Concealed Revolver Help

[nachosgrande]

Been looking to pick up a .357 for range fun as well as concealed carry. What I can't quite figure out is whether or not such a beast exists. At the gun shop I'm torn between a J frame snubbie and an L frame with a 4 inch barrel. I know the L frame will be better at the range, but I can't quite tell if I will be able to conceal it or not. I was thinking of the model 60 for a BUG (main gun is semi auto), but don't think it would be as much fun plinking as a model 686. So, do I have to get two revolvers, or is there a best of both worlds? If it helps I'm 6'2" and skinny as a rail.

 

[Low Budget Shooter]

Dear Nachos,

It sounds to me like you're describing two guns, not one. If it is to be a back-up to a larger gun for concealed carry, then it doesn't make any sense to get an L-frame 4" model, which doesn't work in, say, pocket, ankle, etc. Likewise, a 2" J-frame is not particularly great for fun at the range.

Some guys use a 3" K-frame, like a model 13, and split the difference, but I still don't think that would make sense as a back-up to your larger auto---it would be too big.

LBS

 

[Gordon]

Ruger SP101 - get the 3" -problem solved!

 

[Stainz]

If you need a CCW, and have a CCL, then get a CCW first. The S&W .38 Special Airweights, like a 642/442, are ideal - they can be pocket carried as delivered in a pocket holster, like the Mika holsters I prefer. Next - get a dedicated plinker - like a SS 4" 67 .38 S&W Special with it's adjustable sights as an ideal choice. A blued 10 or SS 64 with fixed sights is easily found these days as a security guard trade-in - check gun and pawn shops. Of course, the .357M K-frame versions are even more utilitarian - great plinkers.

Don't try to cover both bases - a large CCW won't get carried much - a short barrel lite weight isn't a fun plinker. The right tool for the right job - and cover the protection needs first. Just my humble opinion.

Stainz

 

[9x19sig]

+1 on the 3" SP101, keep her loaded with Federal 357B

 

[David E]

You can conceal anything you WANT to conceal. Thing is, few people want to conceal a 4" L-frame....or any other serious gun, hence the popularity of the J-frame Airweights.

So, how serious are you? Answer that one, first.

Then, how much money can you spend? If it's $1000 or so, then buy two guns to fulfill the different roles.

If you're serious and don't have that much money, then a 4" K-frame would be an option. A 3" K-frame might be better, but harder to find.

A S&W Model 60 w/ 3" barrel and adjustable sights also might work for you.

Use .38's for plinking.

.

 

[Trebor]

I carry a 3" K frame.

I found that a 4" K frame was a little too big, but going down one inch on barrel size made a big difference.

I also have a J frame, but I prefer to carry the K frame. It's just easier to shoot and I get one more round.

The J frame is reserved for pocket carry when I can't use a holster (except a pocket holster).

 

[nachosgrande]

I don't need a CCW, I'd just like to try the revolver carry for a while. My concern is buying a 3" K frame and not using it for carry or range time. Anybody ever have that problem?

 

[rcmodel]

In my experiance, any K or L frame, in any barrel length, is a belt-holster gun.

A J-Frame can be carried lots of other ways.

A steel-frame J is not that bad to shoot with any .38 Special ammo & decent grips.

rc

 

[MCgunner]

I've got a 3" medium frame revolver, not a Smith, a Taurus, and I carry it occasionally. But, I don't really like IWB, prefer pocket carry, so I don't carry it often. It's pretty easy to conceal under a loose shirt, though, even in summer, just not a 24/7 carry method for me. A J frame is pocketable and that's my preferred style. I can say this, I can carry that Taurus just as easily as my SP101. It's not a lot heavier, a little thicker through the cylinder, though. It even fits the same IWB holster. The grip is a might larger, the one trade off I can see. The shirt must be a little baggy for the Taurus.

Still, I'd think J frame if I wanted another .357 carry, but I'd get an all steel gun. Those Scandium things hurt. The K frame guns do shoot a little easier. If all you wanna do with it is take it to the range, get an L frame or GP100.

 

[DoNoHarm]

For what it's worth, I own two revolvers: a 4" K-frame (686-SSR) and a 3" J-frame (60-15 "Pro").

The 3" J is my concealed piece, strong-side or appendix using nothing but a "Clipdraw" (although this can rub a bit, so I'll probably get an IWB). I find the 3" barrel too long for pocket carry, though.

