Do you carry a revolver for CCW? Which one?

[The Real Hawkeye]

I assume this being the S&W forum revolver section most people here carry a revolver for CCW, but perhaps not.

What do you carry; revolver or auto? If revolver, what is your primary carry?

I've been carrying concealed since first receiving my license back in 1980. In that time, I've carried dozens of different handguns at various times, both semiautoes and revolvers, but lately I'm carrying a S&W Model 49 (no dash) in a Milt Sparks Versa Max II IWB holster. The load is 135 grain Speer Gold Dot "Short Barrel."

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

2" mod 12:

Now that's what I'm talking about. If I had a two inch, round butt, late Model 12, it would become my EDC too. Can't beat an aluminum K-Frame. I say "late" 12, because the early Twelves wouldn't accept aftermarket K-Frame grips.

 

[Beach-Hunter]

My CCW...S&W J-Frame

I carry my Model 60 No-Dash with Sambar stag grip's. I use the F.B.I Load 158 gr SWC-HP +P and carry 2 back up speed loaders one filled with the F.B.I Load one loaded with 158 FMJ. I carry it in a Fobus paddle holster or shoulder rig...some times pocket it.

 

[fishcreekrim]

640-1. 38+p

 

[jwk]

Airweight Centennial on a daily basis unless I am in the Courthouse or at the deer lease.

When it is cold enough for a covering garment (Not often in San Antonio TX) I occasionally carry a Glock 19.

When I'm at the deer lease, I usually carry a larger frame S&W revolver. Depending on my mood when I packed, it might be a customized 686 with the barrel reshaped to resemble a M66 or a custom 28 or a stock 629 or a 625 Mountain Gun. On occasion I carry a Ruger Bisley.

In the past I carried either a Browning HP or a full size 1911 or an Officer's size 1911. I figured out that I like shooting revolvers better than semis so that I'm more likely to have practiced more with a revolver than the semi.

 

[willie_H]

Generally I have a revolver with me and sometimes the pistol for carry during my normal routines. However, I will carry a different gun with higher mag capacity while in larger cities or traveling.

 

[Old Corp]

Rotate between various M1911's, along with a a M&P 3" .38, a M65 3" .357, sometimes a recently-acquired Aussie M10 4" HB RB .38.

 

[Coaltminer]

Smith 581 or Colt Police Positive with 158 SWCHP+P

 

[johnyakima]

When I carry it's a HKp7m8 in 9mm in an inside the belt K.L. Null holster. It's a little heavy but I have great faith in this pistol.

 

[snowman.45]

I've been an LEO for 36 years and have carried a lot of different guns as back-up and off-duty pieces. I've had both revolvers and autos. Early in my career as a Patrolman, I carried a 4" M28 first, followed by various M19s and M66s with Chief Special back-ups. Off duty, I was always back and forth between various S&W revolvers and 1911's. Working narcotics, my backup and carry gun was a Walther PPK/s, with a 1911 for raids. Now, I'm getting ready to retire in a little over a year, and I find my taste slipping back towards J-frames. I have a 340 Sc I just refinished and cleaned up the action on. I have a M640 coming this week (no lock). I also carry a 9mm Shield or a Springfield XDs. Sometimes, I even carry my old M65-5 or my 681 PC. I know; I'm unfaithful. I also tend to carry my Sig Nightmare Carry or my M&P45. I feel so ashamed!! Well, not really.

 

[Cal44]

I'm surprised at the number of people who have a whole stable of guns and switch off between them for carry.

How do you guys stay proficient with so many different guns?

Also, could it be a problem if you have to stop and think which gun you were carrying, and how to release the safety (e.g., a 1911)?

My inclination would be to get one or two carry guns and then concentrate on practicing with them.

Dave

 

[Meeteetse]

I'm surprised at the number of people who have a whole stable of guns and switch off between them for carry.

How do you guys stay proficient with so many different guns?

Also, could it be a problem if you have to stop and think which gun you were carrying, and how to release the safety (e.g., a 1911)?

My inclination would be to get one or two carry guns and then concentrate on practicing with them.

Dave

The key is to KNOW what you are carrying. I doubt anyone who carries regularly forgets what they are carrying. However, a DA revolver and a DA auto with no external safeties, operate in a similar fashion. Obviously any revolver is the same and for those of us who regularly carry a 1911, well lets just say you never forget the feeling of what is in your hand. There is nothing wrong with being proficient with one or two guns and it is certainly recommended, but don't let that stop you from enjoying a wide variety of firearms. Once you feel comfortable with several guns you will understand how and why people change.

Personally I pocket carry a 442 most of the time, but often carry a 1911 or a Glock 19. The streets seem to be getting meaner these days so the hi-cap guns are getting more use. I'm still testing methods of carry for larger guns in hot weather. I've been carrying for more than 20 years and it is still work to find the "best" method of carry. It was simpler when I lived in cool country all the time. Hot country changes everything.

