i have a 4 inch barrel service six, it is my only handgun i have. i recently got my cc permit, i have bought a holster and will be using this gun. i shoot it extremely well and just love the way it feels, but i have a question that i would like answered. does anyone carry a similar size gun concealed? the reason i ask is on several other forums i have asked about holsters and ways to carry, but instead of getting answers i asked for on some forums i get this.( get rid of your current gun, it's too big to conceal, trade it to a smaller gun or sell it and buy one. use it for open carry while in the woods but for everyday carry get a small pocket size gun). now i'm keeping my gun that i know, but i would just like to know if anyone else carries a gun the size of mine? if so, what holster do you use?, and how do you carry like iwb or owb? thanks for any help
conceal carry a 4 inch??
- Thread starter old fart
- Start date
I have a Galco Combat Master open bottom OWB holster that I carry my Smith and Wesson K frames in.
I carry model 12, and 66 snubbies, and a Model 19 four inch barrel 357, and have no trouble at all carrying it all day long. The two inch difference in barrel length is no big deal for me.
I carry model 12, and 66 snubbies, and a Model 19 four inch barrel 357, and have no trouble at all carrying it all day long. The two inch difference in barrel length is no big deal for me.
Spats McGee
Administrator
I do not carry a revolver of that size, but I see no reason you couldn't carry it, at least not with the right wardrobe and holster.
The revolver I carry has a 3" bbl (S&W 686). But if it had a 4", it wouldn't be a show-stopper.
As far as concealment goes, the longer barrel is rarely an issue. It can protrude down below your shirt line in some instances (reaching for things, etc.), but would just need to be something to be aware of.
From a concealment standpoint, the hand grip area of the gun has more potential to show/print than the barrel. For instance, my big 686 revolver is more concealable than my "compact" Glock 29. Reason being that the G29 has lots of square edges and points that print. The Smith's edges are more rounded (round butt grip, btw) and curved - printing much less - even though it's clearly a larger gun.
The longer barrel may be an issue when sitting, however. I think this would depend a lot on the individual, where/how you're wearing your gun, etc. But again, I think most could work around this.
I'd give 'er a whirl if I were you.
As far as concealment goes, the longer barrel is rarely an issue. It can protrude down below your shirt line in some instances (reaching for things, etc.), but would just need to be something to be aware of.
From a concealment standpoint, the hand grip area of the gun has more potential to show/print than the barrel. For instance, my big 686 revolver is more concealable than my "compact" Glock 29. Reason being that the G29 has lots of square edges and points that print. The Smith's edges are more rounded (round butt grip, btw) and curved - printing much less - even though it's clearly a larger gun.
The longer barrel may be an issue when sitting, however. I think this would depend a lot on the individual, where/how you're wearing your gun, etc. But again, I think most could work around this.
I'd give 'er a whirl if I were you.
kilimanjaro
New member
It's readily concealable under a sport coat or suit jacket, or inside a cargo pant pocket. Not a problem.
I conceal carried a 4" revolver for near 10 years, before switching full time to an auto.
There are a number of good inside waistband holsters that will/can serve you well. Most of the larger holster companies continue to make them.
A 4" revolver (such as the Ruger) has/can/will serve very well as a concealed carry handgun.
Train, practice, and carry with confidence.
There are a number of good inside waistband holsters that will/can serve you well. Most of the larger holster companies continue to make them.
A 4" revolver (such as the Ruger) has/can/will serve very well as a concealed carry handgun.
Train, practice, and carry with confidence.
diggler1833
New member
As previously mentioned, it can be accomplished with the right wardrobe. a nice jacket during the winter or a good shirt (or sports jersey) can accomplish it in the summer. AIWB might be a bit uncomfortable though.
Tennessee Jed
New member
Sure, I do it all the time.
It's not exactly the same, but I regularly carry a 4 inch barrel Ruger GP100 in a Theis IWB Holster. Heck, on the weekends I carry a 4 inch barrel S&W 629 in a similar holster.
Before discovering Theis Holsters, I used to carry the GP100 in a Simply Rugged pancake with IWB straps.
Both methods were plenty comfortable, but even more comforting knowing that if I need a handgun, I've got an accurate and powerful revolver handy. The key issue is, I buy my pants an extra size large in the waist.
