Wich revolver for EDC? Differences?
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Criteria for an every-day carry gun are simple. Does it fit your hand well? Can you carry it concealed effectively and still access it quickly? Can you shoot it well? Is it adequately powerful to do the job? Answer all of those questions YES and you have your answer. A .32 in your hand when you need it is infinitely superior to the .45 at home in the safe.
Lee's Landing Billy
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OR...room for 3 Js.
silversnake
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I would take the 686. Stainless holds up better than blued guns for carry and I wouldn't want a ported barrel if I had to shoot from a retention position.
Yeah it's heavy.... but with the right holster and belt it's easy.
Yeah it's heavy.... but with the right holster and belt it's easy.
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Well, I bet this thread gets to 100 replies!!!
Everyone has preferences and I certainly am no exception. For my purposes an L frame is far too large for everyday carry. A 3" anything is too big for EDC. And I strongly disapprove of the use of .357 Magnum for defensive purposes unless you are woods walking or hunting.
My first choice is a 2" K frame. Stoked with .38 Special using quality ammunition. Not even +P. Second choice varies depending on the situation. Like presently, because I threw my back out, I have resorted to pocket carrying a M642. As soon as I am better I am back to K frames.
This is very much a YMMV situation. I sometimes carry 9mm pistols. but my first choice is the VERY hard to find 2" K frame - but that lack of obtainability does make carrying one extremely difficult.
My next choice would be the new 2.5" Model 66. That would be a nice compromise, especially if you really must carry +P or Magnum rounds.
Everyone has preferences and I certainly am no exception. For my purposes an L frame is far too large for everyday carry. A 3" anything is too big for EDC. And I strongly disapprove of the use of .357 Magnum for defensive purposes unless you are woods walking or hunting.
My first choice is a 2" K frame. Stoked with .38 Special using quality ammunition. Not even +P. Second choice varies depending on the situation. Like presently, because I threw my back out, I have resorted to pocket carrying a M642. As soon as I am better I am back to K frames.
This is very much a YMMV situation. I sometimes carry 9mm pistols. but my first choice is the VERY hard to find 2" K frame - but that lack of obtainability does make carrying one extremely difficult.
My next choice would be the new 2.5" Model 66. That would be a nice compromise, especially if you really must carry +P or Magnum rounds.
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ContinentalOp
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If I were saddled with your first two choices, I'd go with the 686. The stainless steel finish will hold up better than blueing on a carry gun, plus it requires less maintenance to prevent rusting. I agree with bigwheelzip regarding porting; some say it's not a big deal, some say it is. I don't think it offers enough of an advantage to offset any potential issues, so I avoid ported guns for carry.
The 3oz difference you mentioned between K and L frames don't tell the whole story. The K-frame is slimmer in the frame and cylinder, and, to me, carries better, particularly if it's going to be carried concealed.
Plenty of people carry L-frames, though, and if that's what you want and you're willing to commit to it (carrying a L-frame is definitely going to require more commitment than a J-frame), you can make it work. The key with such a big gun is a good holster/belt combo. It'll make it easier to carry and will help keep it concealed. Personally, I like Beltman belts, but any of the good dress gun belts should work. A 1.5", double-layer belt, when used with a good holster, should help significantly. Some may even recommend a set of Perry suspenders for extra support.
You'll also have to dress around a gun that big. Changing out grips might make a difference. Rubber can cling to cover garments. Wood grips would probably be better for carry as they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your hands, while also being less grabby on clothing.
Now, if I really wanted to carry a .357 Magnum revolver every day, I'd go with a 3" 65. I used to have one, and carried it often, sometimes up to 16 hours/day (again, good holster/belt combo counts for a lot). Though I kept it loaded with .38 Special loads (Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHP standard pressure, to be exact).
Just my opinion.
The 3oz difference you mentioned between K and L frames don't tell the whole story. The K-frame is slimmer in the frame and cylinder, and, to me, carries better, particularly if it's going to be carried concealed.
Plenty of people carry L-frames, though, and if that's what you want and you're willing to commit to it (carrying a L-frame is definitely going to require more commitment than a J-frame), you can make it work. The key with such a big gun is a good holster/belt combo. It'll make it easier to carry and will help keep it concealed. Personally, I like Beltman belts, but any of the good dress gun belts should work. A 1.5", double-layer belt, when used with a good holster, should help significantly. Some may even recommend a set of Perry suspenders for extra support.
You'll also have to dress around a gun that big. Changing out grips might make a difference. Rubber can cling to cover garments. Wood grips would probably be better for carry as they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your hands, while also being less grabby on clothing.
Now, if I really wanted to carry a .357 Magnum revolver every day, I'd go with a 3" 65. I used to have one, and carried it often, sometimes up to 16 hours/day (again, good holster/belt combo counts for a lot). Though I kept it loaded with .38 Special loads (Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHP standard pressure, to be exact).
Just my opinion.
All we are getting here (mostly) is what works or doesn't work for the opinionator. It sounds like you may not have compared a K Frame next to an L Frame in person. As in actually hefted them, discovered how the grip and weight feels, etc. If you are planning to spend this much cash and aren't a member of the gun of the week club, you might want to consider getting down to a store that has both on hand and see for your self.
