Best carry revolver? On a search for smaller defensive pistol

Richard Simmons · Apr 18, 2021

Mbrgr1 said:
There is the very light J frame aluminum model 12 if you stick to normal loads . In 1984 the 12 switched from the thinner original frame to a regular J size and lasted until 1986, then dropped.

Hard to find, but you almost don't know it's there, on the right in this pic, earlier model on the left.

The Model 12 has always been a K frame as far as I know.

PALADIN85020 · Apr 18, 2021

I would highly recommend a lightweight J-frame in .38 Special that can handle +P loadings. My personal choice in this matter is either the 642 or 442 model, preferably without the damned internal "lock." I have equipped mine with Hipgrip stocks, so that they can be carried in my Levi's front pocket, be easily accessible, and they disappear when my shirt covers them. No holster required; the grip is above the pocket and is prevented from sliding down. .38 Special +P provides about the most recoil I prefer to handle; .357 in these lightweight guns is brutal and not good for fast repeat shots.

John

MetalMan · Apr 18, 2021

Right now it’s a J-frame model 60 in a Snubbyfan original......

Glock1736 · Apr 18, 2021

Muss Muggins said:
442/642 or 340PD if you want .357 . . .

The 347mag is the direction I’m leaning . I will look at the 340pd

mikerjf · Apr 18, 2021

Yeah, J frame.

If you're always carrying and seldom shooting, an Airweight 38 Special (642, etc).

If you're practicing a lot, a steel one (640, 60, etc).

If you're ever in the woods with it, or if you reload, a .357 (rather than a .38 Special-only).

And if you're smart, get an Airweight 38Sp for EDC and a matching steel 357 for range and woods.

3rdgeargrndrr · Apr 18, 2021

lawandorder said:
Steel J frames for those folks who plan to carry them AND SHOOT them enough to become proficient with them.

I second this but with caveat . ANY CCW needs to be trained with and have the proficiency to be used reflexively.
My buddy who shoots nothing but race guns competitively and never trains with his bodyguard will instinctively look for ared dot that isnt there.

hyena · Apr 18, 2021

I always come back to my 642-1. I put a titanium cylinder on to shave the weight to 12 ounces even. If you don't mind the extra heft, I believe my 640 Pro is the Cadillac of J frames, with .357 magnum punch.

A good friend has a Kimber K6 snubby. I have shot it many times, and consider it equal to my 640 Pro.

garddogg56 · Apr 18, 2021

I agree with a J frame but I've switched to a LCR for the last couple of years.

3rdgeargrndrr · Apr 18, 2021

Rpg said:
The Smith J frames are superior pocket pistols, but if you intend to carry in a holster on a belt, take a look at the Colt D frames such as the Detective Special, Agent and Cobra.

The Colt D frames are much easier to shoot well than the Smith J frames.

The smaller J frames lose much of their advantage if carried on the belt.

Agreed. If you wear a good belt, consider carrying a bigger gun to the fight.
J frames have a different niche to me. They fit great in tighter spaces ie ankle holsters and front jacket pockets.

joebuck · Apr 18, 2021

340PD. 11.5oz. It's not a gun for a novice. More for a dedicated firearm/concealed carry individual. You can load it up with wimpy .38's or crazy hot .357's. Whatever is your taste. However, it is specialty weapon that can be hard to shoot accurately for some and has special cleaning and maintenance procedures. Oh yeah, and its expensive as hell. Personally, I think its the pinnacle of concealed carry revolvers.

StrawHat · Apr 18, 2021

Glock1736 said:
I’ve been searching for smaller carry revolvers that are great defensive pistols. I’ve only carried semi automatic pistols. Mostly 380, but I want to step up to a larger caliber. Looking for some tried and true options from the nice people of this forum. As I’m sure most carry revolvers.

For many years I carried a S&W Model 36-1. I t carried well on my belt and shot even better. I switched to a S&W Model 3913 and it to was comforting. I now prefer a S&W Model 22-4.

It all depends on you. I can not pick your sidearm merely suggest that whatever you do pick gets shot enough to become known to your hand and thought process.

Kevin

Mbrgr1 · Apr 18, 2021

Richard Simmons said:
The Model 12 has always been a K frame as far as I know.

Oops, hit the J instead of the K on the keyboard, I'll check my prescription!

wvs&w · Apr 18, 2021

If I didn't have my Colt Detective Special and Ruger LCP I would buy a J-Frame.

Ugly Hombre · Apr 18, 2021

649 for me.

pasound · Apr 18, 2021

A 637 for me, with an IWB kydex that tucks the hammer out of problems. Currently, I keep 110gr Silvertips in mine.

biku324 · Apr 18, 2021

I'm partial to the Smith M49.

reedman · Apr 18, 2021

When I pocket-carry, I like my 640-1 with my Mika pocket holster.

Bill In Texas · Apr 18, 2021

It's a 640-1 for me. I don't mind the extra 8 Oz's. or so, as I mostly pocket carry it in a Mika holster. It's been my constant companion for the last five years.

I carry a 637-2 as a back up when necessary. The 640 is loaded with the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .357's 135 grain. The 637 is carried with the .38 special version. A speed strip or 2 with the .38's in them completes the package. I feel pretty comfortable with a j frame.

saemetric · Apr 18, 2021

This is my revolver edc , a Colt Agent from 1983.

Cal44 · Apr 18, 2021

Ugly Hombre said:
649 for me.

Me too.

When I want something lighter, it's my 340PD.

The little gold flashlight comes with me all the time.

Best carry revolver? On a search for smaller defensive pistol

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