Model 649 357 vs Model 19 carry comp for CCW

[flintsghost]

IF you simply have to use 357 mag rounds, I suggest you TRY and find some Speer 135 grain short barrel 357. It's really not too bad. When I carry my 66 2.5" that's what I carry and I don't have any trouble with them when I zeroed it in and practice. But finding them will be the hard part and then paying for them will be hard too as they will be high. But they are accurate and I find the recoil is not objectionable. I carry mine in a K L Null "Gibralter" on my belt and it hides just fine under a long shirt or light jacket. But I only carry it occasionally.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Yes my 649 is snappy with 38 +P, which is what I usually load it with.
357? Way past Snappy, more like very uncomfortable.
649 is an excellent carry gun, having a Hammer option without protruding hammer a definite plus.

 

[xtrtsqrt11]

Both are great revolvers solving different needs IMO.
That 19 carry comp is a great size K frame and is concealable.
The 649 no lock 357 is a revolver I have been unsuccessfully looking for for quite some time. It is of course more concealable, but is a questionable choice with full power loads (heck even mid range loads) for someone new to firearms.

Your clothing sounds unworkable for anything but a pocket holster maybe the 649 is your best bet. Then get some training...

 

[Ranger514]

I don't care if you're wearing insulated bibs, a tutu, or yoga pants, choose a gun that shoots POA with a serious defensive round. Don't assume you can master a firearm after the fact of simply purchasing one, without having any practical experience with the model. That means you need to spend some time at a range with handguns to determine which is best for you. It's a personal thang, and you sound like someone who needs to worry less about attire, and more about your choice in firearms.

 

[Homelander]

I don't care if you're wearing insulated bibs, a tutu, or yoga pants, choose a gun that shoots POA with a serious defensive round. Don't assume you can master a firearm after the fact of simply purchasing one, without having any practical experience with the model. That means you need to spend some time at a range with handguns to determine which is best for you. It's a personal thang, and you sound like someone who needs to worry less about attire, and more about your choice in firearms.

A J or K frame are both solid options for personal protection. I probably should have mentioned this initially but I do have a good deal of experience in pistol shooting (just not carrying). The attire just isn't going to change aside from the cooler months where I sport a jacket. That's why I'm getting some outside input on this before I shell out a fistful of paper on a handgun lol. Either way, I'm not going to go unarmed and whichever model I choose, I'm committed to mastering.

 

[Dgfrtsgt]

Good attitude. Not only is it nessary to master shooting but also very important to be able to fight with the the revolver. Avoidance, observation, Retention, point shooting are all important. John Farnum says -Don`t go with stupid people to stupid places and do stupid stuff.

 

[white cloud]

Sounds like I just might have to go the Don Johnson route and break out the white blazer more often. Jokes aside, this is all good information and I appreciate you guys giving your input. As of right now I feel like I'm going towards a 638 bodyguard in the pocket as It'll be a guarantee that I'll always have it on me, no matter my attire, and I also like the idea of being able already have a discrete grip on the pistol before any action starts. Due to it's light weight, I'll also be able to comfortably use it as an ankle gun for the days I feel like putting in the extra effort to dress around the model 19, likely if I anticipate to be spending time in the rough side of town.

I think your 638/pocket carry idea is a solid choice. I carry a 649 "no dash" in my pocket most of the time and it has paid off a couple of times. As pointed out "having a gun on you" is the most important point. If I am heading out to work on the farm I step up to a larger gun.

 

[mbliss57]

I carry the 649-3, 640 Pro and occasionally a 642. They are just so much easier to conceal. Pocket carry is my favorite and if I am wearing jeans I ankle carry. I have carried a Snubby model 66. (same as 19). It carries fine but you have to dress right to conceal. The J frames are pretty invisible.