Concealed carry revolver - need advice

[Ranger514]

Everybody should own a J Frame, and while the Airweight models appear to be the most popular, I prefer steel myself. My 60 no dash handles recoil and muzzle flip better than my 642 did, which is especially noticeable during rapid fire drills. It's just easier for me to maintain target acquisition with the heavier steel model. I imagine I'll be picking up a 640 sometime in the future.

 

[haris1]

Best Carry Gun in 2 inch stainless is 632

632. Holds 6 rounds of 327 Federal magnum and there is one loading
that is the same energy or 95 % anyway of 357 Magnum. It will launch a 100 grainer at 1500 FPS with energy of 500 foot pounds. And without 357 type recoil!!!

 

[0311INF]

Can we get some more info on your level of experience with firearms..... handguns....

and ........

how you need to dress..... Suit, business casual, casual...... to give us some idea...... of what you/we are working with.

Medium experience overall, former Marine Infantry, but not a lot with handguns/CCW. I've only had my permit for 8 months or so. I've been shooting handguns regularly for about 3 years. Most of that time I've carried a Glock 19 and/or 26 IWB. However, as stated above, I've tried the LCR, SP101 and M85 concealed. I could pocket carry the ultralight so that was nice... but shooting it was not nearly the same as the Glock or even the SP101, obviously. So I know I need practice if I go with the j frame.
Mostly casual dress: shorts/jeans, polo & button up shirts, etc.

 

[0311INF]

What owb holsters have you tried?
I am 6' 190Lbs I can hide a 4in 686 owb under a t-shirt well enough that only someone looking for it will notice...under a button up it's invisible
I would suggest a 3in k frame with grips that are not rubber a good belt and good pancake style holster

I've had a few pancakes (for revolvers) like the Galco CM, a cheapo Tagua, another I forget... but similar. Very comfy but it's basically like a giant lump on your hip, and obviously the stock/grip will leap out at the slightest bend, depending on positioning.

 

[wsr]

I've had a few pancakes (for revolvers) like the Galco CM, a cheapo Tagua, another I forget... but similar. Very comfy but it's basically like a giant lump on your hip, and obviously the stock/grip will leap out at the slightest bend, depending on positioning.

It sounds like you were wearing it on the point of the hip if you slide it around to just behind the hip everything falls into place.
As far as the grip, with the right holster in the right place it tucks in next to the kidney
The desantis mentioned above is excellent for revolvers pair that with a REAL gun belt and wood or other non rubber grips and you might be surprised

 

[BAM-BAM]

Medium experience overall, former Marine Infantry, but not a lot with handguns/CCW. I've only had my permit for 8 months or so. I've been shooting handguns regularly for about 3 years. Most of that time I've carried a Glock 19 and/or 26 IWB. However, as stated above, I've tried the LCR, SP101 and M85 concealed. I could pocket carry the ultralight so that was nice... but shooting it was not nearly the same as the Glock or even the SP101, obviously. So I know I need practice if I go with the j frame.
Mostly casual dress: shorts/jeans, polo & button up shirts, etc.

Good info...... some thoughts/observations......

I wear Wrangler jean....... to me it's to hard/slow to "dig" a 2" J-frame out of my pocket...... I do carry a 337PD in the summer in cargo shorts.

I've carried (98%) IWB since about 1986..... I started with a Walther PPK.... about the size of the pager I had to carry......over the years I've often carried a 3" K-frames (65 &66) with wood boot grips..in a Summer Special...... but generally (95%) carry a 3913NL in a Milt Sparks Summer special.......on a Bianchi belt. IWB you need to commit a week or two to get use to it.....

I prefer a 3" J-frame over a 2" gun for belt...... I'm lucky enough to have a 60-10........ think micro 686


Edit: too wsr's point....... I carry at 4 O'clock....just behind the hip...... grip sits under my rib cage....flat against my back!!!!

 

[GCF]

I was on the hunt for a M640 no dash (.38spl) a few months back, when I came upon this early M640-1 (.357) - & bought it. Really good move...

While I do have an OWB holster on order from Sam Andrews, I have been pocket carrying just about everywhere (DeSantis Nemesis), in cargo shorts, & business casual attire.

First impression of an all steel j frame, is that it is too heavy for pocket carry. It is do-able, believe me. And after years of strapping on a full size autoloader - for a quick trip to the corner store, well..., let's just say, I'm loving it! Very convenient.

