Concealed carry revolver choices

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I am considering getting a revolver for the main purpose of concealed carry and I was hoping for some advice.

I will not be shooting .357 Magnum rounds since I am somewhat recoil sensitive due to arthritis in my wrists and elbows. My current house gun is a S&W model 15-3 which I really enjoy.

I onced owned a Ruger SP101 which I did not care for and would prefer a S&W product.

I was thinking about the following options: S&W model 64 3 or 2", S&W model 60 2 1/8", or S&W model 37.

My concerns are that the 64 might be too big to conceal properly and that the 37 might be too light and uncomfotable to shoot. I was under the impression that the model 60 was a stainless steel model 36 but it appears to be bigger than the other snubbies.

This gun would be the only other handgun beside the model 15 I would own so it would have to cover all CCW seasons etc.

If any of you have any insight and/or advice, I would sure appreciate it.
 
Taurus also makes some really nice, small revolvers. Your best course of action would be to go to a range and rent the revolvers you are interested in, so that you can see how they feel in your hand, and how they abosorb recoil.
 
Are you going to carry this on a belt or in a pocket? That would really drive the decision for me (J frame for pocket, K frame for belt). The 60 is slightly bigger than the 37. For pocket I'd lean towards hammerless like the 642.
 
The current S&W Model 60 IS bigger than a standard .38 snubby. The M60 is now designed for the .357 cartridge and things got bigger. The M60 has a bigger frame and S&W once called it the 'J-Magnum frame". It may not fit in holsters designed for the .38 snubby.

Personally, I like 3" K-frames. I think they work out well - are concealable, controllable and carry 6 rounds vs the J-frame's 5 rounds.
 
FWIW, the 64 isn't much lighter than the 15 you have now. Is this going to be a "shooter" with lots of rounds through it every month or do you want something light and convenient for warm weather carry? As asked above, do you want pocket carry or belt carry? If it's for pocket carry and not used as a target gun you might go for the lighter hammerless alloy small frames. They don't sag your pocket as much but most are not fun to shoot. The steel small frame is easier on the hand but not as convenient in the pocket. If for belt carry and a lot of shooting, look for a 2 1/2 or 3 inch 19, 66, 13, 65, 10, or 64 (sorry, but I'm a Smith guy). The 3 inch barrels have a major advantage with full length extractor rods. A little smaller than your 15 but about the same weight. The Model 15 was made in a 2 inch barrel and you can still find them in fairly good shape if you search.
 
Depends upon how much you wanna spend...

If you want an S&W product, you have many good choices.

If you want very light weight and can afford it, the 342PD scandium get high reviews. I owned a 340SC and it shot .38 spcls like a dream. Of course, .357's were a different story.

I also owned a model 638 bodyguard which was my absolute favorite. (that's the one with the shrouded hammer)

I have not owned a 442 or 642 but they come highly recommended.

I pocket-carried all of my snubs and if you plan to do that, invest in a fine pocket holster and keep the weight of your revolver to about one pound if you can. I would also recommend a hammerless or shrouded hammer.

Good effective ammo is limitless in .38 spcl and although some think the .38 spcl is dated, I would never feel under-gunned with one in my pocket.

I hope that helps a bit....and have fun on your search.
 
Wow! I really appreciate all the fast resplies. I used to carry a GLOCK 27 alot in a cheap IWB holster from Uncle Mike's which I felt pretty comfortable with. I was thinking some similar with a revolver but I would also be nice to have the option of pocket or ankle carry as well. I do not plan to shoot it a lot but I also do not want it to be so light it kills my hand when I do shoot it. I plan to load it with Speer Gold Dots, the 135 grain plus P rounds that came out last year. That is what I keep in my model 15. I am starting to think that a S&W model 37 or something similar might be what I need. Which models of Taurus should I be looking at to compare? Also, someone mentioned the Colt Detective Special; how big is it? As far as I can tell it looks about the same as the S&W J frames but it holds six rounds, right?

