Skinny guy IWB revolver suggestions

[Shmackey]

I'm looking for a step up in size from a J frame, but something I can still conceal on my 5'7", 145# frame. Is there such an animal as a lightweight K frame with a fairly small (but still more manageable than J frame) grip?

Never having carried a revolver IWB, I'm assuming the cylinder is the most troublesome part, and I figure I'm better off with .38 even though I like .44spl.

 

[tomkatz]

I think you have just described the ruger sp101, between a j and k, concealable with 5 shot cylinder, and a nice grip size.....I absolutely love these guns......tom

 

[Preacherman]

I'd try a S&W Model 19 or 66 (probably the 66, given IWB carry and the effects of perspiration on blueing! ). The current and recent production guns are round-butt configuration, and with a compact grip on them like the Butler Creek or Pachmayr Compac, they're easily concealed. You could also try the Eagle Secret Service grip if you prefer wood. I carry 66's IWB (mostly 2½" barrel, but sometimes 4"), and have no problem.

 

[Morgan]

Greg - I've got a 19 and a Colt Cobra (Dick Special, but lightweight), both of which you can borrow for a while if you like. I've no IWB holsters for either, though...

 

[Airboss]

S&W 296

As you like .44 Special you might give a look to a M-296 5 shot .44 Spec L-Frame and weighs only 19 oz.

 

[Shmackey]

Morgan, I might take you up on that. Still a couple of months before the permit comes through--assuming CBI can scan my fingerprints (apparently an issue recently).

That S&W 396 (it's 3 now, not 2, I guess) is intriguing.

 

[Poohgyrr]

Dittos on the Smith K frames, or a used Colt Detective Special. A Ruger Speed Six would also be good. A good holster & belt are necessary, & we have a lot of good examples these days. I like Sparks' IWBs, and use a Summer Special 2 for my 3" M65. One thing though, the lighter pistols can kick quite a bit more than the same, but heavier, pistols.

 

[dairycreek]

Take a look at S&W TiScan revolvers!!

They are light, accurate, and, above all, really terrific for concealed carry. My personal preference is the 386 which is a 7-shot 357. Don't believe all the "stuff" you hear about recoil. Yes, there is substantial recoil (particularly in 357) but it is not IMHO so very terrible. Also, good good quality 38 special +P ammo is also excellent. FWIW! Good shooting

 

[TheEgg]

Think about these two:

1. Ruger SP101 -- heavier and slightly larger than a J frame, allows greater use of .357 mag ammo without worrying about recoil and/or wear.

2. Ruger GP100, 3" bbl., fixed sites. Same grip as SP101 (smaller than other GP100s), but even heavier than SP101, six shots instead of five -- very easy to use magnum loads with this gun.

In additon, for IWB with a revolver, I look for a holster that will position the cylinder just BELOW the belt. A holster that puts the cylinder just at the belt is, to me, uncomfortable and does not hide well.

One suggestion is the Texas Heritage model, from Tucker Gun Leather.

Good luck!

 

[farscott]

I am about the same size (5'6"/145#), so my experience may be of interest. I have and continue to carry revolvers. I have found that good grips, a good holster, and a stiff belt are needed to carry a revolver.

The easist revolver to carry is my three-inch .357 Magnum SP-101 (with the factory grips) in a Kramer IWB#2 holster. This is the IWB choice when the only cover garment in a T-shirt and the temperature is approaching triple digits. I have a three-inch M19-7 that carries nicely in a Sparks VM-2. I have also carried an S&W M686 Mountain Gun in a Kramer IWB#2 with no issues (until the revolver repeatedly went out of time). I am trying an S&W M24 with a three-inch barrel, but that revolver will be harder to conceal in the heat of summer.

I think the hardest part of the revolver to conceal is the grips and grip frame. Up to five-inches, the barrel length is not an issue for IWB. In fact, I prefer to IWB carry a three-inch or four-inch revolver rather than a two-inch because the longer barreled versions have a lower center of mass and keep more of the gun below the belt, helping to hold the revolver steady and eliminating printing. Since I have small hands, small grips are both needed and help with concealment. With Eagle Secret Service Grips, the S&W revolvers are easy to conceal. The K-frames are more comfortable than the L-frames and N-frames, but the bigger revolvers can be concealed.