Best revolvers for concealment

[BAM-BAM]

Someone said the 10 is like a mini 686, I like the sound of that

Is a J Frame that much smaller than a 2 1/2 inch 686? Maybe I should just go with a smaller 686 unless a J Frame or Model 10 is just that superior in terms of concealment and carry ability

My reference was to a J-frame Model 60-10. which looks like a micro, adjustable sights and full underlug; 5shot...... 686

 

[Lowa]

I carry a 442 with a technaclip to the gym. Squat 315, deadlift 405. Both with this at 4 o'clock iwb

If you want to be almost naked, an aluminium J cannot be beat. 38 or even 357, small, light, not an auto.

Before you go up to any K frame at all, try and find a kimber K6s. It's steel, 6 shots, and closer to a J frame than a K frame.

As far as carrying, I go L frame, then skip down to my K6, then a 442, if I want a gun without having a gun, then I carry a mini revolver.

Anybody that tells you to wear a fanny pack has no self-respect, and also gave you good advice. I'll never do it, but I would also never carry an auto.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I’ll go with any of the Hammerless J Frames.
I often pocket carry this 642.

 

[NY-1]

J-frames were always a little too small and a little too snappy for my tastes. If you didn't like the steel framed Taurus, then a J-frame S&W might not be the best choice for you IMO. Moving one step up to a K-frame, and finding one in a 2" or 3" barrel length, might be a good option for you. I didn't care for shooting the J-frame Model 36 I previously owned for the reasons mentioned above, but I love my snub-nosed K-frame Model 10 (not mine below, just a photo from Google). You also get six rounds in a K-frame as opposed to five in a J-frame.

That said, I'd also +1 the recommendation for trying a Kimber K6s or a new Colt Cobra or King Cobra and seeing if you like them. They're a bit smaller and lighter than a K-frame, but not as small nor light as a J-frame.

 

[IronSkillet]

My two cents worth, the revolver that you shoot well may be a better choice than a smaller more concealable one. I shoot K-frames better than J-Frames, probably no big surprise. A round butt K-frame on me prints about the same as a J-frame. Another point to consider is how you plan to actually carry a revolver for concealment. Living up North with warmer clothing makes it less challenging then down South. In warmer weather J-frame airweight with enclosed hammer in a pocket holster works well with cargo shorts (tried it with a 640 but it printed).
GTG Norma just emailed they have .38 in stock!!!!

 

[Donn]

One more vote for the S&W Model 49.

 

[wrkerr]

My M49 Smith with factory stocks and a Tyler T-grip has been in a coat pocket, ankle, boot or IWB/OWB holsters since 1982. If you can't hide it, you aren't trying hard enough.

Since 1985. Hard to beat the classics.

 

[MetalMan]

I’ve mostly been carrying this Model 60 OWB for the last number of years but have just acquired a 640-1 Pro that I’ve not yet had a chance to shoot.

While I also have a number of .357 K’s and one .45 ACP semi-auto (Kimber Ultra Carry Series 1), I find that, with advancing age and lifestyle, the J’s just suit me better for EDC.

 

[C Islander]

I live in the same environment as you (North Coast, shore of Lake Erie) and I carry a. 442. I have a number of different holsters I rotate to match how I'm dressed. Works for me.

 

[majick47]

Recommend either a S&W M-49 or vintage Colt Detective Special (6 shot) both steel frame, bonus if you can find the Colt DS with factory installed hammer shroud. Wide range of holsters and ammo to choose from. Both concealable and controllable with standard velocity 38 special ammo. Both favorite backup and off duty weapons of LE and civilians for more years than I can count.

 

[snubbyfan]

I’ve mostly been carrying this Model 60 OWB for the last number of years but have just acquired a 640-1 Pro that I’ve not yet had a chance to shoot.

While I also have a number of .357 K’s and one .45 ACP semi-auto (Kimber Ultra Carry Series 1), I find that, with advancing age and lifestyle, the J’s just suit me better for EDC.

Nice holster....

 

[jeffrefrig]

I carry a 442 with a technaclip to the gym. Squat 315, deadlift 405. Both with this at 4 o'clock iwb

If you want to be almost naked, an aluminium J cannot be beat. 38 or even 357, small, light, not an auto.

Before you go up to any K frame at all, try and find a kimber K6s. It's steel, 6 shots, and closer to a J frame than a K frame.

As far as carrying, I go L frame, then skip down to my K6, then a 442, if I want a gun without having a gun, then I carry a mini revolver.

Anybody that tells you to wear a fanny pack has no self-respect, and also gave you good advice. I'll never do it, but I would also never carry an auto.

I was hoping for this recommendation for the OP. I’m gonna grab one for my daughter. I can get one like new for $400 asking price.
OP maybe consider the 442. Easy concealment.

 

[fatcat3]

Shorts and a tank top. This is where the NAA shines. JMHO .22 WMR every little bit is a plus. You don't want to remove the cylinder check out the sidewinder or the ranger. Yes you might snag the hammer, you might get run over by a cement truck. place your thumb over the hammer when drawing ( ya got to cock the hammer anyway ) and don't play in traffic. As far as rimfire being "famously unreliable" That's mostly internet, OMG, chicken little the sky is falling exaggeration. AKA B.S. At 60 years of age and an untold number of LR fired down range I have NEVER had a misfire. Then I keep my guns clean, serviceable, and stay away from the cheapest 3rd world made bulk .22 like the plague. I'll stay away from the cal. wars, except to say that even 22CB is better than a mean look and a harsh word.

 

[heeter3]

I like my vintage 442 in a pocket holster.

 

[haywood]

I’ve carried everyone of these except the 3” in my pocket at one time or another

 

[Tanners Owner]

My preference is my M64-2 snub. Does everything a concealment revolver needs too (for me).

 

[Execpro]

OP, If a Taurus 856 is to snappy just about any J frame is going to have the same issue. If you are recoil sensitive with the steel 856 you might consider the Taurus 942 in 22 magnum. You can get steel or ultra light models in 2”or 3” bbl and you have 8 rounds. The cylinder is the same size as the model 85 in 38 special. Use a self defense round (I use Speer Gold dot in my 22mag revolver) and your good to go. JMO

 

[LCC]

Back in the day when camping and hiking with my kids, my rule of thumb was they should be able to shoot whatever I had on me, which was a .22 Smith Kit Gun which they loved to plink with.
An equivalent would be the 8 round Taurus 942, which comes in 2" or 3", as well as .22 WMR. And today's .22 ammo such as the Federal Punch and Winchester Silvertip up the caliber lethality.
Want to go lighter with more capacity, check out the 16 round TX-22, a very accurate handgun that gets excellent reviews.

 

[S-W4EVER]

S&W J Frame. If you’re drawing blood, you’ve got the wrong grips on your revolver.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

I think the Taurus grips were just bad, when I switched to hogue grips it stopped ripping my hands up.

My 686 is a joy to shoot, thinking it is just because it is heavier. Who knows, maybe I should just carry my 686 openly when I dress in board shorts, though I may get a few strange looks and paint a target on my back doing so.