Best case scenario, I'd have a backup alloy j frame (442 or M&P 340) as well, but don't think I'd sell my 640-1 for either. Oh yeah, for the record, I'm STILL looking for that elusive M640 "no dash" too... ;=]

 

[snowman.45]

As an old retired cop who carried J-frames on a regular basis since 1977, I prefer the 340 M&P or 640 (mine is a -1). For ammunition, I carry the Buffalo Bore 158 gr. +p LHP at a true 1000 fps out of the 2" barrel. I generally pocket carry the 340 M&P, which I prefer due to the Scandium frame due to durability over the straight aluminum frame.

For OWB/IWB carry, I like the 640-1, but generally carry the Buffalo Bore also. Both guns are easy to conceal and carry.

 

[wrangler5]

A gun and its holster add the same "thickness" to the side of your body, whether they're inside or outside the waistband (assuming the same type of holster construction.) IWB tends to present a smoother contour than OWB if your cover garment is the least bit tight, but if it's loose there isn't much difference. (My cover garments are usually Hawaiian shirts in the warm and cotton sweaters in the cool/cold.) I carried IWB for many years, but last year got a Lobo enhanced pancake holster and one of his solid belts, and now much prefer OWB carry, with the gun at about 4 o'clock. The butt stays solidly against my side, pretty much no matter how I stretch or bend, and I don't think it prints any worse than it did with an IWB holster.

I have both 2" and 3" K frames with a good holster and belt, and agree with others that they're a LOT to carry concealed on a regular basis. So if you're only going to have one gun, and you want to shoot it a lot, I'd look at the steel J frames. SOME people seem to tolerate the recoil of alloy J frames well, just as some claim to not mind shooting 357 Magnums out of J frames, but for most folks it will be unpleasant enough that they won't want to shoot very much. You can make an alloy J frame fairly tolerable to shoot by putting a big cushy Pachmayr Decelerator grip on it, but that grip is VERY hard to conceal so you'll want a "regular" grip for daily carry. But then the gun doesn't draw, present and shoot the same with a giant soft grip as it will with a smaller one, so your practice won't be as effective.

Even though I only carry 38 Special ammo, I prefer the magnum J frame (I carry a 640-1 but would be just as happy with a 649-3 - I don't like locks) for the slightly greater weight and sight radius, but mostly for the longer ejector rod, which seems to make extraction of 38 Special cases more reliable than with the 38 Special-only guns (of which I have several.)

 

[rbmac52]

My EDC is a first year model 638. This is the original stainless steel Airweight Bodyguard revolver from, I think, 1988. It is still available today in pretty much the same configuration, but built to today's standards (good or bad, however you look at it). This is a gun I can and do carry every day because it is about the most gun I am willing to tote ALL THE TIME.

I like the Bodyguard Airweight because it is so light (never mind the added recoil, it absolutely does not matter for your EDC). The shrouded hammer design gives you both single and double action trigger function, while providing the same smooth draw of the Centennial models.

And two inches of barrel is the most you want in your EDC, in my opinion. And that is all you need, in most instances, too.

Of course, my preferences were arrived at over many years and many trials. What works for me may not work for you. But I assure you that a j-frame .38 is one of the most (if not THE most) time tested and popular carry pieces on the planet!

Good luck in your quest!

 

[vegasgunhand]

I carried a Model 60 for many years as an issued backup gun. Now that I have retired, I occasionally carry a Model 642 in a Dale Frickie Zaccaraus IWB holster. It's just covers the trigger guard, and attaches to your belt with paracord. At presentation, you simply pull out the weapon till the cord is extended, then the revolver pops right out of the Kydex trigger guard. I live in Las Vegas, so I understand carry in hot weather. This holster adds no thickness to the revolver, so it makes concealment very easy. I wear cargo shorts and a t-shirt, and you never see it. It is very comfortable to wear for long periods of time too.

 

[Hapworth]

Strongly suggest a Centennial Airweight; specifically, a 442 Moon Clip.

And although you acknowledge a dislike for IWB, consider Alessi's Deep Cover -- it sits much lower than the usual IWB, and uses a flat, offset clip that bites into your pants, not over a belt. I'm not big on IWB either, but in my experience a 442 in a Deep Cover disappears even under light clothing, and are virtually unfelt when carried.

 

[Mike in Reedley]

Since retiring from LE, my expectations of intervention has changed and so has my EDC needs. To complicate this more, I had a major back surgery four months ago and I can not wear both a belt and holstered handgun at the same time (I'm hoping that gets better soon).

