What is your favorite pocket/concealed carry from the 60s-80s?

[Mitch95]

I was having a discussion with a friend on carry options nowadays and where revolvers fit into that discussion.

We were discussing the commonalities between a good pocket carry whether semi-auto or revolver. He was arguing against the idea of an older model revolver of any make from being useful in todays landscape of higher capacity semi's and modern revolvers. This got me thinking about the potential options back in the day and how they compare against more modern alternatives.

What do you all consider to be your favorite or more preferred model for pocket or concealed carry from the 60s-80s lineup?

Do you or would you still carry that model?

If not, why? What is your alternative?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Too easy.

A 3" square butt Model 36.

Yes, I carry one. The alternative is a Model 640-1 Pro (2015).

I don't own anything with a magazine.

 

[DixieRanger]

Now, EDC 340PD 12oz. empty, crimson trace green lazer grips, one reload

Then, Chief Spl 36 with exposed hammer, one reload

Model change...size same. Conceals, no print, no cover, comfortable

Some friends carry plastic with 3 20rd mags. Their choice...

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Truckman]

I don't like pocket carry, I prefer a leather belt holster strong side...My rotational EDC's are a 2" Model 15-2, a 3 3/4" .38-44 HD both currently loaded with Hornady 125 gr. XTp's, and a Kimber .45 Ultra BP and a Kimber .45 Pro both loaded with Winchester 230 gr. hardball......Ben

 

[-Woodsman-]

The M640 would be my first choice followed by a centennial airweight. Sounds like your friend needs to try a wheelgun as he doesn’t know what he’s missing. Revolvers remain a very viable option in today’s times..

 

[Old cop]

Picked up my first off-duty gun in 1968, Colt Cobra for $85, still own it but I currently carry the LCP Max.

 

[robvious]

I was in junior high in 1980.. but I have my late father's Colt Agent with colt hammer shroud... I know he carried it...

 

[Marshal Tom]

In those days I was carrying a 21/2 inch 66-2 or a 1911 of many sorts all the time.

 

[Rpg]

The M38 or 49 have both been superb pocket guns for me since the mid 1970’s.

 

[Buford57]

Back then a Colt Lawman MK III (bit heavy for a pocket, but I did manage it when in uniform) and later an Agent or Cobra. Now a S&W 642 or 38. So in the age of hi-cap I went backward by a round. With a speed strip somewhere on my person.

 

[Muley Gil]

I started carrying in 1976 and my first sidearm was an Essex steel framed .45. In 1981, I built a 5" 1911 on an aluminum frame. That was my usual carry piece, as well as my duty sidearm.

I didn't pocket carry off duty unless a few years after I retired. I carried a 2" nickel Colt Cobra .38 special in an ankle holster on duty. I found a Colt Agent around 2005 & that became my pocket gun.

 

[Mike in Reedley]

Started out in 1979 with a 2” Chief in an ankle holster. About 1990, I switched to an Airweight in an ankle or pocket holster until I retired in 2014. If I pocket carry now, it’s an Sig P365. The modern micro 9 mm eclipses snub nose revolvers; better triggers, double the capacity, quicker to reload, flatter, smaller, easier to shoot accurately. I still have 9 or 10 small revolvers, I just don’t carry them. Some people might disagree with my observations on this, but I’m basing those observations on 40+ years of real life experience. To each his own though.

 

[S-W4EVER]

When I came home from the Army in ‘76, my Dad gave me a new S&W 28-2 6” bbl (just like the one I was issued in the Academy in ‘79). First firearm I purchased was a S&W 36 (rd. butt). I carried it as a backup weapon (still have it). Now that I’m retired I carry a S&W 442-2 and/or a 340PD (both no lock). I’ve always shot the J frames well and if it ain’t broken I’m not looking to fix it.

It’s only for personal protection, I really doubt I’ll be thwarting any terrorist attacks in the future (& every round has a potential lawsuit attached to it anyway).

 

[A10]

My Model 60 is kinda nice.....

 

[petepeterson]

Started out in 1979 with a 2” Chief in an ankle holster. About 1990, I switched to an Airweight in an ankle or pocket holster until I retired in 2014. If I pocket carry now, it’s an Sig P365. The modern micro 9 mm eclipses snub nose revolvers; better triggers, double the capacity, quicker to reload, flatter, smaller, easier to shoot accurately. I still have 9 or 10 small revolvers, I just don’t carry them. Some people might disagree with my observations on this, but I’m basing those observations on 40+ years of real life experience. To each his own though.

The Glock 17/19 is the new Model 10, and the 365 is the new Model 36. Other than nostalgia, there's not a strong argument to carry the older item.

 

[JH1951]

I have been making good use of a .38 Spl. Mod. 649.

 

[wcat94]

I like this 649 no dash from 1985. I purchased it recently for the purpose of concealed carry. It came to me like new for under 600.00. I have others but this one fills the bill nicely.

 

[Kansasgunner]

Model 40 that came from a very good friend who has passed. I bought it from his son, added the stags and Tyler T.

It still gets carried.

 

[Modified]

I carry a model 60 that was built when I was 3 years old. Someone bobbed the hammer way back when. I've equipped it with a pair of Craig Spegel's wonderful boot grips.

Shoots great, carries great, and its plenty of firepower for anything I would need as I go about my daily life.

I'm a big believer in the notion that the best carry gun is the one you will *actually* carry. People theorycraft about their carry gun endlessly, but in the end if your setup is too annoying to carry and you don't... well that just may be the day you needed a gun.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I definitely think that there is a place for revolvers for pocket or concealed carry in today's world. Pros: concealability, ease of use, and dependability. Cons: usually only 5 or 6 rounds, and weight. But carrying a vintage revolver (1960s-80s) might not be the best choice considering the advances in modern metallurgy, increases in cartridge pressures, increases in number of rounds, etc. Back in the late 70s, I carried a 4" Model 57 in a Bianchi X15 shoulder rig...very cool! Today, I alternate between a Model 642-2 and an M&P9 PC Shield for pocket or appendix carry. If I'm out in the wilds, I usually switch to a more potent caliber handgun (.357, .44, or 10mm). I also carry a 2-5/8" Model 627-5 PC (8-rounds) in the SUV or on the H-D when traveling.