Which revolver should I purchase for CCW? I’m stuck. Advice/Experience/Opinions?

[SC_Mike]

I've carried the 442 and the 642 and had good service out of each, but I prefer the weight of a steel J frame. Here's my pocket carry or sometimes a holster carry, an older model 640 no dash original grips with the T grip. Notice the reload of six with one snake shot, just in case.

Have you tried contacting some local ranges to rent/shoot a few weapons before you buy?

 

[Bastogne71]

Call me a wimp, I don't care. I fired one cylinder full of factory .357's in a model 360 and will not ever be tempted to do it again. Recoil is beyond brutal well into very painful to me. Then it jammed after the fourth shot when recoil inertia pulled the last round beyond the front of the cylinder. Check how many posters are carrying 38+P in their 340/360 revolvers. If you can, find one to try out before you lay down the cash and see if it's for you. I'd recommend the 442 or 642 and save the $330 difference.

For what it's worth, I carry a 640 Pro in a belt holster with Speer .357 Gold Dots.

 

[hittman77]

Any or all of those would fit the bill but ...... an LCR would be my choice.

 

[Vonkendell]

All great advice. First two j frames were model 60', sold them
Switched to 1911's and k frames and then n and l frames
Currently carry a n frame or 1911 in a shoulder holster
With a snubby iwb or pocket. I have a 637 and a 649 both
Are great and have locks. The 649 was a replacement for a nickel
Model 38 that cracked its frame. The 649 is all stainless
With the factory rubber grip I sometimes carry only the
649 in a Ken null shoulder holster made for j frames when I'm
In business atire which is most working days. The 649 and
My 637 are fed buffalo bore 158 grain 38 +p ammo
Great combo and I have practiced a lot and have confidence
In the gun and load. I usually carry the 637 in a pocket
Holster. The 649 is real pleasent to shoot and firing single
Action can hit the longer targets if I do my part.
J frame is great choice for you. Recommend buffalo bore
Ammo for carry

Von

 

[dav2no1]

I have carried in the past a SP101 in .38 w/ 2 1/2" in a small of the back holster. Was a nice little gun.

I have and carry now a 642 w/ .38 +P. I like the size of the gun and it feels good, It;s the older one with the wood grips.

But I have to say, the most comfortable gun I have ever carried is the M&P Shield in 9mm. I carry in a kydex RM Holster (ECP -extreme cant paddle). I sometimes forget I am wearing it. The angle of the holster is perfect and when riding in my truck it sits perfect. The draw angle is natural and easily releases. The gun shoots very easy. With the included mag extention you have full hand on the gun in addition to full controls that a larger gun would have. Also ability to shoot with mag out.

Some things to consider for EDC:

1)No matter what you carry, if you EDC, it's gonna get beat up from holster wear and just plain wear and tear.

2)Whatever you decide you must be comfortable with it. When you shoot it, you must be able to control recoil.

3)it MUST be reliable. When you pick it up, it must shoot every time.

4)Buy good, stable ammo. Don't be cheap.

These are my opinion from my experiences. I do own several guns including a Glock G22 and G27 I carry occasionally. 9mm ammo technology is not what it used to be in the old days. It has plenty of stopping power and great recoil. Matter fact most police forces are trending back to 9mm from the .40 SW due to easier recoil and control.

 

[F75gunslinger]

Having never carried before, I don't know what I will prefer most, but I am initially interested in trying IWB carry.

If you're willing to put in the time and practice it takes, a J frame is a great choice for self defense.I'd look at the 640 as well since you're thinking IWB carry. Great gun, DAO configuration , all stainless. The 640 pro is on my short list of guns I want.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

On a side note for the 640 and SP vs 642 and 340 is that the 642 and 340 do pull some bullets do to the recoil impulse like with Buffalo Bore .38 +P 158gr. LSWCHP (traveling at 1000fps out of my 642.) but not in the steel framed guns do to their greater mass, granted I prefer the Gold Dot 135gr. +P .38 but it can be harder to find some times.

