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7/13/2026 11:04:45 AM EDT
This came as an email today and I thought it was a good read. It has a lot of similarities to my own journey, as the author started out in LE around the same time I did. Although my first small revolver was the S&W model 36.

Is the CCW Revolver Still a Street-Smart Choice?

For those that don't want to read, although this doesn't really capture the whole article.

Pros and Cons: The Honest CCW Revolver Reality Check

Pros: Lightweight, extremely concealable, simple to carry, strong close-contact capability, excellent pocket or ankle gun potential, ammunition flexibility, durable J-Frame track record, and a serious niche role for experienced CCW holders.

Cons: Limited 5 or 6 round capacity, slower reloads than semi-autos, punishing recoil in lightweight models, long double-action trigger pull, basic sights on many models, and a learning curve that makes the J-Frame an advanced shooter’s gun.
View Quote
7/13/2026 11:26:28 AM EDT
[#1]
Yes/No/Maybe


A scandium J frame is a nice pocket gun for a gym shorts/t-shirt walk to the corner store.

A Glock 45 COA is much nicer for the evening trip to downtown Detroit.

Your mileage and life span may vary….Carry responsibly, make good choices.

18Z50

7/13/2026 11:39:13 AM EDT
[#2]
Occasionally. I carry a Ruger SP101, 357 now and then.
7/13/2026 12:03:46 PM EDT
[#3]
I avoid streets
Attached File
Do Good
Be Dangerous
Live Free
7/13/2026 12:56:06 PM EDT
[#4]
I went from carrying autos to carrying revolvers

After years of carrying Ive determined a stainless steel revolver is the perfect carry gun(for me)

I like the durability of them. They are incredibly difficult to make rust even for me having acidic sweat that makes melonite blush. When they do you can fix it with a stainless steel brush

The proper lead hollow point is something to behold out of a 38/357/44 gun

They also come in all shapes and sizes from pocket guns to big belt guns

Retain their casing. Im a reloader. I could envision other pros to this as well

Lastly a Smith revolver is a gorgeous gun. Pretty much all of them save a handful of abominations theyve put out

Maybe you prioritize differently

Battle Of West Appalachia Survivor
7/13/2026 1:08:47 PM EDT
[#5]
For a quick ride to town, I'll snap on my old Don Hume iwb with my S&W model 40 and  a speed strip or two.   I don't like pocket carry.

Attached File


America is at that awkward stage, it’s too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards....Claire Wolfe
7/13/2026 1:28:11 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By chase45:


Retain their casing. Im a reloader. I could envision other pros to this as well



View Quote


Yeah,.... that's it.
7/13/2026 1:35:29 PM EDT
[#7]
I can make a list of bad points in regards to a alloy snub gun such as the S&W 442.

usable but threshold weakness of the 38spl out of a short barrel .

Only 5 shots and a slower reload .

not great sights and difficult to mount red dot . Such a red dot also would make a difficult carry .


big big pro (for me)

More of Less  drops into a $12 pocket holster or pocket of my Charhart jacket when it is cold.

So lite and easy to carry all day , every day that the only issue is remembering not to dump change ,keys or pocket knife into same pocket.

In short , the gun , even with shortcomings that is within reach is far better than the gun that gets left home or in the truck because it is a PITA to carry.

Yes, I am also a old fart who shoots my snub revolver better than any of my smaller sized semi autos
7/13/2026 1:51:41 PM EDT
[#8]
I've carried revolvers and automatics throughout my entire adult life. Even before I could legally carry, I was carrying. I'm typing this out right now as a revolver is on my hip. My LE career was with one flavor or another of a GLOCK on my hip and my duty BUG for half my career was a J-Frame on my ankle.

Off-duty, I carried a wide gamut of guns and a lot of them were traditional DA/SAs, DAOs, and SAOs. Both in automatics and revolvers.

Is a revolver still viable in the summer of 2026? Sure is.

A J-Frame is still even viable with a speed loader.

