Best carry revolver? On a search for smaller defensive pistol

[gsn]

Glad to see that someone posted the .22 wmr; with defensive ammo it is a very viable civilian option. The only real issue is getting one with a decent trigger the LCR is superb-the Smith is absolutely hideous.

Another fantastic choice would be the lcr in 9mm , it shames the .38 in any load and with +p you are solidly into .357 territory . Again the Ruger trigger bests the Smith and with the 9 the Ruger will fire without the clip, ejections of course will be shaken or easily picked out.

The Ruger SP101 IS built like a tank and about as heavy as one-this forged handgun requires a stout belt and suspenders without which one would most likely find themselves in the pokey for indecent exposure.

Remember CIVILIAN self defense shootings differ greatly from law enforcement gun fights, nearly 180* different.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I own a S&W 640 Pro, but it isn't my EDC. My EDC is a Kimber K6S Snubbie. The 6 Round Cylinder makes the difference to me.

I like the 642 for its versatility (belt, pocket, ankle, etc.), but if I were going to get a snub revolver specifically for belt carry, the K6S would probably be at the top of my list for consideration.

Since OP mentioned most of his experience is with .380s, I'm presuming he wants a snub to fill a similar role.

 

[bdGreen]

These, for all the right reasons.

enjoy,

bdGreen

Tap on image to enlarge.

 

[lawandorder]

That is a pair to draw Bruce.

 

[snowman]

The Ruger SP101 IS built like a tank and about as heavy as one-this forged handgun requires a stout belt and suspenders without which one would most likely find themselves in the pokey for indecent exposure.

Well, all I can do is share my own experience. The SP101 has been my carry gun for over 15 years. I carry it in my pocket and, though it is without question heavier than most if not all of the other guns mentioned in this thread, I don't even notice it if I'm not thinking about it. It doesn't pull my pants down and any decent belt has been satisfactory for pocket carry.

I researched carry guns extensively when I was ready to buy, and bought the Ruger because it cost considerably less, and because I wanted more heft to handle magnum ammunition. It does that admirably; I could fire magnums with it for hours without discomfort, and the recoil isn't as stiff with it as it would be with Smith's offerings. It also has a great factory square butt grip, which makes it even better for shooting in my view.

I would encourage the OP to consider the SP101 and at least handle one if he can find one.

Regards,
Andy

 

[JohnRippert]

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

There is no problem putting in the practice with a 442 if it wears grips that allow you to get all your fingers around it. Mine wears Altamont finger groove combats and I use standard pressure 158gr lead hollow points from Buffalo Bore.

 

[MG-70]

Model 60 with a 3", unshrouded barrel, for lighter weight, and fixed sights with a pinned big dot front sight, and bobbed hammer. Runner up would probably be a 3" Model 60 Pro with adjustable rear sight converted to fixed, and bobbed hammer. I don't have either one.

Of the ones I do have, it would be a Model 640, followed by a 640-3. If the extra weight weren't an issue, a Ruger SP101 in 9mm (or .357Mag, which I don't have). Ideally, I'd say a 3" 640 with the "thin" barrel, but even for my tastes, that revolver is too damn ugly. A 3" Ruger SP101, and you're probably running into 3" K-frame territory, which to me would be preferred.

If were allowed to carry, it would probably be a single-stack traditional double-single action 9X19, with one or two spare mags.

 

[RussellD]

dear old mom asked for a revolver. I take several and allow her to try them at the range. She picks the model 12 and says this is what i want. At 7 yards she was right on the silhouette target.

These days mom is 86 and has slowed down just a tad. She still keeps the model 12 in her nightstand.

 

[gsn]

The SP 101 .357 tips in at about 30 oz loaded, the lcr roughly 20 oz of course of the two the range gun would be the 101.

I am a Smith guy and it pains me to have to had gone to Ruger for daily carry guns in calibers which I have great confidence in for civilian concealed carry. The LCR is simply a tool, an excellent tool for protection, .38-.357 or even the wmr you will be well served. But opt for the 9 and I believe you have the caliber that the snub was made for.

Real guns are made of metal whose molecules have been beaten savagely, repeatedly into submission not from melting and pouring or from using plastic frames/sub frames-it isn't -natural-.

