CCW revolver? Model 19, 66… I’m just not sure. Ditching the SP101 idea…

[ChargerBill]

I’ve decided to get my CCW for numerous reasons I didn’t have until recently (not to mention the world going to hell lately). I bough a new SP101 to fill my revolver slot on my CCW, but I just cannot stand the trigger.

I have a 19-7 snubnose that is only 5 oz heavier than the SP101, and I’m pretty large, so I’m not concerned about the extra weight. I’m thinking OWB at 4 oclock for carry purposes, but honestly will only use it as a glovebox and trail gun, so holster and position aren’t my biggest concerns right now.

I’m mainly worried about body sweat vs the blueing, so I am thinking that a 66 snubnose might be a better choice due to the stainless construction.

I’m looking for input from guys that carry, or have some wisdom to impart. Also, I may just put the 19-7 on my cert for now and swap out to a 66 if / when I find one.

What might be a good version of the 66 to look for where I won’t destroy a collectible by carrying it but will still have a great gun without MIM parts?

Could some S&W .357 snub other than the 66 also serve the same purpose?

 

[Rudi]

What ever works best for you.

 

[K-22]

Belt and Holster

I’ve decided to get my CCW for numerous reasons I didn’t have until recently (not to mention the world going to hell lately). I bough a new SP101 to fill my revolver slot on my CCW, but I just cannot stand the trigger.

I have a 19-7 snubnose that is only 5 oz heavier than the SP101, and I’m pretty large, so I’m not concerned about the extra weight. I’m thinking OWB at 4 oclock for carry purposes, but honestly will only use it as a glovebox and trail gun, so holster and position aren’t my biggest concerns right now.

I’m mainly worried about body sweat vs the blueing, so I am thinking that a 66 snubnose might be a better choice due to the stainless construction.

I’m looking for input from guys that carry, or have some wisdom to impart. Also, I may just put the 19-7 on my cert for now and swap out to a 66 if / when I find one.

What might be a good version of the 66 to look for where I won’t destroy a collectible by carrying it but will still have a great gun without MIM parts?

Could some S&W .357 snub other than the 66 also serve the same purpose?

First, start with a proper belt. The Beltman, is my first choice for a belt.
As for holsters, take a look at Crossbreeds offerings.
Methinks they will have a holster that will fill your needs for either the 19 , or the 66. For a CCW revolver, you cannot do better than a 66.
With a good belt/holster combo, you will not notice a few ounces.
I use their SuperTuck with my beretta Centurion. I could not be happier.
All day, every day.
BTW, I am 6’2” 265 lbs.
Best,
Gary

 

[Muley Gil]

Don't forget the 3" M65.

 

[robertrwalsh]

686 7-shot snubbie is also not too shabby.

 

[GerSan69]

Being dead serious here: Get a Taurus. That way, you won't be out a small fortune when the cops have to confiscate it.

 

[petepeterson]

Being dead serious here: Get a Taurus. That way, you won't be out a small fortune when the cops have to confiscate it.

If the cops need to confiscate it, you'll be out a lot more than the difference between a Taurus and a Smith.

 

[Laketime]

Buy one that shows some wear so you won’t mind carrying it

 

[stansdds]

Stainless is more corrosion resistant than blued carbon steel. I do prefer stainless for CCW.

 

[BAM-BAM]

From experience.........................after 7/8 years of concealed carry experimentation ........my choice in cc revolvers ......

Mine has been a 3" 65 or 66 since 1986.........
in a Milt Sparks Summer special..... with Spegel Boot grips..... that's over 35 years.


Before that about 5/6 years with a 2 1/2" 19-?

 

[Retired W4]

Back in the 70s/80s I carried my 2.5" 66-1 in a Bianchi #9 Upside down. Now I carry it OWB in a Don Hume. I only weigh 170 these days so the 66 is carried during coat weather only. BTW I bought the 66-1 new in 1978 and it is still in service. They are hard to beat.

