[MarkDido]

How many of you carry a wheel-gun as your primary CCW gun vice a semi-automatic, and why?

[BRASSM]

If I'm in the mountains, I prefer my S&W 13 to any of my autos. If i have to deal with wildlife, I will probably be in a disadvantaged position. I feel as though a .357 Mag is more advantageous on a cat then an auto, in that no slide to get fouled, and personally I feel as though it's more reliable if I get knocked down.

[Standing Wolf]

The only semi-automatic pistols that pack .357 and .44 magnum punch are way too large and heavy to carry; anyway, my arthritis precludes being able to rack slides quickly and easily all the time.

[jobu07]

I carried a S&W M36 for quite a while. I've since switched over to an auto but I did enjoy pocket carrying that little snubbie.

[LKB3rd]

I carry a colt detective special pretty often lately. I go back and forth between that and my xd45.

[ranger58]

642 s+w 15 oz's, +p hp should do the job, need i say more.:)

[Handgun Midas]

I never knew what comfort was until I tucked a snub .38sp fitted with clipdraw into my waistband.
I bought it last summer because my .45 was too bulky for shorts carry, and now that the cold weather has come I still find myself reaching for the revolver at least as much as the auto.

I should have started with the .38 and moved up to the larger weapons, instead of vice versa.

[30 cal slob]

i'm afraid of shooting my family jewels off with a thunderwear + cockednlocked pistol rig.

so, for the time being, i've wearing said thunderwear with a S&W M 60 and a spare speedloader on the weekdays (work). if i'm careful i won't shoot my nuts off and i'll have something that i can just point and go "bang."

the HK USPc 9mm I'll wear in OWB retention holster (+ 2 spare mag pouch) for the weekends (tough to conceal this at work). I'll also tote the Model 60 as a BUG.

[Legionnaire]

Depending on situation and dress code, I carry one of three concealed:

1. Compact .40 semi-auto OWB
2. Snubnose .357 on Clipdraw IWB
3. Subcompact .32 semi-auto in a pocket holster

So I guess a wheelgun isn't "primary" but it's in the regular rotation. Why? Size, concealability, and power.

[mjrodney]

99% of the time, there is a pocket holstered Airweight J-Frame in my pocket.

The other 1% sees a Kel-Tec P3AT tucked away, usually when I'm wearing slacks that are less baggy than normal.

[Flame Red]

Colt Magnum Carry :D

[wheelgunslinger]

Yep.
Dan Wesson 357. 2 inch or 4 inch barrel for carry in the city, longer for the sticks.
Double action, six for sure, super accurate, lots of grunt, two speedloaders in my pocket.
Big enough to fit my big old paws.

[Preacherman]

I always have a S&W Centennial model snubby in a pocket (442 or 642). It's there even when I'm carrying a larger gun as a primary weapon.

[Superlite27]

I carry a Springfied Armory 1911 for it's reliablity.

The rest of the time I carry a revolver.

[Bearhands]

S&W Mod 19 .... cause I don't even want to think of a jam.

[alucard0822]

a centennial airweight is the perfect pocket gun for most temperatures, having your hand on the butt with 5 rounds of 158gr+p available is quite comforting to have downtown. In the woods, a 4" 686 or a 6" taurus 44 open carried IMO is enough to get away from a cougar or a blackbear if needed. On occasion I IWB carry my M&P compact, but only in big jacket weather, the little J-frame is still there, and is probably all that would be needed for most social situations though.

[pogo2]

I frequently carry this S&W model 66 snubby in a pancake holster. I like it because it conceals easily, fires a significant caliber, has a great trigger, and works every time.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o25/pogo2/SW6620.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o25/pogo2/SW66holster20.jpg

[Rexster]

I carry a holster gun for CCW, not a wheel gun. A wheel gun is towed by a horse or vehicle, and rolls on wheels. ;) As for CCW, I may be found toting autoloading or revolving pistols, but feel best armed when I have a 4" .357 with a medium or medium-large frame. Medium in this case being in the Ruger DA Six or K-frame S&W size range, medium-large being in the Ruger GP100 or S&W L-frame size range, and the 4" barrel being a good compromise between concealability on one end, and ballistic performance and sight radius on the other end. Such sixguns also point well for me, and I like the balance and handling characteristics. Notice I did not mention reliability; either type of weapon can be reliable, or have problems. Test-fire your weapons! To step down to something smaller, this is where revolvers really shine, IMHO. A revolver has rounded, curved lines, which makes it easier to dig from deep concealment, and revolvers are easier to fire from a compromised or less-than-perfect grip. A spurless-hammer or shrouded-hammer revolver will work better for pocket carry. My favorite is a Ruger SP101 snubby, and I will almost always have one with me. If I am also carrying a larger sixgun or my duty SIG P229, I still have an SP101 with me. I may very well be found carrying more than one SP101. I could say more, and I could elaborate on the above points, but this is not an article or book, just a response to an internet forum thread.

