Posted: 6/6/2012 6:19:51 AM EDT
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To me, a revolver just makes sense. I know it's not the "cool" handgun nowadays. I believe I would be more likely to carry it every single day (even if leaving the house for 10 minutes) than if I chose a semi-auto. I say this because I would just put it in my shorts pocket (no holster) and GO! I want a quick go gun that I forget is in my pocket. With a semi-auto I would have to choose the right holster, put the holster on, worry about it printing and digging into my side when riding in the car...etc. I know my habits and I just think a revolver makes more sense....to me.
Right now I don't know much about revolvers, but I do know I want small, light, hammerless and won't rust in the shittiest conditions. I own an ultrasonic cleaning machine, so if I were able to clean it in that from time to time that would be a big plus, but not a deal breaker by any means. I'm considering two revolvers right now (unless there are better suggestions). The S&W J Frame series (Model 642 - No Internal Lock) or the Ruger LCR. I'm a 9mm guy, so I don't really know if .357 magnum is necessary or if .38 S&W Special +P will get the job done. I pulled the trigger on the S&W and it was REALLY heavy. The Ruger LCR trigger was pretty damn sweet for a revolver and I have read that it has the best double-action trigger in the industry. Which is a better revolver? The guy at the gun shop said the Ruger's had issues with "plasma cutting" after a high round count. True? |
Plasma cutting?  The LCR .38 has an alloy frame and is +P rated for at least 10,000 rounds. It does have a smooth trigger pull, but every LCR I've handled (.38 and .357) has had a sticky cylinder release. Maybe this will works itself out with time. You cannot go wrong with the 642, but have you given a look at the .38 Bodyguard? The two I've handled have had a nice trigger pull (not as nice as the LCR though) and were quite accurate. It does have a cylinder release on the top of the frame, but since you are not a revolver guy you will not have to relearn anything new. The difference between .38 Special +P and .357 Magnum are noticeable in terms of recoil, but the increase in recoil is not matched to a great increase in effectiveness. For .38 Special +P SD/HD loads give these a look: Cor-Bon 110gr DPX Wilson Combat 110gr DPX Winchester 130gr Bonded (look for the LE boxes, as they are 50 rounds and cheaper than the PDX) Speer 135gr Gold Dot Wilson Combat 135gr Gold Dot For .357 Magnum SD/HD loads give these a look: Cor-Bon 125gr DPX Wilson Combat 125gr DPX Remington 125gr Golden Saber (though the non Bonded GS have issues with jacket/core separation in sheet steel and auto glass) Speer 135gr Gold Dot, Short Barrel |
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Quoted:
Plasma cutting?
The LCR .38 has an alloy frame and is +P rated for at least 10,000 rounds. It does have a smooth trigger pull, but every LCR I've handled (.38 and .357) has had a sticky cylinder release. Maybe this will works itself out with time. You cannot go wrong with the 642, but have you given a look at the .38 Bodyguard? The two I've handled have had a nice trigger pull (not as nice as the LCR though) and were quite accurate. It does have a cylinder release on the top of the frame, but since you are not a revolver guy you will not have to relearn anything new. The difference between .38 Special +P and .357 Magnum are noticeable in terms of recoil, but the increase in recoil is not matched to a great increase in effectiveness. For .38 Special +P SD/HD loads give these a look: Cor-Bon 110gr DPX Wilson Combat 110gr DPX Winchester 130gr Bonded (look for the LE boxes, as they are 50 rounds and cheaper than the PDX) Speer 135gr Gold Dot Wilson Combat 135gr Gold Dot For .357 Magnum SD/HD loads give these a look: Cor-Bon 125gr DPX Wilson Combat 125gr DPX Remington 125gr Golden Saber (though the non Bonded GS have issues with jacket/core separation in sheet steel and auto glass) Speer 135gr Gold Dot, Short Barrel Thanks. Is .38 Special +P a more effective man-stopper than .380? |
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Either will work fine. J frame Smiths typically have a heavy double action trigger. They require a pretty stout spring for reliable ignition. Spring kits are availible which may help. But some may cause light primer strikes. Ruger is selling LCR's by the pallet load. I've never shot one but wouldn't hesitate to do so.
Magnums in lightweight snubbies is NOT a place I go to. Even plus p ammo is a handful. Neither gun is going to be especially fun to shoot, but these are the quintessential carried a lot shot a little pistol. A Smith 638 (the humpback) is my normal carry piece. |
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Thanks. Is .38 Special +P a more effective man-stopper than .380? Yes. Premium SD .38 specials, like the Speer GDHP short barrel formula, achieve FBI required penetration and expand. The .380 needs to be an FMJ to even think about adequate penetration. My wife has a 642, I have an LCR. For bigger hands the LCR is easier to handle. I only carry revolvers. |
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Quoted: Is .38 Special +P a more effective man-stopper than .380? Short answer...yes. The revolver requires dedication to use. Speedloaders are slower than spare magazines and speed strips are slower yet. Still, a .380, or even a snub .38, should be a BUG, or something you carry when wearing clothing that prevents you from wearing a proper SD piece. |
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Quoted: Forgot to ask...how many of you are comfortable carrying a revolver in your pocket/on you WITHOUT a holster? Is it safe? I don't see why it wouldn't be OK. Any of the hammerless revolver should be safe, but if you are carrying a firearm concealed, it should be in a holster, or with a hip-grip/t-grip/rubber sleeve combo. |
| I vote for the LCR 357. I bought one last year for pocket carry and it's been great. I recently found that the Hornady 125gr critical defense FTX rounds work awesome. I found other rounds had very snappy recoil while the Hornady rounds were much more manageable. |
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There are lots of options and questions you must ask here.
