I find this revolver and rig to work well for me.
Best revolvers for concealment
- Thread starter BabaBlueJay
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I’ve recently taken to carrying a 351PD. About 12 ounces fully loaded. I’m in Ohio too and think the 22Mag is just right for a summer gun. Plus 7 rounds of gold dots is a good feeling.
If I feel froggy I carry a 638. Either way one is with me all the time.
Plus they can be carried so many different ways depending on your dress and activities.
If I feel froggy I carry a 638. Either way one is with me all the time.
Plus they can be carried so many different ways depending on your dress and activities.
I dress lightly all year.
In the summer, fall and spring, light is the way to go here in NC.
No steel gun whatsoever unless it’s a Seecamp, even in winter.
In the summer, fall and spring, light is the way to go here in NC.
No steel gun whatsoever unless it’s a Seecamp, even in winter.
OP
The Taurus 942 looks really cool. I like the idea of 8 shots in 22 magnum and Mark from God Family and Guns raves about it. I don’t hate Taurus
️ I was actually fairly impressed with their reliability and accuracy. I just hated shooting 38 out of a snub. I’d rather shoot full power 357 single handed out of my 686 than shoot my snubs I had with both hands on them.
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OP, I felt your pain. Had a S&W 642 and 360j. Way to much recoil/pain for my old hands after 20 or so rounds of practice at the range. I went to a Taurus 856 and loved it, but the arthritis got so bad I couldn’t get good groups anymore so it got sold also.
I think you would enjoy the 942 in 22 magnum. The 2” bbl in the ultra-light model is a good carry gun. 4 rounds of Speer Gold Dot and 4 rounds of CCI maxi mag 40gr for penetration should stop the threat, God forbid it ever came to it. JMO
I really enjoy my 22mag revolver!
P.S. You could always have the hammer bobbed enough to use it in single action for pocket carry.
I think you would enjoy the 942 in 22 magnum. The 2” bbl in the ultra-light model is a good carry gun. 4 rounds of Speer Gold Dot and 4 rounds of CCI maxi mag 40gr for penetration should stop the threat, God forbid it ever came to it. JMO
I really enjoy my 22mag revolver!
P.S. You could always have the hammer bobbed enough to use it in single action for pocket carry.
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Oh, I'll chime in. Model 38 J frame (airweight), Magnas, Tyler T and a pocket holster. Closer to the top is a pic that could pass for mine, except for the rubber grips.
Ruger LC9 also disappears in the pocket but I find the trigger on par with a staple gun.
Ruger LC9 also disappears in the pocket but I find the trigger on par with a staple gun.
I highly recommend going to a range where you can rent some revolvers and see for yourself.
You might consider a SmartCarry. Here's a write up I did: http://smith-wessonforum.com/concea...e/668110-smartcarry.html?highlight=SmartCarry
With small light weight revolvers like J frames and the Taurus 856 recoil is difficult to manage for most folks, especially with hot plus P ammo. i recommend using 148 grain wadcutter target ammo. Low recoil, but bullets penetrate deeply and because of shape damage lots of tissue. That's my carry ammo in my Smith 642.
xfarfuldog
Member
Many years ago we had an older lady come through our basic academy's firearms program. She worked for a court and had to be armed. She was having problems shooting her j frame. She borrowed my detective special and passed everything fine. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference.
OP
I agree testing before buying would be nice, but I am not sure of any ranges near me that do that.
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Since this thread is about "best revolvers for concealment" and not a variety of other handguns large and small, the J-frame snub nose .38 easily takes first place.
As mentioned already, these guns, for most people, are quite difficult to shoot well. To the first-timer or the inexperienced handgunner, these guns are not comfortable to shoot and trigger pulls are heavy, but one can adapt to these "drawbacks" to the point where they are no longer shortcomings.
Sure, you can add bigger, more comfortable stocks but you may as well get a larger revolver if you're going to lessen the concealment factor. You can change out springs and reduce the reliability factor but, you'll have that lighter trigger pull you "needed".
Or you can take an unmolested .38 J-frame snub nose right out-of-the-box and learn to shoot it. If one is willing to put in the time, effort, and ammunition expense to do things right, these guns are easily the winners in the category of best concealment revolvers.
As mentioned already, these guns, for most people, are quite difficult to shoot well. To the first-timer or the inexperienced handgunner, these guns are not comfortable to shoot and trigger pulls are heavy, but one can adapt to these "drawbacks" to the point where they are no longer shortcomings.
Sure, you can add bigger, more comfortable stocks but you may as well get a larger revolver if you're going to lessen the concealment factor. You can change out springs and reduce the reliability factor but, you'll have that lighter trigger pull you "needed".
Or you can take an unmolested .38 J-frame snub nose right out-of-the-box and learn to shoot it. If one is willing to put in the time, effort, and ammunition expense to do things right, these guns are easily the winners in the category of best concealment revolvers.
duane_wade
Member
I picked up my 360 AirWeight and was hesitant about shooting .357 mag out if it because of the horror stories I'd heard concerning recoil. First thing I did was to replace the stock grips with Hogue monogrips, I lost a little on the concealability factor but that extra ½ in of grip really helps with the recoil and 2nd shot follow up. I'm no marksman by any means but after many rounds of practice I've gotten quite good at shooting the little beast. I've taken 3 groundhogs (live on a farm) with it, 2 were posing perfectly at about 35-40 feet away and the 3rd was a fortunate shot as he was running at about a 30 foot distance.
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DevilDog72
US Veteran
I carry several different revolvers.. J frames and K frames... my favorite in any weather anytime ( except BLM riots) is my 19-4 snub...
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Board shorts and a tank top on a kayak?
Fixed blade neck knife and learn how to use it from Michael Janich. Not his go to blade but given your scenario ...
Yes I am a student of his
Fixed blade neck knife and learn how to use it from Michael Janich. Not his go to blade but given your scenario ...
Yes I am a student of his
crstrode
Member
Sine the OP clearly said the steel Taurus 856 is "too snappy", all of the J-frame suggestions are no good. The 856 is a bit bigger and a bit heavier than the Smith J-frame. I'd suggest a model 10 snub. It is, as others have said, akin to a mini 686. Although I personally prefer the Taurus for EDC, the 1-7/8" round butt Model 10 is one of my all-time favorites
THE PILGRIM
Member
Yes! If recoil bothers you - Shoot a lighter load.
I usually load 38+ P in my J Frames.
I can shoot 357s but it’s uncomfortable.
And excessive recoil can result in your piece being out of position for follow on shots.
Self defense shooting usually means assailants up close.
Would I take that 150 yard shot on a running Coyote with my 642?
I never have, but I have with my 2 1/2 - 66.
I missed!
I usually load 38+ P in my J Frames.
I can shoot 357s but it’s uncomfortable.
And excessive recoil can result in your piece being out of position for follow on shots.
Self defense shooting usually means assailants up close.
Would I take that 150 yard shot on a running Coyote with my 642?
I never have, but I have with my 2 1/2 - 66.
I missed!
OP
/Thread I figured I am better off carrying what I know and working my clothing around it. Hawaiian shirts for the win!
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If you’ll be carrying a 4” 686 on the water, you’ll need a Hawaiian shirt, pants, belt and suspenders! But at least it won’t rust quickly when you get wet. 
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