First try at 4" K frame concealed carry. Not good.

[Guy B. Meredith]

The grips are another item that caught my attention. I'm concerned that the sticky rubber grips that come with the M66 snag and bind on clothing and would like a simple checkered wood grip. So far I tend to find exotic wood grips rather than something that might have been carried by LEO or whatever. Any sources?

 

[Geezer Glide]

Altamont makes some nice grips and they are very reasonable in price. Here is a pair on my Model 28-2.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Okay, just to close the loop here.

I've been wearing my 4" M66 in a single loop tuckable IWB at 1:30 and a Desantis thumb break scabbard.

The DeSantis is great if I am wearing something hanging out or that would otherwise cover--not the usual situation. My first adventure with the DeSantis was sort of funny as the leather creaked and I was sure the noise made me the center of attention.

Another time I got too nonchalant and tucked my hands in my pockets at Panini's, pulling the bottom of my windbreaker up from covering the muzzle. There was one patron acting a bit huffy and I wondered whether he had spotted it. Probably not as that side was not towards him as far as I know.

As I use the tuckable IWB I am becoming more comfortable with it. Other than the more than obvious loop hanging out there next to my suspender clip it tucks away pretty nicely. My wife doesn't even know when I'm carrying it. It doesn't make for a quick draw, but my strategy is to take cover and then fire--no high noon face to face shoot outs if I can avoid it.

I think I am going to ask the shop that made the IWB to do another one for the 4:00 position with the gun riding higher in order to have the cylinder and other thicker parts of the gun above my pelvic bone. Should be fine.

 

[Old Fuff]

Other than the more than obvious loop hanging out there next to my suspender clip it tucks away pretty nicely

A friend of mine solved that problem by attaching a strip of Velcro to the belt loop, and attaching a cell-phone pouch for cover.

 

[Black Knight]

One little trick to use when wearing a light jacket or windbreaker is to put a set of keys in the pocket to give it some weight. This helps hold that side down should a mild breeze start or you put your hand in a pocket. Also I have used Bianchi Speedstrips on each side so the jacket had a symetrical look about plus my spare ammo was readily available. You could even try your favorite brand of speedloaders. The same number in both side pockets.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Thanks for the hints. I use moonclips and would be curious to tie a carrier in with the loop. The right design on a carrier might let the moonclips hang 3 in and 3 outside my pants.

In the meantime I have begun popping an extra moonclip in my pocket. Originally I did not carry reloads. I hadn't given thought to using them for controlling the fit of the windbreaker.

 

[tomrkba]

I have several DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbards and it does not have enough forward cant. Keep this in mind when placing the gun on your hip.

You may want to place the gun at 3 o'clock to see if that works.

Uh, I live by the 4 basic rules of safety and really take "Never point a gun at anything you don't want to destroy" to heart when that "anything" is part of my anatomy.

The simple act of walking will place your leg in line with the muzzle. You will point the gun at your hip and/or leg as you draw. Keep this in mind while handling the gun.

 

[EdJennings]

If the M19 has the target stocks, replacing them with Magna style stocks would aid concealability.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The DeSantis Thumb Break Scabbard holster holds the gun very close to your body and makes for an easy carry of larger revolvers. Here is a photo of a M686 in one. Of course those grips won't conceal well and have been changed out.



These Boot Grips work much better when carrying a full size L frame revolver and this M619 won't snag at all since it has fixed sights.

 

[Waveski]

Mr. Meredith -

I'll bet there would be a market for a suspender/holster integrated system. The 'Too tight belt and/or hitch up" phenomenon is a common byproduct of advanced years , I think. Think about it - a holster in shoulder holster position , belt integrated into the design with IWB incorporated ... the options and combinations could be great!
'Ski

 

[Sam1911]

The Hoffners "Miurage" IWB works really well.



Mine conceals my 4" 629 pretty comprehensively.







I guess you could wear it with suspenders...

 

[mdauben]

I experimented with several ways of wearing the holster--cross draw, about 2, 4 and 10 o'clock. I can't wear it in back as the long barrel makes a strange bump about mid pocket. Don't like reaching back really well, either. In front I get uncomfortable with the muzzle just above the family jewels. Ditto cross draw.

I've had good luck with carrying my 4-inch L-Frame in the Hoffner ITP Ultrux Mirage IWB holster:



It rides very high, so it avoids the 'barrel bump' you mentioned, I find it comfortable sitting, standing or walking. I do wear it at around 4 o'clock, and the high ride makes it a little more difficult to reach than a normal IWB holster. I'm flexible enough that its not a problem for me, but if you are already having problems reaching holsters carried behind your hip it might be a problem for you.

 

[Dframe]

I've always carried in some sort of pancake or belt slide or IWB holster and ALWAYS in the exact same location on my left hip(yeah I shoot southpaw). Always figured if I needed it I didn't want to have to think about where I was wearing it "today". My preference (for carry) is for compact but not excessively small or too light. Revolvers that are too small are difficult for my large hands to operate. And a gun that weighs as much as a paperclip HURTS and discourages practice. My Favorite of all time in a revolver is the 3 inch Detective Special.
Your results may vary.