Need some help picking a EDC revolver and caliber.

[smoore]

Hi, I am new to the forums. Not sure if this is the correct place to ask this question, but didn’t see a better place for a revolver question.

First I apologize for such a long post, typos, and overall formatting. I am using my iPhone. I will probably edit for clarity once I am back on a computer.

I’ll start by giving a little background, then some things I want or think I do [emoji3], and maybe why. I will probably have a few questions thrown in too.

First I am looking for a new EDC concealed gun. I don’t currently own a revolver (that is safe to shoot) and would like to. I currently have a Beretta 92fs in stainless. (Have owned for 18 years) and a Walther PPQ M1 4” (owned for about 3 years)
Both cambered in 9mm.

I have always liked revolvers but for some reason never purchased one. My first thoughts was to kill 2 birds with one stone. Yes though that possibly won’t happen like I first thought. I am also open to the option of buying more than one gun. Either 2 revolvers, or a revolver and another semi-auto , though this would not be the way I want it to work.

My first thought was find a 9mm revolver so I could share ammo. Though I would rather have a .357 magnum. Always liked the .357, though never owned one. With the .357, I could also shoot the .38 special.
I also looked at the .327 magnum, the .41 magnum, and a .44 magnum /.44 special.

I wanted something smaller and easier to carry than my PPQ, which isn’t horrible, but not the best CCW.
So if I wanted something smaller in size, that led me to snub nose revolvers. And makes it harder to look at the larger .41 mag, or the .44 mag. Not to mention a snub .44 mag will be a handful.

This lead me to decide on a .357 magnum. Though I know in a snub nose light weight frame it is also a handful to shoot. I was positive this is what I wanted. I even found a few models from various companies I was interested in. But now I am questioning my decision again.

I was really interested in a EAA snub .357. I wanted the nickel version but have read the finish will wear and peel after some time. This one is a cheap .357 snub nose, but weighs around 28oz so that will help with recoil. Obviously it is not the same quality as some other brands out there, but seems to score high with people who shot one. I also looked at a few Taurus 605 but the build quality wasn’t what I was looking for. (I know some people have liked the 605 and had good luck, but I think I will start away from that one)

My local gun shop has a Ruger sp-101 used, but is chambered in 9mm. The guy really tried to talk me into it. And while I held my ground, he did bring up some good points about the .357 I wasn’t thinking about, and brought up some thoughts I had about the .44 mag and .41 mag.

They have a charter arms .41 mag for $330 it is a satin stainless steel. It looks pretty nice and feels good too. A problem I had with the .41 mag is the Ammo is more than twice what I can find .357 mag for, and I can get the 38 special even cheaper than the .357 mag. The ammo is more than I want to pay, but realistically with the recoil and price of ammo, I doubt I will ever put more than 1000 rds through it. Same thing hose for the Smith & Wesson 44 mag model 63 2.5” they have. They are asking almost $700 for it, but it is on the larger size for what I feel will be easy to carry concealed. I feel like if I try to use it for my edc, it will be heavier and larger than my PPQ. So it kind of defeats one of the main reasons for buying it. Cost of ammo is the same as the .41 mag, only easier to find. Again I doubt I would ever shoot more than 1000 rds through it.

If I stay with a .357 I am pretty sure I will put over 1000 rds of 38 through it, not sure how much magnum will pass through it though. Which brings up a few more things. Is it really with paying more for a .357 only to almost never shoot .357 ammo? I think it is for me. I would load it with .357 for edc, but practice mostly with 38 special. The guy did mention though the huge drop in power and velocity of shooting a .357 mag out of something with such a short barrel. This is something I knew, but had kind of dismissed while researching what .357 to get. Now I am questioning that again. Should I really bother with one that small? I liked the S&W 360pd, and was also looking at the Ruger LCRx in a 357 mag. After looking again at the dramatic drop in power, I am questioning if I want something smaller than A 3” barrel. Now obviously it doesn’t matter how powerful the gun is if you can’t hit anything with it. And as far as power goes while Hickok45 (one of the most awesome YouTubers out there) says a .22 is better than a sharp stick, I did drop a charging bull with a shot to the head on the farm. He was just as dead as if I shot him with a 44 magnum. So while I don’t think I want to trust a rim fire .22 for my only CCW, I have never met anyone who has volunteered to be shot with one.

