CC only revolvers.

[LeftHand-Fu]

Carry what you know, appropriate for your situation. Heck, some people still carry derringers. 1955 Chiefs Special Airweight here. Also a knife, because Gibbs Rule #9. (Though not the classic knife in this photo. Recognize the Black Cat?) Sometimes also a "New York reload" instead of just speedloaders.

 

[BB57]

I've carried all of the revolvers below at one time or another. All of them are chambered in .357 Magnum, although I usually carry .38 +P loads in the J-frame revolvers since I can put rounds on target much faster with accuracy in a given interval of time than I can with the heavier recoiling .357 Magnum. The K and L frame sized revolvers can be shot much more effectively with a well chosen .357 Magnum load.

Left side, top to bottom - 2.5" S&W 686+, 2.75" Ruger Speed Six, 2.5" S&W Model 66;
Right side, top to bottom, - 3" Ruger SP 101, 3" S&W Model 60

The J frame sized revolver on the right are lighter (around 24-29 oz) while the revolvers on the left are much friendlier to shoot and offer 6 or 7 rounds rather than 5, but heavier in the 35-40 oz range.

I don't find the larger K and L frame sized revolvers to be any harder to conceal and with a good IWB holster and a well made double thickness leather carry belt they are comfortable in all day carry. I shoot a J frame better than the vast majority of people who own them, but I still shoot a K or L frame better with a +P or .357 Mag load.

----

Statistically, 95% self defense shoots are over and done with in 5 shots or less at 5 yards or less in 5 seconds or less, so there isn't a burning need for a reload, nor much time to clear a malfunction, so what ever you carry has to be as close to 100% reliable as you can possibly get.

That percentage includes LEO involved shoots, and given that armed citizens should be looking to avoid going into dark and scary places looking for bad guys, the percentage of shoots where an armed citizen would need more than 5 rounds is even smaller.

---

Shot placement is king when it comes to getting an assailant to stop, so you need to carry a handgun that fits you well, that you can shoot well, and that you will practice with on a regular basis.

Ideally you should select the type and model of handgun that fits you best, and then you should get it in the hardest hitting caliber you can shoot well.

Everything else is secondary.

----

Personally, if I carry a revolver I hedge my bets with the 7 shot 686 loaded in .357 Magnum, and I practice using a speed loader.

If you make every administrative reload a tactical reload (whether you carry a revolver or a semi-auto) over time you'll begin to build a great deal of repetition and muscle memory that will make reloading faster. So while it's not of primary importance, it is something that can be added to a training routine easily.

If you plan to carry a revolver and a speed loader, do some research on the FBI Reload, the Universal Reload, and the Stress Fire Reload. They each have some pros and cons. The FBI is a bit faster, but less positive with a short ejector rod pistol in .357 Magnum. The Stress Fire Reload is slightly slower, but much more positive and it has some distinct tactical advantage. Once mastered, any of those techniques will produce a reload in not much more time than it takes to reload a semi-auto.

I'll also carry a Kimber Micro in a pocket holster at times, partially as a "New York Reload", but mostly to have an easy to hand off handgun for my wife, who shoots but does not normally carry. If we ever need to get back out of a situation she'll can be armed and lead the way back out while I cover the withdrawal.

 

[digiroc]

1911?

Oorah,Semper Fi.

Indeed! In our day the 1911 was what we trained with. Surely you must still have one of those in your collection and that would be a good back up to your revolver.

digiroc

 

[Mister X]

Statistically, 95% self defense shoots are over and done with in 5 shots or less at 5 yards or less in 5 seconds or less.

Are you referencing a particular study?

The only armed civilian focused ones I'm aware of are those from Tom Givens and Claude Werner. I've often seen mention of one by Ed Lovette, but have yet to find it.

 

[hostler]

I'm thinking about just edc my revolvers,I like not breaking down them to clean like you have to clean auto's.I am 67 years old now and don't run the street like I did when I was young and brave,lol.Five or six shots is enough fire power.I haven't made that decision yet,i'm only thinking about it.

