Revolver for EDC

[Hunter2011]

Hi guys. I'm in the market for a new self defence gun. But as you may only own one handgun for SD in my country, I must buy the best one for my circumstances. I can't get a big accurate Glock 17 and a small easily concealable Glock 26 at the same time because of our laws...

So, I have basically made up my mind to get a Glock 26. My reasoning is that it it ultra reliable. It is small, it is very accurate for it's size and it can use bigger magazines from his bigger brothers as well. Then off course there are so many aftermarket parts for it like fully adjustable sights etc.
But, Recently my father has bought a .38 Special snubby. I know it is not in the same class perhaps as the Glock 26, capacity wise, and acuracy wise at least. But it fits so pleasantly in my trousers pocket. Currently I own a Vector CP1 which is in itself a compact pistol. But it looks huge in my pocket compared to the .38 snubby. It prints far more clearly. And I suspect it will also be the case with the Glock, even though it is shorther and not as high as my CP1.

So I was thinking of getting a revolver rather than a Glock. I will just have to accept the low shotcount of 5 shots but I hope to never use it anyway. It is just for piece of mind.
What revolver can you recommend me that meets or exceeds the following.
1. In single action mode it must be just as accurate as the Glock 26.

Ok, thats all. Is there a compact revolver that will in single action mode give me the same accuracy than a Glock 26?
The only other requirement is that there must be adjustable sights available for it.
Or should I rather stay with my original choice and get a Glock 26?
I also looked at a Kel-tec PF9 just because it is so much thinner than a G26. It is only 22mm thick as compared to the 30mm of the G26. Shotcount is only 7, my CP1 takes 13, but it is a compromise I'm willing to take.

Thanks for any and all responses.

[MedWheeler]

The revolver guys will weigh in shortly here; I have only revolvers with fixed sights as snubs, so I can't help you with that.

However, I do carry the Kel-Tec PF9. It is indeed thin, and light, weighing in at just over 12 ounces (360 grams) with an empty magazine in place. Its capacity is eight, not seven rounds, as you can chamber one from the magazine into the chamber (if legal in your country), then replace that round in the magazine. The PF9 is a bit of a handful to fire due to its power-to-weight ratio but it is certainly manageable, and really easy to find ways to carry concealed (again, if permitted in your country.)

Personally, if I were you and already had scoped out the G-26 and liked it, I'd probably go with that.

[Hunter2011]

I may carry concealed, no problem at all.

The three things that do put me of the rolly my father have is that it's accuracy is terrible. Non-adjustable sights, and the grips are so small that it is actually uncomfortable to shoot with. But then, bigger grips and adjustable sights can be fitted by a gunsmith. And other ammo might get different results.

I hope a compact wheelgun with good accuracy do exist.

[il_10]

High-end revolvers are wonderfully accurate; a S&W j-frame or a Colt detective special will do anything, accuracy wise, that the g26 will do. The issue isn't accuracy integral to the gun itself, it's learning to shoot a gun with such a short site radius, which will be just as much of an issue with the g26.

[hAkron]

The closest thing to an adjustable sight on a pocket sized revolver is a grip with an integrated laser sight. In that situation, I would say an S&W 642.

[fxstchewy]

My G26 is my favorite EDC sidearm, 10rds, accurate and reliable they are really hard to beat IMO.

[Texan Scott]

I prefer my revolvers. That said, if the glock fits your hand well, and you fell comfortable with it, get that. A good inside- the- waistband holster will make carrying concealed easier and safer as well.

[bannockburn]

I have always liked S&W's Model 649 (all stainless), or Model 638 (stainless with aluminum frame), in the way of a snubby with DA/SA capability. Can't help you with the adjustable sights requirement but a Tyler T-Grip Adapter or a set of boot grips will make a big difference in terms of ergonomics and shootablity with a snubby.

[Water-Man]

Something like a S&W M&P Shield may be better suited for you.

[scaatylobo]

If this is to be for S/D only ,then I believe your good to go with either a Glock or a wheel gun.

I shoot and qualify with both for my agencys permission to carry nationwide [ HR218 - look it up if your curious ].

I shoot a S&W 442 with +P loads out to 25 yards and it is easy to learn to 'index' the trigger and hit very well.

IF you interested in plinking or hunting at all with a handgun,then I see that the snubie revolver will not suffice.

I do 'target shoot' with them,BUT I have been shooting them for a few decades.

I usually carry a Glock 23 [ .40 S&W ] as well as a 9MM model 19,they shoot very well and I also shoot quals with them.

Obviously the snub will conceal much easier [ mine is usually a back up gun ] so if that is THE factor [ concealment ] then the snub is high on your list.

