How to carry an N frame (56k death)

[Wyatt Earp]

Since I've been called out as a liar for saying that I routinely carry an N frame IWB, and that I conceal it as well or better than a semi auto, I decided to set up a little pictorial to show how it's done.

First, the weapon:


Just so everyone is clear as to what it is:


The holster, a Comp-Tac CTAC IWB tuckable for 4" N frames (and shorter):


Wearing a t-shirt:




Wearing a square cut camp shirt:




And the easiest garment to use for concealment:



Any questions?

[Wyatt Earp]

Since I've been called out as a liar for saying that I routinely carry an N frame IWB, and that I conceal it as well or better than a semi auto, I decided to set up a little pictorial to show how it's done.

First, the weapon:


Just so everyone is clear as to what it is:


The holster, a Comp-Tac CTAC IWB tuckable for 4" N frames (and shorter):


Wearing a t-shirt:




Wearing a square cut camp shirt:




And the easiest garment to use for concealment:



Any questions?

[Abbotson]

I thoroughly enjoy carrying my 329 PD in a Galco IWB. IT CAN BE DONE!!!

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by Abbotson:
I thoroughly enjoy carrying my 329 PD in a Galco IWB. IT CAN BE DONE!!!

I hear you. And mine is a 40 ounce, all steel 4" 629.

With the right belt (thank you The Beltman!) even an all steel gun is comfortable all day long.

[ENH]

Good pictorial. Most doubters have never tried. I routinely carry a 2.5" N frame in my front pocket and someone always asks how big are my pockets.

[GatorFarmer]

I used to carry my Model 58 behind my right hip using a simple (new old stock) S&W brand IWB clip on holster. The holster was meant for a 4" K frame but worked fine.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

No questions at all. Anyone who would call you a liar, even before you posted this, is an idiot. I have carried several different 4" N-frames IWB, both in a Summer Special and in a Renegade

[GLV]

I have carried several different N frame guns on a regular basis for a long time.

Today it is a 625-10, tomorrow it might be a 629, or a 329PD, or etc.

[flop-shank]

I'm wearing my N IWB right now. Those pictures of Wyatt almost look like me as we have a similar build, not to mention Beltman belts.

[David Sinko]

I regularly carried a 4" Redhawk for a few years in an El Paso Street Combat. And many times I used just a T shirt to cover it when the temperature pushed 100 degrees. I never cared for IWB holsters of any kind. Today that same holster carries 3" and 4" 625s full time. It's a rare day when I carry anything smaller than an N Frame.

Dave Sinko

[safdt17]

Thanks for the pics! Someone should start a thread of guns actually being worn. I like seeing holsters as much as the next guy, but it's better to see how they are on.
ben

[Nanook 450]

How to carry IWB without buying pants 2-4 inches too big is unclear. But I often carry an N frame OWB with no problem.

[N-frame Smith]

Wyatt,

You're a better man than I...for sticking a nice S&W into that kydex kontraption! I use a Garrity Incognito Deluxe to carry my 29, and it not only looks beautiful, it feels beautiful.

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by Nanook 450:
How to carry IWB without buying pants 2-4 inches too big is unclear.

It's a must. I have a 33-34 inch waist and buy size 36 trousers. Not uncomfortable at all.

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by N-frame Smith:
Wyatt,

You're a better man than I...for sticking a nice S&W into that kydex kontraption! I use a Garrity Incognito Deluxe to carry my 29, and it not only looks beautiful, it feels beautiful.

While I am a big fan of leather and have some good leather rigs from K&D Holsters and Kirkpatrick Leather, kydex does have its advantages.

Number one among them is that I can get a holster from Comp-Tac in less than two weeks. I've never heard of a custom leather holster taking less than two or three months of wait.

Number two is that kydex is actually nicer to your gun's finish than leather, believe it or not. See, kydex is ultra smooth on the inside of the holster and completely non-porous. That means that dirt and soot particles will not embed in the material like they eventually do in leather. Any accumulation of grit or grime can be wiped off and the holster is back to being 100% clean. The inside of my leather IWB holster for my Model 65 has a bunch of streaks from reholstering a gun covered in powder and lead residue and there's no way to get it off.

Number three, kydex absolutely guarantees that sweat will not touch your pistol anyplace where the kydex covers it.

All that said, I think your holster is superb. I wonder if you know what is Mark Garrity's wait time as of late?

[Erich]

Crebralfix has been doing this for a while with N-frames and his own kydex holsters. I was impressed to see his photos as well.

Proper holsters seem to be essential, but I now believe that I'd rather carry an N-frame IWB than OWB.

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by Erich:
I now believe that I'd rather carry an N-frame IWB than OWB.

I have an Eagle Defender leather pancake from K&D for my 3" N frame. So far, while its quality is beyond questions, it has been a disappointment in the concealment department. I don't know if the leather is too stiff (not allowing it to conform to the body enough) or if the ride is too high or too low, but it bulges out far more than the kydex IWB rig that I showed above.