1. is 38+p enough I say yes and carry 38 +p however florida is not ohio In winter I would defemnitly be looking at bonded HPs in the colder states. I also carry when I am in SD which is frequent so I adjust my carry ammo depending on weather and location to the clothing of possible assaliants. IF IT IS COLD ENOUGH i WILL CARRY 357 MAGNUMS AND REMOVE ALL DOUBT. 2. TO hammer, bob hammer or no hammer, I like the no hammer options but I often carry a 60-7 which has a hammer it is my favorite holster J frame, the 640 is for pocket carry 3. what about K frame snubnosed? TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT THEM ESPECIALLY IF YOU find the j frame wanting a model 10 with a 2" barrel is one sweet carry gun and can still be had pretty cheap. I got one last year for $225 good luck welcome to the wheelguns |
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Forgot to ask...how many of you are comfortable carrying a revolver in your pocket/on you WITHOUT a holster? Is it safe? I don't see why it wouldn't be OK. I carry a 442 in a pocket holster, you can pick up an Uncle Mike's for cheap and I can't think of a reason not to use a holster. I can think of a few very good reasons TO use a holster though. If nothing else it breaks up the outline of the revolver in your pocket to make it less obvious. Covering the trigger is always a good idea too. |
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Quoted:
There are lots of options and questions you must ask here. 1. is 38+p enough I say yes and carry 38 +p however florida is not ohio In winter I would defemnitly be looking at bonded HPs in the colder states. I also carry when I am in SD which is frequent so I adjust my carry ammo depending on weather and location to the clothing of possible assaliants. IF IT IS COLD ENOUGH i WILL CARRY 357 MAGNUMS AND REMOVE ALL DOUBT. 2. TO hammer, bob hammer or no hammer, I like the no hammer options but I often carry a 60-7 which has a hammer it is my favorite holster J frame, the 640 is for pocket carry 3. what about K frame snubnosed? TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT THEM ESPECIALLY IF YOU find the j frame wanting a model 10 with a 2" barrel is one sweet carry gun and can still be had pretty cheap. I got one last year for $225 good luck welcome to the wheelguns I've got a really nice pair of North Face shorts that my 2" model 64 disappears in nicely. Pocket holster and some pachmayr grips, its pretty nice, has one extra shot and a much better trigger. |
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Quoted: Forgot to ask...how many of you are comfortable carrying a revolver in your pocket/on you WITHOUT a holster? Is it safe? I don't see why it wouldn't be OK. Whether you're packing a S&W 442 or trying to smuggle a .500, you should really use a holster for CC. They're so cheap, easy, and ubiquitous now. It's not like the bad old days when no one but the enthusiasts had even thought of a universal rig for IWB or pocket carry. |
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I carry a 442 in a pocket holster, you can pick up an Uncle Mike's for cheap and I can't think of a reason not to use a holster. I can think of a few very good reasons TO use a holster though.
If nothing else it breaks up the outline of the revolver in your pocket to make it less obvious. Covering the trigger is always a good idea too. I 2nd this...I have a 442 and the finish holds up alot better then the 642 which has started flaking off of my friends 1yr old 642...you can get a uncle mikes size 3 pocket holster which cost 10 bucks but protects the trigger 100% of the time in my pocket... This is my choice although i love my LCR trigger the gun is bigger then the 442 j frame which makes all the world of difference when its in your pocket. |
You can always find nice shooter Colts on Gunbroker if you look around. Here is a pic of my Agent I found on Gunbroker for $500. I added the grips and it is a great little carry gun, and a 6 shooter too, compared to most S&W guns that are 5 shots, NONE of the other wheelguns out there will hold a resale value like a Colt either. Look at what some of the competed auctions have actually for on old Colt snubbies if you don't believe me. The Agents and Cobra's are the alloy framed versions of a Detective Special. The Detective Specials and Diamondbacks are steel framed guns and the Diamondback is the only one with adjustable sights. Diamondback snubbies sell for quite a bit more $$$$ than the Detective Specials, Cobra's or Agents. Here are a couple pics of my Colt snubbies. The Agent is the only one I actually carry though.
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Thanks for the shots, fellas. Those revos take my breath away. Dress-up gun, sure. No way would I use one of those beauties for my EDC...be like using a thoroughbred to haul pumpkins!  That's the problem with having a real nice carry gun. You don't want to carry it out of fear of scratching it. Been there and done that. Dave N |
| Well I have a ruger 44 magnum 4.5 single action and it is rather huge to carry. I have to keep a shadow round just in case the hammer is accidentally cocked back. (THAT WOULD BE BAD IN THE POCKET) You know what I mean. Besides that due to the 100 degree weather it sure is nice to carry even to the store. Good luck on search.. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Thanks for the shots, fellas. Those revos take my breath away. Dress-up gun, sure. No way would I use one of those beauties for my EDC...be like using a thoroughbred to haul pumpkins! That's the problem with having a real nice carry gun. You don't want to carry it out of fear of scratching it. Been there and done that. Dave N Yeah, made that mistake with my Kimber. I carry a 637 IWB with 2 speed strips in my pocket now.
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