bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
A bit confused at this statement. Why would you remove your carry from it's holster while you sit at your desk?
If you can't sit with your carry comfortably concealed, you need to change something.
Need some help picking a EDC revolver and caliber.
- Thread starter smoore
- Start date
A bit confused at this statement. Why would you remove your carry from it's holster while you sit at your desk?
If you can't sit with your carry comfortably concealed, you need to change something.
hyena
Member
Here's something to consider, smoore. (I can tell you're a thinker from your posts.) I recently bought a new 640 Pro. I love it. I shoot it better than the 642-1 I've have had for many years. And anytime I could OWB belt carry, I started carrying the 640 Pro (in place of pocket carrying my Bodyguard). I have a regular gunbelt, from Hanks, and my OWB holster of choice is a DeSantis thumb break scabbard, worn in the high ride loops. It conceals easily as long as I'm wearing a shirt that is untucked. Anyway....I recently got the 642 out and wore it in the holster, and I'm surprised at how much better it feels. I would have figured roughly 22 ounces for the 640, and roughly 15 ounces for the 642, what difference would that make on my belt? Well, to me, it's quite noticeable. For now, I've gone back to carrying the 642 quite often.
I'm not small. I'm 6'2", 195 pounds, and I've been working out steadily for over 40 years, so I'm not feeble. So the 640 Pro is far from "too heavy". But the 642 feels better. Which has me thinking about a 340PD.
Non-LEO's who carry a large or heavy gun all day must be really committed. I'm not ashamed to admit I prefer to stick with light weight. I can handle the heavier recoil as the price to be paid. I've never felt the need to carrying lots of rounds. If I did, I'd carry my Hi Power.
Good luck with your decision.
I'm not small. I'm 6'2", 195 pounds, and I've been working out steadily for over 40 years, so I'm not feeble. So the 640 Pro is far from "too heavy". But the 642 feels better. Which has me thinking about a 340PD.
Non-LEO's who carry a large or heavy gun all day must be really committed. I'm not ashamed to admit I prefer to stick with light weight. I can handle the heavier recoil as the price to be paid. I've never felt the need to carrying lots of rounds. If I did, I'd carry my Hi Power.
Good luck with your decision.
stonebuster
Member
I spent a couple of months recently deciding what snub I wanted for carry. I wanted .357 capability even if I decided to use 38spl+P for self defense. It needed to be heavy enough to enjoy practicing with and light enough to carry comfortably. Airweights would be easy to carry but not a lot of fun at the range.(IMO) It came down to the Colt Cobra, Kimber K6S, SP101 and Ruger GP100 3". Colt and Kimber had 6 rounds vs 5 but carried a bigger price tag too.(especially Kimber). The GP weighed 36 oz which is more than I want to lug around. I found a 2 month old second hand SP101 .357 DAO for $450 OTD so I got it and am happy with it. It fits my criteria. It did take some experimenting before I found IWB works the best for me and the 26oz SP. I've got a double layer Beltman belt w/liner and tried OWB but IWB handles the weight better for me. I'm not a light weight(6'1"/220lb) If the fit and finish is a priority and price isn't, I'd consider Kimber, Colt or a 20+ounce Smith. Snubs can be difficult to shoot well and a 13-16 oz snub may be an unpleasant introduction to revolvers for you. I'm judging this from shooting the 26 ounce SP and I haven't shot an Airweight so I could be wrong. If possible, try to shoot or at least handle the guns you're considering. From your posts, it seems you are enjoying the hunt for your gun. Good luck.
Last edited:
3rdgeargrndrr
Member
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2014
- Messages
- 1,162
- Reaction score
- 1,193
I would say the belt inproves the comfort. Rule for me, hold the belt at both tips. It should be stiff enough to hold a loop against gravity and not sag. This helps distribute the weight all around. I have had $80 “carry belts” that were less supportive than the $25 desantis e25 which hold a 1911 in comfort.
Do not mistake a carry gun for a precision range gun.
Revolvers are a different tool than a semiauto. Practice practice practice.
Practice some more. I dont recommend any caliber over another , get something you can shoot when your life is on the line. Train that way.
You should carry daily. In August 2014 as I recall , MO was the birthplace of stupidity
Do not mistake a carry gun for a precision range gun.