Also if there is a strong chance that you will face multiple assailants = another factor to consider.

Good luck,and let us know what yopu decide.

[buck460XVR]

Originally Posted by Hunter2011

Ok, thats all. Is there a compact revolver that will in single action mode give me the same accuracy than a Glock 26?

There are many. Especially at the range most of us EDC for.....SD. Even in DA, most revolvers are more accurate than the shooter.

[Stress_Test]

Since you say you're allowed only the one handgun, I assume this gun would also be playing a home defense role in addition to concealed carry out in the world?

If the pistol must do double duty at home and outside, I'd go with the G26 no question. There are advantages to the snub revolver alright, but that's mostly for a concealed carry situation.

I carry a Ruger LCR sometimes (swap between that and a M&P .45c), but I'd really hate to have to fight off a home invasion with nothing but the LCR!!

[CDR_Glock]

Both guns are easily concealable with the right holster. Are the availability of ammo in your country equal for the 357/38 and 9mm. A gun without ammo is just a paperweight.

The Glock 26 is solid. It can also accommodate for a Glock 17 or Glock 19 magazine, if necessary. There are attachments that convert it into a carbine, and you can get a conversion system by advantage arms to shoot 22 LR. It is easier to shoot a Glock over a revolver.

Pocket carry revolvers come with external hammers or covered hammers. In self defense, single action is not advised in our country. Check with your laws, first. It is better to carry a J frame since it can be pocket carried, but the trigger weight is difficult for most. They are not really a beginner's type of gun. You have less flexibility when compared to a Glock as I outlined previously. Pocket carry revolvers are usually 5 rounds. Medium framed revolvers do 6 rounds and some do 7 rounds. Larger N framed revolvers carry 8 but they're less practical to conceal. My L frame Model 586 is at the top of my limit for concealment with a 3" trigger; 7 rounds of 357.

[scaatylobo]

Just a thought.

You say your only allowed one handgun,BUT what about making that one gun able to shoot a total of 4 calibers.

I do believe you can EASILY find conversions so that a Glock 26 can be converted to shoot

9 MM

.40 S&W

.357 SIG

.22 RF

All from the same frame ,is that someting you could take advantage of ?.

If so it gives you many options including the ability to shoot .22 RF that is a good deal cheaper than any other to shoot & practice with.

[Hunter2011]

Originally Posted by scaatylobo

Just a thought.

You say your only allowed one handgun,BUT what about making that one gun able to shoot a total of 4 calibers.

I do believe you can EASILY find conversions so that a Glock 26 can be converted to shoot

9 MM

.40 S&W

.357 SIG

.22 RF

All from the same frame ,is that someting you could take advantage of ?.

If so it gives you many options including the ability to shoot .22 RF that is a good deal cheaper than any other to shoot & practice with.

Though I am only allowed one handgun for SD, I may own more for sport shooting. Currently I do own a nice S&W model 422 .22LR with the 6'' barrel, together with my CP1 Vector. What a joy is the .22 not to shoot. So I do shoot cheaply allready. The problem is that you are not allowed to EDC your handgun you registered for sporting usage. Otherwise I would have gone for a G19 and get it over with and used it for sport shooting and EDC. I believe it is the perfect compromise between size and accuracy. I don't have the skill to hunt with a handgun, I will rather never try it.

[ShelbyV8]

The Glock is not good for pocket carry. It is just too big and hard to draw.

[cane]

Hunter2011, the HR218 that scaatylobo refers to is actually the Law Enforcement Safety Act, Public Law 108-277. (HR218 was the number of the bill introduced to congress). I carry a vintage (all steel) Colt Detective Special with one of these: http://www.baramihipgrip.com/index.html It's a bit larger than a J-frame, but has 6 rounds.

[tomrkba]

Get the Glock 26. It is an excellent gun. It is far easier to shoot fast and accurately than a small revolver. You get 10, 15 or 17+1 capacity.

The small revolver may require some additional work. Many models do not have pinned front sights, so it's difficult to add a night sight. You'll likely want to change the grips. Chamfering the cylinder charge holes will facilitate reloads. But, the real issues are the short barrel and heavy trigger. You can mitigate some of the difficulty of shooting the snubby revolver with a good trigger, but you'll need to train with it.


Glock 26 with Glock 19 magazine and A&G Grip Adapter.

[Dlowe167]

Got a Charter Arms .44special Bulldog Pug. Accurate for me,which makes me curious about a .38spl for carry. Was only $379,think $50 for CTC grips. Small/compact,cheap,laser assisted. Other one i like S&W Bodyguard

[Hunter2011]

I have everytime came back to my original choice which is the G26 despite looking at other very good options. I almost thought I must rather get the new Shield, like suggested somewhere in this thread. I really like it, but at the end still thought the G26 might still be the better option. That is till my fathers .38 special landed in my pocket. But like it is said, even though it can be accurate, it is far more difficult to be accurate with it.

