Best carry revolver? On a search for smaller defensive pistol

[Glock1736]

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.

 

[snubbyfan]

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.

 

[Glock1736]

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

 

[nutsforsmiths]

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.

 

[wood714]

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.

 

[lawandorder]

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

 

[majick47]

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.

 

[Rpg]

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.

 

[ContinentalOp]

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.

 

[7shooter]

Any j-frame or a Ruger LCR.

 

[Muss Muggins]

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

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.

 

[AppStFan]

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.

 

[sigp220.45]

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

 

[Jimmyjones]

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.

 

[Old cop]

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.

 

[BigBill]

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.

 

[Mbrgr1]

Well....

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.

 

[Old cop]

I’m still hooked on magnum stopping power. If my life is on the line or my family is threatened.

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.

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.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

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.

 

[Richard Simmons]

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.