Best EDC revolver

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I suppose you also have experience carrying smaller capacity revolvers? How much more difficult is this 8-shotter to carry and conceal than a similar sized revolver with a 6-shot cylinder?

There are a 8-shot revolver for sale that I can get, but the barrel looks terribly short, something like 1''.
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Is it the Model 327 with 2" barrel?

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57770_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

The problem with concealed carry of a revolver is the length of the grip, not the cylinder diameter. I have no problem carrying a Ruger Alaskan concealed up front in the appendix position EXCEPT for the bottom edge of the grip printing. The trick is to get custom "boot" grips that are made to fit your hand. Herrett's Stocks can do this (I recommend Jordan Troopers with checkering). Craig Speigel and Badger Custom also offer boot grips. Ahrends has their tactical stocks, but they extend at least 1/4" below the bottom of the grip frame. The Ahrends look like the grips in the picture, but without finger grooves.

I dislike snubby revolvers. They do carry better, but the point of the gun is to shoot accurately and project a bullet with sufficient force to stop an attack. I dislike any revolver with a barrel length less than three inches. I find four inches to be more accurate. They deal with recoil better too. Guns with five inch barrels are very accurate and recoil is soft, but you pay for it in comfort while carrying. However, a four inch barrel on a revolver makes the overall package quite large vertically. Proper grips become essential for concealment. Three inches make the gun easier to carry while yielding good performance--it's a good compromise. Unfortunately, gun makers tend not to offer extensive lines of guns with 3" barrels.

Ruger offers their GP100 with fixed rear sights and a three inch barrel. You could have a shop such as Bowen Classic Arms install a rear sight and update the front sight.

The S&W Model 66 is now back in the S&W catalog and has a full forcing cone. Maybe you could order one of those?


Frankly, given your other requirements, I have to recommend you look at the Glock 26. It is a great gun that shoots well and has 10+1 capacity. It is very easy to carry and fits 90% of all clothing/fashion situations. It can take Glock 17 and 19 magazines. Are you allowed to own and use jacketed hollow point ammunition for personal defense? Why aren't you looking at semi-autos?
 
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Oddly, my PC627 UDR is only 5/8" longer in OAL than that 2" 327, yet comes with smaller gripframe-only covering boot grips. Also, mine is moonclip ready and has an adjustable rear sight. I'm not sure what the availability & price of S&W Performance Center revolvers is in S.A., but here my SS 627 UDR has an MSRP of $220 less than the 2" 327's MSRP of $1,309, even if it weighs in at a whole pound less of mass to tote around on a belted holster. That could make a difference in 'carry'. Good luck!

2" 327 SKU #170245
2.625" 627 SKU #170133

Both are available... here!

Stainz
 
To aid in concealment of a gun with a full sized grip, it helps to have a holster with a strong forward cant. If the grip is more or less vertical; when holstered, and the carrier is standing; the grip length is not so much a concealment issue.

The extreme example is the SOB holster, which I have seen carried over the kidney or even farther forward. That was for a smallish gun, however.
 
tomrkba said:
Frankly, given your other requirements, I have to recommend you look at the Glock 26. It is a great gun that shoots well and has 10+1 capacity. It is very easy to carry and fits 90% of all clothing/fashion situations. It can take Glock 17 and 19 magazines. Are you allowed to own and use jacketed hollow point ammunition for personal defense? Why aren't you looking at semi-autos?
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I already own pistols, not even one revolver. I want to change that.
Yes, HP ammo is no problem
 
Is the Ruger GP-100 available in your area? These guns are reasonably priced, accurate and the trigger can be tuned. The sights are easy to change with only a punch. I prefer it to current S&W K and L frame guns.
 
tomrkba said:
Is the Ruger GP-100 available in your area? These guns are reasonably priced, accurate and the trigger can be tuned. The sights are easy to change with only a punch. I prefer it to current S&W K and L frame guns.
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GP100's are available. Great guns. But the model with the shorter barrel, 3'' has fixed sights.
I might be wrong, but I don't want a fixed sight handgun, unless it is perfectly sighted in for my eyes and shooting style. None ever is, that is why I want adjustable sight guns.

The 4'' Rugers, they are getting a bit to big. My limit is 3''. I don't really want shorter than that.
After this buy I will save up for the 6'' GP100.

The SP101 in 3'' would have been better, even with one less round, but again, it has fixed sights.

Edit: I almost missed it. You said the sights are easy to change? How? And are they replaceable with adjustable sights? If so then I think I must stop looking. I am sure if I try hard I can find a SP101.
 
Hunter2011- The SP101 in 3'' would have been better, even with one less round, but again, it has fixed sights.
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If you like the grips on Stainz's beauty but don't want quite that much bulk, look at the S&W 60 Pro Series (J frame). It has the same style grip and also adjustable sights with 3" barrel, 5 shot. Mine conceals so easily with the high and tight OWB holster, it is tempting to let some of the larger guns sit at home. Someone with big hands might not favor it.
 
