Thinking about a new carry revolver

[chaim]

I am strongly considering replacing my Taurus 85CH. What has been making me uncomfortable are the two main drawbacks of a 5 shot J-frame. While 5 shots of .38+P seems an acceptable compromise when carrying in the pocket, I'd like something a bit more for IWB carry (especially for those times I only have an IWB gun). Also, I wouldn't mind a better sight radius than the 2" J-frames give you.

I want to increase my capacity, the power of the gun, my sight radius, or a combination of the three. I'm not a big fan of .357mag in small framed guns (I had a steel framed Taurus 605 before), and while I may consider another steel framed .357mag J-frame, I don't want anything lighter in that caliber. I already have a 3" K-frame, and I love my S&W 65LS, but I also want something smaller and lighter.

There are five main possibilities I'm considering with two more that are a bit less likely.

First, the less likely possibilities. I may go with a 2" J-frame .357 (to include the Taurus 605) or a 2" Ruger SP101. At 24oz, the Taurus may be just a tad too heavy for pocket carry with any clothing (the 22oz J-frame would barely work with some clothing), and at 26oz the Ruger is definitely too heavy. Yet, they are light enough that they are pretty uncomfortable to shoot magnums which leads to longer delays between follow-up shots (the SP101 would be better than the S&W or Taurus in this regard). They still only carry 5 rounds, but the extra power of magnum rounds would alleviate that a bit.

One option that seems interesting is the new Taurus 856. It is on their small revolver frame so it is about the size of my 85CH, but it holds 6 rounds. As an all steel model it weighs just over 22oz (just barely light enough to be pocketed with some clothing choices) and it would be a great IWB gun. It would increase my capacity without too much increase in size, but I'd still have the limited 2" sight radius. The lightweight is intriguing (under 14oz), but unfortunately it is made of magnesium and won't take +P rounds (I might consider it to replace my 442 if it was titanium or aluminum).

The next two options are to increase the sight radius but stay with the 5 shots (and narrow profile) of the typical small framed revolver, and increase the caliber, and get a 3" J-frame .357mag (I'd love a 3" S&W 60 Pro) or a 3" Ruger SP101. The 3" would possibly alleviate some of the muzzle flip, and it would add to the weight, making it more controllable and comfortable than the 2" small framed .357s. A 3" barrel would also still conceal IWB pretty comfortably. The Ruger would probably be most comfortable, but at 27oz it may be a bit heavy to justify only 5 rounds.

The Taurus 617 is an interesting gun. It is on Taurus' "compact" frame, a bit smaller than a K-frame but more substantial than a J-frame. It does have a 2" barrel and fixed sights, with the sight radius drawbacks of a 2" snub, but that also makes it easy to conceal and comfortable IWB. It weighs 28oz so it shouldn't be too bad to shoot, so long as I'm careful with ammo selection (no heavy 180gr bear loads), and it holds 7 rounds of powerful .357mag ammo.

The last option I'm considering is the Taurus 627 (the Tracker in .357mag). It is also on a compact frame (smaller than a S&W K-frame) and only 28oz so it would be comfortable to carry, even with another gun in my pocket. It is also a 7 shot .357mag. It has a 4" barrel. The plus is that it would have a pretty good sight radius, but the drawback is it may not be completely comfortable IWB and might need to be carried OWB. I'm hoping that the slightly smaller frame would make for a shorter OAL than a 3" or 4" K-frame and thus make it comfortable to carry IWB.

So, which way would you go, and why?

 

[chaim]

Oh, before we get started with postings here, I am looking for a discussion of these gun categories, not the brands. I know Taurus, S&W and Ruger, and I'm comfortable with any of their revolvers. My problem is that trying to do an evaluation of the pros and cons of each of my selected categories, they all seem pretty balanced out.

