4” revolver for carry?

[docbrown]

I would not be recommending guns that are out of production and not supported, even bone yards for parts out of stock.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I doubt my Security Six is going to break anytime soon, and any of the Colts I mentioned, in good working order, are not likely to let you down. But, there are modern, in production firearms available that fit the bill as well. I was just trying to think out of the box a little bit. To each his own - I am a little "old school".

 

[jeepnik]

For about two years I carried a 4" .357 Llama daily. My choice was a shoulder holster. This was in a European country. It was quite illegal to do so. But, with a nod and a wink, every cop knew that most (the smart ones any way) American GI's would be carrying. You see, the police, military and Americans had a common enemy.

In fact when a serious threat to the continuity of government occurred, we figured out there were likely more privately owned firearms than the USAF had in it's armory.

 

[fordtrucks]

looks like very few carry IWB 4" revolver.

I live in the country, so the low round count isn't too bad (and I pocket carry an LCR for a reload), but I like the increased barrel length for accuracy and oddly enough it seems to be helping distribute the weight so that it's not as uncomfortable as a 2" snub pressing in at the tip of the barrel.

 

[RealGun]

looks like very few carry IWB 4" revolver.

I live in the country, so the low round count isn't too bad (and I pocket carry an LCR for a reload), but I like the increased barrel length for accuracy and oddly enough it seems to be helping distribute the weight so that it's not as uncomfortable as a 2" snub pressing in at the tip of the barrel.

IWB works a lot better with a short barrel that will easily clear on the draw from a relatively high position.

 

[golden]

I think a pancake holster or scabbard type would be the most comfortable with a 2 pound revolver, at least it has been for me.
When I carry a revolver, if it is not a pocket carry, then I would upsize from a 5 shot to a 6 shot and go with a .357 magnum chambering if possible. This is a reason that the RUGER Security/Service/Speed 6 models are so popular. Same weight and size as the S&W K-frame, but without the possible problems of the S&W model 19 & 66 when using hot ammo.
Another advantage of the mid size 2 pound 6 shot revolver is that the grips are usually better sized to the average male shooter and that 2 pound weight combined with HOGUE rubber grips controls the recoil with hotter loads. I find the RUGER 6 models and S&W model 15 with HOGUE rubber grips are my favorite revolvers to shoot at the range.

In my family, a number of the woman have revolvers for personal protection and all went with snub nosed CHARTER ARMS. Either the 5 shot Undercover or the 6 shot Police Undercover and it was the feel in their hand that was the selling point for either model.
I found that the larger Police Undercover, which is about the same size as the COLT D-frame used by the Detective Special, Cobra and Police Positive was easier to shoot than the smaller 5 shot model. I attribute that to the extra weight to deal with recoil.

I like the new .38 Special 130 grain +P HST load from FEDERAL for my midsize .38 Specials and .357 magnums as a carry or house gun self defense load. They shoot well when I fired them at the range and have not key holed into the target, which was my biggest worry about them. I would carry this load without hesitation, if I did not want to or could not carry a 9m.m. mid size auto. The only other concern is that they are just terrible to reload a gun when using a speed loader, I would use REMINGTON 125 grain SJHP for that. I also still have the option of using .357 ammo if needed, but I usually use this only in my L-frame.

Just my experiences,

Jim