Concealed carry revolver - need advice

0311INF · Oct 21, 2015

So I'm in the market for a revolver that will be my primary (I only want to carry one) and only CCW. Obviously this means a few things:
1) I need to be very proficient with it. To include presentation from concealment and reloading, of course.
2) I need to actually carry it every day and hide it on my person. I hate IWB with a revolver, but OWB is not very hidden usually, especially in warm weather. I guess that leaves ankle or pocket carry.
3) I'd like it to have more than 5 shots but will concede this if it's not keeping in line with above (2).

I've heard the best carry revolvers were the 3" RB K-frames but they seem rather large for EDC in the real world. Probably not very comfortable either for all-day concealment.
So am I stuck with a J-frame? If so, which one? I like the heft of the all-steel vs alloy/poly types... and that should help with gaining proficiency, as it will be more shooter friendly. Of course, that means an extra 4-5 oz of weight to lug around.
What does the S&W lineup (to include obtainable discontinued models) have for me?

Old cop · Oct 21, 2015

I've pocket carried an alloy (lightweight) J frame for well over 40 years. If you want 6 shots look on the used market for a Colt Cobra, but they are expensive. There are drawbacks to the J, limited ammo on board, difficult to shoot and so on. Plan on plenty of regular practice w/your gun and carry extra ammo in a speed strip. For the normal non law enforcement person these guns are something you will be sure to have with you. Get the 2" model as longer barrels are difficult to pocket carry.

0311INF · Oct 21, 2015

Thanks Old cop. I appreciate the advice; I'd like to keep it in the S&W family though. I've been through Rugers, an LCRx and several SP-101s as well as a few Taurus M85s. Carrying the light weight ones was nice, but shooting them sucked. The SP-101s were great to shoot but way too big and heavy for 5 shots IMO. Plus I see no need for a .357 with a barrel length of less than 3" (preferably 4" or longer). Anyway, I'm kind of torn right now between a 442 and a 36.

I realized just now that there is a dedicated CCW subforum. Moderator please feel free to move there if this is in the wrong place.

Florida J Frame · Oct 21, 2015

With plenty of practice either the S&W J Frame or the Ruger LCR should do the job for you. Look into a Mika holster for pocket carry.

S&W 10-6 · Oct 21, 2015

ccw

I like the 642 for pocket carry. It is not that difficult to learn to shoot. Just get a set of grips that are comfortable to shoot.
I have Taurus grips on mine.

Smathersfish · Oct 21, 2015

For what you describe, I don't think you can do better than a 640 no dash! I have both the no dash (38 Special) and the 640-1 (357). I love them both - 640 in the pocket and -1 IWB. I think I have a hole in my hip where the cylinder rides.

M29since14 · Oct 21, 2015

As Oldcop says, it's almost an article of faith that the 2-inch airweight Centennial models are the standard by which all other small carry revolvers are judged. I'd say if you're at all inclined toward a 442 you need look no further. Buy one and start using it.

diyj98 · Oct 21, 2015

0311INF said:
I need to actually carry it every day and hide it on my person. I hate IWB with a revolver, but OWB is not very hidden usually, especially in warm weather. I guess that leaves ankle or pocket carry.

To me that knocks out the K frames and even steel framed J's. Any hammerless or bobbed hammer J frame or Ruger LCR with 2" barrel should work for you.

CATI1835 · Oct 21, 2015

They are a little hard to find, since SW doesn't make them any more, but I pocket carry a model 432pd Airweight. No exposed hammer, 6 rounds, J frame. In .32 H&R Magnum, I have no concern about the performance. It can exceed the .38 in ballistics. I pocket carry mine daily, even in jeans.

snubbyfan · Oct 21, 2015

I chose a 442. No hammer spur to snag and single action's not really needed in a designated sd gun.
I'll usually carry it owb. It stays concealed under an untucked tank top.
Sometimes, it rides in a pocket.

shawn mccarver · Oct 21, 2015

Within the parameters you suggest, it seems that you buy 2 or perhaps 3 models. As to every day carry, the 442 or 642 seems like the logical choice.

Since practice with an Airweight J frame in 38 Special is not pleasant, you will not want to do it much. Thus, I suggest a second J frame in DAO and in 22 LR caliber. The Model 43C is a Centennial concealed hammer type J frame which makes an excellent understudy for the 442/642.

Finally, for the "range days," where you want to fire a large number of 38s, I suggest the Model 640. Its heavier weight and better grip will help soak up some of the sting involved in firing a J frame.