As I'm typing this, I have a 3" GP100 on my hip with a speed loader in the pocket and a 2x2x2 dump pouch on the belt.
7/13/2026 3:02:48 PM EDT
[#9]
Any gun will do if you will do. However who is voluntarily going to a potential gunfight with a 5 shot or a 6 shot revolver and a speed loader. I want a belt fed. But those are to heavy to carry. A 10 or 11 round reliable semi auto seems to make more sense. I still carry a 5 round revolver when working in the yard.  But I carry a semi auto for protection in most environments.
7/13/2026 7:58:34 PM EDT
[#10]
I love revolvers. Carrying a J-Frame airweight is sublime. But I've experienced malfunctions that required a screwdriver to clear and for me, an LCP Max has taken away any advantage the airweight revolver had for carry.

For woods carry a 3-4" .357 is fantastic.  For urban carry I've switched to 9 or 380 autos.

But they're still cool.
7/13/2026 10:13:32 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By chase45:
I went from carrying autos to carrying revolvers

After years of carrying Ive determined a stainless steel revolver is the perfect carry gun(for me)

I like the durability of them. They are incredibly difficult to make rust even for me having acidic sweat that makes melonite blush. When they do you can fix it with a stainless steel brush

The proper lead hollow point is something to behold out of a 38/357/44 gun

They also come in all shapes and sizes from pocket guns to big belt guns

Retain their casing. Im a reloader. I could envision other pros to this as well

Lastly a Smith revolver is a gorgeous gun. Pretty much all of them save a handful of abominations theyve put out

Maybe you prioritize differently

View Quote


Basically all of this, but I’m toting a 3” K6S instead.

It’s simple, it works, it’s nice to not worry about if it’ll feed whatever ammo I have.

Is it the perfect gun?  No.  But it’s extremely solid for a reliable companion, and the fact the outline when it prints is less “gun” shaped is just a bonus.
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
7/13/2026 10:34:36 PM EDT
[#12]
For urban carry?  As a BUG in a jacket pocket or purse, semi-autos seemingly make more sense as a primary with higher capacity for the same or less size & weight.

The flip side is that especially DAO revolvers are stupid simple to learn to load, use, & make safe, so for carriers that won't practice a lot and will only take shots at close range, it can be a viable option.

For rural carry, revolvers w/ a couple of shot loads for snakes would seem to make sense.

Bear country?  Sure, but I'd rather have a Glock 20/40 or an M&P 10mm, or .45 Super in a 21/41 - but I've successfully avoided being snackable in bear country my entire life so far.
7/13/2026 10:47:31 PM EDT
[#13]
Unfortunately the correct niche for the J frame - the experts gun- carried and used by a well practiced shooter who can reflexively hit a reasonably sized target near effortlessly inside 50 yards- are typically not the ones carrying them.
I am a J frame fan, and frequently practice ( and connect on target) with them at as far as 75 yards. Then again I have been carrying and using revolvers for near half a century now, so the use of them is as natural to me as eating with a fork . Not many people have that level of familiarity
Often J frames ( typically the hard kicking airweights) are touted as great guns for people ( often ladies) who would not practice very often pr at all, exercise poor carry and handling techniques. When running a small low capacity hard kicking gun, you need all the skill you can muster.

I still feel I can get myself out of trouble with a J frame, but that also comes with a healthy dose of risk mitigation, situational awareness, etc
7/14/2026 12:50:24 AM EDT
[#14]
Short answer - yes. Have a gun, be proficient with it. Those two things will win the day more than all the gear. Just look at all the pristine Glocks with Ramjets on them.

Quote History
View Quote


Details on the holster?
7/14/2026 2:17:19 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Originally Posted By captain127:  Unfortunately the correct niche for the J frame - the experts gun- carried and used by a well practiced shooter who can reflexively hit a reasonably sized target near effortlessly inside 50 yards- are typically not the ones carrying them.
I am a J frame fan, and frequently practice ( and connect on target) with them at as far as 75 yards. Then again I have been carrying and using revolvers for near half a century now, so the use of them is as natural to me as eating with a fork . Not many people have that level of familiarity
Often J frames ( typically the hard kicking airweights) are touted as great guns for people ( often ladies) who would not practice very often pr at all, exercise poor carry and handling techniques. When running a small low capacity hard kicking gun, you need all the skill you can muster.

I still feel I can get myself out of trouble with a J frame, but that also comes with a healthy dose of risk mitigation, situational awareness, etc
View Quote


I don't stock centerfire airweight snubs for that reason.  I'll stock airweight rimfire snubs, w/ Punch even a LR will get there, and the .22 Mag Taurus UL if I can ever manage to get one.

The snub used to be an experts' gun.  The experts have moved on to the SIG P365 & the Hellcat.

Now it's a ladies' purse gun, and in that role, it does a few things the P365 & Hellcat can't do.

It's intuitive.  There's no question if it's loaded or unloaded, it's not depending on a magazine safety to prevent a round in the chamber from going off.  It's very easy to learn to shoot adequately at close range - difficult to shoot well, I'll grant, but that's true of all all DAO actions, particularly small ones.

It doesn't require upper body strength to rack the slide.  This has been somewhat mitigated by the Smith & Ruger EZ guns, and I'll grant, often elderly wemin that can't rack a slide can't pull a DAO revolver trigger either, even a smooth one.  Sometimes they'll double up on the trigger and that does it.

Fire multiple shots from the jacket or purse - as an opening gambit, this is completely unexpected by the miscreant, however the downside is that purses & jackets don't have sights, so the practice is expensive.
7/14/2026 5:54:47 AM EDT
[#16]
A retired LEO was behind the counter at a gun shop and he asked me if I carried a 1911, just making small talk about handguns and favorites.  Then he offered me some advice.
He asks, “do you train /drill with your carry piece?” Me:  being honest, “no but I get plenty of range time”.
Him: “if you get in a situation that requires you to use your 1911, the extra bits of manual controls, manual safety, and stress of the moment could land you in 2nd place in the contest”.
He, yes a boomah, was a staunch advocate of the 586 / 686.
Glock simplicity, magnum punch, point n squeeze!
That meant something to me, so I moved away from 100% 1911 carry, for a variety that includes a couple of revolvers, 44 and 38/357.
Yes, harden up, train more, don’t confuse yourself with the changes in equipment,  etc. etc.
The best self defense weapon I’ve ever had was using my head!
7/14/2026 10:37:04 AM EDT
[#17]
I'll post the same reply here that I posted to the GunsAmerica article:

"From the author; “With the more realistic 1-3 shots fired in a real-world defensive gun use, their capacity is adequate.” While that may have been true in the 1970-1990’s period, it’s clearly not today. The J frame is a great example of a deep cover non permissive environment or backup gun. It’s sorely lacking in today’s environment of multiple, trained attackers. We’re all better served by a 15 shot 9mm auto, and a five shot revolver. Just look at Active Self Protection or Gabe Surez videos to verify my claim. It’s a disservice to your readers to claim otherwise."


A follow up commenter also repeated the lie that most gunfights are 1-3 shots and three seconds long according to USCCA. USCCA is an insurance company running a scam that fails to tell you that less than 1/100 of 1% of all self defense shooters get prosecuted. Victim's don't go to jail folks, be ready at all times, your gunfight may be against one thug, multiple attackers, a terrorist or even ChiCom army operatives.
Dave Funk
Past President and now a Board of Directors member Iowa Firearms Coalition. Past President of the Iowa Chapter-SCI.
7/14/2026 10:55:12 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Originally Posted By F224:
I'll post the same reply here that I posted to the GunsAmerica article:

"From the author; “With the more realistic 1-3 shots fired in a real-world defensive gun use, their capacity is adequate.” While that may have been true in the 1970-1990’s period, it’s clearly not today. The J frame is a great example of a deep cover non permissive environment or backup gun. It’s sorely lacking in today’s environment of multiple, trained attackers. We’re all better served by a 15 shot 9mm auto, and a five shot revolver. Just look at Active Self Protection or Gabe Surez videos to verify my claim. It’s a disservice to your readers to claim otherwise."