Take the SP101 v. the S&W 60 v. the Taurus 605 (2" versions). They are sized like my 85CH so I know they will be easily concealable. Heck the S&W 60 is only 1oz heavier and thus with some clothing can be pocketed. The Taurus and Ruger are heavier and probably aren't pocketable (not that big a deal since I have my S&W 442 for that job, but sometimes when I only have a pocket revolver, and I'm wearing sturdy pants, it may be nice to have a bit more heft in the gun if I got in a shooting situation). The Ruger would be the most comfortable to shoot of the bunch, but most .357 rounds would still be a handful out of the gun, and it is pretty heavy for a 2" small framed snub.

And each gun has a similar list of "on the one hand...and on the other hand". So, I'm curious about how other people weigh it out.

 

[Bellzy]

Not to be disrespectful but I think your trying to get too much out of 1 gun. I believe that compromise is the name of the game. You have to decide what is more important.

As far as what's important to you, that,obviously is your decision. My only advise would be not to worry about sight radius. If you get into a situation where you actually have to pull your piece it will definately be a point and shoot kind of deal. Sight picture will mean nothing.

 

[bdb benzino]

Man I love my wifes 2'' 605, I think magnum rounds in it aren't too bad. That 2'' Taurus 617 is sweet also with 7 rounds. But for CC you can't beat the 605 with a couple speed loaders, I liked it so much I got an identical twin for me but in 9mm, the Taurus 905 with several loaded moonclips for carry!

 

[W.E.G.]

Smith and Wesson Model 60 if it HAS TO BE a revolver.



Myself, I prefer the G26 for compact carry over ANY revolver.

 

[Brian040]

It boils down to what you plan on using the gun for, and your budget.

You already have a pocket gun. Are you looking to switch to belt carry? Do you want the extra firepower of the .357?

If you're looking to belt carry it's hard to beat either an SP101 or model 60. I have a 3" SP101 that I belt carry every day. It's light enough where you barely even know it's there, and heavy enough to be able to control the recoil of magnum loads. A model 60 will also serve this purpose well.

 

[chaim]

Not to be disrespectful but I think your trying to get too much out of 1 gun. I believe that compromise is the name of the game. You have to decide what is more important.

I don't think I agree (and no, you were no where near disrespectful, don't worry about it).

I want at least one, and preferably two, of the following: better sight radius, more powerful caliber, and more capacity than my J-frame sized Taurus 85CH. I shouldn't have mentioned the pocket carry for a steel framed J-frame- it would be a nice bonus that I could occasionally do it, but it certainly isn't a primary consideration (I have my 442). It was mentioned in that certain guns would have that advantage, which is an advantage over those that wouldn't.

I'm not looking for a "one size fits all situations" type gun. If I was, well, I already have those. My 4" alloy S&W 1911SC and 3" S&W 65LS can't do everything, no pocket carry for instance, but otherwise are as close to a "one gun does everything well" kind of gun you can get. However, I do want the best combination of features I can find.

As far as what's important to you, that,obviously is your decision. My only advise would be not to worry about sight radius. If you get into a situation where you actually have to pull your piece it will definately be a point and shoot kind of deal. Sight picture will mean nothing.

I agree with the first half, though I think sight radius can be important. Sure, some self defense scenarios would see you at such close range, and would happen so fast, that you would have to just point and shoot. However, other scenarios would allow you to use your sights, and if you can that is certainly preferable.

As for what features are important, I am looking for a belt gun (preferably one I can carry IWB), that isn't too heavy (I want to be able to carry on the belt and still have another gun in my pocket, and I usually have a lot of stuff in my other pocket, meanwhile my back isn't what it used to be), and that does away with at least one (and preferably more) of the disadvantages of a J-frame while keeping some of the advantages (a 2" J-frame is almost the ultimate in concealed carry flexibility). My ideal would be a 6 or 7 shot J-frame (or no bigger than the Taurus "compact" frame), in .357mag (I might often shoot .38+P but I like the ability to use magnums), with a 3" barrel. If the SP101 3" or S&W 60 3" were made as 6 shooters, or if the Taurus 617 or 856 had a 3" barrel, those would be my definite choices. Since I'd ideally like more capacity and a longer barrel, the 2" SP101 and J-frames are my least likely options (as mentioned in my first post) since they have neither, but are in consideration since they are in .357mag (since the 856 isn't on my "least likely" list, obviously capacity is a slightly more important criteria than barrel length and going .357mag).

