Which Revolver ?

[Vettecor]

I had a long talk today with a retired deputy sheriff regarding concealed carry and self defense guns.

I asked him what gun would he recommend for conceal carry.

He told me for conceal carry he would ONLY use a revolver and NEVER a semi pistol. He also told me that in his opinion a 5 shot 38 revolver would be the highest caliber I would need.

What do you guys think about his advice ? If I do buy another revolver which model do you recommend and do I need anything larger than a 38 ?

Thanks

 

[Penquin]

J-frames fit the 5 shot 38 revolver criteria. You'll get many replies. In fact a search will pull up several threads including J-frame picture threads. But for me it's a no-brainer. The 642 which is .38 special only for in-waist band carry and the 60-9 which is .357/.38 for out-of-waist band carry. See picture below with the 642 on the left. PEN

 

[Kanewpadle]

People think cops are experts on guns. They aren't. No disrespect to the fine coppers here, but even they will tell you the same.

There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't carry a semi auto.

Now that that's cleared up.......

A J frame 38 is a very popular choice. Easy to conceal and operate. Adequate for self defense. But you must practice.

There's much to choose from and you don't need anything more than a 38. Smith 642/442. Ruger LCR.

 

[STCM(SW)]

For me, my M 638 will do.
Don't think I could shoot my M 66 2.5" better then the 638 and only hits count...

 

[ContinentalOp]

While I certainly think a 5-shot .38 is adequate for most people, it's certainly not the only option for self defense. As Kanewpadle said, most cops are not gun enthusiasts. I also have to wonder when this deputy retired. He may have served at a time when revolvers were more popular/trusted than semi-autos. I also tend to question people who offer advice as absolutes (ONLY carry this, ONLY carry that, etc.).

My suggestion is that you find a range where you can rent a variety of guns to see what suits you best, whether it's a revolver or a semi-auto. I carry a 642-1. I think it, or the equivalent 442-1, can serve well as a self defense gun, but I would be fine carrying a semi-auto. My criteria, whether revolver or semi-auto, is that it's reliable with defensive ammo, I can shoot it well with defensive ammo, and it's something I'm willing and able to carry.

 

[socalDDS]

I carry both semi and revolver (not at the same time obviously). Some days I carry my 642-2, some days I carry the M&P Shield 9... I practice OFTEN with both, and I'm really good with both. Many times, it just depends on what I'm wearing or doing that day! The advice I got from my retired LA County deputy sheriff (uncle) was exactly what he does... Get good with both, carry whichever one fits your needs for that day.


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[iPac]

I carry a compact 9mm semi, 38spl snubby (6 shot of course), or a 357mag snubby. My revolvers are Ponies. Every one has an intended purpose when I carry it.

Some times you might want more fire power than a 38spl. Some times you might want higher round count. It all depends on the situation.

If you were to get ONE carry gun, I would get a compact 357mag. That way you can alternate 38spl/357mag depending on your desires. However, a snubby 38spl would fit the carry bill nicely. Before I had the 357mag, my Detective was always well trusted. There were times when I wanted that extra magnum power though, which resulted in the 357.

 

[murphydog]

If you have not already done so, try several models of compact revolvers and semi-autos, perhaps at a range that rents them. You may find to get along much better with one or the other. If not, buying one favorite of each is good .

Regarding chambering/caliber, in a revolver anything larger than a .38/.357 will be more of a specialist's tool and harder to find. Plenty of compact pistols in larger calibers. Good luck in your search.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a 5 shot, .38 J-frame.

But it's really a matter of personal preference and how and where you carry and how you need to dress on a daily basis.

Heck there are at least 20 different Smith J-frames: 2",3", exposed hammer , shrouded hammer, internal hammer , steel, stainless, light weight alloy(s).......

You said he was "retired"...... so he may have developed his/the J-frame habit 30+years ago.................a lot has changed with small autos since then.

95% of the time a "mid-size" S&W 3913 9mm single stack (8+1) auto has met my needs for the past 25/27 years................ I also like 3" K-frame 65s and 66 revolvers. But that's me!

 

[haywood]

I say carry what you like, shoot well, practice with, and will carry daily. I have tried a lot of guns for carry. Working at gun shops made it easy and affordable. I like revolvers best. These are the revolvers I pick from daily. A 442 is always in my pocket and one of the other snubs is AIWB. Everyone has to pick what suits them. Maybe several of each.

 

[Arik]

Cops are not necessarily gun people. Many don't even touch their guns outside of qualifications. The information he gave you isn't bad but it's kinda dated.