Edit: I almost missed it. You said the sights are easy to change? How? And are they replaceable with adjustable sights? If so then I think I must stop looking. I am sure if I try hard I can find a SP101.
Click to expand...

The GP100 with 4" barrel has very easy to change front and rear sights. You can drop in Meprolight Night Sights in about 10 minutes. You would have to have a gunsmith take off some barrel, but I think that chews up two inches. It'd be a real snubby if you started with a 4" barrel rather than a 6" barrel.

I think Bowen Classic Arms can add a rear FIXED sight to the GP100 with 3" barrel. They can do it with an SP101, so it stands to reason they can do the same with the GP100. But, you don't want fixed sights, so the GP100 with 4" barrel is the way to go.

All of this is expensive and includes long wait times since the few good revolver gunsmiths are very busy.

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/workshop.html#PerfectdRugerSP101

Perfected_Ruger_SP101.jpg

Given the sight requirement and problems with current Ruger offerings, I think an S&W 686 with 3" barrel and seven round capacity may be the best choice for you. You get adjustable sights that you can replace with night sights and the stainless steel frame and cylinder allow modifications without refinishing (chamferring the charge holes, boring out the front of the chambers for uniformity, cutting the forcing cone and crowning the barrel). The Model 66 is back and that may work for you except that the barrel is too long.

Keep in mind that S&W offers gunsmithing services. I had them chamfer the charge holes and tune the trigger on my 625. The price was very reasonable and they did a good job. Sand Burr Gun Ranch in Indiana worked up my Model 24 and did a fantastic job. If you can score a Model 24 with 3" barrel, you're set for life!

M24-white_zps7797ff0b.jpg
 
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Going back to your OP, here is a six-shooter snubbie in .327 Fed Magnum. At 23 oz and a J-frame, it is nearly as pocketable - and uses the same holsters - as my 351PD & 642.

002-1.jpg

My 632 Pro is sporting the '60 Pro' style grips - similar to the PC Shop grips shown on my PC627 UDRs - except smaller and no finger grooves. They do make the non-negligible recoil when discharging the likes of the Speer 115gr Gold Dot JHPs in .327 Fed Magnum, which reportedly make nearly 1,400 fps from it's 2 1/8 in barrel, quite tolerable. The other two 3" 632's made are comped - and likely have no more rifling. Pretty ammo tolerant, it can load and fire .32 ACP (They have a vestigial rim.), .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, .32 H&RM, and .327 Fed Magnum, none of which are overly abundant these days.

My 632 Pro was the last new .327 Fed Magnum model introduced - 8/2011 - and the first one dropped a year or so later. The 3 inchers are gone now, too. If you decide you want one - be prepared for a search.

Stainz

PS Here is the 3" 60 Pro, SKU #178013, which comes as seen (Not including ammo, speedloader, and custom Buck 110!) literally for a few $ more than a regular 60:

IMG_4578.jpg
 
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Stainz said:
Going back to your OP, here is a six-shooter snubbie in .327 Fed Magnum. At 23 oz and a J-frame, it is nearly as pocketable - and uses the same holsters - as my 351PD & 642.

002-1.jpg

My 632 Pro is sporting the '60 Pro' style grips - similar to the PC Shop grips shown on my PC627 UDRs - except smaller and no finger grooves. They do make the non-negligible recoil when discharging the likes of the Speer 115gr Gold Dot JHPs in .327 Fed Magnum, which reportedly make nearly 1,400 fps from it's 2 1/8 in barrel, quite tolerable. The other two 3" 632's made are comped - and likely have no more rifling. Pretty ammo tolerant, it can load and fire .32 ACP (They have a vestigial rim.), .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, .32 H&RM, and .327 Fed Magnum, none of which are overly abundant these days.

My 632 Pro was the last new .327 Fed Magnum model introduced - 8/2011 - and the first one dropped a year or so later. The 3 inchers are gone now, too. If you decide you want one - be prepared for a search.

Stainz

PS Here is the 3" 60 Pro, SKU #178013, which comes as seen (Not including ammo, speedloader, and custom Buck 110!) literally for a few $ more than a regular 60:

IMG_4578.jpg
Click to expand...
Hi Stainz. They are beautiful. And to be honest, all I am looking for.
I know when I started this thread I said from .327 and upwards. That was before I was very rudely told that there are not even a single .327 cartridge sold in South Africa. I can't believe there is no love for this cartridge in SA. They are so effective, I believe more so than .38 Specials. How can they not be popular. And their speed, just unbelievable.
But really, not even one in my country.

This is the exact message a moderator of a South African gun forum posted, in response to my question about the popularity of the .327 in South Africa. I feel the round deserves a place as a SD round. But here, there is no love for a revolver.

''Sweet Jebus son ....

I would bet there isn't a single round if that in SA. If so it's in some collectors stash.

Stop being a hipster and buy something mainstream''

So yes, they are lovely but really and totally impossible to buy, no matter how many $, err Rands, I am prepared to throw at this. If I want a revolver I suppose the best to get is a .357 Magnum.
I really would like a .327, more so than a .357. Just because they are smaller, lighter, and pack way enough punch.
 