In J frames I presently have a model 38, 442 and a 638. I've carried all,but like the 638 best. I like the stainless and ability to have a more precise single action shot if needed. I recently went to Eagle's version of ivory grips on the 638 and they seem to carry better than the rubber ones.

I carry the 638 in my pants front pocket in a holster in warm weather and in my jacket pocket in cooler weather. I can walk around with my hand in my pocket without drawing attention and already have a shooting grip. Pants pocket carry is difficult to draw seated and very difficult when seat belted in a vehicle. In a restaurant I move the gun toward the top of my pocket while seated. I keep a full size gun in my vehicle that while concealed is within easy reach and capable of quickly being brought into play. I usually wear boots that preclude an ankle rig, but I do have a Fobus ankle holster for when I wear a suit and low quartered shoes.

I've owned numerous J frames in both steel and aluminum alloys. I found the all steel ones too heavy for pants pocket carry for me. I carry Buffalo Bore 158 HP non +P and practice with a 158 non +P reload. Pocket and ankle carry are slower to get into action. I've found that if you look hard enough you can usually see trouble coming and either get out of the way, or get ready for it.

 

[hittman77]

Wow .... lots of good advice here. Part of the fun of a hobby is also how different things work for different folks.

I have a M60, a Colt Cobra and a Ruger LCR. The LCR gets carried the most. Why? Lighter weight, shrouded hammer, fiber optic front site. Mine is a 38 Special but they're available in 357, 9MM, 22LR and 22 Mag too if you look in that direction.

 

[0311INF]

Thanks everyone! I'm kind of steering toward the 442. I like the idea of a jacket pocket carry in cool seasons and perhaps pants/shorts pocket carry in warm seasons. Though I have tried pant pocket carry before and discovered I really needed to dress accordingly.

...and a Ruger LCR. The LCR gets carried the most. Why? Lighter weight, shrouded hammer, fiber optic front site. Mine is a 38 Special but they're available in 357, 9MM, 22LR and 22 Mag too if you look in that direction.

Yeah I bought an LCRx thinking it would be great, and got rid of it immediately. It felt very cheap, the trigger was lousy and the cylinder latch button was very gritty. I may try a regular LCR again one day though.

 

[Old cop]

The ideal situation is owning two J frames, one steel and the other alloy. Practice with the steel frame and carry the lightweight, but shoot the lightweight from time to time. I can tell you from my own street experience that when and if you have to shoot someone you won't notice the recoil, or hear gunfire. Good luck and let us know what you decide, lots of good info here.

 

[hangnoose]

NEED ADVICE?

YOU CAME TO THE RIGHT PLACE! You are almost spot on in your thinking IMO. OWB may work for you in appendix/cross draw/ small of back, try em & see. I'd be looking at a hammerless or schrouded type. All stainless helps me with taming felt recoil/ accuracy & is a + in humid areas if you sweat underwater like me.
I was the only person able to hit all 5 plates in steel challenge during our last J-frame day with my 640- no dash (I am certainly not the best shot). I shot my 640 so much better than my ultralight I sold it & am a believer in guns being comforting over comfortable. I'm 640 biased as I own/use one, a humpback might work well for you too, among others. good luck.

 

[BC38]

IMO, if I had to pick just one, any of the steel J-frames with a good set of rubber boot grips and some +P 38 specials will do the trick. I kind of like the 3" barrel for better recoil control & sight radius. It doesn't affect IWB concealability in any significant way. Even a slim guy can make one disappear without much effort, though they aren't quite as pocket friendly as the 2" barreled versions.

A good alternative if you're a bigger guy (like me) and want 6 rounds is a fixed sight 3" 357 K-frame with slim wooden grips for better concealability. Load it with 357's or +p 38 specials - your choice, depending on your level of recoil sensitivity.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Alloy .38 Special
Alloy .32 Magnum
Alloy .22 Magnum

These would be my choices for your needs. You want pocket carry and a lot of practice. The .32 gives you 6 shots and the .22 Mag gives you 7 shots. I live in Florida and carry the .22 Mag since I would not be shooting through heavy clothes. Your situation may differ. My 351c is super lightweight at 11.04 oz, and I like the extra 2 rounds.

 

[sawlog]

im a plumber and I carry a model 60 everyday. I use a iwb leather holster without a reinforced mouth. that makes it as thin as it can get.
my job is very active and I never have a problem hiding it. I wear jeans and a untucked t shirt at work. works great for me