Furncliff
Member
Interesting grips on that S&W ECS. What are they?
Tom
Tom
good conceal carry revolver
- Thread starter Madjohn
- Start date
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Hi,
You didn't mention how you planned to conceal it . . . and this makes a big difference as to how big a revolver you can use.
Weight of the gun is also a big issue . . . and the larger and heavier the gun is . . . the less times you'll have it on you, and visa versa. It is better to have a tiny J-frame on you, when you need it, than a big gun that you decided not to wear that day!
1. My "all the time" CCW revolver is a lightweight J frame (any will do but mine happens to be a Model 37 "Airweight." At 15 oz., I can slide it in my front pants pocket (in a pocket holster of course) and carry it anywhere I can legally go with it, no problem of being "made." It is so light and comfortable that I can wear it all day long, and do! Before I got the Airweight, I used a steel J frame for this purpose and was AMAZED by the difference later!!!
2. When I CAN wear a coat, like dining downtown last Friday night (with a rough area nearby), I upgraded to a steel Model 36 J-frame in my favorite belt holster, a Mitch Rosen. You literally forget it is even there! Many times though, in this type scenario I use my 3" barreled Kimber .45 Auto with nightsights, again, in a good belt holster.
2. The "snubbie" K frames are really nice, but they are twice the weight and a lot bulkier to carry, so they can't always go where the little J can. However, in a good belt holster . . . WITH a quality gun belt (vs. a regular leather belt), a K can be carried quite comfortably . . . WHEN YOU ARE WEARING A JACKET OR LOOSE, UNTUCKED SHIRT.
My favorite is a 3" Model 65 S&W, and I also have a 2 1/2" Model 19 . . . both accurate .357s. The Model 65 got me out of a jam one night. Luckily, I had it on me!!!
Inside the Waist holsters are also suitable but many people (including me) HATE 'em . . . plus you have to wear pants a couple of sizes big when you strap it on.
3. In winter, I sometimes carry a big N frame revolver, a chopped barrel (to just 3 1/4") Model 25-2 in .45 ACP. A good belt holster and belt is the ticket . . . although I also have a shoulder holster for it I sometimes use also. It is my favorite defensive handgun of any type, but frankly, usually I've got the Airweight J frame in the pocket already when I add a belt holster.
Bottom line . . . get an Airweight Smith J frame and practice like heck. These little guns can be amazingly accurate with practice and good technique and, like a good dog, that "puppy" is ALWAYS with you!
Frankly, if I have time . . . I'm reaching for the shotgun or the AR-15 anyway!
You didn't mention how you planned to conceal it . . . and this makes a big difference as to how big a revolver you can use.
Weight of the gun is also a big issue . . . and the larger and heavier the gun is . . . the less times you'll have it on you, and visa versa. It is better to have a tiny J-frame on you, when you need it, than a big gun that you decided not to wear that day!
1. My "all the time" CCW revolver is a lightweight J frame (any will do but mine happens to be a Model 37 "Airweight." At 15 oz., I can slide it in my front pants pocket (in a pocket holster of course) and carry it anywhere I can legally go with it, no problem of being "made." It is so light and comfortable that I can wear it all day long, and do! Before I got the Airweight, I used a steel J frame for this purpose and was AMAZED by the difference later!!!
2. When I CAN wear a coat, like dining downtown last Friday night (with a rough area nearby), I upgraded to a steel Model 36 J-frame in my favorite belt holster, a Mitch Rosen. You literally forget it is even there! Many times though, in this type scenario I use my 3" barreled Kimber .45 Auto with nightsights, again, in a good belt holster.
2. The "snubbie" K frames are really nice, but they are twice the weight and a lot bulkier to carry, so they can't always go where the little J can. However, in a good belt holster . . . WITH a quality gun belt (vs. a regular leather belt), a K can be carried quite comfortably . . . WHEN YOU ARE WEARING A JACKET OR LOOSE, UNTUCKED SHIRT.
My favorite is a 3" Model 65 S&W, and I also have a 2 1/2" Model 19 . . . both accurate .357s. The Model 65 got me out of a jam one night. Luckily, I had it on me!!!
Inside the Waist holsters are also suitable but many people (including me) HATE 'em . . . plus you have to wear pants a couple of sizes big when you strap it on.
3. In winter, I sometimes carry a big N frame revolver, a chopped barrel (to just 3 1/4") Model 25-2 in .45 ACP. A good belt holster and belt is the ticket . . . although I also have a shoulder holster for it I sometimes use also. It is my favorite defensive handgun of any type, but frankly, usually I've got the Airweight J frame in the pocket already when I add a belt holster.
Bottom line . . . get an Airweight Smith J frame and practice like heck. These little guns can be amazingly accurate with practice and good technique and, like a good dog, that "puppy" is ALWAYS with you!
Frankly, if I have time . . . I'm reaching for the shotgun or the AR-15 anyway!
MCM
Member
I have an old Colt Agent That came with the smallest checkered walnut grips ever made.I now use pachmayr grippers that work perfect @ the range. I also have a set of Pachmayr Presentation Grips(also rubber),that are big enough for a FIVE toed Sloth,& this is as big as you might ever need,but you would have to wear pleated pants(or maybe a lunch box) to conceal the grips! Just my 2 Cents.
A round butt K frame with stock grips and a Tyler T adaptor is good medicine. Fills the hand but is still thin for concealment and the wood grips don't grab onto clothing.
