Carry what you know best and can handle shooting in a stressful moment. The weight is something either you get use to or compromise for comfort.
I carry either a .357 mag or 45 ACP. This is what I feel will do the job and stop the hostile action endangering me.

You can argue all you want but it is still up to you. No one will be there when the action starts but you and your carry choice.

Better make a good choice.

My carry gun and holster.

Agree w/Signal 20 (post #50) and weight for me is a big issue. I'd like to carry my K frame snub but settle for the 340 M&P. The big dot front sight, as well as light weight, is a big plus. Besides, I enjoy shooting it. I've "been there" too and if you ever have to use your EDC recoil will not be your first concern.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Ballistics, no. Ease of carrying, yes.

My EDC is a 340 PD. I am going to give the 66 a try.

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You can also get the M686 plus in a 2.5 inch version, a quarter inch less than the new M66. The weight of the 2.5 inch 686 is 1 ounce more than the M66. The 2.5 inch M686 plus is also available in a PC model, with a slab sided barrel, and other enhancements, for a few dollars more. You do give up the full length extractor rod with the 2.5 inch model. Using moon clips would speed up extraction in this case.

Best,
Rick

The more important choice is how you dress. If dressing to conceal, there are many more choices. If significantly overweight, perhaps all belly, that can control both dress and mode of carry, then the compromise in gun choice. Whatever works for you, but recognize a compromise and avoid a false sense of security and bravado. Situational awareness and caution remain important. Of particular concern about pocket guns is how long and fumbly it might be to present it against a threat.

I rotate between a model 13-3 in 3inch and a model 65-3 in 3inch. The 13 gets the nod in the winter, and the 65 in the summer. I'm a small framed individual, and have no problem concealing either in a Lobo enhanced pancake holster. Just my .02 worth!

I NEVER SHOT A 686+ AND A 66, OF THE SAME BARREL LENGTH, WITH THE SAME GRIPS, USING THE SAME AMMO, SIDE BY SIDE, TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS ANY SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN FELT RECOIL BETWEEN THE TWO.......

TO VENTURE A GUESS, I WOULD SAY THAT THE DIFFERENCE--IF ANY--WOULD BE NEGLIGIBLE......

THE BIG ADVANTAGE IS THAT YOU GAIN A 7TH ROUND, WITH THE 686+. THERE IS NO WAY TO FORETELL IF THAT EXTRA ROUND MAY SAVE THE LIFE OF YOU, OR ANOTHER INNOCENT PERSON, IN A DEFENSIVE SITUATION......

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Looks like your yelling at everyone with the uppercase.

For my EDC, I prefer a Model 36 or a Model 637. I conceal carry and with the summer months, I don't want people to know I'm carrying and these two conceal better than my M&P 9mm Shield.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think he does this because he is visually challenged. It is easy for him to see the letters while typing.

On duty (45-60/hrs wk) my EDC is a 4 inch S&W Model 686-6 in an old Gall's (Gould & Goodrich) Cruiser holster on a duty belt along with 2 double speedloader cases, handcuffs w/case, Motorola radio, ASP collapsible baton, and an X26 Taser. In my left cargo pocket is a 2 inch S&W Model 12-2, and in my right cargo pocket is a 1⅞ inch S&W Model 642-2. A Spyderco folder and a 320 lumen flashlight ride in other pockets. We don't even need to discuss the Level II body Armor with 7X10 inch composite trauma plates.

Off duty, I used to carry a 3 inch S&W Model 13-3 round butt. Since I'm getting older, I find myself carrying the Model 12-2 on my belt with a double drop pouch (speedstrips) and the Model 642-2 in my pocket more often.

I am the last of the revolver toters in my detail, but last qualification (Remington 125 grain SJHP .357 Magnum duty ammo) I shot two 100% runs back to back. The youngsters with their Glock 22s haven't outshot me yet.

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CPT, Armor (Ret)
Luke 22:36

For me it's a M64, 2". Comfortable to carry and shoot.

Alternatives I have are my LCR and Glock 43. But it's the M64 that I reach for most of the time.

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Guns + Dogs= Bliss

5-shot J frame Smith, or Ruger LCR, etc., in some configuration that suits you, preferably one that weighs less than 25-26 ounces empty.
Anything heavier or bigger than that, and it is very likely you will not carry it much after the " new " wears off.
Something that is small enough to fit in a front pants pocket in a pocket holster is even better. Shop around and buy pants that have larger, deeper, and more heavily-constructed pocket drill material in them.