A follow up commenter also repeated the lie that most gunfights are 1-3 shots and three seconds long according to USCCA. USCCA is an insurance company running a scam that fails to tell you that less than 1/100 of 1% of all self defense shooters get prosecuted. Victim's don't go to jail folks, be ready at all times, your gunfight may be against one thug, multiple attackers, a terrorist or even ChiCom army operatives.
View Quote


This is where I'm at. I love small revolvers, but they fill a back-up role to me.
7/14/2026 11:03:14 AM EDT
[#19]
Attached File
Distinguished
7/14/2026 11:49:48 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Originally Posted By F224:
I'll post the same reply here that I posted to the GunsAmerica article:

"From the author; “With the more realistic 1-3 shots fired in a real-world defensive gun use, their capacity is adequate.” While that may have been true in the 1970-1990’s period, it’s clearly not today. The J frame is a great example of a deep cover non permissive environment or backup gun. It’s sorely lacking in today’s environment of multiple, trained attackers. We’re all better served by a 15 shot 9mm auto, and a five shot revolver. Just look at Active Self Protection or Gabe Surez videos to verify my claim. It’s a disservice to your readers to claim otherwise."


A follow up commenter also repeated the lie that most gunfights are 1-3 shots and three seconds long according to USCCA. USCCA is an insurance company running a scam that fails to tell you that less than 1/100 of 1% of all self defense shooters get prosecuted. Victim's don't go to jail folks, be ready at all times, your gunfight may be against one thug, multiple attackers, a terrorist or even ChiCom army operatives.
View Quote



A friend of mine “carries” a staccato XC. But not while driving. Or at work. Or at home. Or when he knows he’ll sit for a meal.

I had my 351pd tucked into my gym shorts the instant I woke up. It’s been on me, literally, since then except to shower. Walking outside to get the mail, neighborhood walk, when a delivery driver showed up a bit lost, it’s always there.

In non-war criminal encounters, they typically end when the victim no longer looks like a victim. So the dude pulling the snub out of his pocket at the gas station when he’s about to be robbed typically results in the bad guys running away. Not getting in a protracted gun battle with reloads and shit. It solves the problem of convenient to carry (and therefore in the pocket or waistband when shit kicks off instead of the glove box or home in the safe). And does the job.


Is a snub what I have on my battle belt or would it be my first choice looking for trouble? No. But I’m not. I’m hanging out at home, living and working low risk and not selling drugs in ATL.
"every exercise is a low back exercise if you do it wrong enough"
@MacManus
7/14/2026 1:34:08 PM EDT
[Last Edit: F224][Edited] [#21]
Like my fellow ARFCOMER's I also carry a J frame constantly from wake-up to going back to bed. But I view it as my backup gun, and when I leave the house in my Florida gated community or my rural farm in Iowa, I have a second gun on me. Most all of the time it's a 15+ round 9mm pistol of some sort.

What I would prefer to carry is my 3" Colt Viper or 3" S&W M65, but that's no longer the world we live in. None of us know when our turn to face a lethal threat will come, and I don't want to face that again without a suitable tool on my person. Having survived two gunfights without a gun, I'm living proof that you can win without one. But I would also prefer to not get shot again, thank you.  

Carry what you want, it's your choice. The numbers don't lie and the risk is higher today that you will encounter multiple, trained, and committed attackers. Bigger, faster, and more bullets are always better.
Dave Funk
Past President and now a Board of Directors member Iowa Firearms Coalition. Past President of the Iowa Chapter-SCI.
7/15/2026 9:38:31 AM EDT
[#22]
I carried either a Glock 19 or a 1911 for over 30 years.   Now I carry a 7 shot GP100.    I like revolvers better these days
7/15/2026 5:26:11 PM EDT
[#23]
If it's the gun that you'll actually carry then yes, it makes sense, otherwise I'd say most folks will be better served carrying something magazine fed.  I hate to say that as I prefer revolvers, shooting and carrying them and from an aesthetic point of view, but I came to that conclusion years ago working EMS.  Handguns suck at stopping bad guys.  They may run off at the sight of them, they may stop after getting shot once or, they may not.  I've watched the usual videos, read the usual books and know the stats on number of rounds fired etc. and I've run several calls where the dead guy was shot once with a .22 and I worked on an Iraqi who took six rounds from a M240 and survived, but just based on the shootings that I've worked or have first or second hand knowledge of, if you're using a handgun and you want to stop the threat as quickly as possible, you better plan to use multiple rounds, even if it's a single attacker (that not legal advice or anything other than the opinion of one retard on the internet who happens to have run a variety of shooting calls and been friends with ER docs, some folks from the coroner's office and some other interesting sorts).  That doesn't mean you have to use them, but having them available increases your odds and anything you can do to tip the scales in your favor is a plus.  