Again, thanks for your help.
 
The M37 (Chief's Special Lightweight) is a fine choice. But there are more modern designs that are just as light but DAO - without the hammer spur. I have M442; there are several choices in that family. The lack of the hammer spur makes drawing from concealment MUCH easier.
 
Colt Detective Special. 6 rounds .38 special



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An older model 60 (.38 special version) IS a stainless steel version of the venerable chief's special (M36). They can be found used in good shape for $225-$300. These are wonderful to shoot with standard pressure .38's and will hold up to occasional +P use. The model 640 .38 was not as common but can also still be found. The most noticable visual difference between the older J-38's and the current "J-magnums" is the shrouded ejectors on the newer ones. The current models 60 and 640 are made slightly bigger and heavier to withstand magnum use. They are not MUCH bigger and heavier but in a gun that size to begin with, the differences, to me at least, were significant, especially since my main "mission" for the j-frame was pocket carry. If you are going to carry OWB or IWB, you will not notice the difference between the current J-magnums or an older, steel, "J-.38" and the newer ones will allow you a wider mix of ammo options. (You don't have to shoot magnums in it.) If you will pocket carry, a 37, 637, 442, 642 aluminum snub will fit the bill nicely and are not unpleasant with standard pressure .38 loads. (Federal's standard pressure 110 gr Hydra-shok is a good one and not too nasty.)

Good Luck
 
I carry a model 36 in my right front jeans/kakies/slacks/whatever pocket all the time. Sometimes it seems to print, other times no. But it's quickly accessable.
 
I am thinking that the S&W 637 or 642 might be what I want. However, the Colt DS looks pretty darn nice too. How much should I expect to pay for any of these guns? I think the suggested retail for the two Smiths are around $450 or so.
 
CCW Revolver

Hi, I too was looking for a easy simple CCW for the pocket or the holster. Wanted .38 because this is for close encounters. Easy to carry in summer. Got a Colt D.S.II .38 SS 2" . Ordered a pair of Badger grips. This thing shoots great for Me , recoil is nothing . Goes bang every time . And I'm a sucker for SS . I would upload a photo , but according to the server Martinsburg, Wv is considered a foriegn country or something LOL LOL ...................WVleo
 
The Detective Special is a little bigger and heavier due to it's six shot cylinder and steel frame. I used to carry a much lighter Colt Cobra which is the same as the DS but with an alloy frame. I now have a Smith & Wesson 342 Airlight (11 or so ounces) .38 that is pretty much my exclusive front pocket gun. It's so light you literally forget it's in the pocket. Recoil is pretty snappy with defense loads but managable. Wadcutters are much easier on the hand for practice. I carry it in a cheapo Uncle Mike's pocket holster and it does not print at all due to the light weight.
 
You stated that you wanted a CCW for all seasons which I take to mean all modes of carry including pocket. If that is the case I strongly recommend the S&W Airweights, either the 642 or the 442. The model differences relate to the finish and these are as you probably already know have the concealed hammers making for easy pocket carry and draw.
 
Look at the Model 640 weighs 22 ozs. Help your Arthritis by the grip being different on the back of the weapon than a 36,37, or 60. Easy to carry and very popular for many reasons. Available in 357 which means 38+P+ works just great in them.

Actions are a bit rough but smooth out with practice.
 
Another for the 642

The 642 also gets my vote. It is super light (15oz) and easy to conceal. The recoil issue will have to be tested by you, but it dosen't bother me, not that I have arthritis. Just another 2 cent opinion.


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Prices....

I got my S&W mod 638 Bodyguard for $330 in good used condition. I paid $610 (whew!) for my Scandium 340SC.

I also owned a Taurus mod 85 Ultralite and you could probably find a good used mod 85 total titanium Taurus for a good price.

I have had excellent luck with used handguns and will probably never pay full new price again, if I can help it.
 
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