CC a small revolver - why?

[Triggernosis]

Why do YOU choose to carry a small revolver such as a 5 shot J-frame instead of a small semi-auto such as a .380 with (typically) a couple more rounds on tap?

For me, it's reliability and dependability - simple as that. I've never had a misfeed or stovepipe with a revolver.

 

[ST1959]

I carry a j-frame too. I've run 2,000 rounds through this gun without ANY glitches. It is ultimately reliable. But it is no fun at the range....significant, stout recoil..... I dutifully practice 3 times a month with it. My brother is in LE in a big city out west. He is required to carry a Glock when on duty, but his CCW of choice when off duty is ... a j-frame.

 

[Jonesy814]

My J-frame 638 is reliable and accurate. I am somewhat more accurate with it than I am with my LCP. With some pants, the revolver actually prints less. You can no doubt tell there is something in my pocket, but the bulge from the cylinder helps to break up the outline of a gun. If the front pockets are on the shallow side though my LCP is sometimes the better choice for carry and also with some of my dress pants.

 

[bikerdoc]

There are certain times when a revolver is the best choice.

 

[Drail]

I shot a lot of matches back in the 90s with both a semi auto and a revolver. And I was beaten plenty of times by skilled guys with revolvers even when I was shooting a 1911. My carry guns have always been revolvers.

 

[Macchina]

I carry a 357 KLCR loaded with 357s. This is generally a carry while I hunt and fish around my cabin. I know my KLCR is reliable and I know I shoot it well but mostly I cannot get the power I want in a package that light and handy. When I want more power, I move up to my 4" SP101 with really powerful 158gr ammo which will take care of most anything in the woods.

 

[Stugotz]

For me it's about bullet type.

I feel most comfortable with bullet that has a cutting shoulder
at these (generally) reduced velocities.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Simply because I like revolvers....

 

[Michael Tinker Pearce]

I like both revolvers and autos, but I always seem to wind up carrying revolvers. I think it's partly because I have cool revolvers, and partly because of the extremely simple manual-of-arms and overall reliability. OK, it's mostly because I have cool revolvers.

 

[AZAndy]

Let's see, 95 grain .380, or 158 grain .38. Hmmm. Which to choose? I'm baffled.

The only reason I stopped carrying a 640 is because I found a .45 1911 of similar size and weight.

 

[Tallball]

I prefer revolvers and feel more comfortable with them. If I have to carry something like an LCP because of what I am wearing, so be it. But I prefer an LCR or j-frame or CA Bulldog.

 

[bannockburn]

Years ago I found that a S&W Model 38 (and later a Model 638), made for a great way to pocket carry. Probably just force of habit all these years.

 

[Blacksmoke]

The only small auto I have owned over the years was a PPKS which was a fine gun and I am sure that, with three or four hits, a bad guy would probably wish he had chosen to do something else with his time that day. When it came time for me to pick another pocket protector, a Colt Cobra kind of fell into my hands. Reliable, proven, compact.

 

[webrx]

depends on what I a wearing, lcp in the pocket or lcrx on the hip

 

[chicharrones]

When I'm wearing pants with the room for a 5-shot snub nose, I prefer pocket carrying* a revolver.

I can usually draw a revolver from the pocket faster and easier than a smaller "L" shaped auto loader due to the revolver's grip location and the shape of the revolver.

Yet, autoloaders still get the call when the pocket is a little small.


*pocket holster

 

[CraigC]

For me it's about bullet type.

I feel most comfortable with bullet that has a cutting shoulder
at these (generally) reduced velocities.

I assume you're talking about SWC's. It's been pretty well proven that the shoulder only cuts paper. In tissue, it's the flat nose that produces the wound channel. Which is why LBT's are more effective on game, larger meplat and no shoulder.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

Five for sure with a powerful cartridge and a long trigger - that's why I carry a .357 LCR rather than a pocket auto (although I confess a certain fondness for SIG's little P238/P938.)

 

[Mark 40]

For me, it's reliability and dependability - simple as that. I've never had a misfeed or stovepipe with a revolver.

Agree with your points, and I'll add to that; I'm more confident with my LCR for EDC vs. semi-autos that I've owned.

Just a better fit for me in the EDC role.

 

[Mark 40]

Yet, autoloaders still get the call when the pocket is a little small.

Agreed....and I carry a small autoloader as a BUG too

 

[Fiv3r]

I like the simplicity of a revolver. For me, semi autos win out in the full size and very small niches. If I am packing a full size gun for defensive purposes, it will be a bottom feeder. If I need to hide away a gun chambered in center fired caliber, it will be a pocket .380.

However, day to day. I am perfectly happy with my LCR sporting a boot grip on my hip. I don't even pocket carry or try to carry IWB. I like how forgettable the light revolver is.

It's of the 9mm variety, which I know is of some dispute (why not a small auto? Why not a more potent caliber? What if your gun locks up due to crimp jump?). All of that aside, the little LCR has proven to be more accurate and more reliable than other guns of purported legacy (I've had a Glock 26 fail to feed bulk budget ammo before. I had two light strikes of 2 different manufacturers ammo with my 642).

5 for sure with a fairly speedy reload seems to be fine for day to day carry.

 

[Triggernosis]

Yet, autoloaders still get the call when the pocket is a little small.

I'll have to agree also. I stopped by Gander Mountain on my home from work today to pick up some Christmas gifts and of course I found myself at the gun counter before it was over with. For curiosity's sake, I tried out all sorts of guns by sticking them in my back pocket just to see how much if them would print or show. Even though a Smith & Wesson 642 fit really well, nothing hid out quite as deeply and as well as a Ruger LCP or Beretta Pico.

 

[Acera]

I also was at Gander Mountain today and saw an older gentleman, hands twisted with arthritis, that wanted a small semi-auto for pocket carry. However he could not work the slide on the Rugers he was looking at (had trouble gripping it enough to even release the slide when it was locked back). Clerk suggested a small revolver. He was able to open the cylinder of the revolver and pull the trigger. For him it would be a lot better choice.





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[Duster340]

I carry my little 2 1/2" Bulldog, with the skinny wood grips loaded with 240 grain WFP's really wide metplat, almost a wadcutter, all the time. Pretty much invisible with an IWB holster and a tee shirt, packs a decent punch and leaves nice big hole. Nearing 3,500 rounds without a hiccup. That said, I also carry my old Browning BDA 380 on occasion when wearing a jacket and have a hankering for higher capacity.

Be well folks

 

[cal44mag]

Here is one of my carry guns that's always worked since I got it.

LCR-357 with Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips.

 

[Michael Tinker Pearce]

Taurus 905 with custom grips, a birthday present from my wife. I told her I wanted a 9mm and she got this- funny girl! It's actually a terrific gun, and one of my 'go-to' guns for CC. Fit, finish and trigger-pull as surprisingly good; quite comparable to current S&Ws. I added custom olive-wood grips; very nice feel in the hand.