CCW...Revolver or Semi?

[russp1]

I would edit to add "Full size" semi-automatic hanguns have been used in every military conflict since WW1.

As a rule, the smaller the auto-loading pistol gets, the more likely it is to malfunction.

The wife and I were at the range a couple weeks ago and the guy next to us had a very compact .45. He couldn't get through a 6 shot clip without having either a fail to feed or a fail to eject. Every time he put in another clip full, he had to drop the magazine and clear the gun at least once. I couldn't tell what type of gun it was from where I was standing and he didn't seem in any mood to answer questions about his choice of weapon.

 

[Fuego]

The advantage of the auto-pistol is firepower and quick re-loads.

But realistiacally, a CCW handgun is unlikely to ever be used, making the firepower and re-load advantage a moot point.

That said, the S&W 340 PD J Frame Airlight is the lightest and most compact handgun that fires a .357 Magnum. With a Crimson Trace laser, it is accurate in the dark at personal defense ranges, and it packs a tremendous wallop. It has but five shots, but those five are unlikely to ever be used. But if they are, you will have 100% reliability, even if the revolver is fired from inside a coat pocket.

The biggest problem with carrying a revolver is having the automatic pistol folks deride your choice.

The 340PD is my choice, and it is with me always.

 

[Lost Lake]

But realistiacally, a CCW handgun is unlikely to ever be used, making the firepower and re-load advantage a moot point.

If firepower and reload are a moot point a derringer or a rubber band would be acceptable, but we all know they are not.

That said, the S&W 340 PD J Frame Airlight is the lightest and most compact handgun that fires a .357 Magnum.

The 340PD is my choice, and it is with me always.

I have a .357 in a 686, and that gun is a hand full. One of the keys to proficient self defense IMHO, is practicing a lot, under different conditions and shooting a lot of ammunition. Shooting while moving, running backwards, rapid fire, and weak hand.

How does that super light .357 feel in your weak hand or after a few hundred rounds? Can your best girl take that weapon and use it for defending the two of you if you are incapacitated?

The .357 is an awesome round and if you reload you an get some serious power out of it. But for me, it's a little hefty for a carry gun. Of course your mileage may vary....

 

[ColColt]

I can't imagine it getting much better than a 3913 or 4516 for that matter. I'd prefer carrying a revolver but don't do near as good DA with any of them as with the auto-wish I could. I envy those who can. A little SP101 with cylinder cut for moon clips is near ideal for me but it's a revolver still.

 

[eshap2]

Hiya folks,

I'm debating on the pros and cons of revolver vs semi. I've looked over the bodyguard (.380 and .38) as well as the lcp/lcr and the m&p 340. I have an M&P R8, tried concealing it once, didn't work out.

One of the reasons I was leaning towards a wheelgun was that I have one already, and don't have to go buy another type of ammo. My concealed carry would probably be front-pocket, in jeans or slacks (I live in South FL). I'm slightly over 6ft, about 200lbs (a bit skinny).

I've read some reviews about the M&P 340 that say its not that concealable, but the thought of being able to use .357 magnum makes me giggle.

I'm open to suggestions, let me know if I've missed something.

Cheers

I PREFER SEMI TO WHEEL GUN TO CARRY. ESPECIALY IF YOU USE THE RIGHT AMMO. I CARRY EITHER CS9, CS40, CS45 OR THE 3913.

 

[Pote]

When not carrying one of my 1911s in 45 I have no trouble at all concealing with comfort this 357 mag. IWB is my preferred method for all carry at roughly 3-4 oclock and the weight of any gun is negated by a great belt and decent holster...emphasis on great belt.

 

[Minnehaha]

CCW of Choice

The weapon I carry depends on where I am going and what I am doing. If I am going into questionable neighborhoods I will carry my Glock 26, with my S&W 649 (in 357) as a backup. If I'm staying in my neighborhood and going up for a haircut or just messing around the yard, I take my 438 Airweight J Frame. I also just use the 438 J Frame when I take the dog out for a quick walk up the block before going to bed. It's just more convenient and more comfortable to grab the Airweight with an extra 5 round speed strip, and if you don't expect a real threat you get a little lazy.