 

[CSG]

I don't carry a revolver as much as I used to but when I do it's a 442, usually IWB but, depending on the pants, also in a front pocket.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

The key is to KNOW what you are carrying. I doubt anyone who carries regularly forgets what they are carrying. However, a DA revolver and a DA auto with no external safeties, operate in a similar fashion. Obviously any revolver is the same and for those of us who regularly carry a 1911, well lets just say you never forget the feeling of what is in your hand. There is nothing wrong with being proficient with one or two guns and it is certainly recommended, but don't let that stop you from enjoying a wide variety of firearms. Once you feel comfortable with several guns you will understand how and why people change.

Personally I pocket carry a 442 most of the time, but often carry a 1911 or a Glock 19. The streets seem to be getting meaner these days so the hi-cap guns are getting more use. I'm still testing methods of carry for larger guns in hot weather. I've been carrying for more than 20 years and it is still work to find the "best" method of carry. It was simpler when I lived in cool country all the time. Hot country changes everything.

I might be strange, but hot weather is actually easier for me to carry a decent sized handgun. Using a leather IWB holster, a heavy belt, and a one size larger polo shirt, I can carry my issued Glock 23 and one spare mag with no printing issues as long as I don't bend over at the waist. My wonderful wife keeps me honest and lets me know when I am "showing"! This is what I almost always wear when not in uniform.
Cold weather is when I have more CCW issues. I wear the polo shirts year round and throw a jacket over them when going out.
I have trained myself to clear the shirttail with the shooting hand thumb as I draw. Putting a jacket on makes this more difficult for me to do
When I must wear a tucked in shirt with no covering garment, I use the Glock 27 in a horsehide pocket holster. Small revolvers work much better for pocket carry in my case. Only Glocks are authorized on my badge so a CWP is in the works. When it is in hand, two Smith 4"M10s and a M60 will go into the rotation. May eventually try one of my 1911s.

 

[DR505]

Wow! Zombie thread from 2008! Heck, I'll play.

I normally carry my issue Glock 21, but on occasion I put my 3" Model 657 on my hip.

 

[snowman.45]

I'm surprised at the number of people who have a whole stable of guns and switch off between them for carry.

How do you guys stay proficient with so many different guns?

Also, could it be a problem if you have to stop and think which gun you were carrying, and how to release the safety (e.g., a 1911)?

My inclination would be to get one or two carry guns and then concentrate on practicing with them.

Dave

While muscle memory comes from repetition, practice with a variety of systems keeps you thinking and aware. Obviously, I've had a few times when it was necessary to employ my handguns over the course of the last 36 years. I've never had a problem finding a safety, or reaching for one that wasn't there. The same is true of reloading the handgun. Like everything else in dealing with firearms, presence of mind is a requirement. The key element here is practice for familiarity.

 

[Chuck Jones]

model 38-2 Bodyguard

/c

 

[andyo5]

When I am clothing minimal, I carry a 642 in my trouser pocket loaded with 38 +P rounds. Sometimes carry it in a fanny pack at times when a fanny pack will not look out of place.

 

[jake m29]

Off duty I mostly carry a 29-3 4inch stoked with Federal 240 gr hydrashoks in a simply rugged pancake. I always have an old beat up police trade in model 60- nothing that I carry in an ankle holster or when wearing shorts a cheap pocket holster. If I'm out of bed I am carrying and you can make mine an N-frame.....

 

[hotrod150]

..... I use the F.B.I Load 158 gr SWC-HP +P and carry 2 back up speed loaders one filled with the F.B.I Load one loaded with 158 FMJ......

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

 

[JNewell]

342 Airlite, since the first ones arrived at my dealer back in what, '98?, with 1x Comp 1 speedloader and 2x Speedstrips. Used to be 124 gr +P GDs, switched to the 135 gr +P GDs when they were introduced.

 

[rromeo]

Mostly I carry a 3" model 65, sometimes I'll throw the model on my belt. I should be picking up a 642 this week, so that will most likely take over for the 65.

 

[Chipmunk6]

A S&W mod 49 no dash with short barrel buffalo bore jhp or bb wadcutters
Chipmunk6

 

[Road Rat]

My "normal" carry is a Kimber Pro (4" barrel) but occasionally I need something a little smaller.

I have a S&W Model 19-2 that gets a little use and I just picked up a Model 36 that will start getting its turn on the belt....it is very light!

 

[Horseless Trooper]

I have been carrying a 4in. 10-7 alot lately or a Webley MKIV when I am just foolin around in the yard or going into the village on errand. If I am going into the city I will switch to my Remington R1 or another full size auto most of the time but I have been known to carry my New Service 45 Colt or a 6in. 629 from time to time. Just depends on my mood at the time.

 

[rockyrider]

A pair of J frames in a Kramer T-shirt holster, light duty. A pair of semi autos, 9mm or 40's, medium duty. A pair of .45's, heavy duty, inner city.

 

[xray 99]

M37 with bobbed hammer when hiking or biking. Glock 19/26 otherwise.

 

[canvsbk]

J frame most days, if headed anywhere near the direction of Motown, Spingfield 1911 .45 with a couple extra mags.

 

[st regis]

Model 38, blued, with 158 SWCHPs and a speed strip.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Model 38, blued, with 158 SWCHPs and a speed strip.

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.