Revolver Advice

[skwchock]

So what is "wrong" with a 5 shot vs 6 shot revolver?

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

So what is "wrong" with a 5 shot vs 6 shot revolver?

Nothing really...if you play the odds. In a civilian defense shooting incident the event will be decided one way or the other within 2-3 rounds fired more often than not. Plain clothes police carried a 5-shot revolver for decades and lived...though I'm sure there were some that had to reload. The odds are in your favor...but some simply don't want to play the odds...they want the odds stacked in their favor as much as possible.

When I was a LEO and required to carry a revolver...I never carried one on- or off-duty that held less than six rounds. On-duty it was the issue piece...off-duty was my choice. But...at 6'3" and carrying more weight than I should have concealment wasn't a problem.

BTW...I never felt underarmed with six shots and a reload...and my home defense guns are a revolver and a shotgun.

 

[NY-1]

So what is "wrong" with a 5 shot vs 6 shot revolver?

There's certainly a point of diminishing returns when it comes to ammunition capacity. With that said, the difference that fifteen versus seventeen shots can make is relatively minor compared to the difference that five versus six shots can make during an encounter. If I'm carrying a revolver, I'd personally tradeoff a little bit of size and weight convenience in order to have that sixth round.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I am a big fan of "2 inch" Smith & Wesson revolvers in 38 Special. I still have 4. My J-frames are a 36 and my EDC is a 47 no dash. I also have a 12-2 and a 15-2 (the adjustable sights are worth the additional bulk). I bought all mine used and well over 15 years ago, so price paid are a moot point! With Speer Gold Dot short barrel 135gr +P, They have ample power for typical snub nose range!

I use an 8 round speed strip and feel that 13 rounds is ample for me to get away. If I intended to "Stay and Fight" I wouldn't be carrying a handgun!

The truth about steel verses alloy weight is there isn't a big enough difference to worry about. My steel guns disappeared after about 10 days of carrying! You just don't notice them in either a IWB or pocket carry!

What are you trying to accomplish? If reliability and simplicity is your quest, a J or K or Colt or Taurus or Kimber will work fine. If you think being "Trendy" will suffice, think again! 2" pocket 38's started becoming popular just before WWII and haven't let up! That's over 75 years of proven lifesaving capacities. It is safe to say, if they quit making 2" 38's tomorrow, it will be over 100 years from now before their popularity and usefulness wains!

My grandfather and his ilk carried top breaks 5 shot revolvers in 38 S&W/38 Colt New Police and were perfectly well protected! The good ammo just went away!

Ivan

 

[cda322]

I'd get another Det. Special. They can be had for $550-750. I have a DS and there's nothing Smith ever made that quite fits the bill like it unless you drop down to a .32.

 

[Ameshawki]

The old Ruger Speed Six and Security Six are good guns. Try to find a 2" or 3" or both. I had a 2" and a 4" that were good. Actually not sure if they made a 3".

It was 2 3/4 and 4. Ruger never made two inch Speed Six.

 

[hittman77]

They did ( the Speed Six ) come as a pretty uncommon 3 inch. Mostly made for the USPS and many ( all? ) in target gray finish, not brushed.