If you can buy two carry guns, get a larger one and a smaller one like I recommend.
After 6 months, see which one you carry the most.

With me, for concealed carry, if it won't fit in my pocket, I ain't carryin' it.

5-shot J frame Smith, or Ruger LCR, Taurus Model 85 UL, etc., in some configuration that suits you, preferably one that weighs less than 25-26 ounces empty.
Anything heavier or bigger than that, and it is very likely you will not corry it much after the " new " wears off.
Something that is small enough to fit in a front pants pocket in a pocket holster is even better.

If you can buy two carry guns, get a larger one and a smaller one like I recommend.
After 6 months, see which one you carry the most.

With me, for concealed carry, if it won't fit in my pocket, I ain't carryin' it.
I currently carry a Bodyguard .380. The thinness, light weight, and accuracy in mine can't be beaten.

Hi Les,
My Agent is parkerized. I thought all Agents were parkerized,
but I see yours has a nice blue finish. Was it re-finished?

P. S. This is the kind of "shroud" that I like.

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In Omnia Paratus

5-shot J frame Smith, or Ruger LCR, etc., in some configuration that suits you, preferably one that weighs less than 25-26 ounces empty.
Anything heavier or bigger than that, and it is very likely you will not corry it much after the " new " wears off.
Something that is small enough to fit in a front pants pocket in a pocket holster is even better.

If you can buy two carry guns, get a larger one and a smaller one like I recommend.
After 6 months, see which one you carry the most.

With me, for concealed carry, if it won't fit in my pocket, I ain't carryin' it.
I currently carry a Bodyguard .380. The thinness, light weight, and accuracy in mine can't be beaten.

Groo here
I recommend [in 357] a M-60 3in.[ Mine is M60-15 PRO]
A 3 in will get the 357 up to speed.
The 5 shot J frame is thin and light[but not too light]
Sights can be fixed or adj depending.
Just make sure you get a grip that fits.
I use a set of Pachmayr Decelerator grips [the thin ones]

I believe the Ruger LCR's are the best CC revolvers on the market.

I have always been a S & W guy and have several.
But in the last 8 months i have bought and kept 4 LCR's, and plan to buy at least 2 more.

How about either an LCR in 357 mag, or if you want 6 shots, an LCR 327 magnum.

Both weigh 17 oz and are great pocket guns.

I say 686 3",i have a 686-6, 4"myself.I love my Ruger SP 101 .357 Magnum 3".

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Life is short,live it fully.

I prefer a 2" barrel in 38 Special, like my TAURUS model 85s

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Phil:

No, most Agents are not parkerized. The original Agents were marked "Agent" on the barrel, but they were identical to the Cobra except for the length of the grips, which were shorter. By the time the agent was introduced, the Detective Special, Cobra and other D frames, such as the Diamondback and Police Positive Special had all gone to the shortened grip frame, so grips could be interchanged among all of these guns. At that time, as the Agent was first introduced, all of these models had the shiny blue (and on the alloy frames, anodized) finish or nickle. These were the models with the exposed ejector rods, shown here are my three, from top to bottom, Detective Special, Cobra and Agent (please excuse this old photo, I'll have to get them out and re shoot some day):



Next, as the ejector rod shrouds were introduced, the finishes remained shiny, either blued, anodized, or nickle. The photo that I am posting below (same one I posted earlier) shows one of these newer, shrouded Agents, which kept the earlier small grips, as well as the original finish:



I imagine that your parkerized version is probably the scarcest, as it had, I believe, the shortest production run.

One source says Agent production started in 1955 with an advertised weight of 14 ounces, and production continued until a revised version of the Agent was released in 1973 with a shrouded barrel with an increased weight of 16 ounces. Production of this version ended in 1979. In 1984, the Agent was revived by Colt, (I believe that this is your version), this time with a parkerized finish; production continued until 1986.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Even if I liked comp guns I wouldn't carry one.


But with the 686 I wouldn't argue.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

These two - a 640 Pro and a 340 PD. Both ride in Mika pocket holsters. While I practice with both, I shoot the 23 oz 640 a lot more. But the 340 gets most of the pocket time. These are two awesome little J frames!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Pass it on.
Mark

My first thought would be that is way too heavy to carry every day. But everyone is different. I will ask you this OP, do you normally carry something that big and heavy every day or is this a new proposition for you. If it's the latter, I would recommend against it. It can be done, and you might be fine with it. And maybe you need to try it for yourself to see.