Are there any good smallish .357 mags with a 3” barrel? I really didn’t want my 9mm to be a more powerful rnd then my .357. In opinions are 3-4” revolvers easier or harder to Cc than a 4” semi-auto. (I know the barrels are measured differently)
I was even considering getting something cheap like that charter arms .41 mag, and then a small LCRx 38, or a S&W 340 or 360 in a 38. But that is 2 guns and I don’t know if one would even be needed. And unfortunately I probably won’t be able to shoot any before buying, and might not even be able to handle very many either. Thanks for the help!



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Cal44]

I carry an LCR 357 Magnum and recommend it.

It's enough heavier than the Smith Scandium J frames to be reasonable to shoot with 357 Magnum defense loads like the 357 Magnum 135gr Gold Dot I use.

And it's lighter than the M60, M640 or other steel J frames. Those seem heavy to me to cart around every day.

A reliable gun with a good trigger.

I have the original shrouded hammer type.

I think it's best for carry and a great pocket gun.

He LCRx 3" version is a lot bigger and would preclude pocket carry.

I also have a 327 LCR and can recommend it also. Main advantage is one extra shot. Main disadvantage is fewer ammo choices and a lot of stores don't stock it.

 

[Well Armed]

I own a LCR 357 that I purchased back in 2012 and have carried on and off sense then... I like it, but if I had to do it all over again, I would have gotten something else of similar size for carry do to the LCR's trigger reset/short stroke issue...

I'd look at the 340 PD, 640 pro, or Kimber K6S. They are all 357s, and aren't too heavy. For a six shot 38, the new Colt Cobra can be had for under $600...

Edit, I never looked at the 360pd before, but I'd take that too over the LCR...

 

[junglefighter]

My first advice is to buy a very good belt (I wear a Galco) and when you decide on your revolver,a very good holster.Having both will make a heavier weight revolver easier to carry.Shooting a 686+ in 2 1/2 or 3" bbl. will give you much pleasure with 38 Spl. and will handle 357 Mag. w/o too much problem.There will be many replies and advice.Best of luck in your search.

 

[ABMI]

Check out the Performance Center ported model 19 3" it has been getting good reviews & looks very handy. Almost walked out with one the other day at the LGS but ended up with one of my revolver's I have been wanting for a long time. A model 27 4"

 

[dr. mordo]

1. 357 from a short barrel is still a very powerful round. People make way too much of the loss of power - it's still a brutal round.

2. Ruger just introduced a 3" LCRx 357. That would be high on my list behind a 2.75" S&W M66.

3. You won't shoot a ton of 357 from a J frame/LCR unless you are a masochist.

4. Ammo can be ordered online for cheaper than it can be bought locally. Precision One sells 44 SPL and MAG for a very reasonable price and they make great ammo.

5. There is absolutely nothing like shooting a 44, and if I could have only one revolver it would be a 4" S&W Model 29, or in your case I might get a 3" M629. I carry my 4" M29 everyday, but the 3" M629 is a bit easier to conceal when carried OWB so it would give you more options. I handload my own light 44 MAGs, but if I didn't, I'd shoot Precision One 44 SPLs.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from the hills of ol' Wyo, smoore.

Great write-up! Lots of detail, but well thought through and presented.

If you find your thread moved, I'm guessing the mods would have put it in the "Concealed Carry & Self Defense" forum under "General Topics." That's where most of these type discussions reside. There is also a slew of information on the philosophy of carrying concealed.

You'll find we all have our prejudices. That's why there are so many manufacturers and so many choices from each one.

I prefer S&Ws, and I really prefer J-frames. That's why I'm here so guess what you're going to hear? You wouldn't go to a Chevy dealer to ask about a F**d, right?

My latest acquisition (I picked it up from my pal at the shop a quarter mile away last night) is exactly what you're looking for: a Model 60-10, Stainless Steel Chiefs Special. 3" barrel, .357 Magnum, target sights. You'll find many folks who say you can't carry a revolver with an exposed hammer. I use a shoulder rig for my 3" Chiefs, and I do not have a problem with the hammer snagging on clothing.

If you'd prefer to carry on your strong-side hip, then I'd suggest a Centennial model with an internal hammer so the hammer can't snag on your clothing. I carry a stainless steel Model 640 Pro, 2⅛" with wood grips big enough to fit my XXL hands.

