Want a revolver for CCW. Which one?

Model 60-10

Tough to reconcile new and no lock. I like the 3" Model 60.

Well for carry it is real hard to beat a S&W airlight in .38 stoked with +P. To get a .357 big enough that it won't hurt your hand, noway it will slip into your jeans pocket like a .38.

Personally I like the option of going single action, this would have been my choice had I not opted to save money with an LCP.

First for a carry I would suggest a Ruger sp101. I know they are not the best lookers but this is a carry gun you want, which means functionality over looks.

I know you said you are mainly looking at S&W, but my carry revolver meets most of your criteria. It is 26 oz., stainless, no lock, and full grip (you can get different grips, mine are Hogue cocobolo).

2.25" Ruger SP101

sp101 ... because it doubles as hiking gun.

3 inch.

You might take a look at Charter Arms On Duty/Off Duty in 38 sp. I have had poor results from thier guns a few years ago, but was pleasantly surprised by a new (2010) pistol.. I wear a vest cut for two of these, making a New York reload possible. They weigh 12 oz each and disappear in levi pocket, tucked in a belt, a vest, just about anywhere. Factory grip is longer than most snubs and fits me well. A total of more than 1200 practice rounds through my two and no problems so far.

blindhari

IMO you are talking about a S&W M640 or M649. They are 23oz and will comfortably fire full power .357 Magnum ammo. Unfortunately they don't come new without a lock. There are several no-lock models available but in .357 Magnum they only have an 12oz Airlite with no lock. IMO that's too light for a magnum.

jester88 said:

cant grips that cover the pinky be installed on an airweight 642/637?

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I have a CT grip on my 642 and it is long enough to fit my pinky finger when I grip it. It's an EXTREMELY comfortable grip and the button placement for the laser is perfect.

CT grips ain't cheap, but they are nice.

Here's what mine looks like:

jester88 said:

cant grips that cover the pinky be installed on an airweight 642/637?

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Ahrends has a "combat" (finger grooved) grip for a J frame S&W that extends below the frame strap thus allowing the pinkie to get into the action on the grip . I carry a S&W Airweight with factory grips and don't mind the pinkie "under" the grip.

ArchAngelCD said:

IMO you are talking about a S&W M640 or M649. They are 23oz and will comfortably fire full power .357 Magnum ammo. Unfortunately they don't come new without a lock. There are several no-lock models available but in .357 Magnum they only have an 12oz Airlite with no lock. IMO that's too light for a magnum.

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The 640 may be somewhat comfortable to fire .357s in but it doesn't take the abuse very well at all. I wore mine out firing Magnums. See here:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=26219

I switched to a Ruger SP101.

SP101 is great because Ruger add-ons are readily available just about anywhere to make it look the way you want. Also you aren't stuck with .38 as it is available as a .357 so you can shoot either one you want.

Take a look at the Ruger LCR357. It handles 357 mag with ease. It handles 38 spec +p even easier, weighs 17 oz and I carry mine in Wrangler relaxed fit jeans. It's a perfect CCW.

My vote goes to S&W M640 or M60. Don't let the lock sway you. You can take sure steps that they never inadvertently activate, or, you never worry about losing your key after you activate the lock. I fixed mine for about 2 cents cost.

Before anyone considers a 640 you really need to read this whole thread:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=26219

Ruger SP-101, but it is a bit on the heavy side.

All others that would normally meet your criteria, only support a two-finger hold, unless you immediately put aftermarket grips on it.

jester88 said:

Hi, looking for a second CCW rig. Wanted to get my 1st revolver. Some criteria for this; Small enough for appendix carry, yet gives a full grip (no pinky finger hanging off). But slim for summer wear. I would like a stainless, nickel or similar finish. .38 special is ok, .357 mag would be great. I am not interested in a taurus. Mostly looking at smith and wesson. Must be new. Must not have an internal lock. Must be sexy, with thin grips. Must be comfortable enough for all day carry which I would think would be under 28oz or so. Any ideas guys? Thanks!

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S&W makes the 640 in .357 magnum.

Find an older one without the kiddie lock.

Then have an action job done (or do it yourself, it isn't all that hard) and you have a very powerful belly gun.

Barring that, find a Smith 2 inch 64 .38 and use Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWHPs. 1000 fps from that 2 inch tube (and I know cause I chronoed them myself from my 2 inch 64.)

Deaf

Bought my wife the air weight 637 s&w 38 liked the size and way it shot I went out and bought me the 642 both are great guns.

I put S&W .38 37-2 DAO revolver on hold. It looks unused and $325 seems like very good price. It is not +P rated on the barrel but I would not want to use those in 1lb gun anyway. I concluded that small light revolvers are better pocket weapons then those mini automatics.

Well, I was out shooting my little Taurus 85SSUL this morning. I LOVE that little tack driver. I've owned it for since 1996, 15 years. Beautifully smooth DA, just a great little pocket revolver. Every time I shoot it, I fall for it again.

The little 85 is 17 ounces and +P isn't bad in it, stiff, but not like .357 in a 12 ounce gun or something. I shot wadcutter in it this morning, though, 200 rounds. Shot 50 out of my P64 Radom in 9x18. It abuses my hand worse than the little Taurus with wadcutter, but the +P is a might stiffer. I carry +P in it when I carry it.

Another vote for the SP....

This was my choice for CCW, and I do not regret purchasing it.
It's still my favorite conceal carry firearm.
I barely know I have it on me. (S&W 638, .38SP +P)



P.S. Get a couple of Safariland Comp 1 Speed Loaders, whichever snubby you end up with.

Do you want a heavy revolver (one over 20 ounces) or a light weight revolver (one that weighs 12 to 19 ounces)? I love my Ruger SP101 357 magnum, but it is not a pocket gun. It is too heavy for general pocket carry. A pocket gun needs to be light enough to not pull your pants down. I can tell you from expereince that anything weighing more than 16 ounces will be felt, and will cause you to cinch up your belt a few notches. Do you want or need a revolver with a hammer? That would be the second issue after deciding on the weight of a revolver you want to carry. For years I pocket carried a 38 special with a hammer and loved it. I now pocket carry a S&W model 642 (no hammer) and I love it just as much. Do you need a 357 magnum or just a 38 special that allows you to shoot plus P ammo? You will not like a light weight 357 magnum. Kicks like a ton of mules!! You will like a light weight 38 special that allows you to shoot plus P ammo, IMHO.

I'm with G&R, my first revolver that I now use as edc is my 438, but now that I see a longer barrel version avail, I'm jealous. At least mine's black Some times I have to check to make sure it's still on me, very comfy/light. 38 +P should stop/kill someone just as easily as 357 at 10yds.

Real tough to get a no lock new, lest you find some collector's estate or so on gunbroker. Not sure if Ruger makes snubs.

If not speedloaders, Bianchi speed strips, more linear.