The Glock is fairly small, light and easy to conceal for a semi auto, but it is still big and heavy (especially including the 20 spare rounds of ammo in the 2 extra mags) compared to a 438 Airweight. If you are going to be in a questionable neighborhood however, the Glock provides a huge plus in terms of firepower and accuracy. The extra bulk is kind of reassuring. (It's also nice to have the 649 in 357 as a NY Reload).

As far as reliability goes - the Glock has never failed, not once. None of my revolvers have ever failed either. I guess what I am saying is, in my opinion they both have their place, you pick the proper tool for the job in question.

I also have a Dan Wesson V-Bob Combat Commander in 45 ACP (all steel version of the Commander). Compared to the Glock, it is huge and weighs a ton. In the winter you can comfortably conceal and holster carry it under a coat, but in warmer weather it's just too big, hard to conceal, heavy, and uncomfortable. It is however great fun at the range, a beautiful work of art, and fun to show off at appropriate occasions. It will also be great to have the next time I have to go to war. Just my 2 cents on the 1911 for concealed carry.

These are my opinions, based on my actual experience living with these guns.

 

[shep854]

Some more pennies for the kitty:
I've been carrying almost daily for over 20 years. When I started, it was with full-size autos, IWB. Over time, I've tried shoulder holsters, ankle holsters, waist & belt packs, as well as quite a few guns. My current carry is an M49, for simplicity and reliability. As mentioned earlier, small autos can be sensitive to weak grips and need constant, frequent practice to ensure the user can shoot them reliably.

I finally settled on front pocket carry since here in Alabama, it can be a true year-round carry, not fumbling around in an emergency. I keep remembering a video of a soldier in Afganistan; he was wearing his pistol in a thigh holster, but when he had to suddenly draw, his hand went to his belt first, then dropped down to the holstered pistol.

Pocket carry is not a big deal; just keep everything else out of the gun pocket, use a good holster and wear 'relaxed' fit trousers. Another thing about pocket carry is that you can, by simply sticking your hand into your pocket, grasp the gun without appearing threatening or brandishing.

 

[jlynch34]

I always CCW my LCR .38spl.

 

[Reevolvers]

The cylinder size argument is ridiculous! That one can be solved with a good pancake holster. As to which is better..... For me it is a good double action revolver. If I were patrolling the streets in a combat zone perhaps a semi would look better to me. As it happens I ain't! Going for some ice cream late at night or just general daily carry a revolver wins it hands down. I am an excellent shot with both platforms. But I bet all that knowledge goes right out the window when I am being attacked! I like to think I would remain calm, but the truth is I may piss my pants when it starts. That said I want an idiot proof weapon and for me that's a wheel gun, with a New York reload. Just my thoughts!

God Bless

 

[VictorLouis]

One definite advantage that goes to the revolver has not been mentioned.

It does not leave expended casings at the scene of a shooting incident.

WoW! Whereas there MAY be a need to flee of the scene of your otherwise righteous shooting, it's generally bad ju-ju. 'Flight equals the presumption of guilt'. That said, the cops will take possession of your gun, period! You don't think they'll see the empties in your chamber? If you shot half a mag outta your wunder-pistol, and several empties can't be found on the ground, how's that going to hurt anything?

Remember the Miranda warning that anything you say can and will be used against you. Casings on the ground can and will speak in your stead, whether you want them to or not.

Just watched a 2hr lecture at the fun-show today from one of our city's best defense attorneys. Rule #1: "JUST SHUT UP". He did his best to drill it into our heads in the time-frame allotted. Miranda was an Arizona case by the way.

Most of the time, if the shooting is justified, there will be no problem with casings on the ground.

WOW! And if it's NOT justified?!?!? Hello, cases with you, or on the ground, aren't going to matter!

Visualize a gang of thugs; you shoot (maybe a warning shot) to protect your life, and need to execute a strategic withdrawal fast.

