I apologize if this topic has been covered before. I’m thinking about getting a revolver. Been thinking about it for the last few months, I might “pull the trigger” on it soon. My biggest hold up is getting over only 5-6 rounds and slow reloading time.
To that end, I’m thinking about something that’s at least as powerful as my 9mm, which I’m quite comfortable with. Probably a .357. I’d like it to be somewhat concealable but understand that it will probably be thicker than a semi-auto. I’d really prefer it to have a 3” barrel or longer, as I’ve never been a fan of the extra short barrels. Also, some kind of safety is a must for me, as I intend to carry it fully loaded so as to not lose any more of the already limited capacity — I’m aware of a drop bar safety and a transfer bar safety.
Ben, There are a number of ‘Favorites’ for me
S&W (686) 7 round 3-7" barrels ($900=1500)
A new addition is the Diamondback SDR (6) rounds .357 (3") barrel )$777)
Taurus (Model 44) .44 Mag (6 rounds) ($550) Matte finish
I have the S&W 686. The model 66 combat 357 magnum was the first gun I trained with, and I was amazed at how well it worked for me. I also like the ability to use 38 ammunition. if I do not want to shoot 357. I have the 4 inch barrel. I feel a longer barrel will be more accurate over longer distances but is harder for concealing.
I carry an S&W 642 Airweight in the warmer months. It is a J frame 5 shot 38 Special +P. It has an internal hammer, so it is very easy to conceal.
I am starting to look at revolvers chambered in .327 Federal Magnum as an alternative to .38 Special. It appears that I could get a harder hitting round in an easy to conceal weapon. Waiting to see if that round becomes more popular.
I suppose a lot of your decision depends on how you want to carry and use the revolver.
For basic, well concealed SD I carry the same one as @Stuart_Bradley. Underwood makes some very stout +P .38 that gets you into the 300ft-lb energy range from a 2" barrel. Even with a short barrel they’re as accurate as my eyes allow me to be. The J frames come in several calibers, have an unlimited grip selection, different barrel lengths and hammer designs, plus different options on frame material, so there’s a lot to choose from. Every holster design you can imagine is available.
Personally, I’m saving my pennies right now for a new SW 686+ 3". It wouldn’t be a regular carry gun, as it’s heavier than I want to lug around, but more of a range toy and woods gun.
This little J is my daily pocket gun and/or BUG if I want to have 2 on me.
My only revolver is an 8 shot S&W with a 5 inch barrel. It is a very nice revolver but not easily concealable.
My some day wish list has a Ruger snub nose .38 LCR for pocket carry and a 3” .357 revolver for concealed carry. I’ve yet to nail down which manufacturer for the 3”. There are a lot of good looking options out there these days including models from Colt, S&W, Ruger and Kimber.
I’d like to have a couple more revolvers on hand in the unfortunately quite possible event that the hoplophobes eventually succeed in banning all semi autos.
In my experience there is a fair bit of variation between new J frame triggers. When I got my 642’s, the LGS had several to choose from. I picked 2 that had the best triggers. Still, both got much better with some work.
One of mine had a really nice clean pull/break, but a little notch on the reset. The other was the exact opposite. I did probably several hours of dry fire clicking with both watching TV in the evenings, probably many thousands of clicks, then took them apart for a deep cleaning and light lube. Both are now smoother than the brand new Performance Center versions of the 642 that I’ve tried out.
My wife also has a J frame, and it was very smooth out of the box.
This is my go to revolver. It is accurate, hits hard and can use .38spl for range time. I still have the first handgun I every had, a SW 686-6 from 1985. Dad and I used to go shooting.
I happen to find myself in my LGS today (amazing how that happens)
Just Browsing (no REAL intent to purchase)… Really!..Hey! Stop Laughing! Grrrrrrr!
and I saw this…
(picture borrowed from GAT-daily)
The COLT ‘ANACONDA’ .44 cal, 4.25 " barrel
Now I know Colt’s are generally high dollar (for me anyway usually $1500+)
(A friend here likes those weird looking ‘Chiappa’s’ (I still really like the guy though that are really high dollar)
This was used for $800 but she was Purfect! Couldn’t have been fired much.
I was possessed is my only excuse… My mouth said ‘I’ll take it!’ (Left unsupervised is my only defense)
What is it with Guns? Guns and Pets (Cats, Dogs it doesn’t matter)… and Jaguars…
As the salesman tried to take the Firearm back. I reached for my plastic (he calmed down)
I’ll prolly get her home in about a week w/ my Clearance, then it’s right to the Range.
(pictures to follow)
It’s the way of the World we live in today Brother.
The Higher my ‘Clearances’ got, more high profile Posts
the LONGER the wait times. My LGS is Baffled.
When I make a purchase these days I don’t take the offered Coffee or Coke
I just go home. I fill all the sh** out hit send and hit the road.
Why bother?
They will NEVER call me up and say ‘Come back!’ the ATpF cleared you.
Some have ventured seeing ‘The Mog’ or Syria on my history causes the red flags
I don’t care. Why put myself through that (It’s not like it’s my first Gun)
That reminds me I might have to rent another Boat before Winter sets in—covering all my bases.
)
reason.