ColbyBruce · Oct 21, 2015

Consider a J frame in .32 S&W Long or .32 H&R magnum, or a K frame S&W 12. Life is full of compromises, fortunately S&W can accommodate most of them.

Here is the last S&W 12 I owned; now being carried by a deputy US Marshall.

My daughter's S&W 331ti .32 H&R magnum.

S&W 36's, both square and round butt versions.

Arik · Oct 21, 2015

0311INF said:
So I'm in the market for a revolver that will be my primary (I only want to carry one) and only CCW. Obviously this means a few things:
1) I need to be very proficient with it. To include presentation from concealment and reloading, of course.
2) I need to actually carry it every day and hide it on my person. I hate IWB with a revolver, but OWB is not very hidden usually, especially in warm weather. I guess that leaves ankle or pocket carry.
3) I'd like it to have more than 5 shots but will concede this if it's not keeping in line with above (2).

I've heard the best carry revolvers were the 3" RB K-frames but they seem rather large for EDC in the real world. Probably not very comfortable either for all-day concealment.
So am I stuck with a J-frame? If so, which one? I like the heft of the all-steel vs alloy/poly types... and that should help with gaining proficiency, as it will be more shooter friendly. Of course, that means an extra 4-5 oz of weight to lug around.
What does the S&W lineup (to include obtainable discontinued models) have for me?

1) presentation will be slow with ankle carry. I consider that style of carry more as a backup gun

2) Proper IWB holsters make all the difference, along with pants and belt. For OWB ...again belt and holster. There are holsters that ride high and close to the body.

3) it's a comprise. Less mass = more comfort.

4) Steel is more comfortable to shoot longer which translates to more practice. Unless you're very weak and fragile 4 or 5oz (.25lb) isn't a lot. That's a weight of a cell phone. It's not exactly "lugging around"

Don't take this personally. I was like that once. Wanted the lightest possible gun cause they were too heavy and pulled my pants down and so on. Until I finally gave in and spent money on a gun belt and tried a few holsters to see what I like and what's comfortable. I found that with a iwb hybrid holster the weight is dispersed by the two clips that are wide apart and a gun belt actually kept my pants up. Now instead of carrying some small ultra light gun that doesn't fit my hand I carry a Glock 19. But also a full size Sig and a full size all steel 1911. All carried with no issues. The reason I stick with the Glock is because the other 2 have full size grips that tend to rub holes in my shirts

CATI1835 · Oct 21, 2015

ColbyBruce said:
Consider a J frame in .32 S&W Long or .32 H&R magnum, or a K frame S&W 12. Life is full of compromises, fortunately S&W can accommodate most of them.

The beauty of the .32H&R mag is it will also shoot the .32 S&W Long, the .32 S&W and some say the .32ACP. You can practice at the range all day with the .32 S&W long in relative comfort (recoil wise) and carry the Mag. My wife also carries this caliber.

GatorFarmer · Oct 21, 2015

I swapped out the boot grips that came with my new production 442, replacing them with a more handfilling set of Hogues. Granted, I usually carry mine in a shoulder holster, but I have pocket carried it. The larger grips make it much more comfortable to shoot. Firing a box of 50 +P at a time can be done in comfort.

BAM-BAM · Oct 21, 2015

Can we get some more info on your level of experience with firearms..... handguns....

and ........

how you need to dress..... Suit, business casual, casual...... to give us some idea...... of what you/we are working with.

getoff · Oct 21, 2015

you have hit the quandry nail on the head. to carry light is great, not so much to shoot. carry heavy and you'll be distracted by it and probably fidget and adjust to much. that said, i choose to pocket a 442-2 most of the time. i carry 2 guns so it plays back up. the 442/642 is the one to own. hogue has a new set of grips out now that give 3 finger grip, a gel insert on the back strap area, and has a plastic cap on the butt for ease of carry. check 'em out. lots of people rave about 'em...

ColbyBruce · Oct 21, 2015

Ankle holsters are a great way of carrying a gun that you have no need to access in a hurry.

wsr · Oct 21, 2015

What owb holsters have you tried?
I am 6' 190Lbs I can hide a 4in 686 owb under a t-shirt well enough that only someone looking for it will notice...under a button up it's invisible
I would suggest a 3in k frame with grips that are not rubber a good belt and good pancake style holster

ColbyBruce · Oct 21, 2015

Here is a 3" K frame with grips that are not rubber.

A DeSantis holster for the above.

Concealed carry revolver - need advice

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