Wich revolver for EDC? Differences?

[savit260]

With a good quality, well designed holster, and proper gun belt, I find virtually no difference between my Colt Cobra (or any airweight J frame for that matter) and a midsized revolver like a K or L frame IWB. I actually prefer a 3" or 4" barrel IWB than a snub. The belt and holster make all the difference. Person of average stature and size shouldn't really have any issues with a midsized revolver like a K/L frame IMO.

 

[ldryder]

My first EDC was a Glock 19 and then I switched to a Glock 43. Within a year, I couldn't resist the siren song of a revolver and switched to a Ruger SP101 2.25". I carried that for a number of months AIWB but wanted a lighter revolver for pocket carry, so I added a 442.

After some time, I made the decision to combine the effectiveness, weight and convenience of both and purchased a M&P 340.

I sold the SP101 and 442 since the M&P 340 replaced both for EDC and I'm very happy with that decision.

I added a Crimson Trace LG-350 Lasergrip as a fall-back sighting device to the incredible front sight on the 340 and allows me to comfortably shoot 357 rounds. Although the grip looks very large, I regularly carry in the right front pocket of my 5.11 Tactical pants. When I need that pocket, I carry it AIWB in a Blackhawk leather IWB holster with a clip.

 

[ABPOS]

With a good quality, well designed holster, and proper gun belt, I find virtually no difference between my Colt Cobra (or any airweight J frame for that matter) and a midsized revolver like a K or L frame IWB. I actually prefer a 3" or 4" barrel IWB than a snub. The belt and holster make all the difference. Person of average stature and size shouldn't really have any issues with a midsized revolver like a K/L frame IMO.

I would like for that to be true. I would also like to test your theory sometimes. But my only K frame is a 6"er right now. Maybe I need to try what you're saying. I'm not sure if I totally agree with what you're saying though. We're all built differently. I don't think I could do a 4"er. I'm pretty skinny and when I go to sit down, it would probably be lifting up my belt from hitting the chair. I'm only 135 pounds... I know, too skinny.

If only I could get my Dad to give me his M66..... But he needs it for his bedside gun....

 

[MCorps0311]

I have a few snubies I rotate in my EDC,here's three of my S&W's and one of my knives I can't make out what kind in this pic.
L-638-3 .38 SPL.+P
T-M&P BG .38 SPL.+P
R- 442-2 .38 SPL.+P

 

[ABPOS]

I did a little comparion last night. I got out my Model 19 and my Colt DS and my 442 and compared and man a K frame is just a lot bigger. It's not like tons bigger than a DS, but my DS will fit in my 442 holster but the K frame doesn't come close. Well, the trigger guard wont fit into the holster.

What do people use for K frame holsters, IWB? Mainly AIWB.

Would be interesting to see if I could manage a 2 or 3" k frame with a round butt. That would be so cool. But so much heavier.

I'll be honest, I'm kind of digging the K6 (if it was less money) and the Colt Cobra. But I haven't seen anybody actually own the Colt yet.

I also wonder about an older 3" Security 6. If the frame was a bit smaller than a K frame, that might be the way to go too.

MCORPS0311. My Mom has a bodyguard and I think it's a nice gun. She shoots it pretty darn well too. I've yet to shoot that thing yet, but I'm going to try to this summer.

 

[bigggbbruce]

would like to purchase one for everyday carry. Ive narrowed it down to 2 models. both 357mag

First .. to those recommending 38spl.. please refer to the OP..

Second for EDC depends on your average day what you want to carry.
My model 60 2in 357mag sits nice and comfy in any holster I have, and if I fire 5 and have to ask is there one more guess I'd better not be Clint on that day.

Accuracy.. I'd tell ya but you might not believe how good I am with it.

 

[ContinentalOp]

What do people use for K frame holsters, IWB?