Revolvers are a different tool than a semiauto. Practice practice practice.
Practice some more. I dont recommend any caliber over another , get something you can shoot when your life is on the line. Train that way.
You should carry daily. In August 2014 as I recall , MO was the birthplace of stupidity
500SNW
Member
I usually shy away from recommending EDC guns because I myself have found the perfect gun for me...about a half dozen times...so far
. Yeah, I think some of us know that EDC guns of choice have a finite lifespan and will be replaced as our tastes and needs change. The solution - own a variety of guns - and choose which one satisfies your tastes at any given point in time.
. Yeah, I think some of us know that EDC guns of choice have a finite lifespan and will be replaced as our tastes and needs change. The solution - own a variety of guns - and choose which one satisfies your tastes at any given point in time.
tomrkba
Member
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2012
- Messages
- 111
- Reaction score
- 69
Here is the deal coming from someone who did exactly what you are doing now but a decade ago:
There is no free lunch with a revolver. They are universally more difficult to use in some aspect as compared to a semiauto. Size versus barrel length versus carrying ammo versus loading etc.
So, let’s get into it:
First, there are only four brands worth buying for carry: Colt, Korth, Ruger and S&W.
Snubbies suck. Ballistics are compromised. Sight radius is short and the cylinder holds too few rounds in the small guns. The LCR fixes the J-Frame’s trigger problem but still has a short sight radius and compromised ballistics unless you get one with a 3” barrel.
You must change your attitude toward carry if you choose a revolver. You must accept at least a Glock 19 size (or Walther PPQ) size. Anything less is too small. I have found the best compromise between ballistics, shooting, and reloading is a gun with:
1) 3-4” barrel
2) Mid sized frame. In S&W, that means either a K or L frame. N frames are awesome but most won’t carry them. The Ruger Redhawk is too big. In Ruger, the GP100 series is my choice. Colt’s current offerings are fine.
3) 38 Special caliber for the lighter K Frames (or 357 but loaded with 38’s) or 357 Magnum for L Frames/GP100.
4) Capacity of 6 or more
5) Speedloaders and/or moonclips that are readily available. Avoid speed strips.
6) Market support for night sights, gold bead sights, and custom grips/stocks.
For me, the S&W 686 or Ruger GP100 are great carry revolvers. Hiding speedloaders is not too difficult and many loaders are available for them.
Some great choices are:
S&W 686 PRO 4” (carries like a K, shoots like an L)
S&W 586 L Comp
S&W 686+ 3”
Ruger GP141 (4”, blued)
Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp series
S&W 627 (couldn’t resist an 8 shot N frame)
There is no free lunch with a revolver. They are universally more difficult to use in some aspect as compared to a semiauto. Size versus barrel length versus carrying ammo versus loading etc.
So, let’s get into it:
First, there are only four brands worth buying for carry: Colt, Korth, Ruger and S&W.
Snubbies suck. Ballistics are compromised. Sight radius is short and the cylinder holds too few rounds in the small guns. The LCR fixes the J-Frame’s trigger problem but still has a short sight radius and compromised ballistics unless you get one with a 3” barrel.
You must change your attitude toward carry if you choose a revolver. You must accept at least a Glock 19 size (or Walther PPQ) size. Anything less is too small. I have found the best compromise between ballistics, shooting, and reloading is a gun with:
1) 3-4” barrel
2) Mid sized frame. In S&W, that means either a K or L frame. N frames are awesome but most won’t carry them. The Ruger Redhawk is too big. In Ruger, the GP100 series is my choice. Colt’s current offerings are fine.
3) 38 Special caliber for the lighter K Frames (or 357 but loaded with 38’s) or 357 Magnum for L Frames/GP100.
4) Capacity of 6 or more
5) Speedloaders and/or moonclips that are readily available. Avoid speed strips.
6) Market support for night sights, gold bead sights, and custom grips/stocks.
For me, the S&W 686 or Ruger GP100 are great carry revolvers. Hiding speedloaders is not too difficult and many loaders are available for them.