The key to carrying in a holster on your belt is to have a gun belt, not something from Walmart or your fanciest haberdasher. Gun leather is a must for comfort and control. There's a forum for gun leather, too.

If you deviate from your thoughts on having a .357, go for a stainless steel Model 940 Centennial in 9mm.

I'm a relatively large human, and I don't notice the weight of the steel. I don't like airweights.

I hope you'll get lots of recommendations. None will be bad or wrong.

Again, welcome.

Bob

 

[ContinentalOp]

If I were starting off with revolvers and wanted one in .357 Magnum that could also be carried concealed, I would probably look real hard at the Kimber. While I haven't handled one yet (mostly out of fear that I'd really, really, reeeeeally want to get one), I've seen overwhelmingly positive reviews about it.

Another one I'd consider is probably the S&W 640 Pro.

I like the Ruger SP101, and have wanted one for some time, but compared to the Kimber and S&W offerings it's rather large and heavy. Not saying it can't be carried, but I wouldn't exactly describe it as being "size efficient."

I don't like the LCR, but that's because I don't like the weak trigger reset. For quick DA shooting I like a strong reset. Some people aren't bothered by it. If it doesn't bother you, it could be a good option.

FYI, for several years I EDCd a 642-1, and still have it handy in case I need to pocket carry or just want/need to carry something more discreet. While I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for a new shooter, your post suggests you're an experienced handgun shooter, so that might be an option worth checking out, even if it's not a .357 Magnum. I think it's also a good value, considering they cost considerably less than some of the other options based on what I've seen. If you prefer a black gun, the 442-1 is also a good choice.

As for concealability differences between semi-autos and revolvers, there is one thing that often gets overlooked. Most people talk about the bulkiness of the cylinder, but what really makes the difference is the grip. For example, I've carried a Glock 23 and a 3" S&W 65 (a K-frame), each in a Milt Sparks Summer Special 2 IWB holster (though not at the same time). I can tell you that it was much easier to conceal the 65 because the relatively thin, rounded grip has a lower profile than the Glock's flat, blocky grip. It didn't print as much through my shirt, and what little printing did occur was rounded and more "organic." Plus, the square rear portion of the slide had a tendency to stick out. My 65 had a bobbed hammer and there was nothing to stick out (off topic, but one of the reasons I like the Beretta PX4 Compact for carry is the rounded rear slide). Unless you're thin as a rail or wear tight clothing, the concealabiilty of a revolver's cylinder isn't as big an issue in the big picture, especially with IWB carry.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Personally my M640-1 is the one that would fit your needs.
I have special wood grips and 38's & 357 ,magnums are no problem.
But everyone is different, test fire some revolver's at a range to see what
fits you best.....
https://i.postimg.cc/mZdsVL4r/M-640.jpg

 

[zogger]

I also went with a SW Model 60 3". Carries easily in a Garret Industries IWB Silent Thunder Revolver holster. Alot of grip options to chose from (one of the advantages of revolvers).

My other carry is a Beretta Px4 Storm Compact 9mm also in a Garrett Industries Silent Thunder. This also carries well but is a bit heavier.

 

[photoman]

No one gun will do everything. With that being said, the 640 Pro will come the closest to covering all the bases. The Ruger SP101 in .357 would be a good option too.

For self defense, the .38 Special will get the job done if you do your part so don't get too hung up on having to have a .357 Magnum.

Stay away from the off brands like EAA and Charter Arms.

 

[Nick B]

1. 357 from a short barrel is still a very powerful round. People make way too much of the loss of power - it's still a brutal round.

2. Ruger just introduced a 3" LCRx 357. That would be high on my list behind a 2.75" S&W M66.

3. You won't shoot a ton of 357 from a J frame/LCR unless you are a masochist.

4. Ammo can be ordered online for cheaper than it can be bought locally. Precision One sells 44 SPL and MAG for a very reasonable price and they make great ammo.

5. There is absolutely nothing like shooting a 44, and if I could have only one revolver it would be a 4" S&W Model 29, or in your case I might get a 3" M629. I carry my 4" M29 everyday, but the 3" M629 is a bit easier to conceal when carried OWB so it would give you more options. I handload my own light 44 MAGs, but if I didn't, I'd shoot Precision One 44 SPLs.

Since I also live in hot south Florida I’d like to know what holster are you using for that M29 ?

 

[Muss Muggins]

S&W 442/642 . . .

