Concealed carry, customization is key!

otis24

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Two or three times I almost (foolishly) got rid of two great guns. One was a grail gun; 640 no dash .38 Special.

My thoughts were that the 640 would do dual duty as both a belt gun (IWB) and as a pocket gun. The Pachmayr Compac grips with enclosed back strap are my favorite grips for this revolver. They do a great job of absorbing recoil and feel great in the hand. They do make the revolver a little bulky for pocket carry. In addition, the rubber grips are a little clingy upon extracting the revolver from the pocket. For this reason, I almost sold the 640. Fortunately, I was able to secure three sets of Tyler T-grips. I was able to trade two of them to Doc in PA for some J frame magnas and three other sets of grips. In any event, the Tyler T and the magna grips make pocket carry much more doable. I am ecstatic to say the least. Granted, there will be much more recoil for my mildly arthritic hands to deal with, but in a defensive situation, I don’t think I will notice or care.

While I really like my Ruger LCP Max, the ergonomics were just off for me. I almost sold it thinking that the 640 would do double duty for pocket carry. The addition of a grip extension from Hyve Technologies increases the already ample capacity by +1 and greatly improve the ergonomics of the LCP Max. I get a full grip with the Hyve extension.

While the 640 can now do dual duty, in these times of ammo scarcity, I now see the value of having more than one caliber.

If you find yourself with a handgun that doesn’t quite fit your needs or expectations, a little customization may make a big difference.
 

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I know what you mean, my M&P Shield just wasn't as good of a carry gun until I modified it...

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But seriously, a few little tweaks can make a world of difference. Many folks are two quick to dismiss a firearm as a carry gun because it doesn't fit their hands quite right or doesn't carry comfortably in its stock configuration, but more often then not, all it takes to correct such a problem is a new pair of grips and a different holster/belt.

Most carry pistols can be very cheaply/easily modified to suit the end user's preferences these days, with many companies even going so far as to offer aftermarket frames for firearms.
 
An interesting "duo". You have a magnificent early manufacture 640 which appears to be in mint condition and a plastic "Tuppergun" pocket pistol. I would sincerely recommend the 640 for EDC. It exudes class and professionalism and with correct loads, will stop fights very quickly if necessary.
 
An interesting "duo". You have a magnificent early manufacture 640 which appears to be in mint condition and a plastic "Tuppergun" pocket pistol. I would sincerely recommend the 640 for EDC. It exudes class and professionalism and with correct loads, will stop fights very quickly if necessary.

Yes, my EDC will be my 640 or my Kahr K9. After getting the 640, I thought that I might be able to part with my K9. But the ergonomics of the K9 are so superb that I can’t (yet) bring myself to part with it. And I like having caliber diversity in these troubled times. Wasn’t too keen on Tupperware pistols until about 7 or 8 years ago. But they are just that; Tupperware. Utilitarian tools to get a job done. I don’t have the same affinity for them as I do a S&W all metal revolver; functional pieces of craftsmanship and art!
 
The 640 no dash is a very versatile gun. If I pocket carry I use the original rubber boot grips that came on it but if I carry it in my small Fanny pack I use the rubber Smith grips that came on my wife’s 317. I also have a small belt pouch that holds my phone and a pen and the 640 with the boot grips fits nicely inside. The belt pouch looks very benign and you’d never guess there was a revolver inside. This week I’m on vacation out of state and carrying it in my Fanny pack.
 

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I always have to do miner alterations. Usually grips on my snubs. Most everything I shoot gets the sites painted so, I can see them better.
 
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