Some great choices are:
S&W 686 PRO 4” (carries like a K, shoots like an L)
S&W 586 L Comp
S&W 686+ 3”
Ruger GP141 (4”, blued)
Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp series
S&W 627 (couldn’t resist an 8 shot N frame)
Last edited:
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
OK, I see you've got a plan, but what specifically would make you think of removing your current carry from it's holster while seated? Are the gun or holster coming loose, sticking out from your body, getting in the way of the arms or seatback on your chair, or something else?
I'm a bit suspicious that if you tried adjusting your carry location or wardrobe a bit, you might be happier with whatever you choose. My husband used to EDC a 4" Walther PPX in an Aliengear Cloak Tuck. I have carried my full-sized revolvers and semi-auto's in the same holsters that I used for the mid-sized versions, and I never feel the need to remove them from the holsters.
You don't say what position you carry at, but for my husband and I, a 3:30 position (see image) allows us all day comfort seated or standing, while maintaining concealment.
Good luck.
Last edited:
I normally carry between 4 and 5 for iwb and 3 owb.
Well I didn’t get a chance to shoot any yet. But I did get my hands on a few. Held a
2” lcr .357 it is ok
2.25”, 3.1” and 4” sp101 in a .357 I liked the 2.25 and 3”
A 642 and 442. Both ok but now what I am after.
A gp100 4” nice and not as big as I was expecting.
A 686+ in a 4”. It was really nice too. I like the way the larger revolvers feel. Not sure about carrying on iwb though.
And last a 637 in a .38. Not sure on barrel length though but it was tiny.
The advantage I see from the small ones are they are super light. You can read numbers all day but it doesn’t mean anything until you hold them. And holding isn’t nearly the hole picture. The guy at basspro had a bad attitude about the whole deal but I didn’t really care if he wanted to help me or not. I took my number and waited in line even though they kept helping other people that didn’t take a number. When he did get to me, I told him I was going to want to look at quite a lot of them because I wasn’t sure yet which one I wanted. His response was, you need to just go to the range and shoot them then and come back when you know what you want. My reply was most of these are not available at my range to shoot. And I am going to look at them anyway. I’ll start with that one right there. [emoji3]. After each one he would ask if that is all. My reply was nope I want to see this one too. I got a deep sigh but he still got them out for me. I would have bought one from him though after how rude he was being. It did give me a better idea about a few of them though. I was surprised even the larger 4” revolvers didn’t seem that heavy, and I think I could have carried them iwb
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well I didn’t get a chance to shoot any yet. But I did get my hands on a few. Held a
2” lcr .357 it is ok
2.25”, 3.1” and 4” sp101 in a .357 I liked the 2.25 and 3”
A 642 and 442. Both ok but now what I am after.
A gp100 4” nice and not as big as I was expecting.
A 686+ in a 4”. It was really nice too. I like the way the larger revolvers feel. Not sure about carrying on iwb though.
And last a 637 in a .38. Not sure on barrel length though but it was tiny.
The advantage I see from the small ones are they are super light. You can read numbers all day but it doesn’t mean anything until you hold them. And holding isn’t nearly the hole picture. The guy at basspro had a bad attitude about the whole deal but I didn’t really care if he wanted to help me or not. I took my number and waited in line even though they kept helping other people that didn’t take a number. When he did get to me, I told him I was going to want to look at quite a lot of them because I wasn’t sure yet which one I wanted. His response was, you need to just go to the range and shoot them then and come back when you know what you want. My reply was most of these are not available at my range to shoot. And I am going to look at them anyway. I’ll start with that one right there. [emoji3]. After each one he would ask if that is all. My reply was nope I want to see this one too. I got a deep sigh but he still got them out for me. I would have bought one from him though after how rude he was being. It did give me a better idea about a few of them though. I was surprised even the larger 4” revolvers didn’t seem that heavy, and I think I could have carried them iwb
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
ABPOS
Member
Ugh, gun store people....... I mean there are some good ones. But few and far between. Holding them and getting a feel for is a good thing. Shooting will tell you more. Only downside to that is grips can be changed and make huge differences. My 442 feels like a completely different gun with hogue tamers on and feels like a bigger gun. But I hear what your'e saying. They're small.
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
Concealment of the K/L square butt grip, that is standard on the 4" 686, can be a chore, though switching grips is easy and makes a big difference in ease of concealment.