I have not carried for as long as some, but I know that I feel better armed with bigger guns, but when I carry them, I'm always looking for something lighter and smaller. Having said that, maybe I should be the one changing to carrying something bigger.

I feel like my 442 is "good enough". I put it on in the morning and take it off at night. And I rarely don't have it on. (showering, etc). But when I've got a bigger gun on, it doesn't do that. It comes off quicker and I end up with the little gun on anyways...

Most of the places I am, I don't feel like I need service sized weapon. However, if rounds started flying, I'd rather have an M9, but I'm just not going to carry that.

You will find what works for you. But if you are new to carrying, you may want to try something a smaller. Or not. My hats are off to you if you carry something that big. IMHO, if I'm going to go that big or heavy, it would be my HiPower or an auto. Although that doesn't mean a bigger revolver is a bad choice. No easy answer and anything is better than nothing.

Why do you have only 5 cartridges in the Speed Strips?
Was curious because it seems like a lot of people do that.
I personally load them with all 6 because i don't mind having an extra round left over if I do a full reload on a 5-shooter, and on a partial reload it's nice too. Might need it sometime.

For me, 2 reasons:

1. It's much easier to handle the strip when the "handle" is a little longer by not loading 1 round.

2. If I'm doing it for real, I don't want my mind to be thinking about putting that strip back in my pocket for the one remaining round. Load it and drop it QUICK.

For the same reason I use 8-round strips only loaded with 6 rounds for my K and L frames.

EDC is a 442 or 36.....carry 5rnds in a 6rnd speed strip also.
Really does help me when fumbling a reload in a hurry and I agree you don't want to worry about putting that extra round in your pocket.
Bud of mine carries 4 in a strip, 2 space 2....would argue with him but he's scary fast to get an empty j-frame back up shooting.

I do believe that's how Michael De Bettencourt teaches how to do it. I was doing 4, but not spaced apart for a while. But I went back to 5. I think anything you do you need to practice, but I'm sure some ways are better than others. I kind of wish I had a little pouch for a speedloader. I have one of the safariland ones and it's kind of fast. But lately it's been all speed strips for me.

With a good quality, well designed holster, and proper gun belt, I find virtually no difference between my Colt Cobra (or any airweight J frame for that matter) and a midsized revolver like a K or L frame IWB. I actually prefer a 3" or 4" barrel IWB than a snub. The belt and holster make all the difference. Person of average stature and size shouldn't really have any issues with a midsized revolver like a K/L frame IMO.

My first EDC was a Glock 19 and then I switched to a Glock 43. Within a year, I couldn't resist the siren song of a revolver and switched to a Ruger SP101 2.25". I carried that for a number of months AIWB but wanted a lighter revolver for pocket carry, so I added a 442.

After some time, I made the decision to combine the effectiveness, weight and convenience of both and purchased a M&P 340.

I sold the SP101 and 442 since the M&P 340 replaced both for EDC and I'm very happy with that decision.

I added a Crimson Trace LG-350 Lasergrip as a fall-back sighting device to the incredible front sight on the 340 and allows me to comfortably shoot 357 rounds. Although the grip looks very large, I regularly carry in the right front pocket of my 5.11 Tactical pants. When I need that pocket, I carry it AIWB in a Blackhawk leather IWB holster with a clip.

I would like for that to be true. I would also like to test your theory sometimes. But my only K frame is a 6"er right now. Maybe I need to try what you're saying. I'm not sure if I totally agree with what you're saying though. We're all built differently. I don't think I could do a 4"er. I'm pretty skinny and when I go to sit down, it would probably be lifting up my belt from hitting the chair. I'm only 135 pounds... I know, too skinny.

If only I could get my Dad to give me his M66..... But he needs it for his bedside gun....

I have a few snubies I rotate in my EDC,here's three of my S&W's and one of my knives I can't make out what kind in this pic.
L-638-3 .38 SPL.+P
T-M&P BG .38 SPL.+P
R- 442-2 .38 SPL.+P

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Life is short,live it fully.

I did a little comparion last night. I got out my Model 19 and my Colt DS and my 442 and compared and man a K frame is just a lot bigger. It's not like tons bigger than a DS, but my DS will fit in my 442 holster but the K frame doesn't come close. Well, the trigger guard wont fit into the holster.

