Concealibility: 5-shot or 6-shot snubby?

[honkeoki]

Hello, all --

I recently sold my Kahr PM9 because I wasn't satisfied with its reliability. I'm looking for a .38 snubby for pocket carry -- either a Colt Detective Special or a S&W Bodyguard or Centennial.

Here's my question -- does the 6th shot affect concealibility? Is it a weight issue or a pocket-bulging-too-far-out issue?

Thanks in advance for opinions. (Any recommendations for snubbies also appreciated.)

Best,
George

 

[Jim Watson]

A Cobra with a hammer shroud is about as big a gun as I would pocket carry. What I DO pocket carry is an M38 Airweight Bodyguard.

All-steel guns like a Detective Special or a steel J-frame are too heavy; just as well wear a holster and a bigger gun.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I carry a Detective Special at times in my pocket. The Cobra is simply a version of the DS -- cylinders are the same size.

If you intend to pocket carry, a shroud might help -- or simply practicing with presenting the gun. When I carry the DS, I use a kerchief as a cushion to adjust the position of the gun and break up the outline. When presenting, I put my thumb on the hammer spur to prevent snagging.

I don't think the DS gives up anything to any 5-shot in concealability.

 

[Yanus]

I don't like pocket carry with revolvers due to picking up lent or leaking gun oil into the pocket. The latter can be embarrassing! ( makes you look like you had an "accident".........)

Get a holster and be safe........ and faster on the draw........

Yanus

 

[dgludwig]

5 shot/ 6shot snubbies

Everything else being equal (i.e., not comparing an S&W L-frame, 5 shot 44Spec. with a Colt Cobra 6 shot), the 5 shot (J-frame size) revolvers will ALWAYS be more compact and, therefore more concealable than their 6 shot counterparts.

Of course, compactness might not be the most important factor in choosing a pistol to conceal. Considerations of power (cal., velocity, bullet weight, etc.), ammo capacity, ergonomics, weight of the pistol among other things, may well be more important questions. Otherwise, a derringer would always be the carry weapon of choice...

 

[GrandmasterB]

The Colt Detective Special/Agent/Cobra revolvers are almost as small as a j frame and you get the 6th shot. I find they are no harder to conceal in a pocket in terms of size, but the hammer spur can hang up on the draw compared to the hammerless j frames. The solution is a bobbed hammer spur or a shroud.

The biggest deal for me and revolver pocket carry is weight. The Detective Special is just too heavy for me. The Cobra is much better, but still heavier than the "Airweight" Smiths, due to the steel cylinder and barrel where some of the Smiths are made of lighter materials (scandium, titanium, etc.)

I just like the Colts. I just picked up a Cobra.

 

[Frandy]

Generally, the answer is yes because (obviously), the 5-shot has a smaller diameter cylinder. I'd sell you my 642 in a Mika, perfect for the pocket (IMO), but I just sold it on the board...

Oh, and no lint...no snags, and no leaks!

 

[surfinUSA]

I always carried a Colt Agent in my pocket now I carry a S&W 642. The agent was too nice to be bouncing around a police evidence room in the event I had to use it. The little Smith disappears you don't even know its there.

 

[dinosaur]

I carried a Colt D/S for years but it's too heavy for pocket carry. I needed a pocket gun for the house so I bought a S&W 642. I also CCW it in the hot weather such as right now! Ugh.

 

[Majic]

For the slight difference in size I go with the Colt Cobra with the sixth shot. I can also shoot it better than the lightweight J-frames.

 

[denfoote]

Hog flooey!!!

I conceal this...




...in this!!!!





N-frame 28-2 carried in a DeSantis #2, covered by a loose t-shirt!!!!

 

[TABING]

Check out a Ruger SP101,

 

[DHart]

Best pocket carry gun I know of is the 642-1.

But when I can use a holster, the DS is a dream of a revolver... I totally love the 3rd/4th issus Detective Specials.

Of course at that point (holster carry), the 640-1 is a viable, powerful, and generally superb carry gun.

 

[dgludwig]

Best Snubbie For?

DHart: Looks like you have found the answer-own all three!

But if you could only choose one and you opted for a J-Frame because you wanted maximum concealability, the choice becomes do you prioritize ease of carry or optimum shootability?

Everything being equal, no matter what carry system is used, the 642 will always be the easiest to tote. And no matter how much one practices, the 640 will always be the most shootable. The Law of Reciprocity rules! What more weight gives, less weight takes away and vice-versa.

Personally, if I were to consider carrying a revolver the size of a Detective Special (see above for weight issues between a DS and a Cobra!), I would give thought to having a Taurus 2 1/2" snubbie in .41 Mag. cal.; forsaking the extra .38 round provided by the Colt in exchange for the extra power the .41 affords. Of course, I'm still left with deciding between a Taurus having a steel or titanium frame!

Once again, like so many other things in life, most choices are personal in nature and almost always involve compromise. Be glad and grateful for our American way of life. Others should be so lucky to be able to give these matters such import.

 

[DHart]

dgludwig.... so, so, very true.... every choice we make in life involves giving something up to get something else... the hard part is figuring out what we're willing to give up for what we get! Ain't no free lunch, no way! :banghead: