Best EDC revolver

[Hunter2011]

What do you guys think is the best overall revolver to carry for self defence?
Lets not start a caliber war, so lets just talk about .32H&R caliber and bigger. Even if some say .32 H&R is not good enough
1. Must be rather compact. (It must be able to be carried unseen easily).
2. Must have 6 shots or more.
3. Must have adjustable sights (Or can be fitted with adjustable sights)
4. Must do both DA and SA.
5. Must be accurate.

 

[RealGun]

Right away, "compact" and "6 shot" makes it K frame size. I believe that would mean .38 Special or .327 Federal Magnum to be "good enough".

 

[jimbo555]

Not easy to find, but a s&w combat masterpiece with a 2inch barrel would fit your requirements.

 

[boricua9mm]

If you plan on carrying it on a belt holster, either IWB or OWB, then I would choose a pre-lock .357 K-frame in either a 3" or a 2.5" barrel. There's a lot of versatility between gnat fart .38s and 158 gr Magnum loads. Here in FL, I find that the .357 Magnum is handy for critter defense out in the woods.

If you plan on pocket carry, then a J-frame makes more sense, but they are not fun to shoot. I'm a proponent of practicing/training with your carry gun regularly, and shooting even 50 rounds out of a lightweight .38 can be downright painful. Been there, done that, switched to a 9mm

 

[RealGun]

There's a lot of versatility between gnat fart .38s and 158 gr Magnum loads. Here in FL, I find that the .357 Magnum is handy for critter defense out in the woods.

I don't know of a "compact", 6-shot .357 Magnum. I think of that as more or less defined by the L frame with its longer cylinder window, which is serious bulk and weight to carry. I do that but don't think of it as "compact". There are smaller magnum frames (long enough for 357) but they are 5 shot, as far as I know.

 

[340PD]

My 586L comp. Compact it is not, but with 7 rounds, and a short barrel, it shoots very well.

 

[Hunter2011]

My 586L comp. Compact it is not, but with 7 rounds, and a short barrel, it shoots very well.

This is a nice revolver. Bigger than a snubby, but still looks like it will not conceal not to difficult.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

The elusive s&w 242 is a fixed sight 7 shot .38 special centennial air frame that satisfies some of your requirements. Otherwise, you are in security six territory.

 

[huntershooter]

Modified mod. 12 (alloy frame "K" frame):

 

[plexreticle]

I carried a round butt, K frame, 2.5" (S&W m66) for a few years. It meets your criteria but I found it to be a bit heavy and the rear sights had a way of snagging on clothes and tearing up leather.

I like the set up 340PD has, I think it would be much better than a stock m66 for about the same weight. I would probably go with a low profile fixed sight for ccw however.

 

[Iggy]

Been carryin a 2 1/2" S&W Model 19 of one vintage or another for over 30 years.


So far, so good.

 

[tinygnat219]

S&W 432 might be an option (.32 H&R).
Colt Detective Special.

 

[Drail]

Your conditions of 6 shots or more, adjustable sights and DA/SA takes a lot of really good candidates out of the race. I have carried 5 shot DAO fixed sight revolvers for many years and have never felt undergunned.

 

[18DAI]

2.5" pre lock 66. Doesn't get any better than that.

 

[boricua9mm]

I don't know of a "compact", 6-shot .357 Magnum. I think of that as more or less defined by the L frame with its longer cylinder window, which is serious bulk and weight to carry. I do that but don't think of it as "compact". There are smaller magnum frames (long enough for 357) but they are 5 shot, as far as I know.

Surely you know about the Model 65, 66, 19, etc. I carry one of these IWB every time I set foot out into the woods. Personally, I don't find a 2.5" or 3" L-frame difficult to carry either. An N-Frame I could complain about, but a K or L Frame are easily carried so long as you don't choose a 4" Square Butt.

Model 66, 3-1/8" BBL...Packable...


Model 65, 3" BBL...Packable...


Model 686 CS1, 3" BBL...Packable...

 

[David E]

Smith & Wesson 642

Most of the "requirements" listed are not necessary or even advised for a gun that's supposed to be carried concealed daily.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

In a 6 shot? Find a decent Colt Detective Special or a used Dan Wesson with a 2 1/2" tube and shroud and appropriate grips.

Your S&W options are already well documented above...lot's of good choices but for me personally in an EDC revolver I'd give up the 6 shot as a requirement and go with a snubbie Smith or Ruger LCR variant. Getting the extra round (6 VS 5) really seems to make the gun disproportionately larger in diameter (for me and my needs...maybe not yours) and makes carry a little harder due to concealment and weight issues.



But I *do* love my Dan Wesson 15-2VH with a snubbie tube in Appendix Carry.

VooDoo

 

[RustyShackelford]

Carry revolver.....

If you want a 3" barrel wheel gun with adj sights, Id look at the Ruger Talo Wiley Clapp .357magnum. You can find NIB models with the Davidson's lifetime service warranty.
Other brands include the S&W model 686+ 7rd .357magnum, the Ruger AK snub .44magnum(with .44spl), the S&W Backpacker .44 6 shot, the S&W PC 629 or 627.

I'd buy a Ruger over a S&W since Smith continues to produce TDA(traditional double action) revolvers with the stupid "lawyer locks" .

Rusty
www.slickguns.com www.gunsamerica.com www.ruger.com www.Smith-Wesson.com

 

[RugRev]

Requiring 6 shots and adjustable sights and compactness can think of the S&W 632 and Colt Diamondback 2.5". These probably are about as small as one can get otherwise look at S&W K frames and Ruger 2.75" Security Sixes.

 

[boricua9mm]

FWIW, the Ruger Wiley Clapps have fixed Novak Rears (drift adjustable) and a fixed front (either fiber optic of brass bead, depending on if it's the stainless or blued model).

It's the Ruger I really wanted to love. My first one was a dud and had to be replaced. The replacement was hastily made with questionable workmanship. I wish I could have gotten a nice one!

 

[MedWheeler]

Although evidently discontinued, the Ruger SP-101 in .327 Magnum looks like a contender..

 

[RealGun]

Although evidently discontinued, the Ruger SP-101 in .327 Magnum looks like a contender..

The rear sight adjustment is windage only, but it should be in the running here. Sights on short barreled guns tend not to be adjustable at all.

 

[RealGun]

Quote:

I don't know of a "compact", 6-shot .357 Magnum. I think of that as more or less defined by the L frame with its longer cylinder window, which is serious bulk and weight to carry. I do that but don't think of it as "compact". There are smaller magnum frames (long enough for 357) but they are 5 shot, as far as I know.

Surely you know about the Model 65, 66, 19, etc.

From the Smith & Wesson website"

"Medium Frame (K)
The K-Frame revolver is one of the most important innovations in Smith & Wesson history and was built specifically to handle the .38 S&W Special cartridge. Since its introduction, the K-Frame has been a favorite for military and police professionals as well as target shooters and enthusiasts. Today's K-Frame is available in .22 LR and .38 S&W Special."

 

[Hunter2011]

You guys surely have nice equipment. Not all the nice stuff you have shown me here is available, or rather, for sale here in South Africa.
I think I must look out for a Model 66 or 686 with the 3'' barrels. They just might be available if I try hard.
Don't let the suggestions and photos stop. I almost have enough photos to take to the bathroom with me lol. They are all so beautifull

 

[CajunBass]

Other than having fixed sights, which are quite adequate IMHO, the Model 12 fits the bill perfectly.



I carry it every day.