 

[SilentKnight]

Excellent advice in many of these replies. I have carried a S&W Model 60 for decades. I purchased one for my wife and put a laser grip on it. She loves it and it is very accurate. Both are matched with bobbed hammers, dished trigger guards and smoothed triggers. You cannot go wrong with any of the J-frame S&W stainless snubbies. They are more accurate than you might think, easily concealable, require little maintenance and are impervious to sweat.

 

[KF-NYC]

You have narrowed your selection to some nice revolvers. However, if I were you I would purchase either the 60 Pro Series of the 640 Pro Series. Both revolvers satisfy your primary factors. As noted in prior responses: How do want to carry? Pocket, belt, (iwb/owb) or ankle holster. The 640, (comes with and without an internal lock) unless you are a rather large guy, is a little too heavy for pocket and for ankle carry. However, in my opinion the 640 is one of best snubbies on the market. It is not a range gun and like any snub nose revolver it takes time to master. Obviously, the 60 is a belt gun. However, it is concealable and at the same time it shoots really well. In fact it can hang in with a range gun! In all probability you'll become proficient with the 60 at 25 yards quicker than with a snub nose. I like both the 60 and the 640 because they are full steel framed and will absorb recoil. YMMV but I wouldn't be shooting a lot of 357 out of either of these revolvers. Hollow Point 147/158 and +ps should serve you well. Good luck.

 

[KF-NYC]

opps. I was thinking of my auto loader when I typed 147, I meant to type 125/158gr +p.

 

[Squarebutt]

Another vote for the 642-1. I have other carry guns, including steel J-frames, but the few ounce difference between them and the Airweight are noticeable, especially in pocket carry. I have a couple of pocket holsters for it, including a cheap Uncle Mike's and a leather Galco, as well as a nice Alessi IWB model, and a couple of OWB belt holsters for winter carry under a coat. I seem to reach for the 642 more often than any other, and I put my trust in 5 rounds of Speer 135 gr. +P plus a speed strip. Best of luck with your search and welcome to the forum.

 

[V0OBWxZS16]

Dr. Roberts' BUG article is something you definitely should read. He is one of the foremost wound ballistics experts.

I had a chance to hold all four of these models

Once upon a time I wanted an AirLite Titanium/Scandium J-frame. A dozen rounds cured me of that idea immediately and I bought an Airweight instead. My point is don't settle for just holding them. Find a range that rents or another shooter that will let you actually fire them.

I have fired the 640 and it is easier and nicer to shoot than the Airweight, but IMHO is too heavy for pocket carry. I personally have no interest in firing .357 from a J-frame except as a stunt.

I eventually sold the 442 because I never carried it and only ever fired about 100 rounds through it. I reach for a .380 for pocket carry or a subcompact for IWB. If you haven't yet handled and fired them consider the Bodyguard 380/Ruger LCP/Keltec P3AT/Colt Mustang for a pocket pistol and a subcompact 9mm for belt carry. I purchased an M&P9 Shield a few months ago and it is great on the range and in the belt.

 

[petepeterson]

A 442 is what I grab most often when I'm throwing something in my pocket. If I'm carrying on my hip, a single-stack auto conceals better for me, due to the width.

I think the 442/642 will do what you need done very well, and if you choose to go in another direction after carrying for awhile, you won't have quite the investment sitting in the sock drawer. My J is not my usual/preferred CCW, but it still seems to find plenty of carry time.

 

[Rick_A]

For pocket or ankle use the alloy frames are ideal. For waistband carry I'd prefer a steel framed gun.
20150109_135938 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
20150109_153932 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

 

[jmcghee]

Glock?

. Bu

I hate to say it but go with a Glock (after you add it to your list). There's got to be a reason why about every LE agency uses them. They have been tried, tested, and proven. Why reinvent the wheel?

The reason? Glock practically gives them to PDs and the are (suitable)?The resulting publicity allows them 2 sell a $250 gun for $500. Dont believe me. Do some Goolge search The man asked about a revolver.

 

[zonker5]

My EDC is a Colt Agent. It's light and fits my hand better than a J-frame. With the matt finish it's not pretty but I don't worry about scratching it up. Also hold 6 rather than 5.

Also worthy of consideration is the S&W 649. Not a light weight but a very nice shooter.

YMMV.