I'm actually moving in the opposite direction. Lately I've thought I needed to be better armed. I'm not too worried about the common street thug but I'm more concerned about the terrorist. In my area the chances of having to deal with either of these situations is pretty much null, but there's always that thought in the back of my mind when I'm out in public at a theater or restaurant or in church. I guess the threat (whether real or imagined) dictates.
Example, I took the dog for a walk around the neighborhood today. I carried the j-frame because one person walking their dog down the street is not a terrorist target at all. On the other hand, last xmas when I went to a large, well advertised, sold out, xmas play at a church near a metropolitan area, I carried the Glock and extra mags because that would've been a prime soft target for terrorists.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

90% of the time I belt carry a 2" K frame or I pocket carry a J frame. Sometimes I switch to an automatic pistol but only under certain conditions. If I am in the field I only carry a wheelgun, probably an L frame or N frame. And I'm a shade or two older than you but I've been doing this for a very long time.

 

[cmort666]

For years I carried a 2" 36 in a pocket holster.

Nowadays with all of the "allahu akhbar!" nonsense going on, I just don't feel that's adequate.

I switched first to a Glock 19, then to a 3 1/2" M1911.

Times change, and with them the threats.

I changed my response.

 

[Triathloncoach]

As often said in this thread, carry what you want. I carried j-frames but found the LCP to be significantly easier to carry, particularly if you pocket carry. Probably true with a LC9 too??? Tho certainly not in the same League of Cool as a S&W Snubbie. My 2 cents of contribution.

It's also Princess Pugsly's EDC. It keeps the other dogs and cats away when she's eating. She loves me, but she'd shoot me between the eyes for a crumb.

Ps. Keeping in step with others also in this thread, sometimes I carry my Glock 19 or 5906, and I recently picked up a P227 SAS that I load up with Underwood 45 + P. But I haven't heard too much on the 380 failing in a real world conflict where something bigger would have prevailed.

 

[K-framer]

A few months ago, I got rid of my last semi (a Glock 17).....and stopped loading 9mm. Now, I carry only my Smith model 64-3 3"....and load only 38 special for it.

I carry the 64 every day. I'm perfectly comfortable with it.... not looking back.

 

[Mtnfolk325]

I live in a small cabin that is about 60 miles from any major sized city, I'm 63 & a Retired California LEO. My hands and wrists have deteriorated to the point that a .38 +P is about the limit of comfort and accuracy for me, I have carried a 4" Model 64-3 more than anything else lately. I've found that I just plain shoot the 4" K better than any of my shorter barrel revolvers, it is actually more comfortable IWB than my 2.75" Speed Six. I have carried 2 EDC's nearly everyday for the past 38 years, a small 5 shot carried in a pocket is the New York Reload of choice ... along with 2 full reloads for the 64-3 ( Old Habits Die Hard ). Thinking I might go ahead and sell my Speed Six ;o)

 

[TexasArmed]

I normally carry two handguns, one the Glock 30 (45 caliber SF), with ten rounds and one in the pipe. I like having the J
frame 642-1 Smith & Wesson airweight revolver as a 2nd gun.
For one thing I carry the Glock with a holster completely covering the trigger guard but requiring me to unsnap the
holster before I can draw. The revolver would be a faster draw
if needed. I carry concealed but unconceal inside my vehicle
for faster access to either gun. I will not dial back as long as
anyone second guesses our President on protecting the country.
I also carry extra magazines as well. I feel that if our country
cannot be adequately protected, that its up to me to protect me
and my family. I won't delegate that responsibility to anyone else. Yes I know that in a shooting exchange its highly unlikely
more than four rounds might be fired. Also just recently four
or five armed robbers were arrested so the possibility of more
than one bad guy convinces me to carry extra firepower and
extra rounds. And I am convinced that our country cannot be
adequately protected. I am happy that I only travel by automobile into states that recognize my gun permit. The
older you get the more you look like prey to a predator.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

Duplicate post, please delete

 

[Kframerbluvr]

I am pushing 60 and am still active LE as a watch commander. My work mandates the issued Glock 23 when at work. It will remain as my primary EDC post retirement but I envision using service and snub .38s as out of state traveling iron. No ridiculous magazine restrictions and my disabled bride has enough hand strength for six shots from a K-frame Smith.

 

[Mister X]

I'm actually moving in the opposite direction. Lately I've thought I needed to be better armed. I'm not too worried about the common street thug but I'm more concerned about the terrorist. In my area the chances of having to deal with either of these situations is pretty much null, but there's always that thought in the back of my mind when I'm out in public at a theater or restaurant or in church. I guess the threat (whether real or imagined) dictates.
Example, I took the dog for a walk around the neighborhood today. I carried the j-frame because one person walking their dog down the street is not a terrorist target at all. On the other hand, last xmas when I went to a large, well advertised, sold out, xmas play at a church near a metropolitan area, I carried the Glock and extra mags because that would've been a prime soft target for terrorists.