If you've got the notion to carry that Service Six, don't let anyone talk you out of it. If you are willing to make a few adjustments it can certainly be concealed.
It's not exactly the same, but I regularly carry a 4 inch barrel Ruger GP100 in a Theis IWB Holster. Heck, on the weekends I carry a 4 inch barrel S&W 629 in a similar holster.
Before discovering Theis Holsters, I used to carry the GP100 in a Simply Rugged pancake with IWB straps.
Both methods were plenty comfortable, but even more comforting knowing that if I need a handgun, I've got an accurate and powerful revolver handy. The key issue is, I buy my pants an extra size large in the waist.
If you've got the notion to carry that Service Six, don't let anyone talk you out of it. If you are willing to make a few adjustments it can certainly be concealed.
bedbugbilly
New member
I normally CCW a Smith Model 36 snub but I see no problems in CCW a 4" - it all depends on "how you carry". I carry on the belt and usually "cover up" with a jacket or a shirt tail. I'm just not comfortable in carrying in the waist belt, etc. I'm licensed in two states and both allow "open carry" as well so as much as I like to not "advertise" - if I do have a problem and the coat tail or shirt tail move enough to show, it's not a major concern.
If you are comfortable with your 4", shoot it well and "know it well" - then that's what you should carry. Why trade it off on a smaller revolver that you are not comfortable with?
If it's possible for you . . . "dress to conceal". Lot's of options out there from a on the belt pancake style holster to a shoulder holster. One of my "projects" on my "to do list" is to make a shoulder holster with interchangeable holsters for my various handguns that I'm comfortable with - my Model 36 snubbie, my Model 36 3", my 4" Smith Combat Masterpiece and my 5" Smith M & P revolver. For me, a shoulder holster is a goo option for when the weather is colder and I'm wearing a jacket or a heavy flannel shirt over my regular shirt oct of the time.
Good luck to you and don't let someone tell you that CCW a 4" is impossible - I don't think it's any more of a problem than those who carry full size 1911 45s.
If you are comfortable with your 4", shoot it well and "know it well" - then that's what you should carry. Why trade it off on a smaller revolver that you are not comfortable with?
If it's possible for you . . . "dress to conceal". Lot's of options out there from a on the belt pancake style holster to a shoulder holster. One of my "projects" on my "to do list" is to make a shoulder holster with interchangeable holsters for my various handguns that I'm comfortable with - my Model 36 snubbie, my Model 36 3", my 4" Smith Combat Masterpiece and my 5" Smith M & P revolver. For me, a shoulder holster is a goo option for when the weather is colder and I'm wearing a jacket or a heavy flannel shirt over my regular shirt oct of the time.
Good luck to you and don't let someone tell you that CCW a 4" is impossible - I don't think it's any more of a problem than those who carry full size 1911 45s.
Kreyzhorse
New member
Bianchi makes a couple of nice OWB holsters.
As far as the gun, it isn't ideal for CCW but so long as you are willing to dress around it there is no reason you shouldn't carry it.
IWB will require larger pants by the way.
As far as the gun, it isn't ideal for CCW but so long as you are willing to dress around it there is no reason you shouldn't carry it.
IWB will require larger pants by the way.
Super Sneaky Steve
New member
Smart Carry holsters work well for beastly handguns. It's like a fanny pack that you wear under your pants. With it I can carry a full sized government model 1911 without printing.
A 4" mid frame the upper limits? With a good holster and belt this is a breeze.
I'd think most people (unless you are of very small build) can conceal a 4" mid frame revolver pretty easily.
I'm average sized and have no issues with anything up to and including a 5 1/2" Redhawk IWB. A good belt/holster combo is the key.
buck460XVR
New member
In reality, only you can determine if you really can carry the gun concealed, comfortably. Comfortable and effective CWC depends not only on the firearm and holster, but body shape and the way one dresses. Some folks never notice the few extra ounces of a steel frame over a alloy frame, others can't stand it. If it's the only gun you have and there are no other options for you to CWC, then you are kinda stuck with it. After carrying it for a while, you'll will know whether to stay with it or do as others have said and trade/sell it for something that works better.