Anyone CC a 4 or 5 inch barrel?

[swampcrawler]

Wheel guns have really started to interest me lately. I have absolutely no idea why, as I've always thought that intentionally carrying 5-6 rounds with a much slower/more difficult reload wasn't the way to go.

But as a Hunter and a young man trying to start a family, I'd like to have a handgun that can pull duty as a woods, nightstand, and carry gun and devote all my training resources to that one pistol rather than do it "correctly" and have specialized weapons for each situation. I just can't financially swing it at the moment. I know that a 4-5 inch 357 with decent sights will serve beautifully in the 2 former roles, but what about the latter?

Tell me your thoughts and, better yet, some pics of your "Not-A-Snubby-But-Also-Not-A-Buntline" sized revolvers please!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have several 4" wheel guns that I can carry comfortably with a leather pancake holster.

 

[loneviking]

Four inch is about the limit for everyday carry and honestly, a three inch barrel is better but it's going to take some dedicated practice to get good with it. My 4 inch Model 19 regularly jams up against the bottom of the seat and isn't very comfortable to drive with.

One thing to think about is does your state have open carry? If they don't, is there a penalty for printing or other obvious signs of a firearm?

I'd suggest you take a look at the S&W 586 L Comp. Three inch, compensated barrel and it's a performance center model so the trigger job is done. It will also work well in the woods.

 

[swampcrawler]

Four inch is about the limit for everyday carry and honestly, a three inch barrel is better but it's going to take some dedicated practice to get good with it. My 4 inch Model 19 regularly jams up against the bottom of the seat and isn't very comfortable to drive with.

One thing to think about is does your state have open carry? If they don't, is there a penalty for printing or other obvious signs of a firearm?

I'd suggest you take a look at the S&W 586 L Comp. Three inch, compensated barrel and it's a performance center model so the trigger job is done. It will also work well in the woods.

Louisiana. Open Carry is legal. Actually you can OC before you can legally buy a handgun here. Odd.

I'm also bigger than the average guy if that makes a difference. 6'6, 330-360 depending on time of year and work.

I'll probably end up sticking with bottom feeders... just wanting to get some thoughts on the larger revolvers.

 

[RealGun]

The key to my carrying a 4" Security Six, Match Champion, Smith 67 or model 19, or Interarms Rossi 971VRC is the Galco Fletch high ride holster for 4" K-frame. It allows me to sit comfortably and also raises the grip high into your side; where it will only poke out, if you bend over to ground level. Another factor is relying on Herrett's or another brand of custom grip to minimize grip length, no tacky rubber. Many of these guns are square butt grip frame, originally intended for open carry. Full length grips because they are more comfortable at the range are not a good idea. Because of compromised grips, I choose to carry Speer Short Barrel ammo to tone down any 357, even at 4". These are not heavy guns.

 

[Fiv3r]

When I was in my late 20s, I started carrying a 4-6.5" wheel gun in a shoulder rig. I moved to a homemade iwb for the 4" that supported the weight by allowing the cylinder to rest on my belt and the barrel to hide behind my hip.

Worked well except that it would sometimes find a pressure point and would put my leg to sleep when I drove :

I moved away from non snub wheel guns for several years. I'm 36 years old now. Recently, I found a sweet spot with the 3" GP101. I carry it in a pancake holster on my right hip. The weight is well supported, the holster holds it high and tight, and I find that I shoot it just as well as the 4" .357s I shot a few years ago.

As a matter of fact, since I don't hunt, I have cleared my collection of every other .357. The 3" for me is a good enough compromise to do both ccw duty as well woods carry.

I could probably do with a 4", but it's amazing how the single inch can complicate carry balance.

 

[gotboostvr]

I've concealed a 4" K frame on a number of occasions.

I think a new model M66 4.24" would be an almost ideal fit.

I've carried SQ butt 4" K frames, and the grips were what made it tough. The current M66's are built on the RB frame. A set of RB Combats will hide real well. It makes a 4" 625 concealable with the right outfit. They'll go real far in making a K frame disappear. They also have enough grips space to make range time pleasant.

 

[jeepnik]

Well I frequently carry a S&W 1917 with a 5" barrel, does that count.

 

[SteadyD]

A 4.2 inch sp101 would be an option. The small grip would conceal as easily as the 2.25 inch snub nose version, just 2 extra inches of barrel to hide in the pants. Appendix carry is probably out of the question but 3 or 4 o'clock would be easy enough. They've got a nice fiber optic front sight as well.

 

[bullseye308]

I'm 5'8" and 240 and conceal a Glock 17 or 17L IWB daily, and a 4" 357 is no problem. My 6" GP-100 is a little big and heavy, but a 4" would be about perfect.

 

[the Black Spot]

single action 5.5" barrel 44 mag.

 

[swampcrawler]

Thanks guys. The SP101 and the 66 are both darn good looking guns.

Looks like it's about time to tick off the Finance Manager (my Fiancé) again.

 

[CajunBass]

My first "carry gun" was a 4" Model 19. With the right holster/belt combo it's not too hard to conceal. Wouldn't be my first choice, but it's acceptable.

 

[bannockburn]

I have on occasion concealed carried a 4" S&W Model 686 in an Uncle Mike's shoulder holster. Very comfortable to carry it that way.

 

[RealGun]

Thanks guys. The SP101 and the 66 are both darn good looking guns.

Looks like it's about time to tick off the Finance Manager (my Fiancé) again.

SP101 is a nice gun, I have four, but in a 4" barrel you should have more than 5 rounds.

