Do you carry a revolver for CCW? Which one?

[HWayne]

My year-round carry is always a snubby 38 revolver. Right now I am using my brother's Ruger LCR w Crimson grips, but my personal arm is a airweight 642 sans laser. I keep telling myself that Father's day, birthday, Christmas, etc I will get the Crimson grips for that with the slightly longer grip to accomodate my pinky finger for more control, but... I have also carried my brother's Taurus 357 clone of the S&W bodyguard, but it's much heavier. I have not carried a semi-auto in many years.
-H

 

[Kframerbluvr]

With the advent of the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain "short barrel" load, I don't understand why anyone would choose the "FBI load" for a short barrel revolver. Four inch barrel or longer, sure, but not for a snubby. Tests show it performs pretty miserably, while the Gold Dot performs magnificently, expanding and deeply penetrating. To each his own, though.

I can offer you two reasons for using the 158 LHP. They shoot to POA in older revolvers, which I have, and if you already have a sufficient supply of them, which I do. Glad you are happy with the Speer. I may buy a box of them to try sometime.

 

[flyrobb]

638 in the right front pocket most of the time, 5 round speed strip in left pocket. Will carry my Glock G19 occasionally then clothing allows.

 

[OIF2]

Whose tests? I carry the 158 gr soft lead SWC-HP, handloaded to 800-850 fps, and have faith in it. Personally I don't trust the modern fancy-pants JHP designs to both penetrate AND properly expand, esp out of a snubby, no matter what they name it. But like you said, to each his own.

Just a thought...both the NYPD and the LAPD issue Speer Gold Dots for those still using .38s (there's still a few). The load was developed with both of those departments in mind, for use in short-barreled revolvers. It has been used in quite a few shootings in both cities (more so in Los Angeles, where 2" J frames are still popular and approved for back-up and off-duty). Terminal performance has been outstanding in LA, where I've talked at length with the folks in the firearms unit. Definitely not a gelatin block test.
Bob

 

[halvenut]

In the cooler weather I carry a Kimber Ultra Carry II .45acp, in a Miami Classic shoulder rig. In the warmer weather a S&W 642 airweight, with a Desantis Clip Grip, which makes it very concealable in Tee Shirt weather.

 

[S&WIowegan]

I have two revolvers I carry almost always. An S&W 442 or a Ruger LCR, both in .38 S&W Special. Ammo changes as better, newer, more improveder ammo is introduced.

 

[Beach-Hunter]

158 GR-SWC-HP +P & 158 GR FMJ

I'm curious as to the thinking behind the FMJ's in the second speedloader. ??

My two favorite rounds in my gun...they shoot to point of aim... I shoot these rounds best...I like the FMJ for deeper penatration in some situations.

 

[DR505]

Sometimes carry it in a fanny pack at times when a fanny pack will not look out of place.

When does a fanny pack not look out of place?

 

[Poohgyrr]

Poohgyrr, I like your style

Thanks, I like to think a little of the S&W goodness has rubbed off on me.

 

[DR505]

3" 657 in Milt Sparks with VZ combat grips.

 

[trea]

49 no dash somewhere in the past it was armaloyd. winchester 125 gr. with a Don Hume pancake. Perefect

 

[echostar]

Model 60 Corbon Powerball

 

[Kframerbluvr]

Glock 23 90% of the time. Glock 27 10%. No revolvers permitted by my agency since 1994. I have applied for a CCW permit so I can carry my M10 4' standard barrel round butt with leftover issued FBI loads when the semis are just too blocky to manage.
I am a professional musician as well and RB revolver grips hide better when wearing a tux.
Have been checking with my local S&W LE dealer about getting a 642 as well. May be a long wait....

Update - Received CCH permit in the mail on 6.29.13. Had a brass band gig on 6.30 that required white shirt and patriotic tie for dress. Broke out old Guardian Leather belly band to use just under dress pants waistband. Couldn't remember what size weapon it was for, so I tried M10 4". No go - frame too large. Tried off duty approved Glock 27 - success! The belly rig is most likely sized for a D frame Colt or J frame Smith. Used left side holster compartment for an extra magazine. It felt good to be able to discreetly carry again in such circumstances. I can't wait to get my M60 back from our retired S&W armorer. It has some issues that need attention before it is placed in the carry rotation. Still on the lookout locally for a shooter grade Airweight Bodyguard/Centennial or a Colt Cobra or Agent. (not the parked one). I would feel just as well armed with 2 revolvers discreetly toted as opposed to just one semiauto handgun.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
My everyday carry is a S&W Model 642 with Pachmayr Presentation Grips.

In addition when I go out shopping / dinner / etc I CCW a S&W "N" frame 4" .45acp.

Going in unfamiliar territory I replace the S&W .45acp revolver with a Glock Model 17 9mm

 

[Yournamehere]

I haven't been carrying long, but I carry a Model 60 no dash with Uncle Mikes boot grips. It's not much, but it doesn't mind the South Florida climate, and it's super easy to carry. I can't think of many guns cooler to carry than a 1970s snub nosed .38 either.

I carry it in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster with two Safariland COMP-1s. I'm only running FMJ at the moment since I'm not sure what defensive load is best for me, and ammo has been hard to come by.

Ideally I'd carry double stack 9mm auto though, but the weather here makes it very hard to conceal one.

 

[tinman931]

I have been carrying an LCR. The factory sights are terrible, so I put the XS big dots on them. I am shooting somewhat better, but still do not feel totally comfortable with the accuracy yet (I'm shooting at no more than 21 feet). I just got a Crossbreed for my SP 101 and am looking forward to using that, as I feel much more comfortable with it.

I would love to get J frame or MP, but the funds won't allow it right now.

 

[DR505]

I have been carrying an LCR. The factory sights are terrible, so I put the XS big dots on them. I am shooting somewhat better, but still do not feel totally comfortable with the accuracy yet (I'm shooting at no more than 21 feet). I just got a Crossbreed for my SP 101 and am looking forward to using that, as I feel much more comfortable with it.

I would love to get J frame or MP, but the funds won't allow it right now.

The SP101 is a fine revolver. I never could warm up to the LCR though.

 

[JackCrow]

My regular CCW is a no-lock 442 in Lobo Leather IWB along with 2 extra speed strips. From time to time I carry my M19 2.5" instead.

 

[Ibgruntled]

Connecticut has 3 seasons and i dress accordingly. and as life happens fast and comes at you from all ways, my strong side is typically a IWB p239/40, a C-3 or a Shield/9mm. otherside is a revolver in a enlarged and reinforced vest or coat pocket. favorites being a 642 and a 332.

a walk-the-dog gun is my M60 PRO 3" with belt-grips carried strong side.

 

[Trebor Snave]

Most generally a 2.5" 686, or if I'm feeling lazy an old model 40.