I can fully understand wanting more firepower, but being more concerned with being targeted in an terrorist attack vs far more common threats makes little sense to me.

That's not to say we shouldn't be concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks and there is nothing wrong with being prepared, but just put it in perspective based on probability.

And if concerned about terrorism, remember not all terrorist attacks are large scale active shooter type attacks by multiple heavily armed individuals targeting large groups. We have seen many lone wolf attacks who target single persons often with just a blade.

However, terrorist attacks are still an extremely rare occurrence, but armed robberies, muggings, physical assaults, rape, car-jackings and the like are not and happen pretty much everywhere to some extent, especially in or by large cities. I would also probably have to add protesters(who have been known to get violent) to the list of current most likely potential threats one may face when traveling in or through large metropolitan areas.

 

[TAROMAN]

Always carried revolvers, starting with a Model 60 in the early 1970s. Later a 442 or 12-3.
I live near a university with many middle eastern students.
There have been a couple incidents, including one at the LGS owned by a friend.
Recently upgraded the carry selection with a 3953.
I think of it as a slim 8-shot DAO 9mm revolver:

 

[STCM(SW)]

Well, everyone has there one thing with CC handguns.
Me? My M 638, M49 & the M 640 I just got is more then enough for what I may need. Extra rounds in the strip's I have seem OK, but who would have that much time to reload?

 

[gman51]

I switched to a revolver for CC many years ago and haven't second guessed my decision. I carry an LCR357. I just bought a 640-1 that might get carried.
IMO a revolver cannot be beat for a small conceal carry gun. I would bet my life on a small revolver but not on any small size semi auto. But like anything that is my beliefs.

 

[3S16]

Semper Fi my brother. Welcome home. USMC 68-72. Viet Nam (69-70) . Retired SoCal LEO after 32 years. I collect and love older S&W revolvers. I have a ton of them!
I'd like to say I usually carry a cute J or K frame snub with Mother of pearl grips, but the truth is, I carry a Glock 19 with a G17 reload. In a moment of weakness, I sometimes carry a 9mm Shield.
If nothing else, in 32 years of Law Enforcement, I learned that there are a ton of A-holes out there, (quite of few who don't like me) and they often come in groups.
Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Cal44]

When I first started thinking about CCW, I figured there was no need to defend yourself from someone beyond bad breath distance.

After all you don't get mugged by someone from 75 feet away.

But in recent years, with shootings in theaters, large parties, or night clubs perhaps it's useful consider longer ranges.

At least practicing at 25 yards or even a bit more seems worthwhile.

And it might be useful to consider the very unlikely need for a longer range defensive shot when selecting your carry gun. Perhaps, if you want to stick with J frames, a 3" with adjustable sights.

 

[digiroc]

Why not carry both?

Always carried revolvers... Recently upgraded the carry selection with a 3853. I think of it as a slim 8-shot DAO 9mm revolver.

I came up in the late 60's and 70's with a 1911 pattern as primary carry, ultimately with a Colt Combat Commander with many upgrades of the day. A Colt Cobra as back-up when I felt one was needed.

Now as I have aged I find that such heavy iron is harder to carry all day. Now my primary carry is a 360PD AirLite, under a pound loaded and holstered. I find that appendix inside the waistband carry is the best choice for quick access, superior retention, comfort and concealability.

Although the 5 shot revolver is enough for 99% of likely encounters, the ability of a NY reload is far superior to trying to perform a high stress revolver reload of any type, especially for me, as my weak hand (left) has had surgery to splice tendons I severed in a work related incident that has left me with very limited left hand dexterity.

I still shoot well left handed and practice weak hand shooting often, but my left hand is far more recoil sensitive than strong hand. While my carry options include a Kimber Ultra Carry II and my 4040PD AirLite, I find it more comfortable to carry those in my belt pancake holsters at behind the right hip for a NY reload, just dropping the revolver and drawing the auto right handed.

Now I also have the option of a 3914 DAO inside the waistband on the weak hand side. This allows a NY reload before my 5 shots are expended. A weapon in each hand is far more intimidating for multiple attackers, a situation that becomes more likely in today's gangbanger and mob environment.

The 3914 actually conceals better than the snubby and may become primary AISW with the J frame in my ankle holster when dress demands better concealability.

I've put a Big Dot night sights on it for very rapid sight picture acquisition. Note how slim the 3914 is:

digiroc