Have you shot a small 38 caliber revolver? They are not easy. Recoil is harder on your hand because there is no slide spring to soak up some of the recoil like a semi auto. The barrel is small and the trigger pull is long and on the heavier side making it harder to shoot accurately. If you practice these issues go away. You get used to the recoil and you get better with accuracy but you need practice.... probably more than on a semi auto.

Also as has been mentioned.....how you dress and how you intend to carry will dictate to some extent what you carry. This comes down to personal comfort. Small semi autos are typically thinner and hold more ammo. Some are lighter than others. There is nothing wrong with more and potentially more powerful ammo if the gun works for you

Don't get hung up on what some deputy said. Try to rent a few and see what you like. You may not be able to carry them but you'll get a feel for how they shoot and sit in your hand

Also, you mentioned ..."do I need anything larger than a 38". The size isn't always a good way to judge. A 38 is longer than a 9mm but uses the same bullet. However typically a 9mm will have more energy than a 38 because of the type of powder and barrel length.

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[JJEH]

What do you guys think about his advice ? If I do buy another revolver which model do you recommend and do I need anything larger than a 38 ?

Thanks

I say carry what you are most comfortable and most accurate with.

 

[NYlakesider]

No disrespect to our LEOs on here intended as they are gun people. I learned long ago not to put too much faith in what many cops say about guns in general or gun laws.(do your own research on that subject, gun laws) FWIW I live in the Northern part of the peoples republic of NY.

Many cops are not gun people and if fact to them the gun is just a part of their uniform.(especially in a anti gun state like NY is)

OP carry what you want. Most anything good quality .38/9MM or better will do you fine. Get it, practice a lot with it.

 

[Mister X]

The S&W 642 would be a really solid choice. The S&W 442, 340 M&P(.357 magnum capable, more expensive) and the 640(heavier, stainless steel) are other options. A lot of folks like the Ruger LCR.

I do prefer snub revolvers for carry, but I wouldn't necessarily say never consider carrying a semi-auto. There must be logical reasons behind whatever someone chooses. I'd be interested in what the specific reasons were behind his recommendations.

Many police officers are not considered gun enthusiasts by some individuals heavily interested and involved in firearms, but many of the people who self-identify as gun people aren't really self-defense people. I don't feel you can come to many relevant personal defense conclusions solely from static range shooting.

I personally feel the enclosed hammer snub revolver is probably the best overall concealed carry weapon for civilians. The reasons being the majority of pesonal defense encounters occur at extremely close distances. You don't have to be a marksman or engage in extensive practice to hit from 3 yards. The snub is very quick to access and get on target in reactive close-quarters. Muzzle contact shots are possible. They will function reliably in a grappling situation or entangled in clothing. The snub offers excellent weapon retention against disarms. Limp-writing is not a concern(you may be shooting one handed, while moving or engaged in a ECQ struggle rather than from a picture perfect stance and firm two handed grip like at the range and a semi-auto needs to be fired from a relatively stable platform to function reliably).

I do however like semi-autos(Glocks in my case)for most home defense scenarios. Since I can't likely flee the scene as would be probable in a public place defense scenario, I like the greater capacity when having to make a stand. With added lead time, shooting from a stable or even static position is much more likely. I will default back to the revolver for investigating noises and such or if carrying at home, answering the door to a stranger etc. since the revolvers CQ strengths are a benefit in those scenarios.

 

[cmort666]

Your requirements should determine what you carry.

• What's your threat environment? Rabid dogs or MS-13?
• What size gun does your wardrobe allow you to properly conceal?
• What's your budget?
• What's your experience with firearms?

Until relatively recently, I frequently pocket carried a 2" Smith 36-"no dash". I had to disarm frequently, and didn't expect to run into a threat more capable than a meth head looking for drug money.

Now, you've got animals gibbering "Aloha snackbar!" and shooting everybody in sight or cutting off heads. I switched first to a Glock 19, then to a 3 1/2" M1911.

I don't assume that cops know anything about guns or the law. Frequently they know about neither.

 

[lrrifleman]

This is proving to be an interesting thread.

I must preface this answer with the fact that I can only carry when out of state, since my home state doesn't recognize the average person's right to self defense.

