Need some help picking a EDC revolver and caliber.

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.

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.
 
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.

I agree with this 100%, which is why I bought a new holster and belt, and am looking at buying a small revolver.
 
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 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:
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
 
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:o. 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.
 
  • Like
Reactions: L-2
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)
 
Last edited:
I agree with this 100%, which is why I bought a new holster and belt, and am looking at buying a small revolver.
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. :)


Carry.jpg
 
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
 
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.
 
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.

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.
P1060010-zps8awwzrnp.jpg
 
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

M-640.jpg


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.
 
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
 
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.
 
Last edited:
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!
 

Attachments

  • DSC_6996.jpg
    DSC_6996.jpg
    164.3 KB · Views: 29
  • 2018-12-13 17-05-52 (A,Radius10,Smoothing4).jpg
    2018-12-13 17-05-52 (A,Radius10,Smoothing4).jpg
    210.4 KB · Views: 26
Last edited:
S&W 649 - 2.5" , 5 shot, 357mag, stainless steel J frame revolver. Then load it up with some good 38spc P+ ammo.

+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:
That one is interesting. I am going to try to find one to look at and hopefully shoot.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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.
 






This is my EDC, a 642-1 Airweight. It shoots .38 Special +P ammo which I have no doubt will leave a mark and these speed strips make carrying extra rounds a breeze.
 
Looking forward to hearing about your range trip and what models you tried. Sorry about the rough schedule.
 
Quick update.... Well Range won't happen today. I am too busy to even take a lunch break. Hopefully tomorrow. I will post what I shoot and what I think.
 
Hmm. Well home from work, and my tracking number for my anson belt says it was delivered. I don't have it though. I don't know if it is a problem with the tracking number, or if the post office delivered it to the wrong address. They have been doing that lately with some other mail.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I heard back From Anson, They got back to me quickly. They asked the normal questions. did I check with other people in my house, ect.. I had, and I emailed them that. I will contact my post office today and see if they can help find it. Of course I paid for express shipping because I didn't want to wait longer to get my package. That was a wash!
 
I'm looking forward to your reviews from the range trip since I've recently had to decide on a EDC revolver. BTW, I do have a 4" blued GP100 .357 which is a very comfortable, accurate shooter but I don't think I could conceal it well or comfortably. Good luck and enjoy the ride!:)
 
You've received a lot of good suggestions so far so mine won't be all that remarkable. Right up front, my choice wouldn't be a revolver and it certainly would not be a .357 Magnum due to the chance of overpenetration and possible resulting injury to innocent bystanders. A .357 if loaded loaded with .38 Special ammunition is a better option.

My choice would be a 1911 in .45ACP. Big, slow-moving slug with an abundance of knock-down power and not so much risk of passing through walls in a handgun proven to be ultra-reliable by over 100 years of use. But I do have a .357 revolver as a second carry option.

My 1911 is an S&W E-Series encased with a polymer Recover Tactical "jacket" with a rail for attaching a laser or light in that same company's polymer holster with safety retention button. My other choice is a 2-1/2" S&W Model 66-4 in a Lobo Gun Leather holster. The .45 is loaded with 185-grain JHP ammo; the revolver is loaded with .38 Special 125-grain JHPs. Both guns are pictured below and I apologize for the last one being inverted. I even tried inverting it in my PC's library but it still posts upside-down.

Whatever you choose, be sure to become VERY comfortable with it and its holster through lots of shooting and practicing drawing it in the dark while distracted. If you are going to take a gun to a gun fight. you want to better with your gun than your aggressor is with his.

Ed
 

Attachments

  • E-Series 5-inch 1.jpg
    E-Series 5-inch 1.jpg
    77.1 KB · Views: 22
  • E-Series 5-inch 2.jpg
    E-Series 5-inch 2.jpg
    57.2 KB · Views: 24
  • IMG_20170305_082313539.jpg
    IMG_20170305_082313539.jpg
    134.2 KB · Views: 24
  • IMG_20170305_082736727.jpg
    IMG_20170305_082736727.jpg
    133.4 KB · Views: 23
just a quick update. I called the post office. they were not able to tell me anything. they don't know if it was delivered and to what address, or if it is still on the truck. Anson has been very helpful. they said if it didn't show up today let them know and they would ship out a replacement free of charge. A+ customer service so far with them. It is not their fault the post office lost it.
 
