2” K Frame for Carry

[Whit]

My observation may be entirely incorrect, but it seems that the popularity of a 2” revolver for carry is largely limited to the J Frame. K Frame carry favors the 3” or 4” barrel over a 2”. The 2” K models, 10, 15, and 64, have much to offer as 2” carry pieces. One more shot than the J, more weight to mitigate recoil, larger grip surface for control and quicker repeat shots and not too much more difficult to conceal than the J. You may have noticed that the 2.5” Model 66 is not on the list. Kind of trying to compare 38 Spl in both frame sizes.

Are there folks here who utilize the snub K Frame routinely? Why or why not?

 

[Bald1]

Timely thread. I have a DAO model 64 4” that I’m thinking about swapping barrel to a 2”. I think most members here would argue that the barrel is the easiest part of a gun to conceal so why not increase performance with the 3”. They are not wrong. I just like a 2”.

 

[Whit]

Bald1, I don’t disagree that the barrel is the easiest part of the revolver to conceal.

However, if one is going to carry a 2” why not make it a K rather than a J?

Is your Model 64 DAO a round or square butt revolver. Sounds like a good barrel swap if you can locate one.

 

[CH4]

Yep. Not 2 inchers, but I regularly carry 2.5 and 3 inchers.

 

[Bald1]

It’s a square butt. In a holster I don’t think there’s a big difference carrying a K frame. I think a lot of guys like to pocket carry so they opt for j frame. I used to pocket carry a 2” model 36. But if I’m using a holster such as out in the woods I reach for k frame.

 

[31FordA]

I frequently carry a 2” K frame, either a 12-2 or 64-2. The Model 12 is my three season off duty gun, while I often carry the 64-2 at work. The 2” K is pleasant to carry, and capable of much better accuracy than most people give it credit for. Ten years ago I didn’t have any 2” K frames, now I have a half dozen of them.

 

[Whit]

I frequently carry a 2” K frame, either a 12-2 or 64-2. The Model 12 is my three season off duty gun, while I often carry the 64-2 at work. The 2” K is pleasant to carry, and capable of much better accuracy than most people give it credit for. Ten years ago I didn’t have any 2” K frames, now I have a half dozen of them.

Indeed the 2” K is an accurate piece. Many years ago, in the late 60’s, a guy in my police academy class qualified with a 2” Model 10 which including shooting at 25 yards. Don’t underestimate the K snub.

 

[alwslate]

I have three 2" RB model 10s. Love them for plinking. Seem to be every bit as accurate as my 4" 10s at reasonable distance. I've never carried one for SD and never will. Bulky and heavy compared to my 37 with the same power level. The short barrel makes the 10s top heavy in a belt holster. Great guns but there are much better choices for SD carry.

 

[max503]

Are there folks here who utilize the snub K Frame routinely? Why or why not?

I don't have one. Wish I did. I would gladly put up with the larger size for the greater shootability it affords.
I don't think all those little 380's are a good idea. Too hard to shoot. Gimme something I can hit with.

 

[vipermd]

A 2" k frame would be fine. I made the mistake of selling a 2.5" SW 19 that I regret. I prefer a 3" 357 mag Ruger Speed 6 that I love. I can hit targets At 100 yards easily, all it takes is practice. Be Safe,

 

[Ameshawki]

I have four: a square 10, a round 10, a square 12, and a 15. Had a 2 1/2 inch 66. Back in the heyday of revolvers, the J frame was the first choice for carry. If one wanted six rounds, most went Colt. The Detective Special gives six rounds in a slightly smaller package than the K.

The three inch K frame is the best carry revolver Smith ever made.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I go with a Colt DS 2" now and again. It fits my hand much better than the J-frame and holds one more round. It is also slightly small than the Smith K frame. I have a pair of 2" K frames but I find the 3" RB configuration "points" better for me than the 2".

 

[LoboGunLeather]

After multiple surgeries (wrist, elbow, shoulder, cataracts) in recent years I have returned to the 2" Model 64 round-butt for daily use. Very good compromise in size, weight, recoil, ease of operation.

Also have a 3" Model 10 square-butt, 4" Model 66, and 6" Model 19 in my K-frame selection. The 2" round-butt sees the most use.

 

[pharmer]

I would carry this 64-4 If'n I was going to

I do carry this (CZ P07, the 6906 is semi-retired), mostly because weight is about the same and I'd be into my 2nd reload just to match the 15 rd capacity. Joe

 

[The_Truth]

I would carry this 64-4 If'n I was going to

I do carry this (CZ P07, the 6906 is semi-retired), mostly because weight is about the same and I'd be into my 2nd reload just to match the 15 rd capacity. Joe

If you ever want to come up off that NY-1 snubby just let me know!

 

[Marshal Tom]

I have a beautiful condition 2'M&P but do not carry it due to condition and age. I had a similar condition Mod. 12-2RB. I loved that thing but could never bring myself to shoot it or carry it. The anodized finish is known to wear easily and I kept being freaked out by the cracked frame issue. I sold it and wish that I hadn't. It felt much better in my hand than a J frame with an additional round on tap!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have a 49 no dash, & a 36-1 along with a K-Frame 12 no dash, a 15-2 and a Colt Agent. I never carry the 12 (too nice)! The Agent is very pitted and while the condition is embarrassing it shoots fine. I never carry the 15, it weighs a ton comparatively! The steel J-Frames ae just fine with only 5 shots.

The only times I carry the 36 is in an ankle holster. It takes a day or two to get used to it, then it is out of mind. I originally had a 37 for ankle use but, my big brother thought he needed it more (and paid accordingly!). He only carries it on his ankle!

I always shot the steel frame guns a little better.

Then I went and screwed the whole system up! I bought a 629-10 PC 2 5/8" 44 mag. No pocket carry, my pockets are all too small. No ankle carry, it throws my hip out of wack! You can not only see the thumb sized hunks of lead in the cylinder, if the angle is right, you can see the bullet down the barrel! Speed Loaders feel as big as a car tire! I use 6 round Speed Strips of 260 gr. 44 Special in a belt carrier for 8 rounds of 38 Special. The only gun I would replace this with is the same basic thing in 45 Colt! The girls are right, Bigger really is better!

Ivan

 

[sigp220.45]

I love my 2” Model 12. Though I try to avoid having a sit-down in a public restroom if at all possible, sometimes that breakfast burrito just insists on having its way. You old guys know what I mean. There’s a reason Fish from Barney Miller, whose frequent bathroom trips were a running gag, wore a shoulder holster.

This rig keeps everything safely away from the action, and the gun is so light I can forget its there. Six shots and usable sights are a plus.

 

[Dump1567]

Yep, 2" K for the win.

Just yesterday was I shooting my 2" 10-9 I just picked-up and comparing it to my J frame. It was much easier to shoot accurately. Especially with my large hands.

But I'm also a fan of this in-between gun. Slightly larger than a J, but 6 rounds.

But every gun has its place. A steel K really steps you up in size and weight when compared to an alloy J.

If only the Nightguard series would be re-released.

 

[joespapa]

To me, nothing balances like a square butt k frame. Model 12 above.