I don't doubt what you are saying. I am sure if I ever needed to use it, I would be shooting it DAO. But my point was I love shooting a revolver in SA. just love the feel and sound when cocking back the hammer with your thumb. Am I going to shot it that way very often? Nope, but more often than I am ever going to fire it in a self defence situation I am certain of that. I just want the ability to fire SA. 80% to 90% of the time I will fire it in DA mode. That's the reason why I wanted a SA/DA revolver. I will take the advice given, and I will try to shoot a DAO revolver, if I can find one to rent. I would be foolish to ask for advice, just to through it out when given. While I might be a fool, I try not to be foolish...
Need some help picking a EDC revolver and caliber.
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I don't doubt what you are saying. I am sure if I ever needed to use it, I would be shooting it DAO. But my point was I love shooting a revolver in SA. just love the feel and sound when cocking back the hammer with your thumb. Am I going to shot it that way very often? Nope, but more often than I am ever going to fire it in a self defence situation I am certain of that. I just want the ability to fire SA. 80% to 90% of the time I will fire it in DA mode. That's the reason why I wanted a SA/DA revolver. I will take the advice given, and I will try to shoot a DAO revolver, if I can find one to rent. I would be foolish to ask for advice, just to through it out when given. While I might be a fool, I try not to be foolish...
junglefighter
US Veteran
I carry a M69,4.25" bbl. as my EDC. I did not mention this because you specified a 38/357.I am very pleased with 5 rds. of 44 Spl. and 2 speedloaders for reserve loaded with 44 Mag.I just prefer a 44 over a 38/357. Decisions are tough,just be happy as there are so many choices,none are really wrong.
I am a huge revolver fan, especially for the j-frame and a few of the j sized frame copies. All my sized guns are in 38-special. My current daily carry is a 20oz, Charter Arms 6 shot Undercover Police, my wife a S&W 637. There is as much myth and insanity following a j-frame snub as bigfoot. In a j frame, the grip makes all the difference in the world. Yes, even a 38 can be uncomfortable to shoot with the wrong load and wrong grips, and there are plenty of good 38 rounds that will put someone down quick, fast, and in a hurry. Some people hate them and that is understandable. Some, like myself, love them and there is a lot to love. If you are used to a modern semi, then getting used to the DA trigger pull takes training. But now as much as some people would imply. We do simple drills with ours. 21 feet, 5 rounds, 5 seconds, all must be in the 8 ring on a 25yard slow fire target. This is fun and not as hard as you think. Everything is obviously done in DA. At the end of the "Date", It's what my wife and I do on some dates, we wash up and go out for a nice meal. Boy that light airweight is great to carry in a coat pocket with a pocket holster.
Sorry I guess I wasn't very clear. I went back and reread my first post. I think a .357 is what I want, but am open to the .41 mag, .44 mag, and maybe even the .327 mag. Along with the 38/357 combo. I didn't say much about the other sizes, because the ammo is more, and they are larger. I also figured if the .357 was a handful in a 2" barrel the .41 and .44 would be even more so. That being said I might find that I don't mind carrying a 3", 4" or even a 5" barrel. maybe the weight won't bother me, and maybe I can conceal it fine. I was just guessing it would be harder to carry than my PPQ, which I don't find to be pleasant most of the time. Maybe I need to do something different. I wear the PPQ while setting at my desk at work for 8+ hours at my first job, then my 2nd job I do lots of walking and bending over and squatting. maybe I take it out of the holster while at my desk, and put it under my desk in a desk holster. IDK. Maybe I won't mind it as much with the new holster I have coming. either way I plan on buying a revolver this year. probably around my birthday which is at the end of march.
ABPOS
Member
I prefer a good DA revolver trigger to most striker fired. It's that break on a striker fired that I find hard. At least with a revolver it's more consistent. Unless it's a Colt. 
You'll get both sides of the argument around here about a hammer. My problem is I'm always a bit too subjective. I find either side has merit. I only have a Colt snubby with a hammer and I have found that I do snag every once in a while on the draw. But not enough to make me fumble terribly. But more like just annoying. Could be an issue in a real situation. But then there is the added bonus of being able to put your hand on the hammer when holstering. More safety. And like you say, if you want to perform a long distance shot or check for accuracy, it may be nice to have Single action.
