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My preference in a revolver for carry is a Model 38 carried in a pocket holster. I like the Bodyguard style frame, others prefer the Centennial style. Either is snagless out of a pocket. There are excellent reasons why the S&W J Frame in a pocket is a valid and tactically sound choice for concealed carry.
Smith & Wesson makes a modern version of the Model 38 in the Model 438. The street price of a used Model 38, Model 49, or Model 649 usually runs around $300. The Model 438 sells new for around $500.
I bought a S&W Lady Smith 357 mag a while back for my wife. I've been carrying it a lot lately. The smooth wood grips are great for concealed carry. Never snag on clothes and don't print. I like them much better than the grips on my standard model 60. I suppose I could get new grips but I haven't gotten around to that yet.
Great summation. I also would not overlook the basic/classic 2" 36/60 in the J frame. A thumb on the hammer makes it no-snag on a draw, no need for a bulky extra frame metal.
A 2.5" 19 or 66 makes a great gun for when you have more clothes/untucked shirt option. But I would never feel like a 5-shot J frame with reliable .38 rounds is "too little" gun.
The very first concept to remember is that a CCW does you little good left at home or in the car. You must carry it 24/7 for it to be effective.
I have a 296, five shot hammerless AirLite .44 Special, which I put comfortable grips on. I bought it six years ago to replace a pair of less than reliable AMT DAO .45 ACP Backups. I carried it in an OWB pancake holster - very infrequently. One day, I 'saw the light' - and ordered a Robert Mika pocket holster for it and a 642. The 296, with it's boot grip, would fit about 75% of my britches front pocket. I bought a LNIB 642 for that other Mika holster - that combo fits every pants pocket - and is my suggestion.
The 5-shot .38 Special +P hammerless is all you need. It retrieves quickly, cleanly, and easily from your pocket, leaving that Mika pocket holster in your pocket. Great carry combo - and easily a 24/7 carry, too. The Speer +P 135gr Gold Dots, made for snubbies, is reportedly efficient. My choice is the 'old FBI load' - the +P 158gr LHPSWC.
Remember - if you don't carry it often due to it's size/holster - you likely won't have it when you need it.
I like all the S&W J frame revolvers. My favorite frame is the Bodyguard but the Centennial and Chief's Special frames have their place too. I own 4 J frames and carry them all at one time or another. (sometimes 2 at a time)
I stuck a 10 1/2" barrel Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 down my shorts the other day, since my wife was asking the same question about CCW. She didn't know it was there until I pulled it out, and of course we both laughed.
It was completely concealable, but it kind of obstructed my normal stride. And it took me a long time to draw it from concealment...
So I would recommend something with a barrel length somewhat less than 10 1/2".
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