Carry Difference: Model 60 and Model 64 2"

[kbm6893]

Thinking of getting a 64 2". I have a 686, so I would like to be able to use the same speedloaders. Is the weight difference enough to really notice the difference? Would the 64 be more concealable than a S&W 6906 (that's my current carry).

 

[murphydog]

A 2" steel K frame .38 is a lot lighter than any 686 (7-8 ounces under a 2.5" version). If you meant to ask about the model 60 also, as your title suggests, this weighs only 19 ounces in the 2". The alloy J frames go down to as little as 12 ounces. How much the weight matters for carry varies from person to person, but it is one of the big reasons for the popularity of J frames.

The 6906 is a little narrower across the middle than a model 64, but concealability involves several different factors like weight, holster type, etc., and only you can decide that.

Personally, if you like carrying your 6906, shoot it well and use proper self-defense ammo I would think it to be a nearly ideal carry gun; hard to argue with having 24+ rounds easily available with one spare loaded mag too. If you can afford the 64 and proper carry gear, however, why not try it out and see?

 

[kbm6893]

I noticed my post was a bit vague. The 686 I have is the 4" model. Never gonna carry that one. So the steel model 60 is only 19 oz? I thought it was closer to 24 oz. What does the 64 2" weigh? I really like my 6906, but just think the smaller curved grip of the revolver would be a bid easier to conceal.

 

[GhostDog]

Speedloaders

The 686 uses different speedloaders than the M64 does. You should know that up front.
I love K frames and would go with the M64.

 

[Tom Servo]

Given the choice between a short-barreled K-Frame and a J-Frame, I'd take the K-Frame. The 64 is an easier gun to shoot well, with negligible recoil. Though not as light as the 60, the weight difference over the L-Frame is noticeable.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Holster and Belt choice is #1 for CCW.
The Model 60 (J Frame) is easier to carry and conceil.
The Model 64 (K Frame) has an extra round and is easier to shoot accurrate, plus easier to draw having more grip to hold onto.
If I was choosing I would go with the Model 64 using a Tyler Grip Adapter in a Lobo Pancake Holster.
Jimmy

 

[kbm6893]

The 686 uses different speedloaders than the M64 does. You should know that up front.
I love K frames and would go with the M64.

Really? The speedloaders for my 686 are the same ones I used when I had a 66, another K frame. And they are also the same ones that my old partner used with his model 64 DAO (NYPD gun).

 

[P&R Fan]

The L-frame cylinder on a 686 is a bit bigger, so K-frames speedloaders theoretically should not work in them. Although HKS units are rather loose, so they may work. Each speedloader company makes specific units for each caliber/frame size. Make sure you get the right ones and you'll be fine.
For general carry, I would prefer the 64 over the 60, and if you get in a gunfight I'll bet you'll agree with me.

 

[murphydog]

A 2" model 64 is listed at 30.5 ounces, a 2" model 60 is 19 ounces as noted above, and a 3" model 60 is 24.5 ounces. For comparison, a 4" 686 like yours is 41 ounces.

I would think the length and contour of the end of the grip frame has the most to do with concealment, and you may find the 2" 64 is not all that different from your 6906 in these respects on your belt.

 

[photoman]

I pocket carried a 2" Model 64 one summer in a Mika. It really wasn't that bad. When I carry it now days, it's usually appendix IWB and very rarely a pancake at 4 o'clock.

As far as what gun to carry, you really just have to try them out and see how it goes. Good belts and holsters are a must for the heavier guns.

 

[BUFF]

If you decide on the M-64, you will probably find that a 3 inch barrel is generally no harder to conceal than a 2 inch barrel, except perhaps for pocket carry, but a K frame pushes the limits of pocket carry.

The 3 inch gun has a longer ejector rod and stroke, which more reliably extracts the empties. Excellent feature. The slightly longer sight radius of the 3 incher is also a plus.

The 3 inch M-64 will also likely be easier to find than the 2 incher.

If I am going to the bother and effort of carrying a steel framed K frame concealed, I would likely skip the .38's altogther and get a K frame .357 Magnum, which are common in 2-1/2 and 3 inch barrel sizes.

That said, a Model 60 will be almost mousegun-like to carry, compared to a K frame gun.

 

[Srigs]

The 2", 2.5" or 3" K-frame would be much easier to shoot well much like the 69xx you already have. The Model 60 is easier to carry and gives you a pocket carry option where as the K-frames are better belt guns IMHO.

My 6946 was my first carry gun and one I still love but I love carrying my 66 2.5" K-frame and it is easier to conceal mainly due to the smaller curved grip of the round butt (square butt is harder to conceal IMHO). I do carry my Model 10 2" in a The Slide belt holster and it is like wearing nothing.