"mid-size" ccw revolver?

[HorizontalMike]

Shoulder Carry?

While I normally CCW a 642 J-frame in a paddle, I also have the PC627 with a 2.62" barrel. I really like it, however, as beat up as my 642 gets from daily carry I will save it for special occasions and/or BBQ parties...

BTW, IMO shoulder carry opens up and eliminates weight concerns by and large.

 

[snowman.45]

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".

A short-barreled K-frame such as a 2.5" 19/66 or 3" 10/64 or 13/65 is about as close as you're going to come in a S&W, considering the specifications you've set. Any of those would be my choice, given your requirements.

 

[TAROMAN]

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.

This. Just wish S&W would issue a new one with Scandium frame and 3" barrel:

 

[Blackshirt]

3" M65. About 33 ounces, but easy to conceal as it is thin at both ends. Lots of ammo choices, not much to go wrong, and corrosion-resistant...what's not to like?

 

[dillonhelp]

I regularly carry a 4" Colt Police Positive Special in 38 SPL. Weighs about 22 oz, 6 shots. Colt used this frame with a 2" barrel to create the Detective Special. 3rd Gen is rated for +P ammunition.

 

[BB57]

The revolver in the lower right hand corner is a 2.125" Model 60 and forms the low end of the comparison.

Above it is a 3" Model 60 and on the top right is the slightly (5 oz) heavier 3" SP 101.

At the upper left is a 3" Model 13. Below it is a 2 3/4" Speed Six and in the bottom left corner is a 2 1/2" Model 66.

The Speed Six is again 5 or so ounces heavier than the Model 66 or Model 13, but there ins't any noticeable difference in carrying any of the three.

In practice, I've found the grip used makes the most difference in conceal-ability and the Pachmayer signature on the Model 13 is a lot longer than the Compact grip on the Speed Six and Model 66, and makes any of the three harder to conceal.

You'll notice the adjustable sights on the 66 make it appear much larger, but in practice it doesn't make any difference in an IWB holster - and all the left hand options are too large for pocket carry.

 

[epj]

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.

Ill second the vote for the Agent. I have two that have the factory hammer shroud, and they make ideal carry guns. Just a hair bigger than the J frame. The newer ones with the parkerized finish can be had for reasonable money. The older ones without the ejector rod shroud are not +P rated.

 

[one eye joe]

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.

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO FIND ONE OF THESE REVOLVERS THAT IS COSMETICALLY CHALLENGED, BUT MECHANICALLY SOUND, AT A REASONABLE PRICE. THIS TYPE OF REVOLVER IS USUALLY OFTEN CARRIED, BUT SELDOM SHOT. YOU CAN JUST HAVE A QUALIFIED GUNSMITH LOOK IT OVER, BEFORE YOU TRUST YOUR LIFE WITH IT---OR, IF YOU SHOULD FALL IN LOVE (AS OFTEN IS THE CASE) YOU CAN HAVE IT RESTORED TO PRISTINE CONDITION BY ONE OF THE EXCELLENT SHOPS, MENTIONED IN THE THREADS OF OUR FORUM......

 

[ltj9296]

Nice collection BB57, thanks

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Your desired firepower (6 shot) and weight (25 oz.) seems a hard combination to find in a Smith. I like H Richard's thought (631PD / 632PD), but both would wreck my budget.

As much as anyone else I'd like to have six in the well, but I haven't wanted to tote a K-frame. I went with a 640 Pro with stocks that rival a K-frame and tame the beast with even the hottest .357s. If I'm going somewhere I think five isn't enough (cat, badger, or bear country) I toss my M&P340 into a flannel shirt pocket.

640 Pro, Karl Nill Centennial stocks, Barnes 140gr lead free HPs: 24.75oz

M&P 340, Hogue Centennial Tamers, Barnes 140gr lead free HPs: 16.65oz

Previously I recall seeing other forum members suggest picking up an old Model 30 or 31 and having it altered to accept H Richard's .32 magnum.

My 2" Model 31 weighs in at 21oz with six .32 S&W Long fmj cartridges.

 

[Zoner]

not a smith but....

 

[fchretireddet]

Hi,
How about the S&W 640?
I have a 640-3 with the I/L a s I've been happy with it for the past couple of years. It's22 ounces unloaded. It's a .357, although I only carry Federal Hydro-shoks (.38+P) or Speer Gold dots (also .38+P) for S/D.
If you're opposed to the I/L, the 640 Pro doesn't have the I/L and (I think) that it comes with adjustable night sights.

 

[TAC]

If you can find one, the S&W Nightguard series sounds like it would meet your requirements. Particularly the 315NG. It's a K frame, 6-shot, .357 Magnum. With it's Scandium frame, it only weighs 23.8 oz.

More info here:

Smith & Wesson?s New Nightguard Series Revolvers

 

[gnystrom]

Wait and look at a Kimber K6s.

Soon to out into the marketplace.

 

[TAC]

Wait and look at a Kimber K6s.

Soon to out into the marketplace.

With an MSRP of $900, and well North of that, when they finally become available, I'll pass. Maybe it will be a consideration in a few years, after it's been tried, and proven, and the price comes down to earth.

 

[poordevil]

As someone said above, a Colt Police Positive Special with 4" barrel. Very danty and light.

 

[rwsmith]

Wish list.....

A revolver between a 'J' and a 'K' frame with six shots.

 

[Cal44]

As was said earlier, the M242 is and option. It's a 7 short 38 special +P and only weighs 19 oz.

 

[BB57]

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.

I was surprised at the relative lack of difference between my 2.5" Model 66 and my 2.5" 686+ as a concealed carry revolver.

My Model 66 weighs 36 oz fully loaded compared to 40 oz for my 686+.

The cylinder diameter on the K is 1.446" compared to 1.559" for the L, and that translates to only a .12" difference in the depth of the frame.

The frame thickness at the barrel is .820" versus .838" the frame thickness at the cylinder latch it is .656" versus .658", and the barrel diameter at the threads is .540" versus .562".

I got a 686 to save the wear and tear on my Model 66 since I shoot a lot. However, I've found the minimal extra size and 4 0z of extra weight of the 686 isn't any more of an impediment to concealment or concealed carry with a good belt and IWB hosted than a Model 66.

 

[federali]

I would also go with a 3" RB Model 65 S&W, a Colt DS if you're willing to pay a premium and the new Kimber K6, which, I think will cater to all those wishing for a return of the Colt DS to the marketplace.