That said, there's a five shot .38 Rossi next to me, but there's also an AR pistol and a 10/22 with a BX25 mag.  I still carry a 642 most of the time hiking, backpacking ,kayaking, etc. and the 1st round is often a shot shell.  I carry a revolver hunting, often including driving and to and from, but for every day carry I carry a 9mm or .45, or if in a non permissive environment, a LCP and spare mag.  Again, just my opinion; the most important things are that you actually carry and are at least effective with it, if not proficient.
7/15/2026 7:00:14 PM EDT
[#24]
Hope so. Bought this today.

Attached File
"every exercise is a low back exercise if you do it wrong enough"
@MacManus
7/16/2026 5:26:20 PM EDT
[Last Edit: parrisisland1978][Edited] [#25]
>≥>>Deleted<<<<
Timed out
7/16/2026 6:01:03 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MRW][Edited] [#26]
Quote History
I have a ratty 642 like that







But if I carry, I will carry the 3" LCRx




Don't be so open-minded that your brains fall out.

General education should not be mere job training, but training in how to be fully human.
7/16/2026 6:20:04 PM EDT
[#27]
It might hurt to shoot but I wouldn’t want to catch a .357 out of an lcr.
7/16/2026 6:32:44 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Originally Posted By MRW:
I have a ratty 642 like that

https://i.imgur.com/NqICuww.jpg





But if I carry, I will carry the 3" LCRx

https://i.imgur.com/jfCnLXD.jpg


View Quote


I like that 3”.

That 642 was my ankle gun for about 20 years. I don’t know what made the finish ruin on those.
Distinguished
7/20/2026 5:51:12 PM EDT
[#29]
Only hits count:  the final answer to the internet's 'revolver vs. autoloader' ccw debate.
7/20/2026 5:53:45 PM EDT
[#30]


This is easy enough to stuff in my pocket
“That’s not how it works. You buy more tools and power than you need and as you fuck everything up you gain the knowledge to become a better carpenter.”

Tveddy
7/20/2026 8:58:43 PM EDT
[#31]
For me it is. A revolver is the most comfortable thing for me to carry from the time that I put on my pants in the morning, drive to work, be at work, drive home from work and go home. I have tried the P365X, Glock 19, HK p30SK, and Glock 26 for all day carry. The Glock 26 comes next closest in comfort to the revolver but does not beat it out. Thus, I carry a Smith and Wesson 432 Ultimate Carry in 32 magnum, 432 Titanium in 32 magnum, or Ruger LCR in 38 basically everyday.
8/1/2026 5:10:35 AM EDT
[Last Edit: patsue][Edited] [#32]
I have been carrying concealed for almost 25 years and carried from Glock 17's down to Ruger LCP OG.  I pretty much just pocket my old Smith 442 no dash, Ruger LCR .22, or Smith 351c now.  I just turned 60 and just don't want to deal with the discomfort of IWB or being afraid my shirt is going to ride up over my OWB holstered handgun.  Also, I don't want to mess with the safety as I know my mind isn't as sharp as it was when younger and I don't think under stress I would be able to figure it out.  I like a nice hard double action point and shoot weapon and the J-frame is where I seem to have landed.  I am surprised about this quite frankly as I was so obsessed with finding the perfect CCW for years and it has come to this.  