[shooter58]

For years now, my primary concealed carry has been a nickle-plated model 36 with a 2" barrell. It has the stock grips with a Tyler T-grip. Wouldn't change anything about it.

My alternate primary is a Kel-tec P-11. Good gun, but I prefer my m36.

[19-3Ben]

I carry an SP101 daily. Love that little gun.

[Darkness]

When I am wearing an appropriate jacket, I carry my 4" S&W model 28. At other times, I carry my Ruger P345, sometimes IWB, sometimes OWB.

[Flame Red]

My favorite carry is a Colt Magnum Carry :D

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/flamedred//magnumcarry.jpg

[markk]

I find my .357 Ladysmith far easier to conceal than any of my "compact" .45s (G30, 1911 Champion, Usp45c)...

[Redhawk 44]

Carry an SP 101 in 357 almost exclusively now in the civilized world. Compact, moderate weight and size, and 357 punch that is accurate with me shooting it. Carry it IWB winter and summer.

[sixgunner455]

Most of the time. Only when I am needing a full sized gun do I carry a semi.

[FranklyTodd]

M&P340 .357 w/ Speer GD Short Barrel +Ps 90% of the time.

Glock 26 maybe 10% of the time instead.

Why? It's enough, and very, very easy to comfortably carry/conceal.

[Bones11b]

I often carry a .357 snub nosed revolver loaded either with .357 Magnum rounds or .38 Special depending on expected needs. In the past I have carried such a revolver in the pocket of a light jacket so as I can have it in my hand while my pistol is at the 4 oclock position on my hip.

[Citroen]

I carry a 2 inch Taurus 455 about 99 percent of the time. I like the simplicity of a revolver and I like the trigger. I also shoot a revolver more accurately than I do my semi-autos. My Glock 30 and Colt 1911 stay in the safe.

John
Charlotte, NC

[cowboy117]

I carry either a S&W 37-2[.38 Sp.],or a S&W 640-1[.357 Mag.],depending on the season and circumstance.Both are J frame snubs.Don't own any semis.Not my cup of tea.

[jad0110]

S&W 642. Just like John in Charlotte NC, I shoot wheelguns better than most autos (I can shoot a 1911 equally as well). I used to have a Springer XD9. I could usually outshoot it with my little J Frame. I live in a safe area, so I am comfortable with 5 shots. If my threat assessment of my local are changed and I felt there was a realistic possibility of needing more than 5, I wouldn't switch to a hi-cap. Instead, I'd hire a real estate agent.

I'd love to get an IWB rig for my 4" 686 one day :cool:.

[DMK]

I'm either carrying an S&W 642, a Colt CCO 1911, or a Ruger SP101. I do prefer the capacity and the ability to quickly reload the 1911, but I feel better about the revolvers inherent reliability (especially considering the possibility of firing on contact). I just can't decide which is better. Some days I feel more comfortable with one, some days the other.

[the foot]

S&W Model 19, the ultimate snubnose, in a pancake holster. Model 60 in my pocket.

[Cosmoline]

The Detective Special is one of the easiest packing sidearms I've ever carried. I usually pocket carry it. The Speed Six is my other main carry piece, and it rides in a hybrid shoulder holster or jacket pocket.

[pat_jones]

My S&W model 317 weighs 11 1/4 oz fully loaded in its DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I occasionally forget I have it in the pocket of my Carharts.

I never forget I have the Walther in its IWB holster when I'm carrying it.

[Pumpkinheaver]

I carry a revolver when one of 2 things enters the criteria for my handgun of choice. The first being dress style. Here in Missouri it get really hot and humid durring the summer. During this time of year I carry a 5 shot smith in .38spl as it's easy to hide under very little clothing.

The second instance of when I carry a revolver rather than my primary CCW(1911) is when I feel more power might be required than the .45acp offers me. When going someplace where there is the possiability of coming into contact with a large toothy critter I carry a Taurus Tracker, 5 shot .41 mag.

[MassMark]

After 20-years of carrying a 1911 in one form or another, I now carry a 642CT full time - I never realized what I was missing... ;)

[TexasSkyhawk]

S&W 686 in a shoulder holster.

Jeff

[Big Boomer]

I carry my SP101 in an OWB or smartcarry or fanny pack, or pocket, or day planner or...well you get the idea it's just versatile.

Mostly though I carry an auto, mostly for fast reloads and capacity.

