Anyone actually carry a 6" barrel revolver?

[brockgl]

Anyone actually carry a hand-cannon 6" barrel revolver on a regular basis? I just bought a Bianchi X-15 shoulder holster for my 6" 686-6, and after adjusting it, it's pretty comfortable. I also have a Bianchi leather OWB holster for it as well, and it isn't bad. I will say one thing for sure. After carrying this gun for a few days, my full-size 1911 feels like a kel-tec when I carry it =)...

If you do carry these on a semi-regular basis, what kind of rig do you us? Shoulder holster? OWB? Ankle-holster? =P

[noelf2]

I carried my Dan Wesson 15-2 with 6" barrel on an OWB holster, mostly while hunting but occasionally for open carry. Since it has easily replaceable barrels I picked up a 2.5" barrel and a smaller grip. Carry it more as a snub 357 now but convert it back while hunting.

[Kreyzhorse]

Only during hunting season when I carry my 686 in a Bianchi OWB. Just too big to carry as a CCW unless you like wearing a trench coat at all times.

[FairWarning]

It's all about the shoulder hoster.

Dirty Harry used to carry a large revolver all the time in a shoulder holster, although of course he wore a jacket. :D

[357 Python]

Many years ago I carried a 6" Colt Python on a near daily basis. It was my duty weapon as a security officer. I first carried it in a Bianchi model 5BH then a Bianchi model 27 Breakfront and for concealed carry I used a Bianchi X-15. This was just a few years after the Starsky & Hutch series went off the air. Still have the Python and those three holsters. The spring in the X-15 seems stronger now than it did then. I really need to bring them out more.

[tipoc]

I have and do when out in the boonies and concealment is not an issue.

tipoc

[raydoctor]

This thread reminds of Joe Piscopo...."It's an 88 magnum".:D

The only place I carry my 88 magnum is up in God's Country.

[tenusdad]

Yes indeed - carried a 6" S&W Model 66 as a sidearm as I hunted for years. It was fine in a Uncle Mike's belt holster. It is a great holster gun but would not work well for concealed carry for sure.

[Tamara]

Only in the field. (And even then, only rarely. I prefer a four-inch barrel, as it can be carried in a pancake rig like one would use for CCW and is less likely to snag on stuff.)

CCW with a 6" tube is mostly impractical IWB unless one is built to NBA specifications, and OWB requires serious thought in the cover garment department. Vertical shoulder rigs are likewise demanding of proper covering attire, and horizontal shoulder rigs are right out.

If someone does CCW a 6" wheelgun, I'd be interested in knowing the details of the belt and holster, more out of morbid curiosity than anything else...

[jephthai]

CCW with a 6" tube is mostly impractical IWB unless one is built to NBA specifications

That was worded very well, Tamara! After reading an argument in another thread, this one made me smile. Wish I was built to NBA specifications.

Extra points for three TLAs in one sentence.

-Jephthai-

[CraigC]

I prefer shorter barrels but in the field a 6" S&W carries quite nicely. As does a 7½"-8" single action. Always on the hip. If you have a good belt, weight is not an issue.

[brockgl]

I've actually been carrying it now for a few days in my Bianchi X-15 -- OC not CCW of course, and it's been very comfortable. However, after handling this gun for a week or so, my 1911 now feels like a Kel-Tec...

[FNtastic!]

I carry a .357 S&W 686 - 6" as my duty gun, ported, adjustable sights, shortened trigger - amazing weapon. Only problem is i just cant find a bonafide DUTY holster for it, at the moment im using an el-cheapo POS with about as much retention as a soggy cabbage leaf. Does anyone know if anyone makes a good one for that model of gun, my duty belt is Bianchi accumold, and the tan holsters on the S&W website are contrary to the uniform.

any advice would be much appreciated :)

[PointOneSeven]

I carried a 6.5" revolver for giggles more than anything. $30 bianchi holster on a regular hold-my-pants-up belt. The bottom of the holster I would stick in my front pocket so the barrel wouldn't creep below the jacket line and create widespread panic at the mall.

Fun times.

[tipoc]

FNtastic!,

Look over to EBay a good many selections there. The Smith and Wesson forum also has a classifieds section...www.smith-wessonforum.com
where you can post a WTB (wanted to buy ad) you can try that on this forum as well in the classified section.

tipoc

[bigghoss]

don't have one yet but I'd love to get a 6'' 686 for a woods gun, but dang them things is spendy!:eek:

[larvatus]

Originally posted by Tamara:
CCW with a 6" tube is mostly impractical IWB unless one is built to NBA specifications, and OWB requires serious thought in the cover garment department. Vertical shoulder rigs are likewise demanding of proper covering attire, and horizontal shoulder rigs are right out.This DeSantis IWB 6" Python holster is by far the most comfortable way of carry available to me. The key factor in comfort is the location of the cylinder above the belt line.
http://pics.livejournal.com/larvatus/pic/001b0kg2
http://pics.livejournal.com/larvatus/pic/001b1dxw
Regrettably, it has been discontinued by its maker. But the pattern appears to be simple enough to lend itself to cottage manufacture (http://unblinkingeye.com/Guns/Holsters/BH01/bh01.html).

[Scattergun Bob]

My first duty sidearm was a 6" N frame S&W. Many departments thru the late 1970's issued this barrel length. It was the way it was, right up to and including the swivel based clamshell holster made famous by B & M.

Life moves on and improvments? are made, I miss the days when the M27, M28 and 6" Python ruled the streets.

Good Luck & Be Safe

[unoiwill]

Wow. I almost feel like we should pause to remember all the cows that gave their lives for that holster.......:eek:

[alloy]

holy cow, im trying to IWB a ppk/s

i used to own a s&w bear hunter .44 with adjustable front sight in a shoulder holster ala dirt harry for hog hunting in GA but it made me walk in left hand circles.

try two.