Attached File




---Patrick
8/1/2026 6:09:40 AM EDT
[#33]
I used to carry a Taurus 605 (I was a broke kid). Never felt like I needed more as I'm in a very low risk area.  I'm thinking about getting another snubby since I've buggered up my left arm and can envision days ahead where I have trouble with an auto as I age.
8/1/2026 6:43:33 AM EDT
[#34]
I do not have to worry about shooting a hole in my testicles if I appendix carry a revolver
8/1/2026 8:42:10 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote History
Originally Posted By jhon:
Short answer - yes. Have a gun, be proficient with it. Those two things will win the day more than all the gear. Just look at all the pristine Glocks with Ramjets on them.



Details on the holster?
View Quote

Looks like a milt sparks pmk.
8/1/2026 10:13:07 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Minnesotadude:

Looks like a milt sparks pmk.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By Minnesotadude:
Originally Posted By jhon:
Short answer - yes. Have a gun, be proficient with it. Those two things will win the day more than all the gear. Just look at all the pristine Glocks with Ramjets on them.



Details on the holster?

Looks like a milt sparks pmk.

@jhon
Yes, sorry for the delay. A Milt Sparks PMK
Attached File
Do Good
Be Dangerous
Live Free
8/1/2026 10:51:57 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote History
Originally Posted By patsue:
I have been carrying concealed for almost 25 years and carried from Glock 17's down to Ruger LCP OG.  I pretty much just pocket my old Smith 442 no dash, Ruger LCR .22, or Smith 351c now.  I just turned 60 and just don't want to deal with the discomfort of IWB or being afraid my shirt is going to ride up over my OWB holstered handgun.  Also, I don't want to mess with the safety as I know my mind isn't as sharp as it was when younger and I don't think under stress I would be able to figure it out.  I like a nice hard double action point and shoot weapon and the J-frame is where I seem to have landed.  I am surprised about this quite frankly as I was so obsessed with finding the perfect CCW for years and it has come to this.  

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2153/IMG_0712_jpeg-3804345.JPG



---Patrick
View Quote


@patsue what's the deal with that speed strip set up? Looks comfy
"every exercise is a low back exercise if you do it wrong enough"
@MacManus
8/1/2026 11:08:39 AM EDT
[#38]
If you are going to carry a snubbie (<3”) at least carry a .357

Snub length .38spl is laying down .380acp levels of power.  Shorter lengths like the 2” are coming up short of that.  With a 5 shot revolver… at that point might as well just be carrying a slimmer smaller LCP full of .380+P and get yourself an extra shot with fast reloads.
8/1/2026 11:52:27 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ohio_Man:
If you are going to carry a snubbie (<3”) at least carry a .357

Snub length .38spl is laying down .380acp levels of power.  Shorter lengths like the 2” are coming up short of that.  With a 5 shot revolver… at that point might as well just be carrying a slimmer smaller LCP full of .380+P and get yourself an extra shot with fast reloads.
View Quote


I'll let Ai handle this one for me.

False.
 
A snub‑nose .38 Special does not “drop to .380 ACP power,” and a 2" barrel does not fall below .380 ACP. Even from a 2" revolver, .38 Special delivers significantly more penetration and energy than .380 ACP — especially with modern loads designed for short barrels.

But let’s go deeper, because this is one of the most misunderstood topics in defensive ballistics.

⭐ The real comparison: .38 Special snub vs .380 ACP
Each item begins with a Guided Link.

Energy comparison
From a 2" snub:

.38 Spl +P short‑barrel loads: 200–240 ft‑lbs

.380 ACP +P (LCP‑MAX, etc.): 180–220 ft‑lbs

So even at its worst, .38 Spl is equal or slightly stronger, and with good loads it’s noticeably stronger.

Penetration comparison
This is the real difference.

.38 Spl short‑barrel loads: 12–14 inches (Gold Dot, HST Micro, Buffalo Bore)

.380 ACP: 8–11 inches (most loads), only a few reach 12"

Penetration is where .38 Spl wins decisively.

Bullet weight comparison
.38 Spl: 110–158 grains

.380 ACP: 80–100 grains

Heavier bullets = better momentum and penetration.

Expansion comparison
Short‑barrel .38 Spl loads expand more reliably than .380 ACP.

