Best carry revolver? On a search for smaller defensive pistol

[crankyoldlady]

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.

 

[Benchrest1]

My vote goes to the M36.

 

[ShadyDrifter]

65-5 ladysmith is my pick

 

[max503]

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

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.

 

[uncleted327]

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.

 

[old tanker]

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

 

[gwpercle]

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

 

[rubiranch]

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.

 

[JH1951]

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.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

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.

 

[Doug M.]

J frames are a lot harder to shoot well, and less than fun to shoot often. If you are going to have a belt holstered revolver, a 3-4" K frame with a round butt and adjustable sights is a really good combo. The adjustable sights are a lot easier to see; the 3-4" barrel shoots better and helps with sight alignment, and the K frame has a far better trigger. The J frame is a pocket carry gun almost exclusively. It has tiny sights, a trigger like a staple gun, and generally poor ergonomics. It can be shot very well - if you invest a LOT of time and money.

 

[eb07]

I went through this. I love my 624 and 442 but I love big bores. I used to only carry the Bulldog in winter, now it's year round.

The 442 with holster and 5 135gr speer gold dots weighs 20oz. The bulldog with holster and 5 200gr Speer Gold Dots is 26oz.

I find the 44 special easier shooting that the 38+p and the weight difference isn't much.



Smith and Wesson, we need a current manufacture jframe size and weight 44 special!!!! Hear me!!! Please!!!!

 

[Drm50]

I’m not much into snubs but I had a m38 that I wish I had kept. Loaded it would fit in shirt pocket or breast pocket of coat. With the note pads, pens and other junk in opposite pocket it was hardly noticeable.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
Pocket, or holster , or vest etc.
357 or 38
Inside or outside belt [if belt]
For all but belt/vest , a short [2in or less] barrel and boot style grip.
For belt/vest , I like a 3in, inside or out.[ Simple Rugged]
If magnum. I would stay away from the super light weights.
As the steel frames are in the 22oz range [ alu / Ti in the 15oz or less]
weight will not be a problem.[on the belt or vest{ I use ccw vest often}]
Also , unless you are one of the few who can take magnum kick with boot grips, I would go with a full grip.
I use Pach's on my M-60-15 pro and can shoot 357 "Groo monster Maulers" with out pain...[But boy do they kick!!!!!!!!]

 

[Mehutch]

My choice for many years, works for me.

 

[Grayfox]

JMHO: To me the best carry revolver is a 3" K-frame either .38 or .357. With the Colt Detective Special running a close second. Both are small enough for good concealment and carry, yet big enough for excellent speed and accuracy. When my primary carry is a revolver, its my 3" Model 13.

However I will admit that I often carry my 642 just because I'm just lazy.

 

[diyj98]

I like the idea of carrying a K framed revolver, but for my lifestyle it's just not that practical. An lightweight j frame in my pocket is just so easy to carry vs strapping on a larger belt holstered weapon. A 642 or 442 is ideal, but I currently use a 360J just because that's what I had handy. I did put a bobbed hammer on it to prevent snagging in my pocket though.

 

[GT_80]

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

I agree- get a steel J-frame, or a Ruger SP101 in 3" barrel, 357 magnum, and shoot 38 +P in it. Such a joy to shoot, and plenty of punch.

 

[haywood]

I like shooting my J-Frames. A little practice now and then keeps me in tune. With the right grips they are comfortable at the Range and for carrying. Lightweight’s have served me well. A 442 or my bobbed 37 is always in my pocket and a second lightweight or my 36 is usually in my belt.

 

[BearBio]

I did not like DA only, so I opted for the good old "humpback whale" with 38 wadcutters. I could still thumb cock. Like my Detective Special and it carried six. As I said elsewhere, my Model 19 and Model 24 were a little big.

My favorite 357 DA was a Model 28 4" but hard to conceal.

One "sleeper" (I had 2 at different times) was a Charter 44 Bulldog. Recoil wasn't bad with Herrett Shooting Stars.

To be honest, my wife went from a revolver to a Glock 43 for EDC. I carry a G43 for short, spontaneous trips and a G27 modified to 357 Sig for EDC.

Woods carry is a different topic in my viewpoint!