Which Revolver ?

[Sayoc01]

Wow,this is an interesting discussion! It must really confuse a beginner! ME,I keep it simple,I am blessed ,I own a # of guns & can carry what I want.When I was "younger"it was full sized 1911 45cal.Then as I got "much"older my ccw became smaller.I ccw a S&W model 60 no dash,a S&W model 351pd,a H&K PSP 9mm.& a Kimber Pro carry 2.These are what I choose to carry(not all at once )!I practice with them all & the main word here is PRACTICE!!So,find what you like practice ,practice,practice.It's what" you" like not the gun gurus or police or flavor of the month club.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Your requirements should determine what you carry.
-----
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.

If I'm not at work, it is not my job to hunt those sorts down. Take cover, look for a way out, and, if you need to engage, accuracy is what counts, not round count. A revolver works for me.

 

[crazyphil]

.38 Spl. (or 9MM) are minimums. Personally, I feel more confident
carrying .357 Magnum. I like a little more weight on account of recoil.
But placement is most important. Shoot what you can hit with under
stress. SP101 with Crimson Trace and Golden Sabers works for me.

 

[BigBill]

Bought a ruger security six snub nose in '76 with a 2 3/4" barrel in 357 mag. Carry it off and on its my out to dinner gun. If your going to carry a 38 special revolver I'd get a 357 mag and shoot the 38 specials out of it.

 

[StrawHat]

Lots of folks will tell you that most LEOs are not gun experts. Well, a lot of gun experts are not gun experts either. They mention what works for them. Me, I like revolvers but I started with them over 50 years ago. I have tried the 1911 and found it a bit complicated for me. I did carry a S&W 3913 as a back up when in uniform but the handgun I prefer is a revolver. Will a 38 S&W Special do the trick? Sure, if the shots go where they need to be placed. Are there other cartridges that will also work? Same answer.

If you mention a cartridge, someone, somewhere will be able to cite an example of when it worked and right away someone else will cite when it failed.

I got to talk with a few Medical Examiners and Coroners. Those that carried often carried a 38 S&W Special loaded with wadcutters.

Kevin

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

You'll figure it out. It may cost a little money but you'll figure it out. There is never a week that goes by that somebody comes here to shoot everything to figure it out. All at NO cost to them. It's the least I can do. I too used to think that the first rule of gunfighting was to have a gun, but I was lucky to read on this forum one day that the first rule of gunfighting was...NOT TO GET SHOT. He was right. Choose your weapon carefully but always be aware and always have a plan. Of those three things the one you can do without is the weapon. I wish you were near, you could figure it out cost free. Carry every step, shoot every day.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

Over the years, I've carried a lot of different guns. Started with a Colt Commander after overdosing on Jeff Cooper's writings. A short period of financial hardship resulted in a Hi Standard Sentinel 9 shot .22 with a 5 inch barrel (shot squirrels with it, too!). That was followed by an Iver Johnson .38 S&W double action with a 5 inch barrel before the Army got me and gave me a series of .45 autos (Cooper would have been proud!) and a few Beretta M9s. Also during that time span, I had a personal .45 (Brazilian contract), a nickel-plated 3 inch square butt Model 36, a Charter Arms Bulldog .44, a Beretta Model 71 .22, a 4 inch S&W Model 629, a CZ-75, a 3 inch S&W Model 65, and a 3 inch Colt Detective Special. After retiring I had a brief flirtation with a Glock 23 before returning to sanity with a 3 inch S&W Model 13-3. A KelTec P32 made a brief appearance (until I shot it over a Chrony) and a neighbor gave me a S&W Model 681. I picked up a S&W Model 10-5, and a trade resulted in nickel-plated S&W Model 37. I all but stole a S&W Model 642-2, swapped for a S&W Model 12-2, and won't talk about the cowboy guns or the 1895 Nagant.

After all that, I carry an issued 4 inch S&W Model 686-6 in a duty holster with the Model 12-2 in one cargo pocket and the Model 642-2 in the other at work. Off duty the 642-2 rides the off side pocket or OWB with the Model 12-2 spending most of the time strong side (replacing the Model 13-3 which just got heavy). The Model 681 was claimed by my wife after I put Crimson Trace grips on it ("a nice, little gun for my wife"). On occasion, the Model 13-3 takes the strong side with the Model 642-2 or the Model 12-2 off side.

Most of my carry ammo is of the Speer 135 grain "Short Barrel" variety in .357 or .38. Buffalo Bore makes an occasional appearance if I'm feeling flush with it's time to rotate carry ammo.

FWIW, I'm 64 looking at retirement into private investigations. Figure I'll be the new Barnaby Jones.

 

[deputy584]

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.

No disrespect taken, I try to be well versed in the gun laws of my state, if I am asked a question and don't know the answer, that's my answer. I try to put the person in touch with someone who can answer their question if I can't. As far as it being part of my uniform( I'm a Detective and haven't been "in the bag" in years), that's an ink pen, my gun is mine and possibly my partners life or an innocent citizen. If the cops where you live don't think that way I don't know what to say except it's shameful. I've never felt that way and I'm in my 15th year.

As far as what gun to carry, well let me polish my badge and give you my expert opinion , carry what you like, can afford and are comfortable with. Train with it like your life may depend on it. If you can take a training course and if you want obtain your concealed carry permit and of course buy another firearm!

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I think the revolver idea is best because of simplicity and reliability. The controls are simple - pull the trigger. No safety, no racking of slides, no magazine release, no worry about limp-wristing, no worry about contact shots.

Also, almost every ND is with a semi-auto pistol. Revolvers are safer, especially for the casual shooter.

 

[RAMON HARDESTY]

no disrespect but I believe that the j frame is quit a gun ! I have three ! I also believe the Automatic is also a great gun ! So allow the person that is carrying it to think fo himself !

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.