Concealing an N frame OWB, with the holster I have, is very shirt dependent. For example, I could NOT do it with the majority of t shirts and polos I have; and I can hide it with most of the camp/guayabera shirts I own. Only with a sport coat or blazer can I hide an N frame OWB in complete confidence that it won't print.

OTOH, because of its much narrower cylinder, my K&D Eagle Defender for a K frame can be hidden under just about everything.

[Spotteddog]

Is the rig as comfortable as it looks Wyatt?

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by Spotteddog:
Is the rig as comfortable as it looks Wyatt?

Yes it is. I've worn it all day on out of town shopping trips that included 1 hr drive each way.

I am shopping for a leather IWB, though, since that is What I prefer and I am quite taken by N-frame Smith's Garrity.

[Catshooter]

Since I've been called out as a liar for saying that I routinely carry an N frame IWB

Wyatt,

The problem isn't that you're a liar, it's:

1. If a person is 250 pounds overweight, IWB of even a NAA mini revolver is out of the question.

2. On the internet any slob can (and does) say anything they want - you are out of reach so they can be just as bluff and as bad and rude and their momma won't hit 'em! Particularly to someone who really does carry a gun!


Cat (who has also IWBed both a 5" Gov't and an N frame)

[flop-shank]

No style of carry works for everyone's build or lifestyle. So yes, there are people for whom carrying an N frame will not work. That doesn't mean that it isn't "real world" though. In my own experience, if I put on five pounds my 629 doesn't ride on my hip as well. That's my reminder to keep my weight under control.

[The Highlander]

I've frequently carried a Glock G20 10mm iwb with nothing but a t-shirt to cover. Also done the 5" 1911 thing.

I haven't tried an N-frame yet, but I'm sure thinking about either a 610, a 310 Night Guard, or maybe one of those nice new 27 4-inchers. Hmmmmmm......

I was called a liar when I said I could conceal a Glock G17 under a tank-top, so don't take anyone's guff about what you can do!

[Sven]

I guess all I have to do is loose those extra 35 lbs I carry around and I'll have all kinds of pants for IWB carry!

[N-frame Smith]

Originally posted by Wyatt Earp:
All that said, I think your holster is superb. I wonder if you know what is Mark Garrity's wait time as of late?

I'm afraid that Mark is running way behind. On another forum there are guys complaining lately about having waited way over a year and having little or no response from him. He's a full time LEO and apparently had a particularly busy/bad year in 2008, limiting his output.

I've been lucky enough to pick up a couple of pieces from him that he had on hand, and his work is so good that I placed an order with him last summer for several pieces. I told him I wasn't in a hurry and I expect to wait at least a year to get the stuff, but I don't care. It's all "show off" exotic stuff, not stuff I "need" right now.

By the way, I was just kidding you about the kydex. I have a very high regard for Comp-Tac, both the company and it's products.

[4864]

Looks good. I am a big fan of the square cut camp shirt for carry wear. That pretty much all I wear in the summer.

[Big Foot]

What can I say?

[Airedale]

When I carry an N frame, I use a CABO IWB holster. It's easy and comfortable. No problems.
CABO= Carry a Big One
Dave

[Pointman_FL]

Wyatt, as a fellow southpaw and one of God's privileged 15%, I thank you for taking the pix and posting them!

There's an added bonus to CompTac products, and that's great customer service - superb people to do business with.

I only use leather for daily carry (occasionally including a Mark Garrity alligator In Cognito with matching belt and mag pouch for a custom LW Colt Commander), but there's no doubt that CompTac's Kydex products are first rate.

I carry a five inch Government Model built by Bob Rodgers every day, under clothing ranging from business suits to shorts and T-shirts. Being 6'4 and 225 helps, but a good holster makes all the difference in the world.

My favorites are from Matt Del Fatti and Lou Alessi.

[stuccoman]

Cool demo! I'll be carrying soon. Visual demo works great! Holster manufacturer info is good info to. Thanks guys.However, Judging from the looks of the size of your peice Wyatt, I suspect my S&W 19-5 4" .357 may be to bulky for IWB carry.What say you about that??? Thanks for any help!

[therevjay]

OK you can do it.

Now, tell me (honestly) it's comfrotable?

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by Pointman_FL:
Wyatt, as a fellow southpaw

Sorry, those were mirror images. I am definitely right handed.

[flop-shank]

Yes RevJay an N frame can be comfortable. If you carry it religiosly ( ) it get's comfortable.

Stuccoman, a model 19 is much smaller than an N frame. They are excellent carry guns and very powerful. A 4" 19 is a great carry gun to start with and if you go no further power or size wise, you have cheater yourself out of nothing.

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by stuccoman:
Judging from the looks of the size of your peice Wyatt, I suspect my S&W 19-5 4" .357 may be to bulky for IWB carry.What say you about that??? Thanks for any help!

