BobWright
Member
I prefer my rendition! I carry my keys, comb, pen, etc. But my .45 is closer to me than that.
Bob Wright
The best for EDC revolver ever?
- Thread starter SwampWolf
- Start date
I prefer my rendition! I carry my keys, comb, pen, etc. But my .45 is closer to me than that.
Bob Wright
Oninotaki
Member
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2022
- Messages
- 393
I don't think there is one specific model of revolver perfect for EDC, but I do believe there is a perfect revolver make-up.
To me the perfect EDC is a revolver with the following characteristics:
-Caliber: .32 long to .357, season to taste and physical capabilities of the carrier.
-Barrel Length: 3", not too long to draw or conceal, not to short to provide subpar accuracy and/or ballistics.
-Weight: 20-39oz, again calibrate to the individual shooters capabilities. Grandma might actually be OK with a 36 Oz. 357 in her purse but despise a 22oz or less model.
-Capacity: 7 rounds, more than twice the statistical average fired in a civilian self defense shooting, less than the 17 round double stack wonder 9s that you need to defeat the methed out zombie taliban that has been sent after you by the alien backed CIA. All silliness aside 7 shot revolvers are reasonably available, 8 shot are not, and 9 shot+ are rimfire which I don't trust.
-Sights: Something visible and on point. Nail polish, white out,paint marker, black sharpie, fiber optic, whatever it is you just need to be able to see it quickly and it needs to be true.
-Hammer: whether full, bobbed, DA only, shrouded, or concealed I think is really best sorted out by the carrier for their needs. For me personally full hammers are just fine.
Having listed this criteria we are presented with several options from multiple manufacturers that seem to be in current production.
-S&W 586 L-comp & 686 Plus
-Ruger GP100 1782 and 1789
-Taurus 692
-Charter Arms Professional mkIV
I think across those 6 models you should be able to find the perfect EDC that will be the best tool you need when you really need it.
To me the perfect EDC is a revolver with the following characteristics:
-Caliber: .32 long to .357, season to taste and physical capabilities of the carrier.
-Barrel Length: 3", not too long to draw or conceal, not to short to provide subpar accuracy and/or ballistics.
-Weight: 20-39oz, again calibrate to the individual shooters capabilities. Grandma might actually be OK with a 36 Oz. 357 in her purse but despise a 22oz or less model.
-Capacity: 7 rounds, more than twice the statistical average fired in a civilian self defense shooting, less than the 17 round double stack wonder 9s that you need to defeat the methed out zombie taliban that has been sent after you by the alien backed CIA. All silliness aside 7 shot revolvers are reasonably available, 8 shot are not, and 9 shot+ are rimfire which I don't trust.
-Sights: Something visible and on point. Nail polish, white out,paint marker, black sharpie, fiber optic, whatever it is you just need to be able to see it quickly and it needs to be true.
-Hammer: whether full, bobbed, DA only, shrouded, or concealed I think is really best sorted out by the carrier for their needs. For me personally full hammers are just fine.
Having listed this criteria we are presented with several options from multiple manufacturers that seem to be in current production.
-S&W 586 L-comp & 686 Plus
-Ruger GP100 1782 and 1789
-Taurus 692
-Charter Arms Professional mkIV
I think across those 6 models you should be able to find the perfect EDC that will be the best tool you need when you really need it.
I like mine in a shoulder holster when wearing a light jacket. extra ammo in pocket in a speedloader.
See post #5.
The SP101 is awfully close to “best” revolver, for me, for daily carry. There are days, however, when I would rather carry something larger, in which case a GP100 or S&W K-Frame would be a best, for those days.
SwampWolf
Member
I agree with the premise of your opinion. Before my agency transitioned from revolvers to autos I carried a Model 13 (blued). When the s/s Model 65 equivalent came out, I bought one and sold the Model 13 (no need for two K-frames identical in every respect save the finish, right?). Big mistake-the da trigger pull on the Model 13 was as good as any revolver I've ever squeezed a trigger on, with the possible exception of my new Colt King Cobra.
However, when considering the merits of any handgun intended for concealed carry, for most people weight will always be a consideration whether it's holstered or not. In that context, I would argue that there aren't many reliable revolvers having a decent da trigger pull weighing a pound and carrying six shots of .38 Special rounds. The original Colt Cobra is sort of unique and special in that respect.
Last edited:
SwampWolf
Member
Per the 1967 Gil Hebard Guns catalog and James Serven's book Colt Firearms 1836-1960, the original Colt Cobra weighs 15 ounces, as compared to the Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight's weight of 16 ounces (per the Smith & Wesson 2010 catalog). In terms of size when comparing the two, the cylinder diameter of the Cobra is 1.397 vs the Airweight's 1.305. Personally, I'll gladly trade a difference of about 1/10th of an inch in greater size in exchange for having 20% more ammunition capacity between revolvers that weigh the same.
Too, subjectively speaking, though I've always liked J-frame Smiths and still have two of them, the small Smiths have heavy da trigger pulls, especially so when comparing them with Colt Cobras, both new and old. And, of course, the only manually operated safeties the Colts have is your own good sense.
At 18 ounces and carrying six shots of .38 Special, the Smith & Wesson K-frame Model 12 would seem to be a good candidate for "the best EDC revolver ever". I have one and carry it on occasion but it's significantly larger in terms of keeping it comfortably concealed than the original Cobra in my experience.