If modern.. any old Glock will do.

If wheelgun, I suggest finding a S&W 66 2 1/2 barrel vintage gun OR S&W 64 2 inch (also vintage.) Kind of like these two....
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20190202_145429.jpg
    IMG_20190202_145429.jpg
    89.3 KB · Views: 23
  • IMG_20190202_144740.jpg
    IMG_20190202_144740.jpg
    76.6 KB · Views: 23
Ok I went to the range on my lunch break. It was a little disappointing. First I forgot my contacts. I have astigmatism and while I can shoot my guns pretty good without my contacts, it was really hard to find where to hold when I couldn't see clearly enough where I was hitting. That was one issue. Now for the rest. They only had 4 revolvers there one was a 8" 44 mag so I didn't bother to buy their ammo for it. I wasn't able to shoot any .357 ammo, because all they had was $30 for a box of 20 rds. Not gonna happen for target practice when I don't even own the gun. So I bought some 38 special american eagle 158 gr. it was over priced, but I figured it would be. Next I looked at the ones I might actually shoot. First was a taurus 605 DAO. I held it, didn't like it, didn't bother to shoot it. Next gun was a SP101 2.25" barrel. I shot 20 rds through this one. I liked it. I had a hard time finding where to hold it though. Almost no recoil with the 38 Special, or at least less than either of my 9mm. Next I shot a lcr with a 1.87" barrel I believe. It was DAO. I didn't really like the trigger, and I didn't really like the DAO, even though I shot that way most of the time with the others. This one was super light. I was also amazed at the recoil. not saying it was bad, but you could feel it. definitely more than my 9mm. I wouldn't want to shoot .357 out of it if I got one this light. I could do it but I would not enjoy it. the last one I shot was a GP100 with a 4" barrel. I liked shooting this one the most. I was able to shoot a lot better with it. the recoil with the 38 special was like shooting a .22, or a pellet gun. But the gun was bigger than what I think I want to carry IWB. SO that is what I have so far. Not what I was wanting, but better than nothing. From this I feel I could be happy with the SP101 even though it is down on my list of what I want. All of this did bring some more thoughts to the surface.

If I go with a gun the size of the LCR, I won't bother to even get the .357. I imagine the only time the .357 would go through it would be when I hand it to people and say here shoot this. The size and weight of something like an LCR (maybe a 437) would be a nice carry if I got it in a 38 special, or possible a .327 mag. I would probably stick with 38, just because ammo price and you can find it easier.

Next if I step up to the Sp101 weight, I would love to shoot a S&W 627. I really like the looks of the gun. also I would like to shoot some of the 686 or the model 60's I think I would be fine shooting the .357 though this size. I would still shoot a lot more 38 special, but I would shoot the .357 too. I don't have any real complaints with the SP101. It was an OK gun. nothing wrong with it or the quality, just not what I really want.

Finally the GP100 4" range. If I was going to get something like this it is definitely more of a shooter for me and not something I would carry much if ever.


I am torn between the sizes, because this was the most fun for me to shoot. it doesn't however fit my purpose right now of why I would be buying one. So torn between ez of carry or fun to shoot. I guess I have to go ez of carry for now. I already have guns I enjoy shooting but not carrying.

So biggest decision will be super light weight 38 that I would almost forget I had, or a slightly heavier 38/357 that I would probably mostly forget I had.

Also I really like those S&W 629 in a .44. I think I would shoot the 44 special through that easy enough. the price is higher though for ammo. and I am not sure If I would want to shoot 44 Mag though it. I do really like the 627 and 629 looks though. How much wider is the 627 compared to the SP101? Anyone have both, or shoot both?
 

Latest posts

Back
Top