[Stachie]

I am new to revolvers. Personally, autoloaders are much more appealing to me; however, I realize the reliability of wheelguns. For a CCW purpose what revolver makes the most sense? I have been considering the S&W 60.

[MatthewVanitas]

Depends how you're carrying it.

If on a belt-holster: steel frames might be better, since weight soaks up recoil.

If pocket, ankle etc: alloy frame to save weight, though recoil will be increased.

In either case, a hammerless or shrouded hammer might be good to avoid risks of the hammer snagging on your clothes during the draw. That's not a huge risk, but a lot of people prefer to avoid it.


The shrouded-hammer alternative to the S&W 60 would be the 649. I have one, and it looks great and shoots great in both DA and SA. The hammer is protected from the sides, but the tip of the hammer sticks out from the shroud so you can thumb-cock it.

The "hammerless" (internal hammer) option is the 640, which is fired DA only.

All of these also have alloy-framed variants which are notably lighter. The alloy version of the 640, the 642, is probably the single most popular CCW revolver on this forum.

-MV

[Starter52]

The Model 60 was "the" carry gun for off-duty cops all through the 1970's and 1980's. You won't find a more reliable gun. The Colt Detective Special is a good choice too.

For that matter, the blue steel Model 36 is a great gun also.

[ronto]

The DAO .357 Ruger SP101 IWB works for me.

[Crimp]

The 60 "Lady Smith" with Speer +P in a Don Hume IWB is my favorite carry.

[Sir Aardvark]

S&W J-frames seem to have a large portion of the CCW revolver market.

They are small, reliable, and those that chamber .357MAG, powerful, too!.

[The Real Hawkeye]

Newb Revolver CCW Question

I am new to revolvers. Personally, autoloaders are much more appealing to me; however, I realize the reliability of wheelguns. For a CCW purpose what revolver makes the most sense? I have been considering the S&W 60.There are still lots of Colt Detective Specials out there. Those are a better option than the Model 60. I have the Model 60. Very tiny gun and easy to conceal, but it's a five shooter and the Colt's a six shooter, and I can shoot those six rounds better from a Detective Special than I can shoot the five from a 60. Try them both before you decide, if possible. I think you will choose the Detective Special. It's a better fighting gun than the 60 in my opinion, and conceals just about as well.

[rj112275]

I have a Ruger SP101 that currently serves as the nightstand gun and the concealed weapon. I know the S&W is lighter than the SP101, but with a Don Hume IWB works fine for concealed carry. My father has a older model S&W 38 that's a great pocket carry, but he still hasn't changed out those tiny little wood grips. Find one you like and practice, practice, practice.

[TOADMAN]

J-Frame 15oz, rated for 38spl+P

[S&Wfan]

"Beware of the man who packs a revolver, he probably knows how to use it well!"

The "jam-o-matics" may be more appealing and "sexy" right now, but it is frankly very, very hard indeed to beat the rock-solid dependability of a wheelgun! I'd much rather have "six for sure," than 17 rounds in an auto that's jammed.

For your initial investment dollar, a revolver will give you MORE gun . . . more accuracy, greater power, and . . . most of all . . . virtually 100% reliability!

Additionally, they are safer and don't need a safety. Many a man has lost his life because he forgot to flick off the safety . . . or because the gun jammed.

With a wheelgun, you just "point and click!"

Best ones?

For concealed purposes, the smaller the better . . . but the barrel needs to be about 3" long or shorter.

The aluminum framed revolvers are lighter, and are thus easier to tote, but they kick much harder and don't last as long to steady practice.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE RECOIL . . . you'll only feel it at the range! In a hunting or defensive scenario, one NEVER feels the recoil!

My preferences:

VERY SMALL - S&W "J-frame" models WITHOUT exposed hammers (exposed hammers can snag in clothing), and in 38 spl. Load it with the hot 158gn. LSWC ammo and you'll have a very potent load without having to resort to .357 mag. stuff . . . and the kick won't be bad. "FIVE FOR SURE!"

Also, just slightly bigger are the Colt Agent and Detective Special models. Six rounds. The Agent has an alloy frame to keep down weight. These ARE a little bigger around than the J frames.

A LITTLE BIGGER - S&W "K-frame" .357 (or .38 spl) models with 2 1/2" or 3" barrels. These include the Model 10, Model 13 and 65 (blued and stainless, repectively) and the 19 and 66. There are some other lesser found models, but the 3" barrelled ones can REALLY shoot accurately and you have six rounds.

FOR THOSE COLD NIGHTS - S&W "N-frame" big bore handguns, in calibers like .44 spl., .44 mag., 41 mag., .357 mag., 10mm, .45 Colt and my favorite defensive caliber . . . .45ACP.

These will require a coat to hide 'em but they pack a whallop . . . and also LOOK HUGE to a perp! I carry my chopped frame in .45ACP in a shoulder holster usually. The big bore holes look REeeeeAL impressive and usually cause a predator to back right off!!!
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/246/246167/folders/183771/19266441.JPG

T.