3 types of 686 grips: left is standard round butt on 3", right is standard square butt on 4", center is Hogue Bantam grip.
That's how I setup my 640-1s for CC, I can shoot it all day with those stocks.
My trail gun is a 3" Model 60, same stocks, adj. sights with better sight radius.
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
It is the smallest, and easiest to conceal, yet still good at recoil absorption.
Sol-Invictus
Member
- Joined
- May 22, 2016
- Messages
- 227
- Reaction score
- 291
After reading everything you have written it really sounds like the model 66-8 2.75 would be the perfect gun for you. Handles 357 easily with the rubber grips. Very accurate. Easy to carry. Reloads are a 3 second affair at most with HKS. Anyone who tells you that the 357 gives up too much versus a 38 in a short barrel doesn't know beans and are talking out their backside. The ballistics say otherwise and so do steel plates. The 125 sjhp are a breeze to handle out of the new 66 with the rubber grip. Brutal without. I prefer the Hornady critical defense round, low flash, very accurate, and optimized for the shorter barrels. Very pleasant load to shoot. In the steel j frames they are fine with an uncle mike or equivalent grip. Not my cup of tea in the ultra lightweights, they hurt and are difficult to get back on target with the 357. All my carry guns wear rubber and allow a full purchase, don't buy into the, they stick to clothing nonsense or that they are harder to conceal. Good luck
Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-T520 using Tapatalk
.38SuperMan
Member
I know a lot of folks like 357 in a carry revolver but here’s my thinking. Before I get into it I carry a S&W no dash 640 38 special. One, I’ve shot many concealed carry and situational IPSC side matches with this pistol and small autos like a Colt 380 mustang. A revolver is always, in my case, faster on the first shot than a pistol with a safety. Fractions of a second count in matches and in life.
Two, m concerned with over penetration. I think to a situation in Nashville last year where a crazy walks into a Waffel House and shoots and kills several people. Ok let’s say there are several customers behind the guy. Say I shoot, hit him in the shoulder with a 357 slug and it goes through and hits a customer behind him. Oops! Dead customer or seriously injured.
Third, small frame light weight high power pistols are difficult to shoot accurately.
One reason I like the 640 is it has enough weight to make it easy to shoot. Second there’s no hammer to get caught on something or accidentally cocked. My ex had a airwright chiefs dpecial she carried in her purse. One day she opened her purse and removed some items and discovered the hammer was cocked. Freak out!!!
38 will do the job.
My cousin had to defend himself and his family from a nut job that broke in and tried to kill them because his daughter spilled a coke on the nut jobs daughter in church. Yes you read right. He’d been going around town telling folks he’d kill my cousin and his family if my cousin didn’t give him $500 because of the spilled coke. One well placed shot from a 22 pistol to the guys head eliminated the world of a crazy.
Ok if I carry an auto it’s my Kimber Micro 9 or my Kimber Ultra 45. Both with hollow points.
Just my 2 cents.
Two, m concerned with over penetration. I think to a situation in Nashville last year where a crazy walks into a Waffel House and shoots and kills several people. Ok let’s say there are several customers behind the guy. Say I shoot, hit him in the shoulder with a 357 slug and it goes through and hits a customer behind him. Oops! Dead customer or seriously injured.
Third, small frame light weight high power pistols are difficult to shoot accurately.
One reason I like the 640 is it has enough weight to make it easy to shoot. Second there’s no hammer to get caught on something or accidentally cocked. My ex had a airwright chiefs dpecial she carried in her purse. One day she opened her purse and removed some items and discovered the hammer was cocked. Freak out!!!
38 will do the job.
My cousin had to defend himself and his family from a nut job that broke in and tried to kill them because his daughter spilled a coke on the nut jobs daughter in church. Yes you read right. He’d been going around town telling folks he’d kill my cousin and his family if my cousin didn’t give him $500 because of the spilled coke. One well placed shot from a 22 pistol to the guys head eliminated the world of a crazy.
Ok if I carry an auto it’s my Kimber Micro 9 or my Kimber Ultra 45. Both with hollow points.
Just my 2 cents.
