[ceestand]

For concealed carry, say you had a choice of one revolver with a capacity of either six rounds of .38 special or five rounds of .357 mag, which do you choose? All other aspects of the gun are your choice, given the gun would remain practical for concealed carry.

[sm]

I like old smith k frames, I really like the 3" rb version. I have no problem carrying 6 rds of .38spl.
In the past too many students have tried at the range and bought a police trade in moel 10 snubby. It works, has a track record going way back.

Now as the skill level increases ( recoil) some have gone to a model 19 snubby, many only shoot .38spl for practice, and carry the .357 for CCW,and when out in the country.

I personally want a model 13, rb, 3" I personallly want the versatility.
I also really like the model 19 snub for same reason.

[DMK]

I'd take the 5 round gun for better concealability since it is very likely smaller and lighter than the six round gun, but I'd load it with .38s.

[FPrice]

I would choose the gun which felt best to me in the way I intended to carry it.

[P95Carry]

Any extra capacity is I think always tempting! However ...... more important is probably the concealability and ..... skill level.

Providing the 5 shot is efficient and used for max effect .. probably not much disadvantage ... certainly not, if the 6 shot happens not to be as ''fluent'' for the shooter. ... tho that is perhaps unlikely.

As ever ... what works for the individual.

[Secmat]

I carried the model 10 and 64 in my younger days and was quite proficient with them. Never felt undergunned. Still have some of them and they still get some use. The snubbies get backup duty as I carry the Glock 19 for a primary these days.

To the question, I'd rather have six heavy bulleted +p .38 specials than five fire breathing magnums. The k-frame is pretty easy to conceal even with shorts and t-shirt.

[C.R.Sam]

Nuther vote for what feels best for you.
And the most gun that you can get very good with.

Personally, I like the Model 19 snubs. For me, they conceal right well and I shoot them well. That gives me 6 rounds of .357...or of .38 Spec if I want.

Sam

[Captain Bligh]

I'd take the 5-shot in either .38 or .357. I sometimes carry a .357 Model 60. Revolvers are fat (in comparison to many semi-autos) and 6 rounders are fatter. I'd go wtih the best concelaing weapon. Stats say most shooting incidents are over after what is it, three rounds? If you're not an LEO that is more likely to encounter a fire fight than the rest of us, I'd stick with a 5-rounder.

RJ

[Harbinger]

Same as DMK: five rounder loaded with .38's.

[Albert Shear]

A 640-1 in 357mag loaded with Remington 110gr SJHP 357mags.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid75/p46ece02a91de95087435a1da97e322e5/fb4bb465.jpg

[jar]

It's gotta work for you. Personally I like the 6 round Colt Detective Specials. Small size but the grips make it more controlable for me than the J frame Smiths. Second choice would be a Smith K frame snubbie.

[Checkman]

I am an LEO and I usually carry a five shot S&W Model 49 Bodyguard as my backup as well as my off-duty piece. I also carry a speedloader with me. I've worked a few cases (as the investigator) in the past where a five shot .38 has been adequate and in case a 22 auto did the job. But my primary is a 45 Sig and sometimes I carry that - especially in the winter when I wear sweaters and coats.

[Dr.Rob]

Used to be 5 shot SW J frame 357 was about the same size as 6 shot Colt D frame 38.

Until Colt made a 357 D Frame, the Magnum Carry.

That's the way to go.