Concealing a Security 6

S

stonewall50

New member
So I am going to be headed camping with my girlfriend over the summer. Our trip is going to be North Carolina and we plan on hiking. I normally carry a 9mm, but I have a security 6 .357 with hot loads. I was wondering if I could get some recommendations on how to carry this concealed while hiking/camping.

My primary concern is bears. I just want a "just in case." I don't really trust pepper spray and I am confident in taking care of the campsite. Just the hiking makes me a little worried. Last time we did this we saw a ton of bears. Any recommendations?
 
An un tucked flannel shirt hides a lot. Not out of place camping :).
Any outside the pants close fitting holster should be OK and comfortable.
 
Why the need to conceal? You're going to be in a wilderness area, and North Carolina allows open carry. So any good field holster should work just fine. A shoulder holster may be good for both open and concealed carry.

Enjoy your time in the Old North State.
 
old bear said:
Why the need to conceal? You're going to be in a wilderness area, and North Carolina allows open carry. So any good field holster should work just fine. A shoulder holster may be good for both open and concealed carry.



Enjoy your time in the Old North State.
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Really? I was unaware. I'm very used to Florida where open carry is against the law, but it is legal in the instance I'm doing...but I've dealt with idiot park authorities in the past. My view is I would rather them not know.
 
In a perfect world, I'd be inclined to agree with OLD BEAR, but an overly officious park worker or game warden can utterly wreck your camping trip. Even if you are 100% in the right, it can cost you a lot of money and time to explain it to a judge.
I have, in the past, depended on the clear and correct thinking of such public servants and have been bitterly disappointed by the presumption that they knew what they were doing. I assume all of them who approach me are looking for a pretext on which to demonstrate their authority, and I conduct myself in such a way as to give them as little to work with as possible.

You don't mention what barrel length your Security Six is, but if it is 4", I suggest that you look at a Milt Sparks "Summer Special" IWB holster, or one of the variants they make. Normally, IWB holsters are at their best with automatics, but since concealment in a very warm environment is a major constraint, IWB holsters are a good answer. Not all revolvers go well with IWB holsters, but certain ones work well from them. I find a S&W N-frame uncomfortable to carry in this way, but my Police Service Six approximates the proportions of a K-frame S&W (and your Security Six), and works well out of the Summer Special.

The holster is by no means inexpensive, but the 3 I've worn over 35 years have been some of the best holsters I've ever used. I suggest that you consult with them and, if you place an order, do it soon. Their time between ordering and delivery can be lengthy, at times. In the case of all their holsters, you'll find the product worth the wait.

JMO
 
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I frequently carry a snubnose Security Six in the woods (did it just yesterday in fact). Very loose flannel shirt covers it. HOWEVER, all covering bets are off if you are wearing a backpack - it WILL make your shirt ride up over the grips.
 
Kosh75287 said:
In a perfect world, I'd be inclined to agree with OLD BEAR, but an overly officious park worker or game warden can utterly wreck your camping trip. Even if you are 100% in the right, it can cost you a lot of money and time to explain it to a judge.

I have, in the past, depended on the clear and correct thinking of such public servants and have been bitterly disappointed by the presumption that they knew what they were doing. I assume all of them who approach me are looking for a pretext on which to demonstrate their authority, and I conduct myself in such a way as to give them as little to work with as possible.



You don't mention what barrel length your Security Six is, but if it is 4", I suggest that you look at a Milt Sparks "Summer Special" IWB holster, or one of the variants they make. Normally, IWB holsters are at their best with automatics, but since concealment in a very warm environment is a major constraint, IWB holsters are a good answer. Not all revolvers go well with IWB holsters, but certain ones work well from them. I find a S&W N-frame uncomfortable to carry in this way, but my Police Service Six approximates the proportions of a K-frame S&W (and your Security Six), and works well out of the Summer Special.



The holster is by no means inexpensive, but the 3 I've worn over 35 years have been some of the best holsters I've ever used. I suggest that you consult with them and, if you place an order, do it soon. Their time between ordering and delivery can be lengthy, at times. In the case of all their holsters, you'll find the product worth the wait.



JMO
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Sorry my bad I thought I put it, but it is a 6 inch barrel. Hunting pistol lol. Sorry. Thanks man.
 
Doyle said:
I frequently carry a snubnose Security Six in the woods (did it just yesterday in fact). Very loose flannel shirt covers it. HOWEVER, all covering bets are off if you are wearing a backpack - it WILL make your shirt ride up over the grips.
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Odds are I will be, but I am thinking about getting a cheap turkey vest to carry everything with. And I am thinking it may work well for carrying/camping too. It would probably cover my current holster which is an OLD nylon (like 29 years) snap holster that is still in great condition.
 
I don't know the law where you'll be, but here in Wisconsin you can carry anyway you want to, while fishing or hunting/hiking in the woods. Even traveling to or from.
 
Metalboy said:
I don't know the law where you'll be, but here in Wisconsin you can carry anyway you want to, while fishing or hunting/hiking in the woods. Even traveling to or from.
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Yep. But like I said, I don't want to give anyone an excuse. Pretty sad I know. If I were in Florida I would be comfortable on certain trails, but not somewhere I've never been in another state. Ya know?
 
For me, anything over 4" gets carried cross draw or by shoulder holster. That said, I don't rely on .357 Mag as a bear gun. I carry a SW 657 4" 41 Mag (N frame) in an Alaska Shoulder rig. I can also carry a NMBH 41 Mag in a belt holster. I also don't run "hot" loads in a Security Six. It is not heavy enough, although that long a barrel certainly helps.
 
How about a large fanny pack?
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I'm inclined to agree. If you want it to be truely concealed - even when carrying a backpack AND also easily accessable, I can't think of anything better than a fanny pack.
 
Get back on track...OP is referring to a 6" "hunting gun".
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That makes the large fanny pack the only real alternative if he wants to keep it both hidden and accessable while wearing a backpack. A hip holster wont work because the backpack straps would cause his shirt to ride up exposing the weapon. A shoulder holster won't work because the backpack staps would conflict (I've tried and it isn't comfortable at all). A cross-chest holster would hold the weapon nicely (and with comfort) but not concealed.
 
Maxpedition!

They have a whole line of bags that carry weapons and would serve as a day pack/sling pack. Are you going to be carrying a bag anyway?
 
FilthyHarry said:
They have a whole line of bags that carry weapons and would serve as a day pack/sling pack. Are you going to be carrying a bag anyway?
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Sorry I been busy. Yea. I'm the designated pack mule according to my girlfriend lol. The least I would have is a camel back. But more likely just a raggedy older Swiss army back back that I've had for years. I can't really afford much in the way of special equipment. I gotta make due. I am thinking I can get away with outside the waistband carry at like 4 o'clock as long as I have a long shirt.

In the campsite I'm not worried too much. We will keep the food in the truck and I put bleach on the bumper and doors and around the edge of the site to keep the coons and bears away. They hate the smell.
 
So I am bumping this thread because I found a way to "hack" my old holster for my security 6.

Keeping in mind that I am doing this as a way to carry it concealed for hiking (and while open carry may be valid in some states...I'd rather just conceal it and avoid any hassle from a confused nitwit who doesn't understand security [no pun intended]).

I just tuck the holster in my pants like an IWB, rub the belt through it, back into the belt loops, and it seems to work just fine. Cover it with my tee shirt. And it may make a huge bulge...it doesn't matter for hiking. Nobody is paying that close of attention on a long trail anyway. :) hope this gives some of yall some bright ideas on "hacking" your equipment to make it suffice as an outside the box solution.
 
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