"mid-size" ccw revolver?

[ltj9296]

Hello,
After carrying a Glock G36 for a long time, last year I decided to ccw a revolver. I have a model 60 and a 4" model 10 and that is what I have been carrying. They work ok for me, but I keep wishing to find something in between in size. I was hoping to find at least a 6 shot, around 25 oz with a 2-3 inch barrel. Does not seem to be many options.
The 327 seems good but the price and concern over the bulkiness has me trying to see what else is out there. I thought about a older 3" round butt k-frame, but they are hard to find and still may be heavier than I prefer.
On paper the kimber 6ks sounds good, but its a new design, and would prefer a S&W if possible.
Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

My first and only recommendations are any 2" barreled K frame followed by a 2.5" barreled Model 19 or Model 66.

I have short barreled L frame guns, too, but they're no picnic to carry.

None of the recommended guns are in current production but you can find them at gun shows, gun stores, especially big ones like Cabela's or similar, and on auction sites. I'd actually start with the latter - they are easy to search.

 

[Ashlander]

I love my S&W revolvers, but in terms of a smallish 6 shot snubbie I had to get a Rossi 461 (blued) (the polished stainless version is the 462). It's a 2" 6 shot snubbie weighing in at about 26 ounces. The newer ones made since Taurus took over the manufacturing have been excellent. They are chambered in .357 Magnum.

The S&W 66 and 19 snubbies (discontinued but still available on the used market) weigh in at 32 ounces (great guns, but heavier than you suggested you were interested in).

 

[Topsarge]

I got a Charter Arms Bull Dog .44 special a few years back. I like the .44 round, it's light (about 23 oz) and fits well in a pocket holster or an IWB Alien Gear Cloke tuck 2 made for the Ruger sp101. I have several others I can carry, but I always go back to this one for the light weight and the .44 round.

 

[murphydog]

With your criteria, the two revolvers that come to mind and readily available are a 2" model 10, or (gasp!) a Ruger SP-101. The latter will be only a 5-shot. A Colt Detective Special also fits, but finding one at a price at which you'll not feel guilty carrying it will be a challenge.

 

[Rpg]

You may want to look for a Colt agent or detective special.

6 shots on a smaller frame with associated lighter weight than K frames.

 

[GerSan69]

Well, good luck. More limitations on specs means far fewer choices.
Since the vast majority of what I'd suggest haven't been manufactured in years, you're going to be subject to what's available in ones and twos here and there. That's great for a collector searching for that one gun to fit into his collection, but it's a lot more frustrating for someone looking to meet a more immediate need.
I'd recommend looking around with an open mind and not setting too many restrictions. Take a good look at what you come across and don't be afraid to try something outside your comfort zone. You might be pleasantly surprised, and your quest will be a lot more fun, too.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

.... I have a model 60 and a 4" model 10 ..... I keep wishing to find something in between in size. ....

There is nothing from S&W in between a J-frame (M60) and a K-frame (M10). The M327 you mention is actually larger than either, it's a N-frame.

Just to be different I'd suggest you consider the Model 242. It's a L-frame, so it's about the same size as the M10. But it's shaped more like a J-frame Centennial for concealed carry. Double action only (concealed hammer), and holds seven (7) rounds of .357/.38. No longer in production, you'd have to look for a used one, but they're not that uncommon.

Weighs 19 oz. empty, and has a titanium cylinder. With ammo it's about the 25 oz you asked for. Weight wise, at least, it would be in between your M60 and M10.

 

[BigBill]

Ruger security six in 357mg, 2 3/4" barrel.

 

[H Richard]

I find the J Frame just fine, and currently the "6" shot .32 H&R Magnums in the light weight series, 431PD and 432PD to fit the bill just fine. Not always easy to find, but worth the search. A 100 gr JHP from a less than 2" barrel at over 1000 FPS with 6 rounds in the cylinder does it for me. And, whomever designed the grips did a fantastic job as they fit my hand perfect. Not too tacky to draw from the pocket, but just soft enough to absorb a little recoil.

 

[ltj9296]

Thanks, everyone for the suggestions. May be more options than i realized. I have never heard of the 242. 7 rounds of .357 in a 19 oz revolver is amazing to me. I think I would only want to shoot .38 +p out of that, lol. Sounds like a great ccw, though.

 

[BB57]

There are a few fairly easy to find options in between 2.125" or 3" Model 60 and a 4" Model 10.

The 3" SP 101 in .357 magnum comes to mind. It's about 5 oz heavier than a 3" Model 60 and that extra weight shows up in a slightly heavier frame and back strap and a full underdog barrel, but in a revolver that is still basically J Magnum frame sized.

Slightly larger are the shorter barrel K-frame .38s and .357s like the 2" or 3" Model 10 in .38 Special, the 2" or 3" Model 64 in .38 Special (basically a stainless Model 10), the 3" Model 65 in .357 (basically a stainless version of the 3" Model 13), or the 2 1/2" Model 66 in .357 (basically a stainless version of the Model 19 complete with adjustable sights).

The Ruger Speed Six is a round butt revolver that was made in both 4" and 2 3/4" barrel lengths. Like the SP 101 compared to a J-frame, the Speed Six has a slightly heavier frame than a comparable Model 10 or Model 65, and with the 2 3/4" barrel it makes a nice mid size 6 shot .357 Magnum revolver.

I'll post a group picture tomorrow of a 3" Model 60, a 3" SP 101, a 2 1/2" Model 66, a 3" Model 13, and a 2 3/4" Speed Six for comparison purposes.

 

[ltj9296]

Thanks BB57, that would be great!

 

[Zipdog]

I love my S&W revolvers, but in terms of a smallish 6 shot snubbie I had to get a Rossi 461 (blued) (the polished stainless version is the 462). It's a 2" 6 shot snubbie weighing in at about 26 ounces. The newer ones made since Taurus took over the manufacturing have been excellent. They are chambered in .357 Magnum.

The S&W 66 and 19 snubbies (discontinued but still available on the used market) weigh in at 32 ounces (great guns, but heavier than you suggested you were interested in).

Don't discount what Ashlander says. While I too am a S&W fan do yourself a favor and check out those Rossi's mentioned. Are in the new Kimber revolver class and half the money. You will be surprised about the quality they now have. A class size S&W needs to get into now that the Colts are no longer being made new.

 

[shell627]

Why not look at a s&w model 12 .Lightweight version of model ten k frame.Or a two or three inch model ten or sixty four.

 

[Capt. F.]

Mid sized CCW

My CCW has been a model 66-3 2 1/2" but this past summer I was offered a Rossi Model 720 3" .44 special in mint condition for $350. The Rossi is a five shot and I know you would rather have a six +, but being a .44 you might want to take a look. I have it in a Simply Rugged pancake holster and because of the 5 shot cylinder it actually holds closer to the body so I'm toting it now.
Best,
Capt. F.

 

[crsides]

Detective Spl.


Charlie

 

[326MOD10]

Let's not forget the Night Guard series from S&W.

A little harder to find but light weight and great sights.

I have a 315NG and you can't beat the weight for a medium sized revolver.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I admit to a fondness for the Colt DS and carried one for many years, still do on occasion. That being said I have no problem with a snubbie Model 19 or Model 64 3".

 

[oger]

A 66 2 1/2in is really the only one would recommend it's a little heavier than the liteweights but you can actually shoot it without breaking your wrist.