Since my ideal gun isn't available, I need to decide which compromises to make, and in the meantime, I'm asking what choices everyone else would make and why (the "why" being the important part since something might resonate with me and make it easier to decide what I want to do).

 

[chaim]

Smith and Wesson Model 60 if it HAS TO BE a revolver.



Myself, I prefer the G26 for compact carry over ANY revolver.

The M60 is a nice gun. It has to be since capacity is slightly more important to me right now than barrel length and caliber, yet it is still on the list and I might choose it over the 6 shot Taurus 856 or 7 shot 617.

As for the Glock, I may add a "baby Glock" sometime (though probably the .40S&W M27), but I do have a couple good IWB auto options already. When I'm in a carry state and carry an auto IWB I have a Taurus PT140 Millennium Pro which has been a great gun for me, and I have a S&W 1911SC which has been 100%.

 

[Chemistry Guy]

I really love shooting my 3 1/16 SP101, it is heavy enough that I can shoot magnum loads all day and not get sore hands. However, I prefer to carry +p loads because they are so much easier to control. Adrenaline or no, the noise and flash of a .357 when you aren't wearing hearing protection and your eyes are adjusted to darkness can be very disorienting. Unless I was in bear country or something I think I would prefer the gentler +P's. So in summary, maybe you should get a .357 for the rare occasion you want to use the full capabilities, but choose the weight/comfort/concealment factors based on carrying it loaded with +Ps 95% of the time. For that purpose, any of the steel 3" models you mentioned seems to be a good compromise.

 

[WYO]

Another vote for the 3-1/16" SP101, especially if you already have a pocket gun. I carry it OWB under a golf shirt and it conceals well. IWB would be even easier to conceal if that is your preference. (I've carried it an a pocket as well, but I prefer a J frame for that.) I agree with Chemistry Guy about the ease of shooting full house magnum loads out of it. It is more comfortable for me than K frame Smiths. If 6 shots is a big deal to you, they now make the 3 inch SP101 in a 6 shot .327 Federal. I prefer the .357 and will give up the extra round.

 

[chaim]

I'm starting to lean against the Taurus 627 Tracker and the 617. I'd love the 7 rounds, but the 7 rounds and Taurus' compact frame makes it hard to find holsters. I hear that K and L frame holsters will work, but may be a little loose. Not many holster makers make holsters specially for the 627 or 617 (Tucker does, and I've wanted a Tucker for a while, but they are a little pricey, right now I prefer the mid-range holsters like Highnoon and the better Galco and Bianchi options). So, due to holster availability I'm leaning towards a J-frame, SP101 or the Taurus 856 (it can fit holsters made for the old 6 shot Colt snubbies). Then again, an extra $30-40 for a holster probably shouldn't make that big a determination in which gun I choose.

Between the 3" J-frame and the 3" SP101, I think I'd normally prefer the J-frame (I have been a S&W revolver fan for a while). However, pricing them the Ruger is priced very close to Taurus these days, and a S&W would take a 2nd mortgage (if I had a house to mortgage). So, I may still go with the S&W, but I think it is mostly between the Ruger and the Taurus 856 (with a slight chance of going with the 617 or 627, or with a 2" Taurus 605).

 

[HexHead]

Have you considered the Ruger SP101 in .327 Federal Magnum? Almost the performance of .357 with less recoil, and 6 rounds instead of 5.

In a 2", I'd look for a Colt Detective Special and get the 6 rounds.

