If I was starting over, and wanted one revolver for CCW, I'd go with the hammerless stuff . . . 38, 40, 42, 332, 340, 342, 442, 640, 642, etc. Shorter learning curve. Pull the trigger, it goes bang. I'd also consider the Ruger LCR . . .
Which revolver should I purchase for CCW? I’m stuck. Advice/Experience/Opinions?
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one eye joe
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walkin' trails
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Just out of curiosity, what is your level of experience with a small revolver? I think that the J-frames are about the best all-round handguns to carry if you want something light and concealable and just have to have a revolver. The down side is they take a lot of work to master. All of them come with a trigger that has a heavier pull (double action) than a S&W Shield or Glock 42/43. Coupled with enhanced recoil because of the light weight, and generally lousy sights make shooting them problematic under stress. The only way to compensate for the disadvantages is to train on a daily basis (primarily dry firing and practicing reloading with dummy rounds).
For the revolvers you mentioned, I would lean toward the 442/642 no-lock. Speer Gold Dots and Hornaday Critical Duty .38 Special loads seem to be the better performers in that caliber today. Don't neglect a reload. Have speed loaders AND speed strips. Speed loaders are faster, but speed strips are easier to carry. Either way, train with them.
For the revolvers you mentioned, I would lean toward the 442/642 no-lock. Speer Gold Dots and Hornaday Critical Duty .38 Special loads seem to be the better performers in that caliber today. Don't neglect a reload. Have speed loaders AND speed strips. Speed loaders are faster, but speed strips are easier to carry. Either way, train with them.
CTI1USNRET
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I love it when a poster asks for REVOLVER recommendations and a glock snob says to forget it and get a glock. Especially when EVERYONE knows that revolvers are superior. Bait set.
Every revolver the OP listed is fine. Only buying one and using it for a while will give him answers. There's no way around that. Eventually, he'll buy another and learn even more about his preferences.
Buy lots of revolvers. It's good for you.
My CCW is a 3" S&W Model 24-6 44 Spl.
I've carried light and heavy - revolvers and autos. I've decided on heavy revolvers.
One more thing; a few times when a friend or a newby was so confused with the choices that he/she couldn't decide, I gave him/her a used S&W Model 10 as a gift with several sets of grips.
Every revolver the OP listed is fine. Only buying one and using it for a while will give him answers. There's no way around that. Eventually, he'll buy another and learn even more about his preferences.
Buy lots of revolvers. It's good for you.
My CCW is a 3" S&W Model 24-6 44 Spl.
I've carried light and heavy - revolvers and autos. I've decided on heavy revolvers.
One more thing; a few times when a friend or a newby was so confused with the choices that he/she couldn't decide, I gave him/her a used S&W Model 10 as a gift with several sets of grips.
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The 640 Pro Series does not have the internal lock.
I went through a similar decision process and bought one. I put on an Altamont oversized grip. It adds about 1/4 inch to the trigger reach and eliminates my trigger finger brushing against the trigger guard too much. It came with rubber boot grips.
I like that the cylinder is already set up for moonclips and has been chamfered. The trigger has a smooth radius, too. And I wanted night sights.
The break is 11# 9oz (DAO) so I will be sending it to the Performance Center for a J-frame action job. I was told they can adjust it to 8#. My semi autos are 3.75 to 6.75# so I am thinking something close to 12# is too high for me.
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Protected One
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These were my thoughts, as well.
Thanks for the article--a good read!
I imagine you're correct.
Have you narrowed down your choices any further, or did we just make it harder for you to pick?
My 24/7 killing machine is a 340PD that I tuck in my waistband Mexican style with a Barami "hip grip." To me, a J frame is a BUG (backup gun) but is sometimes my primary when I'm running to the store in gym shorts. It can be easily pocket carried without pulling your shorts down.
The 642 is only four ounces heavier than a 340. That doesn't sound like much, but that's 25% weight difference. I can certainly tell the difference when I pocket or Mexican carry.
The price is a bit ridiculous but if you can swing it, why not? The 340 is a fun gun to bring to the range to troll your friends with full-house Magnum loads.
I recommend the 340 but I am biased. You can't go wrong with a 442/642. I do not recommend the 640 if you plan to pocket carry. I also don't recommend it for belt carry because at that point I would just carry a 686+.
ibewbull
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Of all the guns in my safe the 640 642 and 36 are used more than all the rest combined.
J frame ALL THE WAY and you won't regret it.
J frame ALL THE WAY and you won't regret it.