⭐ Why the myth exists
Because cheap FMJ .38 Special from a 2" barrel does produce low velocity — sometimes only 650–700 fps.
That’s where the “.380 power” myth comes from.

But nobody carries FMJ .38 Spl for defense.

Modern short‑barrel loads are engineered specifically for snubs.

⭐ The real-world truth
A 2" .38 Special snub firing modern defensive ammo is not equivalent to .380 ACP.
It is:

more powerful

more penetrative

more reliable in expansion

more effective through barriers

more consistent across ammo types

The only thing .380 ACP wins is capacity and size.

⭐ Your statement:
“With a 5 shot revolver… might as well carry a slimmer LCP full of .380+P.”

False — unless your priority is concealment and capacity.  
If your priority is terminal performance, the snub .38 is clearly superior.

⭐ When the LCP does make sense
Each item begins with a Guided Link.

Deep concealment

Pocket carry

Backup gun role

Low recoil needs

But not because it “matches .38 Spl power.”
It doesn’t.

⭐ Bottom line
A 2" .38 Special snub is NOT .380 ACP power.  
It is stronger, more penetrative, and more effective with modern ammo.
8/1/2026 12:20:50 PM EDT
[Last Edit: patsue][Edited] [#40]
Quote History
Originally Posted By steviesterno16:


@patsue what's the deal with that speed strip set up? Looks comfy
View Quote


@steviesterno16


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGCMJXV2?tag=arfcom00-20

They fit together in a small space.  Work well for me.
8/1/2026 12:30:08 PM EDT
[Last Edit: jhon][Edited] [#41]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ohio_Man:
If you are going to carry a snubbie (<3”) at least carry a .357

Snub length .38spl is laying down .380acp levels of power.  Shorter lengths like the 2” are coming up short of that.  With a 5 shot revolver… at that point might as well just be carrying a slimmer smaller LCP full of .380+P and get yourself an extra shot with fast reloads.
View Quote


Not even close.



125gr Gold Dot loaded to +P by Underwood shot out of a 1 7/8" 640 no dash. Not pushing that bullet at that velocity out of a .380. It's a shame Underwood switched to the inferior XTP for this load. Out of the stainless steel 640 recoil is comparable to a sub compact 9mm.



158gr Hi-Tek coated SWC shot out of a 2 1/8" Model 60. Still not doing that out of a .380. This isn't even a +P load or even a maximum .38 Special load with Silhouette.

9mm should be way better, right?



Standard pressure 124gr Federal HST out of a 3.4" Glock 43x. 124gr HST is the standard for duty 9mm.

A .380 the size of a wallet (like the LCP) isn't coming close and it's probably the only handgun that is harder to shoot than an Airweight J frame. Guns like the LCP have their place for extreme deep carry, but outside of that just about anything else is a better option.
8/1/2026 12:46:20 PM EDT
[#42]
Originally Posted By patsue:


@steviesterno16


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGCMJXV2?tag=arfcom00-20

They fit together in a small space.  Work well for me.
View Quote

sweet thanks! In the cart now

Originally Posted By jhon:


Not even close.

https://iili.io/CSWioJt.jpg

125gr Gold Dot loaded to +P by Underwood shot out of a 1 7/8" 640 no dash. Not pushing that bullet at that velocity out of a .380. It's a shame Underwood switched to the inferior XTP for this load. Out of the stainless steel 640 recoil is comparable to a sub compact 9mm.

https://iili.io/CSWiCgI.jpg

158gr Hi-Tek coated SWC shot out of a 2 1/8" Model 60. Still not doing that out of a .380. This isn't even a +P load or even a maximum .38 Special load with Silhouette.

9mm should be way better, right?

https://iili.io/CSWiB0N.jpg

Standard pressure 124gr Federal HST out of a 3.4" Glock 43x. 124gr HST is the standard for duty 9mm.

A .380 the size of a wallet (like the LCP) isn't coming close and it's probably the only handgun that is harder to shoot than an Airweight J frame. Guns like the LCP have their place for extreme deep carry, but outside of that just about anything else is a better option.
View Quote



The other nice thing with revolvers is the ammo doesn't need to feed down a feed ramp. So if you want mega hollow points, rat shot, or wadcutters, you can run them in a snub that you couldn't in an auto.

