Anyone Packing 6 Inchers?

I WAS going to buy a 6" barrel 357, but the LGS convinced me to get the 4.5" because my primary use for the gun was/is self defense. He showed me how much easier it is for a bad guy to grab your gun and twist a 6" revolver out of your hand than a 4.5" barrel. The difference was substantial. That made the choice of the 4.5" right for me.
 
Although I have many revolvers that I shoot the only one I carry in the woods is this one:

6.5” S&W Model 629
29911309-AE3D-420F-A9C6-3010BB3FCD9F.jpg

Purchased (by me) in 1982 I have hunted with it every year I was stateside for the last 41 years.

I carry it in an ancient Safariland shoulder holster and prefer to carry so in that it I am right handed and carrying it under my left armpit keeps it out of the way of my rifle (which is usually slung over my right shoulder).
 
I have a 6" half-lug GP100. Wanted a 4" full lug, but couldn't find one I could afford. Oh well. This one shoots very well with several loads. I have a nylon chest-style holster that I haven't really tested yet, but I plan to carry it when I'm hiking/fishing. So far very happy with it.
 
From 1979 through the mid 1980's I carried a six inch Python and off duty. I first carried it in a Bianchi model 5BH highride then a Bianchi model 27 Breakfront. For off duty I used a Bianchi X-15 shoulder holster. I have since retired the six incher. Now I carry various semi-autos and 2 1/2 to 4 inch revolvers.
 
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My Model 66-2 6”. Picked it up used many years ago and set it up for what was popular then the Revolver Combat League. It travels in the woods nicely I have a Desantis Speed Scabbard and an old Government Man Bucheimer holster for competition. Both can be found on Ebay for 1/2 of anything new. It is one of my favorite range guns. The nice thing about 6” revolvers is when you read the velocity on the box it is usually correct, most revolver ammo is based on a 6” length.
 
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I use a Bianchi Cyclone that I got recently, I'm sure it came out of Mexico. Not a thing wrong with that holster! I carry cross draw to keep the grip out of my ribs when riding in the pickup.
 
Humerous comments aside, I've concealed 6 inch pistols on rare occasion. A 6" half lug GP100 357mag and a G40 10mm. It can be done somehat effectively, but not all that comfortably. I imagine one could get used to it if one had to.

A definate "dress for the occasion" moment to be sure.
 
The first revolver I ever bought was a Ruger Security Six 6” on consignment. Cut my teeth on revolvers and reloading with that bad boy. Love it to death. Its such a fad to have short barrels on everything now. Short barrel ARs, short barrel rifles, short barrel handguns. But you see I like velocity. And in a .357 barrel=velocity. Plus you said woods gun and taking shots in the woods is point blank at a critter so it could be 2” or 10” doesn’t really matter. OR its gunna be 50 plus yards out and I want my nice long sight radius.

I like my 6” Ruger.
 
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TheFrontRange said:
I’m close…5” S&W Model 27, IWB via a Barranti Summer Classic holster and a sturdy belt from A&G Gunleather. It carries extremely well for me, and this gun often performs general at-home defense duty when not being carried.

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Click to expand...

Not to totally derail the thread, but great gun FR! I am very fortunate to have two 5" Model 27's. One is a favorite field gun and the other is pretty much brand new - although I still shoot it. After reading Skeeter over and over I was thrilled to find a 5" 27. Shortly after I was able to grab a second.

There really is magic in this sixgun combo. It shoots easy, is smooth, and very accurate. I don't mind the size or the weight when carried in a good holster supported by a quality belt.

Here is a quick pic of my two 27's. The top is my clean one and the bottom my compañero de campo.

IMG_4353.jpg

Now back to 1/2 Lug Rugers!
 
ECVMatt said:
Not to totally derail the thread, but great gun FR! I am very fortunate to have two 5" Model 27's. One is a favorite field gun and the other is pretty much brand new - although I still shoot it. After reading Skeeter over and over I was thrilled to find a 5" 27. Shortly after I was able to grab a second.

There really is magic in this sixgun combo. It shoots easy, is smooth, and very accurate. I don't mind the size or the weight when carried in a good holster supported by a quality belt.

Here is a quick pic of my two 27's. The top is my clean one and the bottom my compañero de campo.


Now back to 1/2 Lug Rugers!
Click to expand...


Hey, those look great! I have my second 5-incher on its way soon. I have a 3-1/2” and 4” also, but the 5s are indeed just a special breed all their own, for sure!
 
I have a S&W 19-4 with a 6” barrel, but I have never carried it.
I have carried my model 17-3 in an old Hunter holster when traipsing about in the woods. It has a 6” barrel and is accurate as all get out with CCI Stinger and Velocitor ammo.
97B41884-B561-4C26-9BE6-130D9CB157E9.jpeg

I just realized that I need to get some photos of this gun. I know I have posted this shot several times on THR.

Edit to add that I have a S&W 25-15 with a 6.5” barrel that I plan to carry when hunting. I just need to find the right rig for it.
 
Old Dog said:
Glad you clarified that, or the rest of us older gents would be very, very envious. (I know I haven't looked that svelte in blue jeans in about 35 years, at least.)
Click to expand...

I am into my 7th decade myself and still have a 34" waist, same as when I was 28. I always seem to be hungry.
 
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