When Smith wakes up and brings to market a snub in 9 which will fire rounds reliably without moonies AND a wmr which has any where near the trigger of the LCR the 'Glock' equivalent of the revolver will be gone faster than old Joe is when a serious question comes up.

Ruger makes good guns, just not my kind-all should be able to agree that as good as Rugers are they (snubs) do require at least a stout belt and holster, pocket guns they are not.

By the way, real guns have written warranties also.....

 

[Dump1567]

2 1/2" to 3" K frame (19, 66, 65, 64, 10, 13, etc). Much more shootable than a J frame for most people. I think a 3" 65 is ideal. .38 spl. for most carry, or step-up to .357 for certain situations.

 

[tflt]

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.

I ordered a 640 Pro today, It's in the mail, can't wait.

 

[hittman77]

I recommend a Ruger LCR in 38 Special. It will handle +P loads.

I put Ruger's boot grips on mine. It has a factory green tube front site that I'm able to pick up very well at the range.

Mine rides in either a Galco ankle holster or a Simply Rugged pancake IWB with their "inside-out" straps.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I ordered a 640 Pro today, It's in the mail, can't wait.

Congrats. Let us know how you like it after break in.

 

[G-Mac]

The Model 649-1 with vintage S&W diamond stocks and a Tyler T-grip is the best J-frame carry gun (for me anyway )

 

[riverrat38]

A M442-1 works well for me, but I think that the 640 no dash might be the sweet spot. Mostly, because I like the stainless revolvers best. Unfortunately, of course, they are no longer made. I never see used guns like that in the gun stores around here, and I would rather not buy a used gun sight unseen. I think the 38 SPL style of J frames make the best carry guns. I have a M640 Pro, and it's a very nice gun, but I usually reach for the 442 when I am going out and about.
I carry in a Lobo Gunleather Original Pancake, and the load is Federal HST micro 130 gr plus P.

Best,
Rick

 

[malph]

I like the 642 for its versatility (belt, pocket, ankle, etc.), but if I were going to get a snub revolver specifically for belt carry, the K6S would probably be at the top of my list for consideration.

Since OP mentioned most of his experience is with .380s, I'm presuming he wants a snub to fill a similar role.

I have to agree with you. For pocket carry, a 642 or one of the other lightweight J-frames are hard to beat.

If carrying on a belt but concealed I really like the Kimber K6. Good sights, six shots good, good trigger and shaped like a beefed up 640.

They are really good little guns.

 

[sjs]

1. Pick your caliber. If magnum get a 3" barrel, if not, go with 2 or less. Mine is a .357 Mag but more for the versatility than for the power. Times like these and you might be able to find 357 ammo or components and not find .38, or visa versa.

2. Be honest about how much you will shoot it vs. carry and not shoot much. If not much, get an alloy J or an LCR, depending on whatever one appeals most to you; they are both great snubbies. If you will shoot it a lot, get a steel J or SP101. Both are great, and I have both and like both. I have the 101 in both .357 and 9mm, both 2", and it is heavier than the J but I don't find it a problem with a quality belt and holster. I also can carry it in the pocket despite its weight.

3. My EDC is a 60-15 3" .357. I carry it because I shoot it a lot, 2 to 3 range trips a week. I shoot it a lot because it is my favorite firearm. I find the 3" barrel a bit much for pocket carry, though it can be done with many of my pants. I actually prefer it for belt carry over the 2" guns because of its balance, and I use a Simply Rugged pancake holster.

Whatever you think in theory, in practice size and weight are everything for EDC. If you carry much and shoot little you will ultimately end up with a small light gun. If you shoot a lot, you will probably end up with a gun that is a bit bigger and heavier.

 

[Rodfac]

I've carried a M60 Smith with a 3" bbl. for many years. My loads have been .38 Spl. +P's for their shorter overall length...read good expansion and with a more positive ejection from the cylinder vs. .357's. Prior to the M60 (I bought it for its SS construction), both my wife and I carried M36's with the same bbl. length. The slightly longer tube gives better accuracy, especially so with Smith's adj. sights...and no, I've never had the gun hang up on presentation due to the sights "sticking" to clothing. And BTW, the gun's (either one) accuracy is good enough for casual trail use...2-3" gps at 25 yds from an unsupported, two-handed stance. Best regards, Rod

Here's the M60 with Hogue Monogrip stocks and it's .22 LR understudy. And a shot of my normal carry rig...OWB all the way.