You'll get both sides of the argument around here about a hammer. My problem is I'm always a bit too subjective. I find either side has merit. I only have a Colt snubby with a hammer and I have found that I do snag every once in a while on the draw. But not enough to make me fumble terribly. But more like just annoying. Could be an issue in a real situation. But then there is the added bonus of being able to put your hand on the hammer when holstering. More safety. And like you say, if you want to perform a long distance shot or check for accuracy, it may be nice to have Single action.
UNCLE PAULY
Member
S&W 649 - 2.5" , 5 shot, 357mag, stainless steel J frame revolver. Then load it up with some good 38spc P+ ammo.
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max503
Member
The OP said EDC. You can put an airweight +P in your pocket and forget about it. That's what EDC means to me. Personally, I prefer the 638 humpback.
Oh, my. I don't recall you having said that before. Yes, I agree, you need to do something different.
No wonder you don't carry all the time. I'm not criticizing, just pointing out a few things you might not have considered.
If I have pants on, I'm carrying, and I never know it, comfort-wise. It's never unpleasant.
You mentioned in one post your web belt sometimes cuts off circulation to your legs. There's a change to consider. I wear a Milt Sparks 1¾" belt. Most comfortable belt I've ever owned. Belts | Milt Sparks Holsters
I carry OWB always (and sometimes an extra Chiefs 3" in a shoulder rig). My favorite holster is a smooth-leather-lined Lobo Gun Leather Enhanced Pancake worn at 4 o'clock so it straddles the 3 o'clock belt loop on my jeans. Enhanced Pancake
The belt and holster are solely for my ccw. I always wear suspenders to hold up my breeches, and I always wear a vest.
There are as many leather options as there are revolvers. Everyone likes what works for them. Many folks claim to have a drawer full of holsters they've tried that didn't work. Finding something that works and is pleasant is the key.
I didn't just "know" how to carry concealed. I learned everything I know from the great folks on this forum.
Take care,
Bob
Fishinfool
Member
IF you are considering a .44 mag., then the model 69 with a 2.75 inch barrel is a good choice. 5 shots, built on the L frame so its noticeably smaller than the typical N frame .44.
Recoil with .44 Special level loads is not bad at all, certainly less than a J frame .357 mag. Full power loads are a handful, but do-able with experience and practice.
My usual carry is either a Glock 26, or a compact 1911. BUT, I carried a revolver for years as a LEO, and I would not feel at a disadvantage with a 69 in a good pancake type belt holster, loaded with a 200 / 240 grain soft swaged lead SWCHP at about 900 fps. Sort of like the old FBI 38 spl. load, only on steroids..
Larry
Recoil with .44 Special level loads is not bad at all, certainly less than a J frame .357 mag. Full power loads are a handful, but do-able with experience and practice.
My usual carry is either a Glock 26, or a compact 1911. BUT, I carried a revolver for years as a LEO, and I would not feel at a disadvantage with a 69 in a good pancake type belt holster, loaded with a 200 / 240 grain soft swaged lead SWCHP at about 900 fps. Sort of like the old FBI 38 spl. load, only on steroids..
Larry
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oneounceload
Member
True, but 10 hits from a .22 beats a loud miss from a .44.......
Coyote56
Member
I’d wait a short while until the new Colt King Cobra hits the shelves.
3” barrel, .357...sounds like it may be just what you’re looking for. Should be out pretty soon.
3” barrel, .357...sounds like it may be just what you’re looking for. Should be out pretty soon.
I didn't really give enough detail about the belt I am using and why it is so tight sometimes.
I will elaborate for clarity. I don't have this issue because of the gun, actually the few times it has happened I didn't have a gun on me. It has never happened when I carry. I always wear a white shirt under my outer shirt. My white shirt is always tucked in. My outer shirt, not usually. I hate for my undershirt to come untucked. Like I said at night I bend and squat a lot. So Sometimes I pull my belt too tight. since it has a strong elastic it is easy to get it too tight and be comfortable. but after a while I notice my hip muscles hurt and I get some numbness in my legs. so I loosen my belt to a more reasonable level of tightness. sometimes it take a few times adjusting before I get the right level of tightness that won't let my undershirt move no matter how far i have to bend. squats, touch my toes, shirt stays tucked in. If the belt is too loose I have to re tuck the shirt every 2 or 3 minutes. I don't really need the belt to keep my pants up, unless I am carrying.