The thing is, at the range, I enjoy shooting the J more than the K! I'm more accurate with it too (at defense ranges of 0 - 10 yards). I think this is because that J is a perfect weight, not too heavy (the 686 has a lovely heft but eventually I get a bit of a shake) but certainly not too light for very pleasant shooting of 100 rounds .38 special in a half-hour session. My J wears a Pachmayr Compac Pro at the moment, by the way (it's not nearly as comfortable for extended shooting with boot grips).

My point is that for me, my 3" J turns out to be a great CCW *and* range favorite! My next best suggestion would be that 7-shot 686 plus, also in the 3" barrel. . .

 

[ArchAngelCD]

There are so many good revolvers out there it's almost impossible to tell you which is best for YOU. Everyone can tell you which is their favorite but only you can decide on your gun.

If you want just one .357 Magnum for both range and carry duty it's my opinion there's nothing like a 3" K frame. If it were for the range only I would suggest a 6" L frame like the S&W M686 or 6" Ruger GP100. For primary carry the 3" K frame would do well and for lighter or deeper cover a J frame would probably be best.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Split the difference and get a three- or four-inch K-frame or an older Ruger "-Six." L-Smiths and Ruger GP100s are more fun at the range but quite bulky for CCW, although it certainly can be done.

 

[dwstinge]

I carry a a 66-4 with a 2 1/2" barrel on my back and I am very happy with it.

 

[texas bulldog]

i carry an SP101 in the 2.25" flavor. very easy for me to conceal with just a clipdraw, but it isn't my best range gun by a long shot. the 6" M586 fills that role. pretty differently sized guns, which makes sense given that the roles are so different.

i can't imagine there are too many revolvers that would conceal well and also be excellent at the range. if i had to choose one for both roles, a 3" or 4" K frame would be the only choice, IMO.

 

[ronto]

2 1/4" DAO Ruger SP101 in a Mika pocket holster.

 

[Black Knight]

Any 2 1/2" to 4" K or L frame sized revolver is what you are looking for. A 4" L frame can be concealed, you just need to know how. I carry a 4" 686 or a 4" Python from time to time in a Bianchi #8 pancake style holster under a nylon bomber style jacket and have no problems. You may have to change how you move slightly (instead of bending over at the waist you squat from the knees, instead of reaching high with the gun hand use the non-gun hand). Also shoulder holsters could be considered for 4" L frames.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Good picks for a protection/CC .357magnum revolver...

I'd highly recommend the 7rd S&W model 686+ model with the 3" barrel for a solid CC/protection revolver. Many shooters like 3-4" barrel DA revolvers because it allows the ejector rod to clear the spent rounds better than 2-2.5" barrels. What would make it better is to have a professional gunsmith convert it to DA only and remove the hammer spur. To add recoil ports, a protective coating(like Robar's NP3 or Mag-Na-Port's) and a crimson trace lasergrip, www.crimsontrace.com , would make it even better.
Another good .357magnum revolver would be the Ruger SP-101 5 shot .357magnum(DA only). This was my 1st revolver many years ago, . It's small and easy to carry. The Ruger has fixed sights but you can also get a sweet lasergrip for it too. Robar or plate work and recoil ports help this .357mag.

To carry a DA only revolver helps prevent ADs and/or a bogus claim that you fired at a criminal by "accident". It also prevents snags and spurs that dig into your body. That can be a real pain sometimes.
Rusty

 

[aHFo3]

I own two revolvers: a 4" K-frame (686-SSR)

Your K is an L. A very nice L.

 

[DoNoHarm]

Your K is an L. A very nice L.

Oh! I think (if I remember correctly) that I became convinced it was a K-frame (although I knew other 686's are L's) because the nice wood grips it came with said "K" inside. But I might be remembering that wrong, anyway!

At any rate, it's a great gun as is its little buddy the 60 Pro. Thanks for the comment!

And to the OP, again, I think almost any S&W J, K or L frame in a 3" barrel - or the corresponding Ruger - would be a great choice for you. Good luck!

 

[Guillermo]

I find it very difficult to conceal a weapon comfortably.

Sure, there are a lot of people that think they can hide a Desert Eagle while wearing a speedo and doing the mamba.

I can't effectively hide anything larger than a Colt Detective Special under a Hawaiian style shirt.

I would do as Stainz says, take care of your concealed carry needs and then look for a range toy.