Can't help you with AIWB, but when I carried K-frames it was in one of two IWB holsters, a Milt Sparks Summer Special II and another maker's version of the MS VMII. They both worked well. I liked the SSII because it had a smaller footprint inside my waistband and it carried the cylinder more-or-less in-line with my belt, which I like for comfort and stability. The VMII-style holster did a better job of pulling the butt of the gun into my body for better concealment and the larger surface area with the outboard loops did spread out the weight better, making it more comfortable.

 

[ABPOS]

Thank you.

It's always the expensive, hard to get stuff that works. LOL.

 

[savit260]

I would like for that to be true. I would also like to test your theory sometimes. But my only K frame is a 6"er right now. Maybe I need to try what you're saying. I'm not sure if I totally agree with what you're saying though. We're all built differently. I don't think I could do a 4"er. I'm pretty skinny and when I go to sit down, it would probably be lifting up my belt from hitting the chair. I'm only 135 pounds... I know, too skinny.

As a skinny guy, you're actually at an advantage. A loose fitting T shirt should conceal most anything mid sized that doesn't have a gigantic grip if you are anywhere near average sized at the shoulders.

While you may THINK a 4" barrel is going to push up your belt when you sit down, you will likely discover that a WELL DESIGNED concealment holster and good gun belt won't do this as they're designed with that in mind.
Personally I'm 5'10" tall with a fairly average build and I consider my 3" L frame to be my "compact carry". With a well designed holster and belt , I can go up to a 5 1/2" Ruger Redhawk IWB with no issues.

The belt is carrying the weight, and a good holster will position the gun correctly and pull the grip (which is the hardest part to conceal) up tight to your side. THIS is where lesser holsters fail. If the grip isn't pulled in tight, it doesn't matter if it's a J frame or an N frame, it's going to print like crazy. Slim grips are also helpful.

 

[ABPOS]

I have always wanted a 3" model 10 to test your theory. I should've jumped on those buds guns a while back. I didn't really have the extra money at the time.

I'm still skeptical.... But we'll see. Another issue is I've gone to AIWB and I really don't want to go back to 4 oclock. It just feels really right and works well. And is easier to draw from and prints way less.

 

[Brasso4]

I have a 3" 686. I have a great holster for it too. Never carry it. Too big to conceal without a lot of over garment and heavy. Stays in the truck.

I purchased a 649 to carry. Conceals much easier. I also have a 642 for when I need to pocket carry.

J frames rule for edc.

 

[Mehutch]

One holster does it for me.

 

[les.b]

Hey! I think I have that same holster!! It came with my first Model 28. Very functional holster, but some folks on the forum warned me that for the blued guns, they would recommend a lined holster, to minimize bluing wear. I am still using it though with my 4" N frames.

Best Regards, Les

 

[bigpappa160]

Scott14, I was having the same dilemma about a revolver to make my EDC. I was going in between the 686 2.75" barrel, Model 60 3" barrel and the Ruger SP101 3" barrel. My thing was weight and capacity. Seeing that I live down in the lower SE Alabama I'm always wearing short except when I go to work. I have carried a 1911 compact 45 before with shorts and also carried a G17 with no problems but the 1911 was when I was younger getting a little older and really didn't want to carry the weight but I wanted capacity. But long story short, I nixed the 686 due to weight, so I sacrificed capacity. I ended up choosing the Model 60 due to it being a 3" Barrel even though its a 5 shooter but the weight for my condition is good. Plus the SW Warranty was a factor. Ruger was close but I understand about having no warranty and standing behind their Quality of having a good revolver. But also, SW looked like a normal person could disassemble and reassemble the revolver with no problem plus a lot of people and you tube to help. So Sat afternoon I ordered a Model 60 3" barrel from Grab A Gun, would have got it at Buds but would match price, they only came off their price $30. Got the Model 60 for $589 FREE SHIPPING, also have to only pay $20 for transfer when it gets to my FFL but the mail in rebate will take care of that.

 

[OLDSTER]

EDC

This little fella stoked with Hornady Critical Defense.