Can't go wrong
Same here-an old M36-and I have many carry guns-but the 36, or M 12-2, or Colt Detective are my current carry guns-
Same here-an old M36-and I have many carry guns-but the 36, or M 12-2, or Colt Detective are my current carry guns-
getoff
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442 here. mostly pocket an LCP, but on some days, 442 in front pocket.
wingriderz
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442 is way to go
wingriderz
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442Gets the vote
kenv1950
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I kinda lean toward my Model 60,38spl, 3 in.. Slim ,comfortable. CCW you do need high fire power and if you need more than 5 rnds. ya need more practice. Chances of getting into a situation needing more than five rnds. would be like hitting the lottery twice in row
vito
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Sometimes I think these threads are fun, but on a practical level, not very important. Any of the guns you are considering would likely serve you well. As long you stick to a quality manufacturer, practice with the gun to stay reasonably proficient, and take reasonable care of the firearm you will be okay.
In truth, the likelihood is that you will go your entire life and never need your concealed firearm for its intended purpose. If you do need it, it most likely will be a one or two round event at very close distances. With modern ammo there is not a lot of real world difference between the primary concealed carry calibers, so again, you won't likely be in trouble no matter which of these good revolvers you choose.
Personally, I've been carrying my 642 since I received my concealed carry license. With 5 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense ammo I am confident that in an emergency I will be as well protected as with any gun. As my eyesight is not what it was, nor are my hands as steady as they once were, I added a Crimson Trace laser, but even with that I am most comfortable with hitting what I shoot at with about a 7 yard maximum distance. I can shoot some of my other smaller handguns more accurately than I can the 642, but the light weight and concealability make it the gun I usually grab before I leave the house.
In truth, the likelihood is that you will go your entire life and never need your concealed firearm for its intended purpose. If you do need it, it most likely will be a one or two round event at very close distances. With modern ammo there is not a lot of real world difference between the primary concealed carry calibers, so again, you won't likely be in trouble no matter which of these good revolvers you choose.
Personally, I've been carrying my 642 since I received my concealed carry license. With 5 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense ammo I am confident that in an emergency I will be as well protected as with any gun. As my eyesight is not what it was, nor are my hands as steady as they once were, I added a Crimson Trace laser, but even with that I am most comfortable with hitting what I shoot at with about a 7 yard maximum distance. I can shoot some of my other smaller handguns more accurately than I can the 642, but the light weight and concealability make it the gun I usually grab before I leave the house.
wingriderz
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442 gets the vote. Mine has be ccw in a rotation for last 4 years or more. In fact shes in my pocket as i type this. Aboustly. Flawless gun with over 1.500. Threw it
They are all good choices. Been CC for 45 years. I like bog bore snubs. Charter Arms .44 sp Bull Dog in an Alien Cloke tuck 2 IWB with CCI Gold Dots is an easy carry with a big bite. Can be carried in a pocket or ankle holster as well.
DevilDog72
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I carry my mdl 19 snub nose every where, however, when at home or quick trips to 7-11 the 642 is in my pocket.
Have you compared the 442 and 340 side by side? When I did the 340 won by a landslide. I definitely think the better sights and ability to shoot .357 if desired is worth the extra $.
When I looked into how much getting a tritium front sight installed on a 442 would be, it wasn't that much less than the difference between the 442 and the 340.
I shoot better with autos, and they may even be better suited as a SD gun. But the truth is I don't like guns that don't speak to me, and to me the snubby has soul. Also, the lightness and lack of printing like an auto means I'm more likely to carry. When I had an auto it often was left at home. So get what you will carry!
Don't be afraid of the recoil, you can always just shoot .38. The 340 or 442 are pretty well designed and the recoil was there, but it didn't hurt.
When I looked into how much getting a tritium front sight installed on a 442 would be, it wasn't that much less than the difference between the 442 and the 340.
I shoot better with autos, and they may even be better suited as a SD gun. But the truth is I don't like guns that don't speak to me, and to me the snubby has soul. Also, the lightness and lack of printing like an auto means I'm more likely to carry. When I had an auto it often was left at home. So get what you will carry!
Don't be afraid of the recoil, you can always just shoot .38. The 340 or 442 are pretty well designed and the recoil was there, but it didn't hurt.
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eveled
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For my needs, two 442's make a lot more sense than one 340. I like to carry one in each of my jacket's pockets for balance. When I went to buy my second 442, I found a used 340pd for just a little more $ than the new 442. So I couldn't say no. It is a lot nicer gun, but not worth the extra money if buying new. IMHO.
My SP101 DAO is a great gun, but needs a belt and holster to carry it, so I usually opt for something bigger.
If you want a gun, you really will carry everyday, even for those quick trips, even in gym shorts. A light weight j frame centennial is the only choice, IMHO.
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