Have been carrying full size 1911 for years. Thinking of adding a wheel gun to my collection.
Want a concealed carry weapon.
Been thinking of .357 or .44.
Leaning towards the.357.

Can anyone help me out with some options?

Thanks

If you can find one, I highly recommend a 3" S&W model 13 or model 65 (stainless). You can't have mine though. I'm not selling it.

When I am not carrying a 1911, I carry a N-frame S&W Model 325 AirLite 45 with 2.5 inch barrel. So lite you forget you have it. Accurate, concealable, fast to reload with moon clips, but it kicks pretty good. Takes some practice. I also carried and competed with a S&W Model 66 357 with 2.5 inch barrel. Very accurate, fast, and concealable. Can't go wrong either way. Good luck.

Take a look at this Charter Arms .45acp Pitbull 2 1/2". I just bought one. I haven't shot it yet, but it's a sweet piece. Very strong and very well built, locks up tight and only weighs 21oz. Here is a link with a detailed review.

The Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP Review

Ruger Sp101.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

I have gone to carrying a S&W M69 with 44 special loading. I feel that the possibility of having to defend myself from longer range makes the 4.25 barrel worth the trouble of concealing it. I carry two speed strips loaded with 44 mag.

Snub K frame.

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K & N S&W revolvers

I have the S&W 640-1, it's hard to beat
Guns 039ed2cf by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr

S&W 640-1 005crf by Jerry Jaynes, on Flickr

Nice holster by Wright Leather Works ..

you want to carry the wheel gun I'll throw mine into the options.

J Frame M&P 340. It's so easy to carry in a pocket holster in jeans, slacks, or summer shorts.

Some complain that it kicks too much with 357 loads....to which I say: Don't shoot 357's out of it!
I grew up shooting 357 loads so it really doesn't bother me but it's not an all day range gun. I had a J Frame 442 for many years and loved that but the 340 is another level.

J Frame M&P 340
Weight: 13.3 ounces
Caliber: .357 Magnum or .38 S&W Special +P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 1.875”
Overall Length: 6.31”
Sights: XS Sight Systems 24/7 tritium front; integral U-notch rear
Action: Double Action Only
Material: Scandium Alloy Frame, Stainless Steel Cylinder

Here's a couple links for more info....
American Rifleman | Smith & Wesson Model M&P 340
Shooting Illustrated | Smith & Wesson Model M&P340

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the suggestions. Just a matter of how you want to carry and what fits you best.

Lad

If you've been carrying a full size 1911, a 4" 19 or 66 would be no hill for a stepper . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Thanks for the help

M19/M66 4" takes about the same space as a 1911, a round butt version may keep the grip from printing as much if the cover shirt is thinner.

I don't think I would carry full blown .357 rounds for defensive purposes. All that adrenaline and all that power in a small stub might prove too much to handle. For defensive purposes, I think a good quality .38 hollow point made for short barreled guns is the way to go rather than the full power .357. But that's just me.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

I have carried a Government Model, and after a series of substitutes and replacements, I tend to put on my Mod. 49 more often than anything else at this stage in the game. I was a hard core 1911 guy, too......
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There is something to be said for your opinion, but....
There are great "short barrel" loads in .357 in the Speer Gold Dot 135gr loading (the short barrel loads simply use faster burning powder)

Even in a short barrel, the difference in energy between a 38 and a 357 is considerable.

When a suitable .357 round is not available, I like many of the .38+P loadings, but again, a 357 magnum loading is going to deliver more energy to the target.

SP 101, fits nicely IWB appendix.

About 27 ounces loaded with my choice of 38s

I happen to agree with that and, despite the newer loads for short barrels described above, I think the .357 Magnum loads are more power than they're worth for the problems most of us are likely to face.

Someone just sent me an article about a police gunfight where the LEO hit the perp multiple times with his .45 before a brain shot ended the disagreement - you just NEVER know - but I'm still convinced that good .38 HPs will suffice for the typical encounter for non-police.

Funny - I was going to note that if you've been carrying a full sized 1911 around there are a host of revolvers that will be suitable and not be uncomfortable.

If concealment is an issue a K frame snubbie if you can find one. Next might be a 2.5 inch L frame. Otherwise, a 4" will be fine for you.

Thanks for all of your replies.
Ex military, love the 1911.
Very good and feel very comfortable with it.
I think if it ain't broke don't fix it.
But I will check out your suggestions at the range.
Again. Thanks

Good to see another fan of the old humpback. It's been my EDC pretty much since I picked it up at the LGS last year and got used to it. To the OP's question. I've got a 4" Model 19 Combat Magnum and a new 6" 686. I'd take a long look at a 686 with a 2 or 3 inch barrel. if you're used to a full size 1911, the 7 shot wheelgun won't be a burden.