Those pictures are of me carrying a Model 629 (an N frame). The cylinder on an N frame is about 50% wider in diameter than a Model 19.

I also carry often a Model 65 (a K frame like the 19) and it simply disappears.

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by therevjay:
Now, tell me (honestly) it's comfrotable?

Honestly, yes, it is. As I said before, all day wears including an hour or so in the car is not a problem at all. If I'm going to drive more than an hour or two at a stretch I will put the piece in the center console if the state I am in allows it (Ohio does).

[stuccoman]

Thanks flop-shank.Sounds good to me,If you carry it religiosly it gets comfy. Thanks again!

[stuccoman]

WOW! 50% wider than my model 19. Then she should conceal real nice.Thanks for the info.I'll be hunting for a IWB holster asap.

Originally posted by Wyatt Earp:

Those pictures are of me carrying a Model 629 (an N frame). The cylinder on an N frame is about 50% wider in diameter than a Model 19.

I also carry often a Model 65 (a K frame like the 19) and it simply disappears.

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by stuccoman:
WOW! 50% wider than my model 19. Then she should conceal real nice.Thanks for the info.I'll be hunting for a IWB holster asap.

Make that about 25% wider. I threw a number out there but on reflection an N frame is not nearly that wider.

Still, there is no denying that an N frame is significantly larger than a K in almost all dimensions.

Concealing a K frame IWB, regardless of barrel length, is very, very easy.

[stuccoman]

Thank's!!

[xrmattaz]

Wyatt,

I received a new CTAC for my 329PD a few days ago. I've used 'em before, for auto pistols, and while fairly happy, I'd always preferred VM2's.

That said, this revolver CTAC is working out wonderfully, very comfortable and concealable! I've been wearing it all day/every day, with complete satisfaction. FWIW, I'm 6'5" and 230lbs, so I can easily conceal just about anything.

Day after tomorrow, I'll have another revolver to fit, as I've found a 325PD to add to the Airlite collection!

[TN RAT]

This is the holster tutorial format that should be mandated for any holster review. Now I want a CTC.

BTW, I was carrying my 629 MG on a regular basis with GA Arms 200 grain Speer Gold Dots IWB with no holster, or OWB with a holster. I can't now since I showed my father the MG.

[b79holmes]

I was just about to start a new thread asking about N frame IWB.

I have a High Noon Closing Argument on order for my J frame and have a CABO-EH for my M29 which seems okay at 4:00 o'clock with a flannel shirt but I didn't think it would work in a tee in hot weather.

Pointers to successful N frame holsters are a great help.

Thanks,
Bill

[b79holmes]

Wyatt, one question.
That holster is comfortable all day along against bare skin?
Bill

[HKSmith]

I recently started carrying a 625-11 (.45 Colt snubby) in a Bell Charter Oaks belt holster (OWB). It's a beautifully made holster and tucks up tightly against my waist. No problem under a jacket or sweater - T-shirts are not an option in NE Ohio in the Winter!

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by b79holmes:
Wyatt, one question.
That holster is comfortable all day along against bare skin?
Bill

No. But neither are any of my leather holsters. I was not wearing an undershirt in the photos as they were a demo. But when I carry I wear an undershirt even in the hottest, most humid summer days. I am used to it, as I had to wear one for ten years under Uncle Sam's navy uniforms regardless of the weather or how hot it got in the main machinery room.

[flop-shank]

Originally posted by b79holmes:
Wyatt, one question.
That holster is comfortable all day along against bare skin?
Bill

It looks like I'm not the only one! The key to comfort against bare skin is to carry as religiously as possible and to have a good belt. YMMV

[xrmattaz]

With a liberal application of moleskin to the backside of the CTAC, carrying against bare skin is doable, although I also prefer a tshirt, even in the summer.

[b79holmes]

Originally posted by flop-shank:
The key to comfort against bare skin is to carry as religiously as possible and to have a good belt. YMMV

I already have a belt-man belt. I just really sweat in the summer.

I have a Mika pocket for my J frame, the CABO for the N frame and smart-carry's for them both.

I have a High-Noon Closing Argument on order for the J and am working on an IWB for the N. The CABO just doesn't' feel secure enough.

In my state, concealability is a super high priority, so I like the idea of the tuckable designs.

Bill

[starbuck]

I use a Barsony holster I got on ebay. It has 3 moisture barriers and is soft to the skin. I have several for different frame sizes and they work good for me. I added the fancy coin to dress it up a little.

[flop-shank]

Originally posted by b79holmes:
In my state, concealability is a super high priority, so I like the idea of the tuckable designs.

Honestly, I just don't see a tuckable working with an N frame.

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by flop-shank:

Honestly, I just don't see a tuckable working with an N frame.

Me neither, and I have a tuckable holster. The cylinder bulge is too obvious without a shirt draping over it.

Tuckables work very well with semi autos and J frames. I don't have a tuckable for my K frames, but I think those are borderline due to the cylinder based on my trials with an N.