 

[cmansguns]

Think about fantastic plastic these days!

53 years plus of CCW in several states, always Model 36, Model 60, lastly Model 637 up to 2 years ago. Always carried in a S&W leather holster (remember when they were made in Lillington, NC) at 4 o'clock OWB on stiff 2" gun belt. Very comfortable, little printing, speed strips in pockets.

A couple years ago I fell into a S&W M&P Compact 2.0 in 9 mm. Started practicing, liked it a lot, SafariLand GLS Kydex holster, same carry OWB at 4 o'clock, extra ammo already in magazine.

No more or less printing than any of the revos previously carried, no rust or sweat issues, and I just don't care if it were lost, stolen, confiscated for any reason other than my own negligence of course...but still fills my personal need for EDC, protection if and whenever it may be needed.

PS: Lot less money involved too.

 

[Nomadmax]

As a life long Smith revolver fan it pains me to say this, new model Python with a 3" barrel. I have one on my hip right now with service grips and a Tyler T. You can shoot full house loads a lot more than you can with any K frame. However, we are in an era where you need to carefully inspect ANY new revolver from ANY company now days. Mine was defect free from the start but I knew what to look for based on other new owner problems.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Have you considered having a trigger job done on your Ruger?

 

[Baxter6551]

Another vote for the 2.5 inch 66 or the 3 inch 65 (bull barrel / full length ejection) and if the extra weight won’t bother you the 686 2.5 inch. All with quality belt and holster. Milt Sparks / Kramer recommended here. Galco and DeSantis good for less money. Also on belts as stated Beltman is good and recently found great quality in Hanks Belts. The “every day” model makes a great gun belt.
I wouldn’t worry about carrying the 19 in a good quality OWB holster just be a little more religious checking the finish / wiping it down and don’t forget under the grips especially if rubber - and that goes for the stainless guns too.
The Kramer MSP Paddle shown here keeps the gun away from the body and is easy on and off if that is a consideration. The retention strap is removable.

 

[jcs266]

686 7-shot snubbie is also not too shabby.

I carry a 3" 686+ every day easily in a Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB when I go CCW. Around our rural home here it's a pancake OWB by Simply Rugged. It handles full power loads with ease and of course .38 Spl if you prefer that in urban areas.

I have an SP101 but the 3" 686+ gets far more carry time, more than my Glocks even. I just like it. I'm a bigger guy and find it no problem to carry all day in casual attire (retired).

 

[Hair Trigger]

My EDC is a M66-1 snubbie, in a OWB holster that rides high on the belt. I wear a tucked tee-shirt or tank top to keep the gun off my skin, and another tee shirt or tailed shirt as a cover garment.

 

[Seven High]

Before you dump your Ruger, try replacing the trigger return spring. This should make a huge difference. Check with Wolff Gunsprings.

 

[Brian Parrish]

Skills not gear.

I am curious about how you came to choose revolver to begin with and why the SP101 was the choice of weapon. I think gear choices come from fighting philosophy and skills come as you practice and train with that gear.

I use mostly either a S&W 457 in .45 ACP, or a S&W 696 in 44 spl. These pistols have very similar triggers but I do not find trigger feel to ever be a factor in my success or failure at practice. Flash sight picture absolutely makes a difference in the score, and holster draw smoothness absolutely makes all the difference in the time. Now, I have no interest in competition level performance standards at my age, but I am still interested in meeting the sort of standards that are used on various qualification tests.

I can say with some degree of certainty from my experience that any pistol you buy will have enough drawbacks to it, that you will eventually be tempted to regret your choice, but if you commit to a reasonable fighting strategy and develop solid skills for success, the weapon that matches those skills and philosophy will always be the right one.

What was it about that Ruger's trigger?

 

[upcountry]

I have a GP100 I used for IDPA, and 2 SP101's.
I put Wolff springs in all 3 and the change is dramatic, the install is easy as well.