-Z-

 

[Moe Mentum]

I know its not on your list, but if I was to carry a revolver I would get the Ruger LCR, it meets most of the items on your list.

 

[RSanch111]

Thanks for the response! Do you have any recommendations on how to find an all steel version of any of the following models? Do they even make them anymore? As far as I know, they do not--at least, according to their website...

640 (without internal lock)
642 (without internal lock)
442 (without internal lock)

A lot of cops carried those kinds of guns. And a lot of cops retire and get rid of those types of guns or trade them for glocks. You could always put an ad in various big police department union papers or you could ask to post an add at police stations on bulletin boards in the roll call rooms or locker rooms that you're looking for that type of gun. And there's always the online gun auction sites. Although if you get one from a cop, chances are it's going to have been shot very little. Might be a little beat up from carrying a lot, but usually they're in very good mechanical shape. Auction site, you never really know.

I just got my wife a model 60 for $200.00 that belonged to my partner. She never took the rubber grips off the thing since she got it 25 years ago. Contrary to what some believe, stainless isn't "rust proof". I used pliers to get the grip screw out and a brass wheel brush to get the rust off. It was a little bit pitted under the grips but other than that, perfect.

Or find out where the old retired cops hang out to swap lies and buy them donuts for a week and ask where you might get one of those guns.....I've picked up a model 66 2" with a bobbed hammer and sweet action job, the model 60 for my wife and a blue model 49, all cheap, from cops who were going with small frame autos. A lot of guys also get rid of the heavier all-steel autos to get the newer lightweight alloy models.

First gun I bought when I came on the job was a 649 and I'll never get rid of it. Although if I had to do it again, I would have gotten a blue one for the cool factor. After a 30-year career my 649 looks brand new! I would have liked a blue one that would have aged like me over the years, with some character.

As far as the "Glock hate", I preferred the Sigs I was issued, but Glock makes a perfect cop gun. Simple, very reliable, accurate as they'll ever need to be and very suitable to training the lowest common denominator. Also a good transition from revolvers, with no de-cocker or manual safety.

Also, a cop is not going to be carrying the same gun he came on with for his entire career. Technology and trends and recommendations change. Glocks are cheap enough to replace several times in a career. They're tools, not heirlooms or collectibles, and they are what they were intended to be to perfectly acceptable extent.

 

[BaaBaa]

Put me clearly in the 640 camp. As a brand new shooter I also had decided on a revolver for my first handgun and ended up with a 640. I was not able to find any range where I could test anything first so I had to buy without ever firing a handgun other than a .22!

Yes, it has the internal lock. And while I would have preferred no lock the critical factors for me were the heavier steel frame, big enough cartridge to handle the 4-footed predators that are my most likely threat and something that fit me perfectly.

I shoot IDPA with it all the time, carry OWB (IWB isn't really an option for most women due to hips) The weight isn't an issue for me but then again, women can carry huge purses and it nicely balances my other tools on the other side.

I also like the comfort of no hammer to catch on anything and the heavy DAO trigger pull. Yes, it takes a bit more practice to get good at it and I usually shoot .38 sp in mine at the IDPA competition but I have shot 50 rounds at a time of full .357 in it. I practice with 357 regularly. What I carry in it depends on the season and where I am going. In to the city or from January to about now I carry +P. From now until the end of the year I will typically carry 357 in it. That's due to larger 4 footed predators being more active in my area in late summer and fall. I always also carry 2 reloads, one of the the other caliber from what is in the gun and one that is the same.

Of course now I have several more handguns including an M&P C in .40 and a 9mm but I still love the 640 for EDC.

 

[Duelist]

If you're going to carry on the belt, or just got to have .357 in the cylinder, then I'd get all-steel, and probably the SP101, with a 2.5" or 3" barrel.

Otherwise, get the 642. Light enough, powerful enough, very accurate, capable of reliably firing any .38 you can fit in the chamber, won't rust, you can get one anywhere (a consideration if you need to replace it after it goes into an evidence locker someday), and costs less than the rest of your options.

Optimally, you have a belt gun and a pocket/deep concealment gun. You said you already have another gun, so the 642 is where I recommend you go at this point.