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.

When I was researching for a concealed carry gun, I had certain parameters in mind. It had to be dependable, lightweight, small enough for a pocket, in a caliber used at one time by either the military or police and lots of fun to shoot at the range. It came down to either a 442 or a 642. It just happened that someone I used to work with had a used 442 that they shot once, cleaned and put in a drawer.
I bought it from them and did a detail clean.
After the onset of my motor nerve problems I took it apart, did a spring change, smoothed the guts a little with an extra fine Arkansas oil stone, changed to Pachmayr Compact grips and added a laserlyte side mount laser.
I made a few holsters and now it's my constant companion, either in my pocket or riding on my right hip loaded with 110 grain Federal Hydra-shoks, with a couple of loaded quick strips in my left front pocket.

442 works for me. I put a Pachmayr grip, trimmed to work with speed loaders, on it to better fit my xl hands.


I carry it in this.


Hanging from this.


Right about here.

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Keep on Chooglin'

Nice rig, the 442 does well with +P loads?

I really like the 337Ti. I've carried it many times. Very light. Problem is they haven't been made since 2004, so might be difficult to find.

642 is the best!

Seriously any modern S&W J frame will work perfect. Some like blue, some like stainless. Some want 38 some want 357. Some want odd calibers, but I aint gonna get into that.

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

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LEX ET ORDO

Pretty much any of the 5 round S&W J frames and just slightly larger 6 round Colt Detective/Cobra/Agent revolvers. As for +P even if rated I'd avoid especially if alloy frame.

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.

Also a fan of the 642. I've been carrying one (or two) for about 10 years now, either as primary or as a BUG. Not the easiest gun to shoot, but if you can handle a pocket .380 it's likely do-able.

Any j-frame or a Ruger LCR.

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I like Ike.

442/642 or 340PD if you want .357 . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Based upon your criteria and the suggestions previously mentioned, I echo the suggestion of a S&W J-frame. They are about as tried and true as it gets when it comes to a small carry revolver.

My everyday gun is a Colt Cobra (the old one). Six shots, nice sights, and I hardly know its there.

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Rule of law, not a man.

Went from a PPK/s to a 638 to a 642 to a 640 to a 640-1. I belt carry, so weight isn't an issue. I can shoot .38s out of the 640-1 all day, and with the right stocks (grips) .357 aren't bad for me.

But yes, an S&W J-Frame is the way to go.

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SWCA #2817

I’ve been carrying a J Frame for over 50 years and recommend them w/one caveat. These are expert’s guns and require regular range time to ensure accuracy at combat distances. My EDC is the 340PD loaded w/+P, magnum loads are too difficult to get accurate follow up shots with, at least for me.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I’m still hooked on magnum stopping power. If my life is on the line or my family is threatened. Get a 357 and stagger 38 spec, 38+ p and 357 in the cylinder at the range to practice. You will improve your accuracy.

Keep in mind here if we use it we lose it. The law takes it away. You need a philly lawyer to get it back at what cost$$$.

My thoughts are carry something that we can replace that’s cheap.

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Plant garlic in the fall

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.

It might be a good idea to buy two if it’s feasible. I also have an older Model 60 snub that I use for range sessions where I shoot > 100 rounds.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Again, I recommend the S&W J frame. Five shots of 357 or 38 special in a gun that is easy to carry all day and hard to see is hard to beat. I picked this.

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Get a S&W model 49 or 649 and find a load that shoots to point of aim and then practice. I’d not bother with +P but I would suggest either a 148gr. Wad cutter or 158 gr. semi-wad cutter. If you feel like 5 rounds isn’t enough then buy a second J frame. It’s the fastest reload there is.

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BCCI Life Member #2068

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

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BCCI Life Member #2068

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

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

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

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

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"Mountaineers Are Always Free"

649 for me.

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

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Heavily armed old man.

I'm partial to the Smith M49.

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

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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.

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

Me too.

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

The little gold flashlight comes with me all the time.

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The smaller and lighter the revolver, the easier it is to carry. But also the more difficult to shoot well. But you already know this.

The best carry revolver is the one YOU can shoot well with minimal punishment to your hands. Try before you buy.

My vote goes to the M36.

65-5 ladysmith is my pick

Good point. I carry a lightweight S&W 638 with stout loaded wad cutters. I practice with light loaded wad cutters. You must practice, practice, practice. I keep practice rounds in my range bag. Every trip to the range I shoot between 20 and 50 rounds out of the humpback.

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I'm partial to the S&W 360 for a number of reasons. I prefer the option of single action, that is personal preference for sure. You have the ability to shoot 357, which I do, but even if you don't it has other advantages. You get a pinned front sight, which most 642/442/637 ect variants don't have. You also get a fully shrouded ejector. There is also the finish issues, especially on 642s, which the scandium models don't suffer from. And it's super light, mine is around 14 ounces with the VZs. Disappears in a pocket or on the hip.

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The police turn-in 640-1 with .357 mag 158 grain semiwadcutters is about as serious as a J-frame gets.

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Airweight J-frame 38 Special ... mine has a hammer because I don't like hammerless and two LEO buddies both carried them into retirement ...
Both told me the hammer IS NOT an issue ...
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

My first EDC was my 640-1 because I wanted a .357 Magnum.
I carried it for 6 years.



For the last 7 years I've been carrying my 642-1 because its lighter than my 640-1.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

My preference is a J-frame, carbon or stainless steel. They are a bit heavier than the alloy models, but that is why I prefer them. I find, for me, a bit more weight makes a big positive difference in felt recoil and my ability to get a second shot on target quickly. There is also less pain in my aging wrist.
My EDC for years has been a Mod. 649 .38 Spl. with wadcutters. I actually enjoy practicing with it. I pocket carry with a Mika holster, and find the option for SA/DA quite nice as well. All around, I find the old Mod. 649 somewhat the best all around for many personal needs.

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NRA Endowment Member

Another voice for steel S&W J-frames.

My edc is a 640-1 Pro loaded with .357 Barnes 140gr lead free.
Of all the ammo I've tried it's the one I'm accurate with.

I wear it at 4 o'clock in a lined Lobo Gun Leather Enhanced Pancake on
a Milt Sparks 1¾" lined belt. So comfortable I don't know it's there.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob