Thoughts On New CCH: Revolver vs Auto?

[Wyoming762]

All of my handguns in the past have been full size, but now I'm wanting something more concealable. I'm not sold on these tiny pocket pistols, so I've been looking at guns that might be considered a bit large for say in day out carry (which this gun won't be used for. It will be more of a glove box gun that I'll be able to conceal when I want to). The two guns I have in mind are the S&W 686+ 3" and the Kimber Pro Carry II.
The specs are as follows:

S&W 686+
Barrel Length-3"
Cartridge- .357/.38
Overall Length-8.18"
Weight-36.8 oz
Width-1.563".
Capacity-7 RND

Kimberly Pro Carry II
Barrel Length-4"
Cartridge-.45 ACP
Overall Length-7.7"
Weight-28 oz
Width-1.28"
Capacity-7 RND

Let me hear what you think. Anything you want to say or add or anything else you'd like to suggest I'll listen.
Thanks.

 

[C0untZer0]

I think these two guns are still pretty big guns, but I suppose you'd only be carrying them for a short time - when you got back to your car they'd go back in the glove compartment.

I chose to purchase 2 pistols, one very small and very light for carry, and a full-sized nine that really only rides in a vehicle holster in the car. I don't even try to carry the full-sized nine.

 

[springer99]

As a "glove box" gun, I wouldn't feel compromised by choosing either one. If you plan to occasionally carry one, you might look at the 686+ with a 2.5" barrel. You won't give up much in velocity and will find it a bit smaller/lighter and easier to carry.

Remember that when you include the cylinder into the equation, you'll still have the same effective barrel length as the 4" Kimber and about the same sight radius.

Light weight 45ACP pistols can be pretty snappy to shoot and tougher to control. That 686+ will be fine with .357's and a pussycat to shoot 38Spl's out of.

 

[PabloJ]

I would choose seven-shot revolver. Being from Wyoming you aren't likely to need quick reload and there is no safety to worry about.

 

[bannockburn]

Wyoming762

Either one should serve you well given the situation you described. I myself would be more inclined to go with the Kimber Pro Carry II as I prefer the flatness of the 1911 to that of the wider 7 shot Model 686+.

 

[mavracer]

Of those I would choose the revolver but only because I wont buy another Kimber, if you'd have said Colt or Springfield I'd go with the auto. I also don't like 7 shooters just cause I shoot IDPA.

 

[HexHead]

I owned that Kimber and currently have that 686+. Both have had EDC status. I carried the Kimber in a Milt Sparks Versa-Max II IWB, and the S&W in a Galco Combat Master OWB, both with a Galco Cop Belt. I find the revolver easier to carry and more comfortable. I gave up on 1911s altogether (after 7 of them) because I have to wear an undershirt or the cocked hammer digs into my side. Not an issue with a revolver.

The 3" 686+ is a perfect revolver, one of 8 I own, and I have no issue grabbing it instead of my J-frame. I'm on my feet all day and it's very comfortable to wear. And let me tell you, when you have 7 rounds of .357 on your hip you do not feel undergunned. You fear no man.

The 3" is better than the 2 ½" because the balance is better on it, longer sight radius and the full length ejection rod. You're gonna be wearing in a holster regardless.

 

[sgt127]

Wrong thread. Oops

 

[RecoilRob]

You might look at the Taurus 850 Lightweight for CCW if you're actually planning to carry it. VERY light and inside the waistband it carries all day effortlessly....where even the short barrelled 686 is going to drag by the end of the day just from the weight.

Sure...you only have 5 38's, but in most cases that is plenty and the right ammo will penetrate well enough to have confidence that it'll get to the boiler room of a bad guy. I've carried lots of guns over the years, but have gravitated to the lightest and simplest which the 850 is a good candidate to fill.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If the gun will be only for the glove box I would go with the M686. If you might throw it in a holster once and a while when you leave the car i would go with the 1911 because it's one concealed and flat.

While I'm a revolver guy I have had a 1911 for a very long time because every man should have at least one. It is one of the very few semi-autos I own. I feel they are easy to carry and reliable. I do like revolvers though and pocket carry one daily.

 

[FL-NC]

Of the 2, I would pick the Kimber. Light + skinny = easy to conceal, 1 consistent trigger squeeze. That being said, I would use a Glock 19. Same size as the Kimber (more or less) 2x the ammo, very reliable, cheaper gun, cheaper to practice with.

 

[JohnBiltz]

I can't believe I'm inserting bears into the conversation but you live in Wyoming. I think I would go with .357.

 

[Ed Ames]

Which do you like better? It really boils down to that. Neither choice is bad.

Personally I wouldn't carry either, normally. This puts me in a small minority but I've just never been able to work up much enthusiasm for .357 Magnum as a cartridge, nor for Kimbers in general. That's unapologetic bias on my part which I do not claim is worthy of emulation.

I would say that if you want a glove box/infrequent carry gun for generally "urban" use, get just about any of the about-4" barreled plastic semi autos. You can't go wrong with anything from CZ, Glock, S&W, Springfield, Walther, Sig, and there are others I'm leaving out not because they are bad but it's a long list already.

If you are an outdoorsy type but didn't already have a gun, I would hope someone would send me towards a Glock 29 gen4 and a A&G grip extension and g20 magazines.

That gives you something that looks like this in the glove box:
View attachment 751206

But you use a standard magazine for carry to shorten the stock.

OTOH, there are literally dozens of other good choices too. If you like 1911s consider a 10mm 1911. If you are a fan of revolvers consider a 329. It goes in just about endlessly.

 

[polarisgold]

I just picked up a Colt Defender 3" barrel. Use to carry a Colt Commander. I really like the Defender, seem to be a perfect size and does not protrude below my jeans jacket..

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[shooter1]

I have both. No question, I'd carry the Pro. Light, thin, and greater capacity with faster reloads. No undershirt required with the proper IWB holster.
str1

 

[AZAndy]

I was going to say "revolver," as I carry a 640 most of the time, until I saw the weight. The 686 would definitely be trying to pull my pants off. A lightweight .45 would be less of a problem if there's going to be much carrying going on. (Yes, I have decent gun belts, but there's this belly thing that mysteriously appeared sometime after I turned 50.)

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have a Colt Defender on IWB at present time . Fits my hand reliable and accurate

Just remove the ugly factory grips and get a nice pair of wood . I also have a old Colt Officer 3 1/2 " Barrel and a LTW Commander . Their easy to conceal also. I wear 99% of time jeans and a T shirt.

I had bad luck with Kimber I went back to Colts