[stormspotter]

S&W Model 19-4 in a Bianchi IWB with 2 extra speed loaders.


http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k10/ema567/100_3313.jpg

[Round Gun Shooter]

Some of my carry guns

Model 66-1 2.5" with an Alessi IWB holster, Mod 37 with Alessi WSDT holster, Mod 342 PD Moon clipped and Magnaported in Mika Pocket holster

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/Round_Gun_Shooter/JFRAME002.jpg

3" 610 and 3" 625 both carried (at different times) in Texas Tucker IWB

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e62/Round_Gun_Shooter/3inchNs.jpg

[DawgFvr]

The 642 in a Mika pocket holster just about travels with me everywhere. It can, however, be carried IWB holster equally well:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DawgFvr/642/LG3.jpg

If I really go into a dangerous area or even feel that the "threat" situation is heightened...well, I resort to my 3" GP100 and have begun using the El Paso IWB fairly regularly. It doesn't get much better than .357 mag in a sidearm.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DawgFvr/GP100/ElPaso2.jpg

[stobey]

S & W 22-4 M1917 45 acp 5 1/2" BBL 250 gr RNFP cast @ 935 fps

or

Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8" BBL 45 colt 250 gr RNFP cast @ 935 fps

Why? Have only fired revolvers for the past 50 years or so (I'll only admit to the 50 years, no more!!)

Steve

[FranklyTodd]

Posted above, but here's a pic. Here's my main two carry guns, and the revolver gets a good 80% of the time, guess that makes it primary!

http://i11.tinypic.com/8boi0t1.jpg

[XavierBreath]

How many of you carry a wheel-gun as your primary CCW gun vice a semi-automatic, and why?Although I frequently carry a 1911, I also carry a revolver as a primary gun at times. My revolver of choice, shown below, is a Model 38 Airweight.

Why would I pass up a seventeen round Glock for an eight round 1911 and then pass that up for a five round J frame? The answer is easy. Some guns give advantages others do not.

1. A revolver will fire if the muzzle is pressed into somebody's ribs. The revolver is the ultimate close quarters gun.

2. A revolver can be fired from a pocket and bring up the next round to be fired again.

3. A J frame in a front pocket gives me the advantage of having a firing grip on my gun before anyone else knows it's there. That is a huge advantage when things go South.

More often than not, a gunfight survivor is not determined by magazine capacity, but by the speed they employed their weapon. Points are not given for rounds expended. A J frame gives speed, effectiveness, durability, tactical surprise, and a means of getting to greater firepower if need be.

http://www.bayourovers.com/SmithWessonM38.jpg

[TimboKhan]

I have carried autos, but my main carry gun is a Taurus 605. My main reason for carrying it is simply that I like the caliber (.357). It's also easier for me to carry than an auto, and is easier for me to grip than most compact autos. I can shoot them and I think they are cool, but I hate having my pinkie dangle in the wind. It's disconcerting.

That being said, more and more I am carrying a Kel-Tec P3AT because it's easy to just throw it in my jacket pocket and go. I am not particularly in love with the caliber, but in terms of a fantastic pocket gun, pretty hard to beat.

[hoptob]

For CCW I prefer full house 357 magnum round for it's power and reputation. Whenever garment permits I carry it in s&w 640 or 3" bbl 686+ in OWB pancake holsters. When concealment is an issue I use 442 in a pocket or IWB clip-on holsters. On a rare occasion when I feel that higher capacity may come in handy, I carry Glock 23 (condition 3) in Milt Sparks IWB holster.

That said 9 out of 10 times I carry revolver, not a semi. Why revolver? Mostly personal preference, form factor, and advice from people whose opinion I respect.

MikeR

[2ndamd]

Always a wheelgun for me too.
I do not even own a bottom feeder any more.
Why? Reliability, power, and versatility.

[Down South]

I carry an S&W 642 for its ease of concealment and its weight. I have several other handguns that I’ve carried. 4006 PC Shorty 40, S&W 4013, S&W 39-2 and a S&W 59. All are much heavier and harder to conceal. I find that I always have my 642 on me when before I would be leaving one of my other carry pieces due to reasons stated above.

[The_Shootist]

...its the Taurus M85 that goes in my pocket when its shorts weather more often than my G19 on my belt.

Looks like we could have a mild winter so it could end up being a year round carry piece. Its just too easy to carry around, in various modes of dress, and I know it will always go bang when the trigger is pulled.

[ewayte]

I was watching To Have and Have Not (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0037382/) and Bogie shot one of the bad guys with a revolver that was still in a desk drawer - try doing that with a reciprocating pistol!

[Don Lu]

My GLOCK 23 used to be my primary carry gun. I have now shifted that to my Taurus 651 in a pocket holster.. Its so much easier for me and my dress style. I dont feel undergunned w/.357 mag in my pocket. Still carry my GLOCK when dress permits but the snub in my pocket is what I carry way more often.