 

[Univibe]

EDC revolver? Six rounds and effectively no reloads? You'll burn through that quick when the jackboys jump on you in the big city, or when the gang of four accosts you on a lonely highway.

Save revolvers for the range and the hunt. Get a M&P 9mm. 18 in the gun with 17 more in a two second reload. If you can't conceal that, get a 9mm Shield
8 shots with 8 more in the reload.

It's your life. Don't mess around.

 

[diyj98]

AR15 all the way with at least three extra mags. It's the only way I roll.

Actually since you mentioned 357 mag. and 3" barrel, the Model 60 mentioned above would be at the top of my list. If you want something a little easier to conceal and aren't stuck on the 3" barrel, a 640 would be my pick. It's a handful with 357 mags, but very easy to handle with +P 38 specials.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Welcome and.......Great first post......

I've owned revolvers since the early 1970s; and concealed carried both revolvers and autos since 1978. I will admit to being partial to older (pre 1995) S&Ws and have no experience with any Smith revolver with the lock or two piece barrel; but do have a couple with IMI parts.

I've owned Colts and Rugers..... but prefer the triggers on Smith over Colt and find the similar size Rugers bulkier than their Smith counterparts.

Most of my revolvers are in .357; to allow me the option of using either .357 or .38s. For urban self defense I tend to carry either a +P .38 jacketed hollow point or the old FBI lead SWCHP round. Out in the woods I switch to a 158gr soft point .357.

Given the above most my recommendations will most likely be 'used" guns. But used isn't a bad thing.... unless they are abused few guns wear out ..... in fact it's not uncommon to find used guns... that have never actually been "used"

Reading your post.... my first thought was my Model 60-10; 3" barrel, .357/.38, target sights ........ think "micro, 5 shot 686." A similar gun with the lock is the 60-15.

Other guns that come to mind are the 3" k-frames..... in .357 or .38.. Models 10,13,64 or 65.

But don't overlook the 2 1/2" Model 66 or 19s which have been used by Detectives and plain cloths officers since the early 60s.

Personally at 5'9" 170lbs I can conceal carry a 4" K-frame. These are some to the best general purpose guns you can own.

The .357 magnum L-frames .... especially the 4" guns are in my opinion about the best general Purpose/utility/duty guns one can own.

But for me I find the L and N frame guns; even with 3 or 3 1/2 inch barrels.... to bulky to carry concealed all day.


Whatever your choice..... get some speedloaders to go with the gun.... my preference is Safariland.

My $.02 ....... good luck.

 

[smoore]

Wow! Where to start! There have been a lot more replies than I expected in such a short time. I appreciate everyone that has taken time to read and reply. I am not going to address every reply, but please don't think I didn't read and consider what you said. Another quick note I failed to mention, I want a hammer. I don't want a DA only revolver. Call me old fashioned, but there is something I love about cocking a hammer on a SA revolver. I will probably shoot it DA 80% of the time, but I do want SA available.
I know the hammer can get snagged on clothes, but I am not too concerned about that.

Ok here we go.
@Cal44
Nice to hear you are liking your lcr. I did see they have a 3" but I haven't held one. I also don't like the looks of them as much as the shorter barrel, but it is still in my consideration.

@Well Armed
I have also heard some negatives about the LCR trigger. not having shot one myself I am not sure if I will like it or not. it is something to think about.

@junglefighter
I do really like the looks of the S&W 686 with the 2.5" barrel. is the 3" enough extra power to deal with the extra 1/2" barrel? I wouldn't think the extra 1/2 would make it noticeably harder to CC, but I would guess it would make a difference in power. Also I do have a belt I like to wear. I use it every day rather I am carrying or not. I can carry my PPQ, or my 92FS IWB with it and it holds tight. But I agree a good belt can make a huge difference. I found that out when I started carrying.

@ABMI
Not sure if I found the model 19 you are talking about. can you please link? Thanks

@dr. mordo
I agree with the .357 still being powerful from a sub nose, but it does look like a lot of power is wasted. At least the .357 has power to waste though. I am gonna look up the S&W M66. not sure if I saw that one. I also signed up on the Precision One ammo website. right now they have $9.99 shipping per order. Might order some 9mm ammo. at least I will save them in my growing list of places to shop for ammo online. Thanks for the tip. Do you know how the M629 compares to the 63? I did like holding a 63. I was just worried it was going to be large to CC.