 

[Gunner4h1r3]

I have owned the 605 back a couple years ago and ended up selling it after a couple months (wasn't satisfied with it to tell you the truth). I owned at one time a Ruger SP-101 with the 2.25" barrel. Great gun but definitely IWB. A friend of mine has a Smith 3" Model 60 with the Hi-Viz sights which was fun to shoot. I also sold the SP-101 a while back to use as a down payment on another handgun, which brings me to today. I currently own and carry the SP-101 with a 3" barrel and Hogue grips. To me personally it is well balanced and points naturally. 5 shots of .357 should be enough in a pinch, but as some have said before, you have to comprmise in some regards such as weight, size, etc.

I carry it in a Galco OWB with a thumb break and it hides nicely under an untucked t-shirt. If I needed anything larger caliber-wise I am also comfortable with my Bulldog.

 

[chaim]

Hmm, if I'm likely to stay with 5 rounds, I wonder if I should consider the Taurus 415. 2.5" on the compact frame so it is pretty easy to hide IWB, it is 30oz so not too heavy (though right on the line), and 5 rounds of .41mag are nothing to sneeze at (and .41mag is my favorite caliber). However, I worry a bit that .41mag may be a bit much for a 30oz gun (though I've heard from 415 owners in the past who say it isn't too bad), and I sold my S&W 57 despite it being my favorite revolver and .41mag being my favorite caliber since finding .41mag at all, let alone at a reasonable price, isn't easy. If I go this way it will definitely be a gun to reload for (which isn't the best way to go for defensive ammo), and again I'd have the same holster issues as with the 617 and 627.

However, it may be worth adding to consideration.

 

[TMann]

Perhaps a nice late-model Colt Detective Special is what you're looking for: 6-round of .38 special in a gun that is ~24 oz. The extra weight makes it easier to shoot than the Airweight J-frames, but it's still a lot lighter than your 65LS.

TMann

 

[Glockman17366]

The Taurus 627 Tracker is a great revolver. I've had one for close to 10 years now.
However, two things deter it as a carry gun. First, as someone posted, it's tough to find holsters for it. Secondly, this is a ported gun. If you use it in a SD situation...well, it's going to be loud!!! And you probably won't be wearing ear protection.
Also, if you use magnum rounds, or even .38+P, there will be a substantial flash coming out of those ports...and probably close to your body.

 

[rogertc1]

 

[18DAI]

If you must have a brand new gun, then the SP101 is the only current production revolver I would consider, given your specs.

You really should try to locate and handle a Colt Cobra. Six shots in a very nice package. TJ

 

[chaim]

There have been a few Colt suggestions now (and TMann, that is a nice looking Colt DS). I once had a Colt Police Positive Special. Colt made some nice revolvers, and some of the nicest bluing I've ever seen has been on old Colt revolvers. However, this will be a working gun so there are two reasons I don't want to get a Colt.

Parts and service. A gun that gets carried often, and also shot a lot (I plan to get a gun I can practice with fairly often), will need service. These guns have been out of production for several years now. In some cases parts availability may not be ideal. Worse, I've already noticed that the number of smiths that can or will work on Colt is going down.

The bigger issue, is manual of arms. I am used to the S&W/Taurus style of cylinder release. I push when I need to reload (this would transfer well to the Ruger style as well). The Colt revolvers need you to pull to release the cylinder. I'd either need to try to stay aware of which gun I have in my hand and its manual of arms (I have my S&W 65LS which will sometimes be on my belt, and when I carry this new gun IWB I'll also often have the S&W 442 in my pocket), or never carry a reload for my revolvers. It is best to keep things as simple and consistent as possible and buying a Colt as a defensive gun with its completely different slide release is adding an unnecessarily level of complication.

Now, other than the beautiful finish on a Colt, the new Taurus 856 does hold many of the advantages of the Colt snubs while keeping the style of cylinder release that I'm used to. It is on the Taurus small frame (same size as the J-frame) and it also has a 6 shot cylinder. Thus, I am strongly considering the 856.

 

[cz85cmbt]

I'd have to go with the taurus tracker. Amongst the reasons you listed it also has a great trigger, one of the best of modern DA revolvers, Not sure what makes it uncomfortable for you, usually for a gun the size of the tracker it is either your carry position or the holster, not the size of the gun. the ruger 3" .327 federal is not a bad way to go but it is more like a 9mm +p than it is a .357 magnum. Just bugs me when people compare it to the .357 and claim it has near .357 performance. Another choice might be the smith night guard, it is a 2.5", so not the sight radius you want but has a version with 8 rounds and one with 7. Front tritum sight. But will sell in stores for atleast 850.00. So I say taurus tracker.

 

[TMann]

Chaim: It's interesting that you should feel that way about Colt revolvers, because I sold the DS in the photo for those very reasons. I am not a collector, (I wish I could be, but my wife forbids it, ) and my revolvers are all carry guns. I had the same concerns about being able to find repair services for the Colt, and I was also bothered by the need to remember to PULL on the cylinder release. To each their own, I suppose.

Good luck in your search.

TMann

 

[snooperman]

Take Thaddeaus Jones advice

Buy the Ruger SP101. That is the gun for you. I have one and like it , as it carries well and has plenty of power too.

 

[chaim]

The Taurus 627 Tracker is a great revolver. I've had one for close to 10 years now.
However, two things deter it as a carry gun. First, as someone posted, it's tough to find holsters for it. Secondly, this is a ported gun. If you use it in a SD situation...well, it's going to be loud!!! And you probably won't be wearing ear protection.

I wasn't even thinking about the porting. That's actually one of the reasons I don't have a .357mag Tracker yet. I have thought in the past about getting a Tracker (ignoring barrel length) and having it cut down to 3" and re-crowned (I absolutely love 3" revolvers and that would also remove the ports). However, having to send it off to a gunsmith would add quite a bit to the price.

I'd have to go with the taurus tracker. Amongst the reasons you listed it also has a great trigger, one of the best of modern DA revolvers, Not sure what makes it uncomfortable for you, usually for a gun the size of the tracker it is either your carry position or the holster, not the size of the gun.

I have no problem with the Tracker's trigger, in fact, I think Taurus' triggers on current guns are pretty close to (and in some cases better than) current production S&W. That is, they are no where near older S&Ws (but nothing is these days), a bit better than Ruger, and compete well with the newest S&Ws.

As for carry comfort, I like my belt gun to be carried IWB. The problem with a 4" revolver IWB (at least for me) is that it isn't comfortable, the barrel is a tad too long. A 3" is fine, but at 4" it digs in when I sit down. Of course, with other carry styles a 4" works, but I like IWB and find it works best for me so I want a gun that I can comfortably carry IWB.

 

[230therapy]

S&W 686+ with 2.5 or 3" barrel and some customized features. It may be too heavy though.

S&W Night Guards should be able to fulfill your criteria. They're light and you have many options. The 327 Night Guard loaded with hot 38 Special may be the gun you are looking for. Short barrel, 8 shots, night sight.

The 386 NG holds seven rounds.

The lock can be removed in about 10 minutes. A vendor now offers a plug (check the S&W Forum for "the plug").

 

[Magnumite]

Let the flames begin, but here goes. This will be like calling the 44 Special inaccurate.

I understand your searching for just the right gun with the features you are looking for. What I am touching on the is the sight radius thing.

I've always heard that and understand the theory. I always prefered revolvers with at least a 5" barrel. I shot with those revolvers in competition so I know the benefits of the longer barrels.

Along the way I picked up a 2 3/4" Ruger Security Six. I shot it, expecting to be all over the paper considering the reading I had done. The groups were just a little bigger than I got with my 6" guns. Clear out to 25 yards.

I observed this a few times out with the gun and realized the rear sight was less out of focus than normal. That allowed the front sight to be more precisely aligned with the rear sight. I noticed the same thing with an M36 S&W. In leiu of all this....

If you want a longer barrel to combat the muzzle flip, then that's cool. If you are concerned with accuracy of the sighting, then I'd look more toward the effectiveness of the sights, and less about the sight radius. As mentioned earlier, if something goes down, it will most likely be close and fast. You'll only be getting a flash sight picture anyway.