2-Inch vs 3-Inch CCW (Colt DS)

[bangbangnj]

Hey all.

I'm looking to purchase my first concealed carry weapon. I plan to shoulder holster it. I've decided on the Detective Special third issue.

My question is 2-inch vs 3-inch. From what I see out there, the 3-inch is about $100-$200 more. I am used to shooting a 6-inch that stays at home, so either one will be a learning curve.

1- Is there a comfort difference between 2 and 3 inch?
2- Is it difficult to conceal a 3-inch?
3- Is there a significant difference in accuracy between a 2 and 3 inch?
4- Oddball question, is nickel a bad idea for a ccw?

 

[tops]

#1 and #2... I've carried 2 in. to 6 1/2 in. in shoulder holsters and for me there is not any difference other than weight.
#3.... At self defense distance for me there is not any difference.
#4...One of my mentors wanted a blue gun and black holster because if the cover garment opened up the dark color would be more difficult too see. Larry

 

[CH4]

^^^^^^^^
This

 

[murphydog]

A 3" Colt DS third model makes for a good carry gun, but will not be easy to find unless you already have a prospect lined up. For concealment it seems to be more an issue hiding the grip frame than the barrel length, up to about 4" or so.

A shoulder holster will work but it will require compromises in your attire, like always having to wear a T-shirt and shirt, or shirt and outer garment, so the holster and straps aren't right on your chest/back/shoulders. Good luck in your decisions.

 

[bangbangnj]

A 3" Colt DS third model makes for a good carry gun, but will not be easy to find unless you already have a prospect lined up. For concealment it seems to be more an issue hiding the grip frame than the barrel length, up to about 4" or so.

A shoulder holster will work but it will require compromises in your attire, like always having to wear a T-shirt and shirt, or shirt and outer garment, so the holster and straps aren't right on your chest/back/shoulders. Good luck in your decisions.

For the most part I plan to be wearing a light jacket or a sports jacket when carrying. Otherwise, would a 3" fit well as an itp ?

And I was mistaken. Looks like there are plenty of 2-inch third issues, and a few 3-inch second issues out there.

 

[bangbangnj]

#1 and #2... I've carried 2 in. to 6 1/2 in. in shoulder holsters and for me there is not any difference other than weight.
#3.... At self defense distance for me there is not any difference.
#4...One of my mentors wanted a blue gun and black holster because if the cover garment opened up the dark color would be more difficult too see. Larry

Thanks, so I'm splitting hairs more or less

 

[murphydog]

For the most part I plan to be wearing a light jacket or a sports jacket when carrying. Otherwise, would a 3" fit well as an itp ?

And I was mistaken. Looks like there are plenty of 2-inch third issues, and a few 3-inch second issues out there.

What is an "itp"?

 

[bangbangnj]

What is an "itp"?

an inside the pants holster. I'm new to cc

 

[robertrwalsh]

As long as you are carrying it in a shoulder holster I see pretty much zero difference. I admit I do not like the look of the 3" at all. All of mine are 2". However, I prefer the 3" K-frame S&W to the 2", (usually). But then again I am weird.

 

[Grayfox]

I have a 2" 3rd Issue DS that I carried for quite a few years back when I first got my handgun permit. I loved that gun! Slightly bigger than a J-frame, but smaller than a K. I only quit carrying it because a rule change allowed me to go to a 1911.
I still have it and will never sell it.
The 3" version of the old DS is hard to find, very desirable and damned expensive.
Colt's new Cobra line is pretty much just a reissue of the old DS. I believe its available with a 3" barrel. But don't hold me to that.

However, I think the perfect carry revolver is a 3" S&W K-frame. I have 3" Models 10 & 13. When I carry a revolver, these are what I reach for.

 

[forindooruseonly]

an inside the pants holster. I'm new to cc

It may be easier to call it IWB, inside the waistband, which is a well known phrase. One of those nomenclature things that you wouldn't know if you're just getting in CCW.

Glad you are willing to carry. I would beg you to make sure you pay attention to the legal/safety aspects of carrying in your state.

So, I can't speak to the Detective Specials, but I carry S&W J-frames in the 1 and 7/8th and in the 3 inch versions, similar but not apples to apples.

There is no comfort difference between the two, nor is there much difference in concealing. Accuracy is slightly better for me with a 3, simply because of longer sight radius and I focus easier on the 3. I live in a state where it doesn't matter legally if someone spots your carry piece, so nickel is fine for me. However, prior to the law being updated in my state, a jacket accidentally opening and showing people could be considered brandishing, so keep that in mind.