The only, and really the only thing about the G26 that makes me look at others are it's width of 30mm. The Shield and others are only 22-25mm at most. That is actually a very big difference for me. But so far i can't think I will take another pistol over the G26, unless I could be convinced otherwise. So it is either the .38 Special or the G26.
Something like a .44Mag is just to big and heavy. Then I'll rather get the G26 anyway.
if only I could have shot a .38 Special well, then my mind would have been made up allready.

[guyfromohio]

I find the 642 to be very accurate. However, if I could choose only one, the G26 is a good choice. Printing is likely more an issue for you than for others. Have you ever seen a printing CCW?

[19-3Ben]

The only, and really the only thing about the G26 that makes me look at others are it's width of 30mm. The Shield and others are only 22-25mm at most.

Yes, but they are 22-25mm all around. The revolvers are wider at the cylinder (their widest point), but otherwise the rest of them is narrower, which is why, despite the numbers on paper, it fit so nicely in your pocket.

[tomrkba]

The Glock 26 carries best on the belt in either the strong side or appendix positions. You can pocket carry but the pocket needs to be large. Stuff a rag into your pocket and adjust it so the gun's outline is no longer visible. ALWAYS carry the gun in a holster!

If you ever have to use it, 11 rounds lasts longer than five. Go shoot some moving targets while moving yourself. Five rounds disappear very quickly and you may drop the hammer on empty chambers before realizing the gun is empty. Test the guns at 5, 10 and 15 yards. I think you will shoot tighter groups with the Glock.

As I stated before, you will need to train longer and harder with the snubby revolver. The only way to "buy" easy accuracy is to get a revolver with a custom grip, better trigger, better sights and a longer barrel. This is why revolvers with four inch barrels are popular; they are a compromise between the snubby and the target revolver. I shoot my S&W 327 TRR8 with five inch barrel better than my guns with shorter barrels. The only other way to get good accuracy is to become a master of trigger control. However, that will not help you within the next year.

Once you get the gun, are you allowed to sell it if you do not like it? Can you try a friend's Glock or test one at the gun store or range? Also, can you get jacketed hollow point ammunition? This makes a big difference in the 9x19mm cartridge's performance. Are you allowed to compete in action pistol competitions such as IPSC? If so, go and make contact. If you are allowed to test guns, you will likely find people who are willing to help you.

[Hunter2011]

Originally Posted by tomrkba

The Glock 26 carries best on the belt in either the strong side or appendix positions. You can pocket carry but the pocket needs to be large. Stuff a rag into your pocket and adjust it so the gun's outline is no longer visible. ALWAYS carry the gun in a holster!

If you ever have to use it, 11 rounds lasts longer than five. Go shoot some moving targets while moving yourself. Five rounds disappear very quickly and you may drop the hammer on empty chambers before realizing the gun is empty. Test the guns at 5, 10 and 15 yards. I think you will shoot tighter groups with the Glock.

As I stated before, you will need to train longer and harder with the snubby revolver. The only way to "buy" easy accuracy is to get a revolver with a custom grip, better trigger, better sights and a longer barrel. This is why revolvers with four inch barrels are popular; they are a compromise between the snubby and the target revolver. I shoot my S&W 327 TRR8 with five inch barrel better than my guns with shorter barrels. The only other way to get good accuracy is to become a master of trigger control. However, that will not help you within the next year.

Once you get the gun, are you allowed to sell it if you do not like it? Can you try a friend's Glock or test one at the gun store or range? Also, can you get jacketed hollow point ammunition? This makes a big difference in the 9x19mm cartridge's performance. Are you allowed to compete in action pistol competitions such as IPSC? If so, go and make contact. If you are allowed to test guns, you will likely find people who are willing to help you.

Great suggestions.
I may shoot with hollowpoints and are a member at a local club. I have shot with a G17 and loved it. It would just be too big to carry. Then I have shot with my fathers .38, which was not positive.. That is why I asked if accurate 38's even exist.

If not the G26. What else comes close and might even be better than the G26? I allready chose the G26 over the Shield

[Gary A]

Hunter2011 - I have read each post and while I'm not really a "Glock Guy", given the parameters of your search I believe the Glock 26 is by far your best choice. I formerly owned a G26 and was surprised, considering its thickness, how it disappeared inside the waistband. I believe due to its very short grip.

And, it's not really all that thick.

For me, the Glock is not a pocket pistol.

I've been thinking of getting another one myself.