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

[Muley Gil]

ChargerBill,

Since you can't stand the trigger on your SP101, you can send it to me. I'll even pay shipping!

 

[mikeruns]

Maybe get a spring kit for the SP101 or just carry the model 19 in a holster that prevents sweat from getting on the revolver. Folks carried blue guns on the trail and in the glove boxes for decades without trouble…I have many blue guns I carry from time to time and I check them every time I take them out and return them to their respective place in the vault. If it is raining or I fall into a creek, then I may have a bad day either way. I wouldn’t say to not buy a model 66 but, a blue gun is fine for most trips about the street and field unless it’s raining cats and dogs. Remember, you don’t need an excuse to buy a new gun, it’s ok to have another just because you want it, and obviously, a stainless model is a little more weather resistant for sure. Someone mentioned model 65 in 3” and that’s a terrific one along with the 4” version and the model 64 .38 special would do nicely in 2” or 3”…they are out there and can be found…I often carry a 2-3/4” Ruger Speed-six in .357 in blue but, they were also made in stainless and I think Ruger also make a 3” stainless in their GP100, I do also carry an Sp101 sometimes and a 642 as well and all of them are a great fist to have when needed- Cheers!

 

[DevilDog72]

I have carried this 19-4 for over 20 years...rain / shine... cold /hot.
I use a Roy"s Lobo enhanced pancake and speed loader pouch on a Comtac Kevlar lined belt at 3:30. I carry all my side arms OWB

It is no longer blue...it has character.

 

[DevilDog72]

On occasion I will carry my 66-3

Either the 19 or 66 is a fine choice for CCW

 

[Capt. F.]

We live in coastal Maine with it’s year around salt air, summer humidity, roads in the winter constantly sprayed with liquid salt, so guns are always being subjected to salt one way or another.
My EDC is a 2 1/2” Model 66 in a Simply Rugged OWB Sourdough pancake. If my memory is correct I bought the gun about 20 years ago.
With the basic maintenance I do my 66 looks like it has character, yet doesn’t look abused and has never had rust spots.
So, here’s a vote for stainless.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

686 7-shot snubbie is also not too shabby.

I agree.

I don't carry this anymore but I used to:

 

[MarkHayden]

As for holsters, I’ve carried a cross-draw for 50 years. For the last 15 years it’s held a hammerless S&W model 642. When I get nervous, I cross my arms (with my right hand on the grip). When “it” hits the fan, my right (strong hand) is busy with the subject. My left hand is free for the pistol. Not so if you carry on your strong hand side; I couldn’t reach around to my right side with my left hand. My 2 cents worth. Thanks for your post.

 

[GerSan69]

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

Having confiscated several guns over the years, I'd have to say: not necessarily. Too many factors to say definitively. Besides: much rather lose something still made than something that isn't.

 

[oldbrownhat]

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

I was going to suggest this, too. If the SP101 is otherwise fine (ie 5-round cap.), the trigger can be improved for a lot less than buying another revolver. I have a 4" SP101 which I bought new a few years ago, took it apart and did some judicious removing of minor machining burrs and some polishing. Can't remember if I replaced any springs or put in trigger & hammer shims (as I did with my older Model 19 and GP 100 at the time) but the trigger is pretty good now.

 

[MetalMan]

I, too, have had CCW permit for almost 30 years and, over these years, have carried various semis and revolvers; most recently, this Kimber Ultra Carry and 66-4. But as age and circumstance have advanced, I believe that I have found my sweet spot carrying either a bobbed 60ND in a custom Snubbyfan holster or this 640-1 Pro carried IWB in Milt Sparks VMII or OWB in this newly acquired Simply Rugged Silver Dollar Pancake.

 

[Farmer17]

I love K Frame Smith’s I’ve probably owned 50 Smith revolvers over the years and I’ve got rid of all my J frames and only have one N frame. With that being said, the old beautiful Smith revolvers are getting more scarce and a lot more expensive and I’m keeping all of mine Pristine. I have Ruger‘s and if you put a spring kit in them from Bullseye or Wolf you’re only spending about 18 bucks and 15 or 20 minutes of your time and normally the triggers will be quite good after that.

 

[biku324]

You'll carry a j-frame more often with better concealment. M49 or 649 with +P will keep you alive.

 

[Coyote56]

If there is no joy to be found with the trigger on a Ruger SP-101, give a Colt Python 3” bbl. a try. Or…a Cobra/King Cobra is always a legit option.

 

[Old cop]

Just one Q (pls excuse if this has already been asked): Which gun do you shoot better?

 

[ruger 22]

Your 19-7 sounds fine to me unless you just plain want another gun which is always understandable. I carried a BHP for over 40 years and wiped it off each night before bedtime so no worries about body sweat. I fully understand the heavily touted advantages of stainless but still prefer blued guns and will buy them if available. My EDC is 649-2 because I got a great deal on it and love the single/double action feature without a hammer spur. A model 49 would do me just as well. Silver guns in stainless or nickel still remind me of my cap guns as a kid some 60+ years ago. My suggestion to you is use what you really like--- you will feel better with it and do better with it.

 

[10mmauto]

In a 19 or 66, go for a 3"!

 

[GoDevil Man]

When I carry a revolver, usually the cooler months when I can more easily conceal it with a long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt or jacket, I carry a 4 inch 65-3 or 3 inch 64-6, in Lobo enhanced pancakes made to size. Ammo usually 357 silvertips in the 65, or buffalo bore fbi loads as is what goes in the 38. Both wear altamont boot grips, with a grip adaptor. One needs to train with 357 if you are going to carry it. 38 plus p is recommended by lots of "experts", for reduced muzzle flash and faster follow up shots. If you prefer 38s for carry, a 64 bull barrel would be my choice, as the shorter chamber will net higher velocity than 38s shot from the longer 357 chamber

 

[LCC]

II have Ruger‘s and if you put a spring kit in them from Bullseye or Wolf you’re only spending about 18 bucks and 15 or 20 minutes of your time and normally the triggers will be quite good after that.

x2..Wolf springs and a light action polishing in my SP101 .357 made the trigger action very acceptable.

 

[Fortcouragearmory]

Whenever possible, for a CCW gun, I usually opt for a stainless gun. They resist corrosion a lot better than your blued variety.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Whatever gun you are willing to bet your life on because that's what it will come down to, God forbid you ever have to draw it. That being said, as someone getting into carry, I will offer this bit of advice. Whatever you choose to carry, must be carried at all times you are safely and legally able to. Any gun that falls short of that in my opinion is not a real carry gun.

This may surprise some here as I am a 686 fanatic, but I no longer carry one because of the weight and size. Even a snub 686 (at least for me) is too heavy and thick for me to willingly carry it all day, everyday, 365. I bought a SIG P365 for that and liked it for the carryability of it, but never trusted it fully so I traded it in and bought a Model 36 J frame which is on me every second I am not working at my school or the YMCA which legally prevent me to. Other than sleep or showers, this is the only time it's not on me.

To sum that all up quickly, choose something YOU trust and something YOU are willing to carry at all times safely and legally.