S&W 357 Magnum

[socialmonsters]

Thanks again to everyone for the responses. I'm definitely taking the advice here and leaving it alone completely as is.

I like the idea of a lighter gun, not limited to snubbies, as a ccw. Since this is my first experience with a revolver, I don't know that I should necessarily look into a 2.5" now until I'm proficient with this one. I'm much more familiar with pistols but this 66-1 is great in my short time with it and I love the simplicity.

What do you guys use as ccws? Thanks again everyone.

 

[snubbyfan]

My 442 goes with me everywhere I go.

 

[bamabiker]

My most carried...M638-3 Humpback.

 

[rwsmith]

I just got a J frame......

I got a snub model 36, five shot .38 revolver recently. Smaller than the K frame (K frames are bee-yoo-tiful guns). I've also got a Shield. My wife and I can use either. Both are nice shooting, fairly light guns, but not so light as to beat your hand to death and they will still be fun on the range.

 

[3rdRRU_PhuBai]

....What do you guys use as ccws? Thanks again everyone.

I carry a 642-1 or 640-1 in Mika's pocket holsters or, with winter clothing and large pockets, a Glock-30 with a 13 round mag + one in the chamber.
Mika's Pocket Holsters - Custom Made Pocket Holsters, Waistband Holsters, Vest Holsters, Tactical Pocket Mirrors And Much More.

 

[Peak53]

Model 642-1 Airweight Centennial

The 642 is .38 Special (+P), J frame, 5 rounds, 16 oz., 1 7/8" barrel, aluminum frame with stainless steel cylinder and barrel. The perfect match (for me) in carryability, concealment, no internal lock, double action only, and firepower.

 

[sandmansans]

Thanks again to everyone for the responses. I'm definitely taking the advice here and leaving it alone completely as is.

I like the idea of a lighter gun, not limited to snubbies, as a ccw. Since this is my first experience with a revolver, I don't know that I should necessarily look into a 2.5" now until I'm proficient with this one. I'm much more familiar with pistols but this 66-1 is great in my short time with it and I love the simplicity.

What do you guys use as ccws? Thanks again everyone.

I daily carry my model 66-2 .357. Its a 2inch barrel. Conceals with no problem

 

[SeamasterSig]

I was recently given my first revolver, that belonged to my uncle (also ex-military), and I'd love any tips and suggestions on customizing and getting to know it better.

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on being gifted an early model 66 – something many people here consider to be the quintessential revolver from the 20th century! If you really want a shorter overall length, having a gunsmith cut the barrel down is a option, too. In which case, I'd recommend no shorter than 3", but really I agree with the others who say not to alter it. It's too valuable as-is – and not just because it belonged to your uncle. The mid-sized barrel and half lug help reduce recoil and should give you 100-200 fps more velocity over a snubnose; less muzzle blast, too.

You didn't mention where you live, but it is possible to carry a 4" K-frame concealed if you really want to. I do it sometimes even living in South Florida. What you need is a sturdy gun belt and a good holster. I carry my 4" 66-2 OWB under an untucked shirt in an R. Grizzle GS2 holster (belt also by Ryan Grizzle) and am also considering an Andrews Springbreak to expand my carry options. You might consider replacing the Pachs with "combat" style wooden grips (for instance, Ahends Retro Combats), which should reduce the gun's butt profile as well as the likelihood of snagging.

Quite a few people on the forum carry J-frames and swear by them. There are many variations on barrel lengths, hammer styles, etc, so you're bound to find at least one that suits you. The popular Airweight J-frames are slightly bulkier than a typical pocket .380 and about the same weight. I'm not a big fan of pants pocket carry, but I'd like a steel-framed 3" model 60 for OWB concealed carry. Something like that would be considerably easier to conceal than your 66-1 without giving up too much velocity.