@two-bit cowboy
Thanks I also kind of like S&W. that is kind of why I am here instead of on the Ruger forums. I also know Ruger make a quality gun. And I know there are a lot of people here that own both and a lot of other brands. I do like that 60-10 and it is on my list. I just wish I could at a minimum handel some of these. It would be better to shot some, but I would love to hold one before buying.

@ContinentalOp
I did look at a Kimber, I haven't seen one with a hammer though. it looks like they are all hammerless. I guess I haven't really search to verify this though so I might be talking out my Butt. I think I would probably like the 640 pro. there are too many of these models though that I am having a hard time telling them apart just looking at pictures and specs online. that is one reason for posting here. There are just so many that look pretty much identical on paper. I am not new to shooting, but I don't shoot near as much as I used to. I was a pretty good shot. I am decent now if not slightly better. probably way below most of you guys, but better than the average person of the street. I have but several thousand rds through my 92FS and maybe a couple of thousand through my PPQ. Any more though I only shoot a few times a year, though I plan on changing that. Good points about how the different types carry differently. I know they do, but I don't have any experience carrying a revolver to compare it to. That is why I am not sure how a 3" or 4" revolver will carry.

@STCM(SW)
I called 3 ranges in my area. One I am a member at the other 2 I am not. I also checked one other that gives their rental list online. One didn't have any revolvers in their rentals and the others didn't have any thing very close to what I am looking for. one had a .357 with a 6" barrel and a 44 mag with a 6" barrel. I figured those would be enough different to what I plan on buying as to just shoot my 9mm for reference. Maybe I will get lucky and find some close, or find a user here that lives in the St. Louis area that want to get together and shoot.

@zogger52
another vote for the S&W 60. glad it is carrying good for you. I am gonna look a little harder and see if I can locate one of these to at least fondle. I also really like those Px4 Storms. I was pretty set on one in a compact or a sub compact. only reason I have not gotten one is the size is too close to my PPQ for me to buy one of the compacts. The sub compacts aren't very much smaller and can't find one to hold. I really want to shoot one though!

@Photoman44
I will look at the 640 Pro again. I know a 38 special will do the job, I am sure a .22 will also if I hit what I am aiming for. I do live in Mo and do a lot of camping and hiking. I think a 38 would be fine with most of the wildlife we have here. I would feel better with a .357 though. We also do go to Colorado and hike too. And we may end up hiking and camping in other areas that a larger size (even larger than .357) might be nice to have. that being said, I feel the .357 will be the best fit for what I need. I am still thinking strongly about a .41 mag, or a 44 mag/special.
I know a lot of people don't like the EAA, or charter arms, but a lot of people do like them also. I won't rule them out. I will say From what I read it looks like the EAA is really a 38 SP that they say can shoot .357 (don't think it was originally designed to) but it can't shot hand loads or +p 38 SP. so I am leaning away from it.

@BAM-BAM
thanks for the info, I am more than happy to buy used. I know a lot of people won't consider it, but after the first time I shoot the gun, it will be used anyway. Also I won't bother to get into the whole it is already been test fired before buying it. That is some good info about the K-frames being easier for you to CC than the L and N frames. I will definitely take that into consideration.

Ok thanks again for all of the help so far. And thanks for reading another chapter long post.

 

[smoore]

Oh BTW I also Like the looks of the Smith & Wesson Backpacker 44 mag 2 1/2. I don't know that I would get that one even if I could find it, but I think it looks cool. Kind of reminds me of my dads Ruger Bearcat .22 which I always loved. That was the first real revolver I ever saw. He only let me shoot it one time, then it went back into hiding. I was only a child though.

also really like the looks of this one.
PERFORMANCE CENTER(R) Model 627 | Smith & Wesson .357 mag

 

[oneounceload]

For pocket carry, I would go with the 38+P S&W of your liking. For holster carry, I would opt for a 357 with a 3" barrel from the maker of your liking.
There is NO way I would want to shoot 357 from a light snub. I own a snub K frame 19 and that is unpleasant to shoot 357 in compared to 38s.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

I have a 642 I like. I also have a 640. The 642 is lighter but only 38. The 640 is stainless so a bit heavier but in 357. I would recommend the 640. Centennial frame so no hammer to snag. Light enough to carry all day but heavy enough to handle 357. I find I carry the 640 most of the time.