I find shoulder holsters to be the hardest method of carry, both in maintaining discreteness and in program compliance - i.e. carrying regularly as a habit. It's more of a production to get my shoulder rig on that it is to just stick in on my belt. I also don't like that I'm sweeping people beside and around me when I draw the gun. However, if you are sitting in a car or office most of the day, shoulder holsters can be much more comfortable and easy to get to. Either way, shoulder carry is one of those things that people either like or hate.

Good luck on your choice. Pretty soon you'll be like the rest of us with boxes full of holsters and rigs looking for the perfect set-up (pro-tip: you won't find one).

 

[cd228]

an inside the pants holster. I'm new to cc

The phrase "inside the Waist band" or IWB is in common usage among holster makers.

Not to dissuade you, but it might not be wise to pick a revolver that has been out of production for 20 years. While I own one (third gen) and it is a great pistol, I don't carry it. The parts are not as common as they once were and I'm not sure how well it would hold up to regular practice with .38 +Ps. I read a digital copy on the manual once and it recommended sending it back for retiming after 3K rounds of +P. While mine has not had any issues, I did have a Python come out of time on me after shooting some old super vel through it (it was a 1970s gun).

You might want to consider the new Colt Cobra or night Cobra for a 2" revolver or a King Cobra in 3". If you don't mind a 5 shot revolver the S&W Model 60 can be had with a 2" or 3" barrel length and the Ruger LCRx can also be had in both barrel lengths.

I've found a 2 3/4" Ruger Service Six to be more "shootable" that is easier to get head/chest hits on a VTAC target out to 15 yards then my Smith 340 (1 7/8" J frame). It's eaier to carry the 340 as it's much lighter and as such it can be ankle carried or pocket carried.

While I don't CCW the Ruger, I have CCW'd a 4" 686. With the right holster , cover garment and belt, it's not a problem unless folks are really looking. I'd recommend a quality IWB and belt from a reputable maker.

Nickle or Stainless add corrosion resistance if you sweat a lot. There is a reason most of the S&W service style pistols and revolvers are Stainless. With a good holster most of the shiny parts are concealed.

 

[riverrat38]

Check out the Kimber K6S revolver. 6 rounds, and the best trigger pull I have experienced. With or without a hammer spur, and 2" or 3" models. Probably the smallest 6 shot .357 Magnum available.

73,
Rick

 

[dsf]

A 2nd Generation 3" DS is a pretty pricey gun. And hard to find. I'd go with something more conventional, and that I would mind being ill treated by PD while spending time in their custody should it ever be used for its intended purpose.

I wouldn't want any of my nicer stuff to be subject to treatment by anyone else but me, for any period of time.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I own a 3rd gen DS, new 2" Cobra and 3" King acobra. Without question I prefer carrying the 3". It only slightly larger than my 2" Cobra which is the same size as the DS and the extra 1" of sight radius makes accuracy much easier. The action of the new models are just as smooth or better in my opinion. I own several Smith J & K frame 38's and most are snubnose. The DS, cobra and King Cobra fall nicely between the J and K frame models. To me they feel and look noticeably smaller than a K frame snubbies.

 

[Onomea]

The concern for what happens to one's cc gun if you have to use it and the police confiscate it shows up fairly frequently.

To me it is a non issue: I think odds of my ever using my cc gun are slim, and, if I do need to use it, how the gun is treated while in police custody is so far down the list of concerns in the aftermath of cascading consequences of a SD shooting as to be, to me, irrelevant.

I have a second series 2" that I like for EDC, usually in a pancake holster.

 

[bangbangnj]

Thanks everyone for the input. I went for the new cobra in 2 inch and picked up an original detective third issue grip. Should satisfy all points.

 

[Guevera]

That 3" Colt is a pretty graceful little thing in the hand....

 

[bangbangnj]

That 3" Colt is a pretty graceful little thing in the hand....

That is a gorgeous specimen of 3". If one ever finds me at a pre-covid price, I'll likely grab it up.

 

[rockquarry]

I had a 3" DS along with 2" DS, Cobra, and Agent; all older guns with exposed ejector rods. For me, the 3" offered no advantage over the 2" guns. Strictly personal choice, but it's important to remember that the bulk of any revolver is in the frame size and cylinder, not barrel length until you get into longer barrels of 4" or more. The real carrying difference between a 2" and 3" Colt Detective Special and the alloy frame counterparts is minimal at best.

Longer sight radius advantage? Maybe. If you can tell the difference and the 3" gun shoots better for you, then there is an advantage over a 2" gun. Out to 25 yards, they'll probably be pretty close for most persons.