This is a model 12 Airweight so it's pretty light for a K frame.
This is a model 12 Airweight so it's pretty light for a K frame.
wheelgunslinger
Member
Well, as you can see, there aren't a lot of choices, really, when you dial in all the variables mentioned.
Basically, it's a j-frame or an SP101. There are others, like the charter arms bulldog, but not many recommend them. And, accessories are very very limited.
I manage to conceal a k-frame sized Dan Wesson. But, it's not a pocket revolver by any stretch.
However, it's good to remember that years ago people died from gunshots fired from 38 snubs, 32's, and other comparatively weak cartridges that don't ruin your hearing or require muzzle porting.
Basically, it's a j-frame or an SP101. There are others, like the charter arms bulldog, but not many recommend them. And, accessories are very very limited.
I manage to conceal a k-frame sized Dan Wesson. But, it's not a pocket revolver by any stretch.
However, it's good to remember that years ago people died from gunshots fired from 38 snubs, 32's, and other comparatively weak cartridges that don't ruin your hearing or require muzzle porting.
rainbowbob
Member
deanadell:
You must have BIG front pockets. I have the original round butt wood stocks on my M36, and if they were any bigger they would definitely protrude from my pocket.
I agree with what jc650 says...
I too thought I would have a problem with the smaller grip. After a little practice - and the addition of a T-Grip - I don't even think about it anymore. I can't think of anything handier than a steel j-frame in a Mika pocket holster. It slips so easily into the front pants pocket or breast pocket of a coat.
The OP should take a look at the S&W M40 Centennial (hammerless). It will be my NEXT snubbie.
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Geezer59
Member
Another vote for a lightweight J-frame - and you're going to want to put CT grips on it eventually anyway, so pick the model LG-305 (longer grip) rather than the more compact LG-405 grips.
aHFo3
Member
My first choice would be a j-frame 442, but while I'm saving for that, I carry this M19 at the appendix position during the colder months. In the summer, I'll pocket carry with the airweight, because I'm typically wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and I don't think concealing the 19 will work for me. I know, I know, thong, anaconda, taebo, but I'm not that guy
Riss
Member
While the S&W 65, 66, 37 et al are nice. If you want small, the S&W J frame is great. Same size as a Ruger SP101. Carried my little S&W 640 J frame 357 , 5 shot, no hammer for almost 12 years before I moved to a little Glock 27. Gee I miss that S&W. The lightweight models are even better. They weigh about 1/2 what the stainless model weighs and cost twice. But they are nice.
Stainz
Member
Check out 'The 642 Club' posts here. Without a doubt, they are the handiest, most economical, and easiest to conceal protectors around. In a Mika's pocket holster - and with the OEM boot grips, one fits any of my britches front pocket. No, they aren't comfortable to hold or shoot bullseye matches with. Yes, that combo is effective for protecting your bacon 'close in' - and that's what it was designed for.
I also have the .44 Special L-frame equivalent - the 296. It fits, in OEM boots, in a larger Mika pocket holster in 3/4 of my britches front pockets. Now, it is miserable to shoot - but a great piece of protection. Of course, you could put a more comfortable to shoot with grip on it - like the X-frame .500 Magnum Hogue, like below. Of course, then it's a holster gun.
Get a 642/442 - learn to shoot it at 3-5 yd - leave the boot grips on it - it conceals more easily. Remember, if it's too much trouble to carry, it'll be at home when you need it. Buy another gun for plinking fun.
Stainz
I also have the .44 Special L-frame equivalent - the 296. It fits, in OEM boots, in a larger Mika pocket holster in 3/4 of my britches front pockets. Now, it is miserable to shoot - but a great piece of protection. Of course, you could put a more comfortable to shoot with grip on it - like the X-frame .500 Magnum Hogue, like below. Of course, then it's a holster gun.
Get a 642/442 - learn to shoot it at 3-5 yd - leave the boot grips on it - it conceals more easily. Remember, if it's too much trouble to carry, it'll be at home when you need it. Buy another gun for plinking fun.
Stainz
David E
Member
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2008
- Messages
- 7,459
The appeal of a small gun, usually, it that it is small.
To put large grips on a small gun makes the gun, um, a large gun, but without all the benefits a true large gun offers.
It seems smarter to me to put medium grips on a medium size gun, as you get more controlability as well as one more shot over the J-frame.
Or, if you're ok with the .38 special as a defense round, locate a good Colt Detective Special or Agent. Six shots in a package not much larger than the J-frame.
Or, if you're feeling like doing a serious search a S&W Model 12 (K-frame Airweight) with some Hogue Bantam grips and it'd be tough to improve on that one, as far as .38's go.
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To put large grips on a small gun makes the gun, um, a large gun, but without all the benefits a true large gun offers.
It seems smarter to me to put medium grips on a medium size gun, as you get more controlability as well as one more shot over the J-frame.
Or, if you're ok with the .38 special as a defense round, locate a good Colt Detective Special or Agent. Six shots in a package not much larger than the J-frame.
Or, if you're feeling like doing a serious search a S&W Model 12 (K-frame Airweight) with some Hogue Bantam grips and it'd be tough to improve on that one, as far as .38's go.
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jglcolosprgs
Member
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2008
- Messages
- 201
++1
That is THE revolver to have and trying to find one now days is nearly impossible!
Elm Creek Smith
Member
Bianchi Lightning grips made for Bianchi by Pachmayr. You can find them occasionally at gun shows since they haven't been made for years.
ECS
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