concealed an X frame for weeks at a time - it still is a big, heavy gun, and I prefer a K frame for the task - but it can be done.

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The secrets, for me, include a heavy belt with a stiffener, non-stretch leather suspenders, and a Tucker "Texas Heritage" holster. That now is the combination I use for everything. The N frames are pretty comfortable, and K frames nearly dissappear.

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Where'dja get those suspenders?

Armored farmer said:

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I like mine. It is a quality holster. I normally don't use ant retention for a iwb holster, but this works as a sweat shield/hammer cover. It also fully covers the trigger. It is adjustable for cant. It does, however, ride pretty high. It is a good driving holster, and a good concealment holster.

Best wishes.

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I use that same holster when I occasionally carry my 4” pre-Model 10… Usually though, if I’m carrying a revolver, it’s my 3” GP100. I use a Galco summer comfort, and wear it crossdraw, left front.

Monster Zero said:

Where'dja get those suspenders?

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They actually are cheap Chinese made suspenders available under a variety of names and prices.

https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Susp...ocphy=9031560&hvtargid=pla-597851707604&psc=1

They work well and last for a couple of years. When the current ones wear out I am going to find a good American leather shop and spend some money.

I regularly carry a 2.5” 686P or 3” 696-ND AIWB. For me, the weight is uncomfortable in a strong-side IWB holster for long periods of time.

.38 Special said:

They actually are cheap Chinese made suspenders available under a variety of names and prices.

https://www.amazon.com/Leather-Susp...ocphy=9031560&hvtargid=pla-597851707604&psc=1

They work well and last for a couple of years. When the current ones wear out I am going to find a good American leather shop and spend some money.

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Thanks for the reply and the link.

As you imply, I've become more discriminating in the country of origin when I buy stuff.

I prefer American made but I'll consider imported items too.

There's one country that I buy from only if there's no alternative.

Thanks again.