What do people use for K frame holsters, IWB? Mainly AIWB.

Would be interesting to see if I could manage a 2 or 3" k frame with a round butt. That would be so cool. But so much heavier.

I'll be honest, I'm kind of digging the K6 (if it was less money) and the Colt Cobra. But I haven't seen anybody actually own the Colt yet.

I also wonder about an older 3" Security 6. If the frame was a bit smaller than a K frame, that might be the way to go too.

MCORPS0311. My Mom has a bodyguard and I think it's a nice gun. She shoots it pretty darn well too. I've yet to shoot that thing yet, but I'm going to try to this summer.

First .. to those recommending 38spl.. please refer to the OP..

Second for EDC depends on your average day what you want to carry.
My model 60 2in 357mag sits nice and comfy in any holster I have, and if I fire 5 and have to ask is there one more guess I'd better not be Clint on that day.

Accuracy.. I'd tell ya but you might not believe how good I am with it.

Can't help you with AIWB, but when I carried K-frames it was in one of two IWB holsters, a Milt Sparks Summer Special II and another maker's version of the MS VMII. They both worked well. I liked the SSII because it had a smaller footprint inside my waistband and it carried the cylinder more-or-less in-line with my belt, which I like for comfort and stability. The VMII-style holster did a better job of pulling the butt of the gun into my body for better concealment and the larger surface area with the outboard loops did spread out the weight better, making it more comfortable.

Thank you.

It's always the expensive, hard to get stuff that works. LOL.

As a skinny guy, you're actually at an advantage. A loose fitting T shirt should conceal most anything mid sized that doesn't have a gigantic grip if you are anywhere near average sized at the shoulders.

While you may THINK a 4" barrel is going to push up your belt when you sit down, you will likely discover that a WELL DESIGNED concealment holster and good gun belt won't do this as they're designed with that in mind.
Personally I'm 5'10" tall with a fairly average build and I consider my 3" L frame to be my "compact carry". With a well designed holster and belt , I can go up to a 5 1/2" Ruger Redhawk IWB with no issues.

The belt is carrying the weight, and a good holster will position the gun correctly and pull the grip (which is the hardest part to conceal) up tight to your side. THIS is where lesser holsters fail. If the grip isn't pulled in tight, it doesn't matter if it's a J frame or an N frame, it's going to print like crazy. Slim grips are also helpful.

I have always wanted a 3" model 10 to test your theory. I should've jumped on those buds guns a while back. I didn't really have the extra money at the time.

I'm still skeptical.... But we'll see. Another issue is I've gone to AIWB and I really don't want to go back to 4 oclock. It just feels really right and works well. And is easier to draw from and prints way less.

I have a 3" 686. I have a great holster for it too. Never carry it. Too big to conceal without a lot of over garment and heavy. Stays in the truck.

I purchased a 649 to carry. Conceals much easier. I also have a 642 for when I need to pocket carry.

J frames rule for edc.

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Qoheleth 12:13-14

One holster does it for me.

Hey! I think I have that same holster!! It came with my first Model 28. Very functional holster, but some folks on the forum warned me that for the blued guns, they would recommend a lined holster, to minimize bluing wear. I am still using it though with my 4" N frames.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

Scott14, I was having the same dilemma about a revolver to make my EDC. I was going in between the 686 2.75" barrel, Model 60 3" barrel and the Ruger SP101 3" barrel. My thing was weight and capacity. Seeing that I live down in the lower SE Alabama I'm always wearing short except when I go to work. I have carried a 1911 compact 45 before with shorts and also carried a G17 with no problems but the 1911 was when I was younger getting a little older and really didn't want to carry the weight but I wanted capacity. But long story short, I nixed the 686 due to weight, so I sacrificed capacity. I ended up choosing the Model 60 due to it being a 3" Barrel even though its a 5 shooter but the weight for my condition is good. Plus the SW Warranty was a factor. Ruger was close but I understand about having no warranty and standing behind their Quality of having a good revolver. But also, SW looked like a normal person could disassemble and reassemble the revolver with no problem plus a lot of people and you tube to help. So Sat afternoon I ordered a Model 60 3" barrel from Grab A Gun, would have got it at Buds but would match price, they only came off their price $30. Got the Model 60 for $589 FREE SHIPPING, also have to only pay $20 for transfer when it gets to my FFL but the mail in rebate will take care of that.

This little fella stoked with Hornady Critical Defense.

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John