So, you're going to waste a round in your limited capacity revolver that you MAY JUST NEED to use on one of that large gang? WOW! 'Warren on Homicide' is large, old text that can be found. You may take aim at the leader, and hit the guy over his shoulder. Oh well, still justified. There's a judicial principle that one can hit ANY member of a mob, because each member takes on the responsibility of FEAR cast upon the (armed) vicitim.The 'mob' may not respect your drawn gun, but you more than likely only need to drop one or two before the rest get the message that they don't want any part of your remaining ammo.

That's the scenario I visualize. They might say "Officer, this guy just came out of nowhere and started shooting at us!" Right. And the litter from YOUR gun is on the ground. Bad news. Their word against yours.

The FIRST one to dial 9-1-1 is the victim. You DO carry a cell-phone, don't you? "A gang of Devils' Minions attacked at me. There's been a shooting. Send the police and the ambulance. I'm wearing a white shirt, blue jeans, and have a red windbreaker. I will have my hands UP when I see the first officers approaching". Then, remember Rule #1 above.

 

[Chuck1217]

There are a ton of used S&Wsn a website I just saw. Someone mentioned a Williams Firesight, so I went to look. Never found their sights, but they hahve a used gun section, about 25 pages of em. Around page 17 starts S&Ws, and I don't think I saw a single bargain- but some older guns, rev's and autos- any collectors might wanta check it out just for fun.

 

[cluznar]

If you take care of a semi-auto, keep it clean, well lubed, and good ammo in it you are in good shape. Also don't carry it till you have at least 300 rounds thru it. I carry a Bersa Thunder .380 and sometimes a Ruger SR9c 9mm and both will do the job.

That said, revolvers are very good also, so go with what you feel comfortable with and make good shot placement.

 

[Sayoc01]

Most of the time i carry my S&W 351 in an Andrews pocket holster.I also carry a Kimber 45.Lately I've been thinking of carrying my Keltec PMR 30! It's 30 rounds of 22 mag.Shoots like you wouldn't believe & hasn't jammed once!
Jim

 

[vista461]

I carry semi's. It's what I've trained on, both shooting and failure drills, so it's what I'm comfortable with. I don't currently own any revolvers, I'm not against them though and may eventually get another.

 

[shutupdata113]

i used to carry my mp40c but i have swithched it to a 637 AIRWEIGHT .38 dont get me wrong i loved carrying the .40 but i have decided to match my guns with the weather and wardrobe. when its warm and im not wearing much clothing my 637 gets the nod. i kind of like waking up and saying "which gun do i want to take today".....

 

[Silversmok3]

I was trained and came into the gun world using semi-autos, so my perspective will reflect that.

I carry a 15 round 5903. As I figure it, the mission of my CCW piece is last ditch self defense. In my review of previous cases involving concealed carry shootings, the number of shots fired in the incident were consistently under ten rounds. Distances in the cases I read ranged from 25 feet to "other side of the car door" range. Incidents where a semi-auto was used never required a "combat reload";the shooter ended the incident with the same magazine that was in the gun. Thus, assuming the deterrent of presenting the firearm does not work, once the lead flies the incident will conclude one way or another inside of 13 rounds. Thus, carrying a full size semi auto obviates the need for a spare magazine or a backup gun ( not that its a bad idea, I just don't have the real estate on the waist for a backup piece).

Since carrying I have been in a self-defense incident which thankfully was defused without me clearing holster, but my hand was on the grips. I believe in light of all that data, the bottom line is that the citizen should carry whatever gun they can shoot the best. Period. Caliber, size, revolver, semi, Glock, HK, all that aint gonna matter when the sugar turns to **** at the speed of light. Only one question came to mind when I had my hand on the piece last year.....could I hit the guy and stop the attack.

 

[Springfeildkid585]

I choose both

My next purchase will be a Colt Detective Special as as back-up to my Springfield Milspec

 

[labworm]

I use the James approach.

Some days I feel like James Cagney and I carry a model 60.

Other days I feel like James Bond and carry a Walther.

 

[bp231986]

best gun to carry is the gun you can operate the best under any given situation.