 

[CaptTripps]

I carry everyday, usually a Kahr CW45. Although I carry my S&W M10-6 probably 1/4 of the time. So in a typical month, I probably carry the .38 about 7 or 8 days. It has a 4" barrel and I keep it loaded with Speer 135 grain +P "short barrel" load. I have a Aker gun belt, double layered, stitched leather with a polymer insert as well as a Roy Baker pancake holster. With a good belt and holster it is just fine, although the square butt grips poke me in the ribs somewhat. If I had to do do it again, I would look for a round butt M10.

 

[bluebunny]

Until recently, I have only been able to open carry my beloved 5 inch GP100 .357 in an old top flapped military holster under the Illinois wildlife code (out in the boonies). A month ago, I bought a swaprigholsters.com "revolution" hybrid iwb/owb holster, and have been carrying the 5 inch GP100 Inside the WaistBand around the house and grounds to figure out how I operate with it. I normally pocket carry because of "delicate friends and family", but dreamed that on occasion I could carry the gun I trust most. This wonderful holster allows me to CC inside the belt with shirt tucked in over (no jacket or cover shirt) with complete concealment. So now I can confidently, comfortably, and discreetly carry my big revolver concealed out into the world in all kinds of weather. Happy me!

P.S. wearing in the 4:00 - for me: does not print, is comfortable sitting, and even driving my tiny bucket seated little car. Mind you a big heavy revolver will feel like you're carrying a big heavy revolver...but that can feel good if you're willing!

 

[Rexster]

Wheel guns have really started to interest me lately. I have absolutely no idea why, as I've always thought that intentionally carrying 5-6 rounds with a much slower/more difficult reload wasn't the way to go.

But as a Hunter and a young man trying to start a family, I'd like to have a handgun that can pull duty as a woods, nightstand, and carry gun and devote all my training resources to that one pistol rather than do it "correctly" and have specialized weapons for each situation. I just can't financially swing it at the moment. I know that a 4-5 inch 357 with decent sights will serve beautifully in the 2 former roles, but what about the latter?

Tell me your thoughts and, better yet, some pics of your "Not-A-Snubby-But-Also-Not-A-Buntline" sized revolvers please!

My approximate time-line for personal-time concealed carry of 4" revolvers:

1984 to 1985: My S&W Model 629 probably saw some amount of carry time; it was my duty sixgun, until I "down-sized" to the Model 58.

1985 to 1990: S&W Model 58, .41 Magnum. Daily carry. (After carrying an N-Frame, all else is easy!)

1993 to 1997: Ruger GP100, S&W Models 19 and 66, .357 Magnum. Daily carry.

2000 to 2006: Occasional carry of GP100 and Speed Six, while autos and SP101 revolvers were the norm.

2006 to present: Situational carry of GP100, Speed Six, and S&W Model 19, while EDC has been, and is, autos.

I have worn a police badge since March 1984. I like both autos and revolvers. During much of my career, I have tended to carry the same, or similar handguns during personal time and in my duty rig. I will, likely, be retiring later this year, or some time next year, as new grand-babies and elderly parents require more of my time. Because my DA revolver skills are less-perishable than my auto-pistol skills, I may well increase my usage of revolvers as my range time lessens due to family commitments.

I started handgunning with a 1911, in late 1982 or early 1983, and thought revolvers were quaint, and on their way out. I had to learn DA sixgunning, however, if I wanted to survive my rookie year LEO-ing on the street. Well, as is evident in the above time-line, I learned to appreciate and then love revolvers.

FWIW, I think a Glock G26 or G19 makes for a handy, practical "tactical reload" to accompany a nice 3" to 6" revolver.

 

[Rexster]

I will add that my favorite holsters for 4" revolvers are the Milt Sparks PMK and 200AW, and Kramer Vertical Scabbard.

 

[Rexster]

SP101 is a nice gun, I have four, but in a 4" barrel you should have more than 5 rounds.

The .32 SP101 revolvers are six-shooters. My sample is a bit older, .32 H&R, and mostly sits in the safe, awaiting the day my aging hands have difficulty with .357 and .38 loads.

 

[RealGun]

The .32 SP101 revolvers are six-shooters. My sample is a bit older, .32 H&R, and mostly sits in the safe, awaiting the day my aging hands have difficulty with .357 and .38 loads.

Yep! One of my SP101s is a 32 H&R, one 327 Federal Magnum, one 357 Magnum, all 3+". The fourth is a 4" 327 Federal Magnum. All carry 6 rounds except the 357 Magnum. My Smith 19-4 is the bump up in size for 6 rounds of .357. The GP100 is more gun to carry.

 

[22250Rem]

Four inch S&W 686..... Not a snubby but not a Buntline Special either...... Seven rounds of either 357 Magnum or +P+ .38 Special. Not my usual carry piece, more like an occasional carry piece. Usual carry is a G19 Glock cause it's a little smaller & lighter, but I have to admit I'm a little more proficient with the 686

 

[Stephanie B]

Late to the deal-hunting, but one of the police-surplus Model 10s might have been a good choice.

 

[exbrit49]

Good question! I am small, only 5'5 and about 145 lbs. I rotate my CCW carry and rotate between a 2 inch Colt Detective Special in 38 Spl , A 4 inch .357 Charter Arms Bulldog and in the winter months I carry a 6 inch S & W Model 19, Never had any problems with concealing the 6 inch SW in a shoulder holster. I am comfortable with these and occasionally carry Ruger model P90 45 ACP or the model P95 in 9mm. I spent a lot of time over the years finding the right holster for my build, main concerns were comfort and concealability.
In conclusion I feel that the most important issue is not the firearm but the holster that fits your build and requirements and is suitable for the time of year in which you want to carry concealed..

 

[rmodel65]

ive been carrying my 5inch trr8 in a simply rugged holster IWB its big but doable