I really would like a .327, more so than a .357. Just because they are smaller, lighter, and pack way enough punch.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, they seem to be no longer available. I'd love to get one of those six shot J-Frames...and I hate J-Frames!



Did you get anything yet?

THR requires a range report complete with photos. :neener:
 
tomrkba said:
Unfortunately, they seem to be no longer available. I'd love to get one of those six shot J-Frames...and I hate J-Frames!



Did you get anything yet?

THR requires a range report complete with photos. :neener:
Click to expand...
LOL. When I get something, it will also take 3 months to get it licensed here. So if you are prepared to wait, you will get your photos.
 
OT - We forget that others, even in our own country, cannot buy firearms as easily and quickly as we can in Alabama. After filling out the Federal form #4473 and handing it to the salesman to 'call it in', I generally haven't finished writing the check before I've been approved. As a 'shall issue' state, if you've kept your nose clean enough to legally buy a firearm, the sheriff in your county will likely issue you a CCL - so you can legally carry that favorite EDC revolver. Neat!

Stainz
 
WestKentucky said:
686+ without question is my pick.
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This is something that are available here in my country. It's just difficult to get the 3'' version. 6'' versions are much more popular here. People here don't carry revolvers for SD. If you do they easily ban you on a forum here, like I am now lol. I was banned just because I talk to much about revolvers. What is wrong with a nice revolver?
I might come right very soon. I just talked to a dealer that might be able to help me. If I can buy into 4'', I have many options, but I do want to stay with 3'' max.
The 4'' I will buy after I get the 3''. I am just scared that if I got the 4'' licensed, the SAPS here might say why do you need another revolwer chambered in the exact same caliber? I rather want the 3'' than the 4''
 
Something else to consider... the double action trigger. There is no doubt that my 3" 60 Pro has the best DA trigger of all of my J-frames. Sadly, it's coil style spring and shorter effective trigger combine to make it a harder DA pull than the larger framed revolvers with their leaf spring, etc. Simply stated, the K-frame (10, 19, 66), L-frame (686), and N-frame (627) will have lighter DA triggers than the smaller J-frames. Single action triggers will all be similarly crisp, however.

Stainz
 
This is something that are available here in my country. It's just difficult to get the 3'' version. 6'' versions are much more popular here. People here don't carry revolvers for SD. If you do they easily ban you on a forum here, like I am now lol. I was banned just because I talk to much about revolvers. What is wrong with a nice revolver?
I might come right very soon. I just talked to a dealer that might be able to help me. If I can buy into 4'', I have many options, but I do want to stay with 3'' max.
The 4'' I will buy after I get the 3''. I am just scared that if I got the 4'' licensed, the SAPS here might say why do you need another revolwer chambered in the exact same caliber? I rather want the 3'' than the 4''
Click to expand...

So get one with a six inch barrel and have a gunsmith shorten it to three inches. I'd look around to see if there is someone in South Africa who could do it. Get it scheduled. If you're lucky, the gunsmith may have one available for sale. It never hurts to ask.
 
This is my carry revolver as well. I've tried a S&W 638, 642, Taurus 85, Ruger SP101 and even a S&W 66-2. For concealment, weight and shootability, the 38spl LCR is gtg for me. I use it as an alternative carry gun when biking and other outdoor activities.

I like that Ruger has eliminated the lock now.

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The only two revolvers that I frequently carry are my S&W Model 640 Pro J-frame and Model 65 K-frame. The model 65 I often carry OWB during the winter months, and during the summer I frequently carry the Model 640 Pro IWB.

To me any of the following guns are sized appropriately to be able to carry frequently and comfortably depending on the circumstances: the J-frame, LCR, Colt Detective Special, SP-101, Ruger (Security, Speed, and Service) Six, and S&W K-frame.

Just as a side note, the Model 640 Pro is worthy of consideration if one is looking for an easy to conceal revolver and has many virtues over the standard J-frame that appealled to me. It is an all steel J-frame that is chambered in .357 and strikes a reasonable balance in weight that makes it easy to carry all day, but NOT uncomfortable to shoot like a lot of the light weights (especially if you stick to .38 spl +P). The gun has a slightly longer barrel than the standard J-frame with a fully shrouded (and extended for easier extraction) ejector rod. Perhaps the primary selling point for me was the factory installed Trijicon Tritium night sights that are 2 or 3 steps above the typical sights found on a J-frame. The gun is also cut for moon clips and comes with several in the box for those who prefer them for quicker reloads. Finally, the action of the gun has been worked over by the performance center guys to help smooth out and slightly lighten the trigger pull. The trigger pull is still quite heavy, but it is less so than most J-frames and significantly smoother. Sorry for the unsolicited gun review there, but I know that I always like the idea of a small CCW revolver but could never get behind the J-frame until I discovered this model that corrected a lot of the drawbacks that I had found with the standard models. The only issue that I have with it is the high price tag that could understandibly turn people away from the gun.
 
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