Last edited:
zogger
Member
As always, we have our own ideas and opinions. Summary is that I carry a SW Model 60 3". My secondary carry is a Beretta Px4 Storm 9mm Compact. Both carry well for me.
I am fine with the 5 shot limitation of the Model 60. Most civilian gun fights are resolved in 3 shots or less (alot of times with no shots!).
The 3" is accurate enough for me out to 15 yards. If I am shooting further than that, I might not have a defensible case. And since it has adjustable sights, I have tuned it for the ammo I use and my shooting.
I put a Wolff spring kit in it to lighten the trigger and have shot over 5000 rnds (both live and dry) so the trigger is very nice. Typical breakin for a non-performance center SW revolver is at least 500 rounds. For me, more like 1000.
I carry it with 38 Special +P. I have shot .357 Magnums in it but they are very hard to control on followup shots. The +P works much better. As for over penetration, watch some Paul Harrell videos to get an idea. His meat target seems quite good at showing results.
I put some Thailand grips on the Model 60 which work for me. The great thing about revolvers is the wide selection of grips you can get. I went thru 5 different one until I found the right set for me.
I prefer to carry a gun I can go single action if need be. I understand the fear of catching the hammer if pocket carrying, but if holster carrying (like I do), I think having a hammer is worth it if you need to make a precision shot.
Lastly, my carry gun is not my home defense gun. While they are both revolvers (keeping the same familiarity of handling), I use a SW 325 TR (45 ACP) that uses moon clips. Easy to reload and packs a punch. Also, it has enough weight that if I had to hit someone with the gun, it would get their attention.
Good luck on your search! Keep us updated!
I am fine with the 5 shot limitation of the Model 60. Most civilian gun fights are resolved in 3 shots or less (alot of times with no shots!).
The 3" is accurate enough for me out to 15 yards. If I am shooting further than that, I might not have a defensible case. And since it has adjustable sights, I have tuned it for the ammo I use and my shooting.
I put a Wolff spring kit in it to lighten the trigger and have shot over 5000 rnds (both live and dry) so the trigger is very nice. Typical breakin for a non-performance center SW revolver is at least 500 rounds. For me, more like 1000.
I carry it with 38 Special +P. I have shot .357 Magnums in it but they are very hard to control on followup shots. The +P works much better. As for over penetration, watch some Paul Harrell videos to get an idea. His meat target seems quite good at showing results.
I put some Thailand grips on the Model 60 which work for me. The great thing about revolvers is the wide selection of grips you can get. I went thru 5 different one until I found the right set for me.
I prefer to carry a gun I can go single action if need be. I understand the fear of catching the hammer if pocket carrying, but if holster carrying (like I do), I think having a hammer is worth it if you need to make a precision shot.
Lastly, my carry gun is not my home defense gun. While they are both revolvers (keeping the same familiarity of handling), I use a SW 325 TR (45 ACP) that uses moon clips. Easy to reload and packs a punch. Also, it has enough weight that if I had to hit someone with the gun, it would get their attention.
Good luck on your search! Keep us updated!
Attachments
Last edited:
+1.
OP, 649 has everything you are looking for.
- 357
- all stainless steel. It’s heavier than air weights, so it will absorb the recoil, but it’s ideal for IWB vs pocket carry.
- SA and DA, as u preferred. Plus it’s a bodyguard design so the hammer won’t snag when u draw.
It’s basically a Centennial 640 Pro, but with a snag free hammer.
Model 649 | Smith & Wesson
Last edited:
I was hoping to get a chance to shoot yesterday. I found a few of the above mentioned revolvers for rent at a range not too far away. Ice in the morning kept me away, and the wife had a list of things she needed me to do until the range was closed. I didn't mind much since I don't get to spend enough time with the family working 2 jobs. I really only see my kids for 10 mins in the morning when I take them to the bus stop, and I see my wife sleeping when I get home from work. I am asleep when she leave in the morning and she is asleep when I get home late at night. Anyway, I might take an extended lunch break from my work today and swing by the range and try something out. I get an hour break, so I should have plenty of time, if I take a little extra from driving. I got in 45 mins earlier this morning, so I should be good. Also my new belt come in today, and my new holster comes in tomorrow.
Also my new belt come in today, and my new holster comes in tomorrow.Similar threads