Edit: I hope my post didn't come across as sarcastic, because I didn't mean it that way. I was just trying to say that preferences for one person may not be the same for the next. Thankfully, there is a S&W (or a dozen) out there for everyone to enjoy.
Edit: I hope my post didn't come across as sarcastic, because I didn't mean it that way. I was just trying to say that preferences for one person may not be the same for the next. Thankfully, there is a S&W (or a dozen) out there for everyone to enjoy.
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thanks for all that info. my next question was going to be about a good belt/holster for the L frame. As far as the grip goes, i read that the new model 66 and the 686+ actually have the same size grip. ? leaving the differences between the two in the frame and cylinder size. any truth to that??
The K and L frame grips are indeed identical. The L frame is wider and taller. It also has the full underlug. In a short barrel, the extra weight of the lug probably won't help much with recoil. If you can handle the weight and bulk of the 686, go for it. I personally find the 66 to be at the outer limits for weight and bulk. I have autos that are lighter and more compact, but I don't trust them like I do the 66.
silversnake
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Another great choice. I love the 2" K Frames, carried one today myself. Better for IWB than any L Frame. I barely notice any difference in recoil between standard pressure and +p rounds.
Hope you get better soon so you can carry such a fine gun.
That's about it......
The full lug does counter muzzle flip some, but it's just weight/mass. No other purpose.
The full lug does counter muzzle flip some, but it's just weight/mass. No other purpose.
ContinentalOp
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I've only carried a L-frame in a duty holster on a duty belt as a security guard, so that probably won't help you much.
For concealed carry I prefer IWB, especially in a holster that carries the cylinder more-or-less in line with the belt. Some may say it's too much of the gun in the waistband, but I've found it be very stable and comfortable. Holsters similar to Milt Sparks' VM2 are a good choice as they spread out the weight and reduce the holster profile, but from what I've seen the VM2 itself rides a little high for my tastes. Their Summer Special II worked well for me when carrying my 3" 65 (it rides a little lower than the VM2); not sure how well it would work with a L-frame. However, I believe I've seen pictures of Clint Smith carrying a N-frame revolver in a SSII (or similar) holster. I'm sure a search of the forums will point you in the right direction as far as holster makers and belt makers go.
I don't have a lot of experience with OWB holsters. To me, they often feel like the gun is pulling away from my body, even with a good gun belt. But it's generally hard to go wrong with a good pancake-style holster.
As far as grip frames, yes, grips for the K-frame and L-frame are interchangeable. However, as someone mentioned, the L-frame is a bit taller and thicker in the rest of the frame. For me, the L-frame had just a little longer trigger reach than the K-frame, if I'm remembering correctly.
silversnake
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Trigger reach should be identical, if you have the same grips.
Like you I've also seen people carry N frames IWB, that's a bit much for me but it worked for concealment.
ldryder
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While any handgun can be carried, some require more dedication and effort than others. For example, when I first started carrying, I found a way to comfortably wear a Glock 19 IWB. When I decided that I'd rather carry a SP101 2.25" .357 AIWB instead, I found that to be much easier and more comfortable. At the end of the day, I keep the Glock 19 in the bedroom dresser for home use, sold the 26 oz SP101 and replaced it with a M&P 340 that I can effortlessly carry AIWB or just carry in my pocket. Many times, I toss a 442 in another pocket in case I need to use it as a New York Reload.
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thanks for the input. And you're right, i have not compared an L frame to K frame in person. but what im gathering is, that even though the actual weight in ounces between the new m66 amd the 686+ is minimal, the "perceived weight" and/or actual frame size difference is substantial when it comes to choosing one for EDC?. but as i stated before, heavier guns have always suited me better and i tend to shoot them better, so i will have to get my hands on both to see for myself.
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
No, the flat is gone on the new ones.
To me "Concealed Carry" ..... means "carried a lot ....... shot a little"*
I own J,K,L and N frame revolvers in .357 magnum. I had and sold a 3" 586..... loved it but was IMHO too heavy and bulky for its intended purpose when I had other options available.
So what gets carried....... concealed?
90%+ of the time a 3" 66 (or 65) w/ Spegel Boot Grips; in a Sparks Summer Special IWB
8% of the time a 3" 60-10 w/ +P.38s .... It's my "Kit Gun" at the cabin.... think micro 686
2% a 2" 337PD a 12oz .38; when I can only wear shorts and a tucked in shirt...
The 3" 65 dates back to 1986/7...................
*Footnote: Practice yes ........in self defense..... hopefully never!!!!
I own J,K,L and N frame revolvers in .357 magnum. I had and sold a 3" 586..... loved it but was IMHO too heavy and bulky for its intended purpose when I had other options available.
So what gets carried....... concealed?
90%+ of the time a 3" 66 (or 65) w/ Spegel Boot Grips; in a Sparks Summer Special IWB
8% of the time a 3" 60-10 w/ +P.38s .... It's my "Kit Gun" at the cabin.... think micro 686
2% a 2" 337PD a 12oz .38; when I can only wear shorts and a tucked in shirt...
The 3" 65 dates back to 1986/7...................
*Footnote: Practice yes ........in self defense..... hopefully never!!!!
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