I also don't trust striker fired autos to have one chambered in my pocket with kids around. They jump, hit, throw things randomly, climb on me, etc. It's nice to have a gun without a striker under tension that's still able to be put to use without racking it.
"every exercise is a low back exercise if you do it wrong enough"
@MacManus
8/1/2026 2:41:20 PM EDT
[#43]
32s are worthy snubs also



Don't be so open-minded that your brains fall out.

General education should not be mere job training, but training in how to be fully human.
8/1/2026 6:36:20 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ohio_Man:
If you are going to carry a snubbie (<3”) at least carry a .357

Snub length .38spl is laying down .380acp levels of power.  Shorter lengths like the 2” are coming up short of that.  With a 5 shot revolver… at that point might as well just be carrying a slimmer smaller LCP full of .380+P and get yourself an extra shot with fast reloads.
View Quote

I get 900fps with my 158gr swc and 147hst loads.
147gr hst at 900fps is kinda in the top 3 9mm loads
Do Good
Be Dangerous
Live Free
8/4/2026 1:20:23 AM EDT
[#45]
If people actually will carry (and preferably train with them) its better than a gun you have to leave. Can't tell you how many people carried full size glocks, 1911s, revolvers, who left them in their car because they couldn't fit in the chairs inside a buisness I worked at when they would have to sit there for a few hours. I would take a model 36 over a gun I wouldn't ever carry anyways. That said, I will admit times have changed. A glock 43 I will carry but I hate shooting those snappy guns compaired to a snub so I never practice with them. At the end of the day if they will actually carry it let them is my view.
8/4/2026 7:09:57 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote History
Originally Posted By MRW:
32s are worthy snubs also

View Quote


I keep being tempted by the .327 Fed Mag in a 3" SP101. It's probably a good thing that they're impossible to find right now.
8/9/2026 8:39:45 PM EDT
[#47]
Currently EDCing a S&W Model 625-3.



Which Jerry Miculek looked over and said was a fantastic carry piece.



And both Jerry and Lena signed my Craig Spegel grip.









8/9/2026 9:00:37 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Miami_JBT:
Currently EDCing a S&W Model 625-3.

https://i.imgur.com/DPE23Rz.png

Which Jerry Miculek looked over and said was a fantastic carry piece.

https://i.imgur.com/Gb3Q2Wb.png

And both Jerry and Lena signed my Craig Spegel grip.

https://i.imgur.com/24CLmDT.png

https://i.imgur.com/3Ch2yp7.png

https://i.imgur.com/WILeDAl.png



View Quote

Thats pretty cool
Do Good
Be Dangerous
Live Free
8/9/2026 9:41:54 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Miami_JBT:
Currently EDCing a S&W Model 625-3.

https://i.imgur.com/DPE23Rz.png

Which Jerry Miculek looked over and said was a fantastic carry piece.

https://i.imgur.com/Gb3Q2Wb.png

And both Jerry and Lena signed my Craig Spegel grip.

https://i.imgur.com/24CLmDT.png

https://i.imgur.com/3Ch2yp7.png

https://i.imgur.com/WILeDAl.png



View Quote

Is Lena big or are you incredibly tiny?
"every exercise is a low back exercise if you do it wrong enough"
@MacManus
8/9/2026 9:47:36 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote History
Originally Posted By steviesterno16:


Is Lena big or are you incredibly tiny?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By steviesterno16:
Originally Posted By Miami_JBT:  Currently EDCing a S&W Model 625-3.

https://i.imgur.com/DPE23Rz.png

Which Jerry Miculek looked over and said was a fantastic carry piece.

https://i.imgur.com/Gb3Q2Wb.png

And both Jerry and Lena signed my Craig Spegel grip.

https://i.imgur.com/24CLmDT.png

https://i.imgur.com/3Ch2yp7.png

https://i.imgur.com/WILeDAl.png


Is Lena big or are you incredibly tiny?


Miami.... compensates.  

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