Do you carry a revolver for CCW? Which one?

[Cal44]

I'm surprised at the number of people who have a whole stable of guns and switch off between them for carry.

How do you guys stay proficient with so many different guns?

Also, could it be a problem if you have to stop and think which gun you were carrying, and how to release the safety (e.g., a 1911)?

My inclination would be to get one or two carry guns and then concentrate on practicing with them.

Dave

 

[Meeteetse]

I'm surprised at the number of people who have a whole stable of guns and switch off between them for carry.

How do you guys stay proficient with so many different guns?

Also, could it be a problem if you have to stop and think which gun you were carrying, and how to release the safety (e.g., a 1911)?

My inclination would be to get one or two carry guns and then concentrate on practicing with them.

Dave

The key is to KNOW what you are carrying. I doubt anyone who carries regularly forgets what they are carrying. However, a DA revolver and a DA auto with no external safeties, operate in a similar fashion. Obviously any revolver is the same and for those of us who regularly carry a 1911, well lets just say you never forget the feeling of what is in your hand. There is nothing wrong with being proficient with one or two guns and it is certainly recommended, but don't let that stop you from enjoying a wide variety of firearms. Once you feel comfortable with several guns you will understand how and why people change.

Personally I pocket carry a 442 most of the time, but often carry a 1911 or a Glock 19. The streets seem to be getting meaner these days so the hi-cap guns are getting more use. I'm still testing methods of carry for larger guns in hot weather. I've been carrying for more than 20 years and it is still work to find the "best" method of carry. It was simpler when I lived in cool country all the time. Hot country changes everything.

 

[CSG]

I don't carry a revolver as much as I used to but when I do it's a 442, usually IWB but, depending on the pants, also in a front pocket.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

The key is to KNOW what you are carrying. I doubt anyone who carries regularly forgets what they are carrying. However, a DA revolver and a DA auto with no external safeties, operate in a similar fashion. Obviously any revolver is the same and for those of us who regularly carry a 1911, well lets just say you never forget the feeling of what is in your hand. There is nothing wrong with being proficient with one or two guns and it is certainly recommended, but don't let that stop you from enjoying a wide variety of firearms. Once you feel comfortable with several guns you will understand how and why people change.

Personally I pocket carry a 442 most of the time, but often carry a 1911 or a Glock 19. The streets seem to be getting meaner these days so the hi-cap guns are getting more use. I'm still testing methods of carry for larger guns in hot weather. I've been carrying for more than 20 years and it is still work to find the "best" method of carry. It was simpler when I lived in cool country all the time. Hot country changes everything.

I might be strange, but hot weather is actually easier for me to carry a decent sized handgun. Using a leather IWB holster, a heavy belt, and a one size larger polo shirt, I can carry my issued Glock 23 and one spare mag with no printing issues as long as I don't bend over at the waist. My wonderful wife keeps me honest and lets me know when I am "showing"! This is what I almost always wear when not in uniform.
Cold weather is when I have more CCW issues. I wear the polo shirts year round and throw a jacket over them when going out.
I have trained myself to clear the shirttail with the shooting hand thumb as I draw. Putting a jacket on makes this more difficult for me to do
When I must wear a tucked in shirt with no covering garment, I use the Glock 27 in a horsehide pocket holster. Small revolvers work much better for pocket carry in my case. Only Glocks are authorized on my badge so a CWP is in the works. When it is in hand, two Smith 4"M10s and a M60 will go into the rotation. May eventually try one of my 1911s.

 

[DR505]

Wow! Zombie thread from 2008! Heck, I'll play.

I normally carry my issue Glock 21, but on occasion I put my 3" Model 657 on my hip.

 

[snowman.45]

I'm surprised at the number of people who have a whole stable of guns and switch off between them for carry.

How do you guys stay proficient with so many different guns?

Also, could it be a problem if you have to stop and think which gun you were carrying, and how to release the safety (e.g., a 1911)?

My inclination would be to get one or two carry guns and then concentrate on practicing with them.

Dave

While muscle memory comes from repetition, practice with a variety of systems keeps you thinking and aware. Obviously, I've had a few times when it was necessary to employ my handguns over the course of the last 36 years. I've never had a problem finding a safety, or reaching for one that wasn't there. The same is true of reloading the handgun. Like everything else in dealing with firearms, presence of mind is a requirement. The key element here is practice for familiarity.

 

[Chuck Jones]

model 38-2 Bodyguard

/c

 

[andyo5]

When I am clothing minimal, I carry a 642 in my trouser pocket loaded with 38 +P rounds. Sometimes carry it in a fanny pack at times when a fanny pack will not look out of place.

 

[jake m29]

Off duty I mostly carry a 29-3 4inch stoked with Federal 240 gr hydrashoks in a simply rugged pancake. I always have an old beat up police trade in model 60- nothing that I carry in an ankle holster or when wearing shorts a cheap pocket holster. If I'm out of bed I am carrying and you can make mine an N-frame.....

 

[hotrod150]

..... I use the F.B.I Load 158 gr SWC-HP +P and carry 2 back up speed loaders one filled with the F.B.I Load one loaded with 158 FMJ......

I'm curious as to the thinking behind the FMJ's in the second speedloader. ??

 

[JNewell]

342 Airlite, since the first ones arrived at my dealer back in what, '98?, with 1x Comp 1 speedloader and 2x Speedstrips. Used to be 124 gr +P GDs, switched to the 135 gr +P GDs when they were introduced.

 

[rromeo]

Mostly I carry a 3" model 65, sometimes I'll throw the model on my belt. I should be picking up a 642 this week, so that will most likely take over for the 65.

 

[Chipmunk6]

A S&W mod 49 no dash with short barrel buffalo bore jhp or bb wadcutters
Chipmunk6

 

[Road Rat]

My "normal" carry is a Kimber Pro (4" barrel) but occasionally I need something a little smaller.

I have a S&W Model 19-2 that gets a little use and I just picked up a Model 36 that will start getting its turn on the belt....it is very light!

 

[Horseless Trooper]

I have been carrying a 4in. 10-7 alot lately or a Webley MKIV when I am just foolin around in the yard or going into the village on errand. If I am going into the city I will switch to my Remington R1 or another full size auto most of the time but I have been known to carry my New Service 45 Colt or a 6in. 629 from time to time. Just depends on my mood at the time.

 

[rockyrider]

A pair of J frames in a Kramer T-shirt holster, light duty. A pair of semi autos, 9mm or 40's, medium duty. A pair of .45's, heavy duty, inner city.

 

[xray 99]

M37 with bobbed hammer when hiking or biking. Glock 19/26 otherwise.

 

[canvsbk]

J frame most days, if headed anywhere near the direction of Motown, Spingfield 1911 .45 with a couple extra mags.

 

[st regis]

Model 38, blued, with 158 SWCHPs and a speed strip.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Model 38, blued, with 158 SWCHPs and a speed strip.

With the advent of the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain "short barrel" load, I don't understand why anyone would choose the "FBI load" for a short barrel revolver. Four inch barrel or longer, sure, but not for a snubby. Tests show it performs pretty miserably, while the Gold Dot performs magnificently, expanding and deeply penetrating. To each his own, though.