My carry rotation is divided into two groups: primary and secondary. My primary rotation includes my: 36-6 (soon to be replaced by a 686+ 3") and my Mauser HSC. I turn to these when my travels take me through rural areas where an encounter is unlikely. My secondary rotation includes my: 1911 Government Model (soon to be replaced by a Commander), a 439 or a Colt Trooper MKIII. This rotation will be utilized in the event that I am traveling through urban areas, I am driving long distances, or there is a greater than normal likelihood of unrest.

Being disabled, I don't have the luxury or ability to run from danger like I was once able, so finding cover and making a stand is now the priority.

Honestly, I would NOT limit myself to a revolver for all carry scenarios. There is a time and place for semi-autos. The caveat, is that you need to be proficient with whatever you choose to carry.

 

[Donn]

I have both, carry either/or, have zero heartburn about carrying one or the other. Whatever you decide on, just remember, the gun's only as good as the guy behind it.

 

[Mister X]

Being disabled, I don't have the luxury or ability to run from danger like I was once able, so finding cover and making a stand is now the priority.

At some point in our lives, we all will lose much of our physical ability to react quickly and effectively. Age will eventually rob us of our strength, speed and mobility. Injury or illness may take it sooner for some.

I currently actually have more semi-automatics, but envision a day when I own nothing but revolvers. They are simpler for aged minds and more reliable in elderly hands.

For those with limited mobility(whether just difficulty walking and general getting around or even those confined to a wheelchair) I would assert that the revolver is the most logical choice.
The inability to flee also means less ability to instantly create space or "get off the X". If you are struggling to simply walk, it will take a large portion of your focus and you are therefore less capable of being tuned in and aware of what's going on in your surroundings due to your overall movement being limited(turning, looking around)as well as being distracted by pain. That means even more compressed time frames that you have to react within.This would be exceedingly true for folks with severe mobilty issues and such issues often don't always occur in isolation as other accompanying ailments affect competence in using a weapon.
Also, those of advanced age or are otherwise ill, generally tend not to have the greatest situational awareness or fastest responses and reflexes. Plus criminals would likely see them as an easy target.

Due to those reasons, the probability of the scenario being close contact is even greater and it is in those types of scenarios that the revolver really shines. Specifically the hammerless snub. That doesn't mean an auto can't effectively be used, I just think a wheelgun makes a lot more sense.

A lot of folks seem to envision armed defense as some kind of shootout situation, but those are extremely rare in the civilian context. If you have to make a stand, it will likely come suddenly and be at contact distances out to a few feet or yards. With age and disability comes greater need as well as legal leeway in being able to use a gun due to disparity of force. A young, strong unarmed man assaulting a disabled or elderly individual could definitely warrant an armed response being justifiable, appropriate and necessary.

For a car gun to respond to car-jacking attempts or driving through an area of social unrest where driving away is not an option, a revolver would again be more suitable IMO for shooting from the likely close, awkward, one handed positions.

Just my take on the subject. YMMV

 

[Mike in Reedley]

Letting my personal prejudice show I guess. Not all cops are gun people or firearms experts. I guess it's all what quantifies as a gun experts to you. If you think it's someone who is quick to share their expert opinion based on what they read on the Internet and/or at their minimum wage job at the gun counter while they strut around with their open carry crunchinticker 9.3 mm blaster in a quadruple threat nylon holster lashed to their leg. While they may have never had any actual firearms training they do have months of experience carrying when it suites them.

Or maybe your definition of a firearms expert is someone who has had regular recognized certified training in the field. Maybe it's someone who has carried concealed for years, even when they didn't feel like it. Someone who is not only trained in the physical part but the legal aspect as well. Someone who may have actually been in real life shootings, oh wait, I'm describing cops.

I don't mean to have an elitists attitude and cops aren't perfect, but I would consider what they have to say when it comes to CC over the posers.

 

[Ranger514]

A lot of older, retired cops started their service careers with revolvers, and were required to transition into semi autos for duty carry. I'm one of them. IMO, a lot of the old school die hards had some sort of negative experience with semi autos that made them conclude that revolvers were more reliable. Some autos had problems feeding HP ammo in the early days. The 9mm got the reputation of not having enough stopping power. Some of it also had to do with individual learning curve issues in mastering the new manual of arms.

While I mostly carry a DAO 9mm subcompact for cc these days, I have never lost my love for S&W revolvers. I don't feel under gunned with a revolver, but my subcompact gives me a three-round advantage over my J frame snubby, and conceals as easily. While my semi autos are more than accurate enough for defensive purposes, I've never shot one that grouped as tight as my duty carry 4" 686. In the final analysis, nobody can choose what fits your hand and your needs. Range time with different models of handguns will help answer those needs.