I do need to get more used to wearing my gun. the building I work at for my 2nd job does not allow weapons. first job doesn't have a rule as far as i know. but I would be leary about taking my gun in and out of a CC holster to put it under my desk. I also do not feel comfortable with my firearm being out of my line of sight if it is not locked up and unloaded. so I would not leave it at my desk unattended. this would mean every time I get up grab my gun and re holster. I am guessing after the 3rd time doing this in the first hour, the guy sitting beside me would start to wonder what was going on.
Honestly the PPQ is not horrible to carry, just thought about getting something easier and smaller. also wanted a revolver. so I thought hey why not buy a small revolver.Sorry I should have been more clear on some of this before hand. I sometimes forget just because I know a reason I am or am not doing something, doesn't mean everyone else knows it too.
Also I was giving some thought to trying one of these.
Gun Belts | Shop our innovative gun belts online | KORE Essentials - Kore Essentials
I don't think my belt is my problem, but hey I have been wrong before.
Gun Belts | Shop our innovative gun belts online | KORE Essentials - Kore Essentials
I don't think my belt is my problem, but hey I have been wrong before.
ContinentalOp
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I think using an elastic belt is a mistake when carrying. The stretchiness of the belt is likely why you experience pain or loss of feeling in your legs. The belt is essentially the foundation of your carry system. You want something that is stiff across the width of the belt, but flexible along it's length without stretching. This will provide the support needed to carry a gun, and it becomes more important the heavier the gun.
My personal preference is for The Beltman's double-layer leather gun belts, but there are other makers, too. The two layers are glued and stitched together and allow the belt to flex along it's length for comfortable wear, but provides the lateral rigidity to support a gun. The belts will typically be 3/16" to 1/4" thick. The 1.5" width is probably the most common.
Other people like the heavy-duty nylon belts, such as the Wilderness Instructor belt. I have one, but while it provides adequate support I find it less effective than leather gun belts. YMMV.
I've used a 1.5" double-layer bullhide belt from Beltman for several years, and have used it to carry a 3" 65 for 12+ hours/day in an IWB holster with good comfort. My current belt is also a Beltman belt, but a 1.25" horsehide belt with double-stitching. It works very well when carrying my current EDC, a Beretta PX4 Compact.
Edit: I just read your post about keeping your shirt tucked. There are a couple of options you may want to look at. I haven't tried it, but there is a product called "The Hidden Tailor." It's basically a "belt" you wear over your shirt and under your pants and keeps your shirt tucked. An option I have used before are shirt stays, which you can get at uniform stores. They're like garters that attach your shirt tails and socks. They worked very well for me.
Someone else mentioned suspenders. I occasionally use Perry suspenders, mostly when I wear both an IWB holster and IWB mag pouch. The combination seems to make it harder for my pants to stay up, so I wear the suspenders as extra support. I like them because they clip onto your belt, but, as I mentioned before, they'll work best with a proper gun belt.
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Resistance is futile, smoore. I don't believe you're going to convince us.
Well like I said I have been wrong before. I will admit that. I am also willing to try a High quality gun belt. I did have and use one of those stiff nylon non elastic tactical belts too. it worked but not nearly as well as the one I use now. It is really stiff, and you wouldn't know it is elastic. it is firm unless you pull on it. I am not sure, but might hang a weight from it to see, but I don't think a 5lb weight is enough to stretch it. I think you would need 10 lbs before the elastic would give. But like I said I am willing to try something else. I would be extremely surprised if it is the belt though. Open to more belt suggestions. Thanks!
Ok I was going to order one from Kore Essentials. I may still try them if I am not happy with the one I purchased from anson. I got the CC belt. Reviews say it is a good gun belt. Maybe it will work better than my current belt. Or does this not meet the requirements for a gun belt?
I've been using an Wilderness Tactical "Frequent Flyer" 5 stitch Instructors belt for about 4 years.... works well and is infinitely adjustable for switching from IWB (most common carry for me) or OWB.
photoman
Member
jtcarm
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I’ve had their instructors belt for about 6 years and still going strong despite everyday use containing both me and a K-frame carried IWB.
Last year I bought a 5.11 Operator and it is nearly identical.
I am dressed daily either in jeans or cargo shorts, so it’s handy having two belts.
They’re both awesome and well worth the $50 apiece I paid.
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