BEST Concealed Carry Revolver

[HOUSTON RICK]

What is your preferred S&W concealed revolver? Yes, we would prefer a Remington 870, some a 1911, or the Battleship Missouri in a gunfight, but please limit your responses to Smith revolvers. I have a CS9 and CS45 that are my carry guns, but as the years go by, I find that I prefer revolvers when in a hurry. Looking at the S&W Model 640 and similar models, any suggestions? Thank you!

 

[Pghxd9]

360pd, because I put it on and forget it's there.

 

[Edknn123]

I would love the 640 but it's a little too much for pocket carry. The 340 and 340PD seemed like they would be brutal with 357 mags so for the money, I chose the 442 Pro Moon Clip. Great for pocket carry and about 1/2 the price of the 340 duo. If money is no object, I'd go the 340 route.

 

[STCM(SW)]

M649, or an old M49 like I pocket CC in warm weather.


And yes, I rather have one of my 1911's....

 

[326MOD10]

I have carried a 642 for several years and really like it. Replaced the factory grips with the UM Boots.

It is light but not too light and can take +P's.

I also have a 60, 442 and a 638 but it is usually the old familiar and well worn 642 that I go for when I am carrying a revolver.

With that said I recently picked up a Shield and am making the switch from pocket to IWB. Still qualified with the 642 this range session though, in case I decide to go back to her. Hard to break old habits.

 

[P&R Fan]

So far everybody has mentioned J-Frames. I must admit they are handy to carry, but I don't feel comfortable using one as a primary. My M340PD lives constantly in my left side pocket. (I'm right handed). For my primary carry revolver my favorite is my 2 1/2" M66-1. It is small enough to carry concealed in an OWB holster. Shoots like a target revolver and balances perfectly. Plus it's stainless, so no rust worries. But best of all, it's a .357 Magnum.
I actually have both of these on right now, and feel prepared for anything.
Jim

 

[Hang-Fire Hank]

K-Frames

Rick: Either a 3" 65-5, a 3" 66-4, or a 2 1/2" 66-1 in a Lobo Enhanced Pancake OWB vertical holster loaded with 38 +P's.
Hank M.

 

[Sgt.Peck]

I also love "J" frames. I have five of them. I'll add a couple pictures that I have on the computer. Another choice slightly larger is a 3" model 65 round butt. It's a "K" frame with fixed sights. The first picture is of a 642 stainless and a nickel 442. Hard to tell the difference. Both air weights. The second picture is of a 60-9. It's chambered for .357 mag. Also has a heavier barrel which really helps when shooting. I had the hammer bobbed and an XS Big Dot front sight put on. Love it. And here is a picture of my 640. I polished it to a nickel luster. It has an old school look with Sambar stag grips and a Tyler T-grip adaptor. Sorry not too good of a picture.

 

[petepeterson]

I prefer the 442, mostly for it's simplicity. Nothing fancy.

 

[OLDSTER]

CCR

642 for me

 

[Pointblank2U]

So far everybody has mentioned J-Frames. I must admit they are handy to carry, but I don't feel comfortable using one as a primary. My M340PD lives constantly in my left side pocket. (I'm right handed). For my primary carry revolver my favorite is my 2 1/2" M66-1. It is small enough to carry concealed in an OWB holster. Shoots like a target revolver and balances perfectly. Plus it's stainless, so no rust worries. But best of all, it's a .357 Magnum.
I actually have both of these on right now, and feel prepared for anything.
Jim

I suggest you read Ed Lovette's book "The Snubby Revolver". When it comes to having to defend yourself unexpectedly, up close and personal, while living your normal life, accessibility is key.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Improved Model 56, AKA 2" Model 15. Easy to conceal on the belt, accurate, quick sight acquisition, comfortable with 158 gr +P LSWCHP.

 

[Rick_A]

J frames, of course.

One is used for pocket or ankle, the other for waistband. One is stoked with +p 38's, the other 357.
20150319_093037 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
20150312_104857 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

They are both current production and quite common, but are exceptional in fit finish and smoothness of action. They also shoot extremely well when I'm up to it.

 

[scruffy]

Hard to beat the 442.

 

[Jim1392]

I carry a 640 Pro in a Remora IWB holster.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

For ankle: 642/442.


Pocket: 642/442 or the 640.


Belt: Snub 64 or 12 or maybe a 3" 64 or 65.


You can't really go wrong with a J or K frame....so you need multiples.

 

[Old cop]

I have a nickel 442 and an older Model 38 (humpback). Both are light enough for pocket carry but heavy enough to help w/accurate follow up shots w/+P. The titanium frame guns are nice for carry bit just a bit too pricey for my budget. If you can find one the Colt Cobra is excellent too. Offers six rounds and a full length ejector rod in a package about 2 ozs. heavier than a standard J frame.

 

[pesty3782]

I carry a model 640-1 with the XS front sight. I also like fiber optic front sights for my older eyes. I carry it in the apex position in a Aker model 134 inside the pants. This gun has been a back up in uniform and I still carry it in plain clothes depending my assignment. I also have a 637 lighter but no way to change out front sight like the 640-1

Tony P

 

[petepeterson]

I'd like to add-

If it were to be my only CCW, I'd lean toward the 640 in .357. Much nicer for sustained practice, and a little more horsepower for the odd occasion that you need it.

As I have a few choices in carry gun, the 442 fits my requirements.

 

[chief38]

S&W M60-7 (mid 1990's). Everything you want and nothing you don't.