Each to their own as always
Last edited:
mcb
Member
My 442 weights 14.7 oz unloaded with the factory grips (S&W website says it's supposed to weight 14.6 oz). Loaded with 5 rds of Winchester 130gr PDX1 on a moonclip weighs 17.1 oz
WheelGunMan
Member
Casting my vote for the Ruger LCR357. Great little snub. I also have the 3"LCRx in the same caliber. Has an adjustable rear sight so you can dial in your favorite round.
Corpral_Agarn
Member
Sistema1927
Member
Here is my choice for best EDC revolver.
Ks5shooter
Contributing Member
Kimber K6S
stonebuster
Member
That nickel Model 10 is way too beautiful for EDC. At least I couldn't.
If I was forced to carry a revolver I'd prolly take my Match Champion 10mm or my old 2 3/4" Speed Six but as much as I love revolvers anything bigger/heavier than my LCR doesn't make sense to me since I can get 2x the ammo for the same size and weight.
shoebox1.1
Member
My buddy just bought a dream EDC. It’s actually too nice to EDC.. sp101 Gemini customs full build. The PO had it done and never shot it. My buddy got a good deal on it too. I told him this gun goes only in fine leather and it better get shot!!
Attachments
LimaCharlie
Member.
billybob44
Contributing Member
Upside down hollow based wad cutters 158g
^^^
Where are you going to find them??
I only know of 148 grain HBWC's???
I may learn something yet..Bill.
kopcicle
Member
Benjamin Rogue-epcp big bore-air rifle wadcutter bullets.
Have .45+ covered.
AirForce Airguns
www.airforceairguns.com
Would be a good place to start.
I recall a Lyman mold as well.
Lead wire and a lathe?
I'll do some more research on this
stonebuster
Member
I agree with your thoughts on the SP101. I sold my DAO SP101 2.25" about a year ago and almost immediately missed it because it was so easy to carry. I sold it to buy a 1989 blued GP100 fixed sight 3". So I just got home from the gun shop with a Iightly used DA/SA 173- prefix 2.25" 357. Range trip tomorrow.See post #5.
The SP101 is awfully close to “best” revolver, for me, for daily carry. There are days, however, when I would rather carry something larger, in which case a GP100 or S&W K-Frame would be a best, for those days.
Last edited:
chaim
Member
For me it has to be current or recent production (easy to get parts if needed), not overly expensive in case something happens to it, not too heavy (though preferably, not to light either as you need to practice with it), and I prefer 6 rounds to 5 rounds. I prefer 3" to 2" to get a little more from the .38 and .357 rounds, yet still be easy to conceal.
For deep concealment, it is hard to beat a 442/642. I've had my 442 for 10-15 years and only in the last couple months have I finally come around and warmed up to it. Yes, it is only 5 rounds. Yes, at less than 15 ounces it is not fun to shoot (even with mild loads). However, the 5 shot cylinder, rounded corners, and totally concealed hammer, make for a very comfortable gun to carry in the pocket or IWB. It is probably my most comfortable gun to conceal out of all my revolvers and autos.
For daily concealment, I like my new model Colt King Cobra (mine is 3"), I am strongly considering getting a Taurus 856 Defender soon (probably the Executive Grade), and I do like my Taurus 856UL despite the aluminum frame and 2" barrel (somehow the extra ounce or so over the 442 and the Taurus grips make it less unappealing to practice with than the 442, but it is still quite easy to carry).
For deep concealment, it is hard to beat a 442/642. I've had my 442 for 10-15 years and only in the last couple months have I finally come around and warmed up to it. Yes, it is only 5 rounds. Yes, at less than 15 ounces it is not fun to shoot (even with mild loads). However, the 5 shot cylinder, rounded corners, and totally concealed hammer, make for a very comfortable gun to carry in the pocket or IWB. It is probably my most comfortable gun to conceal out of all my revolvers and autos.
For daily concealment, I like my new model Colt King Cobra (mine is 3"), I am strongly considering getting a Taurus 856 Defender soon (probably the Executive Grade), and I do like my Taurus 856UL despite the aluminum frame and 2" barrel (somehow the extra ounce or so over the 442 and the Taurus grips make it less unappealing to practice with than the 442, but it is still quite easy to carry).
Last edited:
For 10 years I taught classes training people to qualify for my states concealed carry permit. I would bet I was asked this question, "what's the best gun for concealed carry," at least once in every class. My answer to them is the same response I have for the OP.
Caliber, barrel length, number of rounds, make or model doesn't matter. The gun or in this case the revolver you will actually carry and have with you is the best choice for concealed carry.
Dave
Caliber, barrel length, number of rounds, make or model doesn't matter. The gun or in this case the revolver you will actually carry and have with you is the best choice for concealed carry.
Dave
WestKentucky
Member
38 special is probably the sweet spot. BUT a hot +p+ 32 long or standard 32 mag is just about its equal. I have had zero issues when I have carried my 30-1 j frame with small cylinder diameter, 6 shots, 3 inch barrel. 32 long is plenty when it’s not loaded for zamak blowup guns. im pretty partial to my Miroku Liberty Chief even though I’m contemplating selling it. Same footprint as a colt DS but more like a S&W inside.
Similar threads
- Locked
