Having an identity crisis...

[g_one]

I've always appreciated revolvers for their styling, function, and design. It all started when I inherited my dad's Dan Wesson 6" model 14. But even though I like revolvers, all of my carry and defense guns have been semi autos - over the years a 9mm here, a 45 there, even a 380 in the mix.

But lately, I've really been feeling the wheel gun fever. I think I'm going to sell my LCP in favor of a j frame, and come tax season look for a slightly larger for IWB. The Ruger SP101 looks good, and some of the S&W k frames. Is a 4" barrel going to be too long for IWB? Does it pay to shoot 357 out of a 3" or would I be just as well off with 38+p in 3"?

 

[horsemen61]

I don't think that a four inch barrel is to long for iwb carry that's up to you to decide.

 

[Walkalong]

Having an identity crisis...

I have been through this, but eventually learned to love both equally at the same time.

 

[Hondo 60]

The only way to know if a 4" is too long is to try it.
For me, yes it is too long, but that's for you to decide.

It's a nice dilemma to have.

Good luck & have fun.

 

[LAGS]

You can get a 3" .357 and still shoot .38 +P's out of it if you dont like the recoil and blast of the .357 loads.
But when you need to load for Bear so to speak, then the revolver is there to handle it.
The .357 3" isn't that much bigger than most of the standard .38's

 

[Rule3]

I really like revolvers, tend to collect or accumulate them. For a defensive gun I find no real advantage of the 357 Mag in a short barrel or snubby. The new ammo today or if you load your own, the 38 +P is more than sufficient. The blast and flash of a 357 Mag is brutal in a small revolver and getting off an accurate second shot take a lot of training and practice, Consider most SD situations are up close 10 feet or so, the slight increase in FPS for the 357 Mag is not gaining much.

Why SW no longer makes a 44 Spl snub is beyond me. That leaves Charter and Taurus which ain't happening with me.

The Ruger SP101 is a great gun, will handle the 357 but is like carrying a brick.

The SW 442 and 642 with Short barrel +P ammo is a popular carry gun.

Good luck on your search.

 

[Revolver Ocelot]

I ccw a 4" revolver from time to time, but more often than not I carry my 3" sp101. It's all in how you do it I suppose.

 

[98Redline]

Don't unload your LCP in lieu of something else. Spend some extra time and save up a little more and add another gun.

While I don't daily carry my LCP I have it around for those times when a more full size CCW is simply not in the cards. I have plenty of other guns that could get a turn at the CCW rotation but if my 4" 1911 is not being carried, it is my LCP.

I think you may find, as I did that the flat profile of the semis tends to be more comfortable than even the 5 shot cylinder of something like an SP-101 (got one of those too). It seems that the cylinder was always either printing (pocket carry) or was digging into my side. My semis don't seem to do that.

And just for the record, I am a definite wheel gun addict. I have more revolvers than any other type of gun.

 

[Hardtarget]

I carried a Colt diamond back with a 4" barrel IWB...worked fine. I am currently carrying a S&W semi (dao) with a three inch...same way.

Mark

 

[PabloJ]

The 3" barreled revolver is neither fish nor fowl. The barrel is too long for ankle carry, suitable waist holster more difficult to find plus there is extra blast with full loads. I would get 2" for .38 and 4" for .357.

 

[Hometeached1]

I love my 642 for pocket carry even with the bigger pachmayr grips on it. Always rides in a blackhawk size 3 pocket holster.

 

[HexHead]

When it comes to pocket holsters, you can't beat a Mika pocket holster.

 

[Sam Cade]

Having an identity crisis...

My advice, to be taken with a grain of salt:

Don't tie your sense of identity to the ownership any object, especially a weapon.


When choosing a defensive firearm, carry the weapon that you are able to wield with the greatest proficiency that will fit within your personal carry envelope.
Be harsh and be honest in your evaluation of yourself and your weapons.

 

[Deaf Smith]

g_one,

You need to look around HARD. Hard and careful.

Might spot some like the ones above.

Deaf

 

[Hometeached1]

Deaf smith, why do you have to keep posting that picture? Every time I see it, I start trying to figure out how I can get a 3" sp101 or S&W 2.5/3" k-frame in .357!

 

[pendennis]

The main concern for the wheel gun, is not so much the barrel length, but the total width of the weapon. The cylinder, whether five or six rounds makes a wheel gun wider than most semiautomatics. That can be a consideration for carry, especially IWB.

That stated, I have carried a S&W 325NG, a 4" Colt Python, and a 3" S&W Model 65. It really depends on how you feel when you carry a revolver. The most important factor is to be comfortable with whatever you carry, and practice the draw as much as possible.

The barrel length is not as much of an issue, either. I know lots of folks who carry full-sized 1911's, and that's a five inch barrel. I carry a 4" LWT Commander, but have also carried a Government Model size.

 

[F-111 John]

The cylinder, whether four or five rounds makes a wheel gun wider than most semiautomatics. That can be a consideration for carry, especially IWB.

I'm sure you meant five or six rounds, not four or five, but I have to disagree with you in either case.

My two carry guns are a Glock 26 and a S&W J-Frame Model 60. Yes, the M60 is wider, but only at a single point. And it isn't a 'point,' but is the rounded cylinder which hides easily under the belt. I find that IWB is easier with that single point being wider, than my Glock which is narrower, but narrower along a longer swath of beltline, if you catch my drift.

 

[pendennis]

I'm sure you meant five or six rounds, not four or five, but I have to disagree with you in either case.

My two carry guns are a Glock 26 and a S&W J-Frame Model 60. Yes, the M60 is wider, but only at a single point. And it isn't a 'point,' but is the rounded cylinder which hides easily under the belt. I find that IWB is easier with that single point being wider, than my Glock which is narrower, but narrower along a longer swath of beltline, if you catch my drift.

Thanks for the catch. I meant "five or six".

Larger frames such as Colt I's, and S&W K's and N's are a bit bulky for IWB. I've tried both sizes with a variety of IWB holsters, but I never developed a liking for them. S&W J's and Colt D's are a different story, though. Overall weight seems to be the tipping point.

 

[PabloJ]

I've always appreciated revolvers for their styling, function, and design. It all started when I inherited my dad's Dan Wesson 6" model 14. But even though I like revolvers, all of my carry and defense guns have been semi autos - over the years a 9mm here, a 45 there, even a 380 in the mix.

But lately, I've really been feeling the wheel gun fever. I think I'm going to sell my LCP in favor of a j frame, and come tax season look for a slightly larger for IWB. The Ruger SP101 looks good, and some of the S&W k frames. Is a 4" barrel going to be too long for IWB? Does it pay to shoot 357 out of a 3" or would I be just as well off with 38+p in 3"?

Not identity crisis. People with identity crisis end up with Chiappa 'Rhino'.

 

[TomJones]

My Carry is a SP101 3"

I have and carry the Ruger SP101 3" in 357. I carry it with 357 in it. I love this gun. It feels perfect in my hand. I did get the hogue grips which are IMO better than the factory one. I take it to the range frequently and shoot Hot Loaded (NOT ABOVE SAMMI) 357 loads and it's no real problem. It's Heavy, Durable and a for me a perfect carry gun. You have to decide for yourself. Borrow one from a friend and try it to see if it works for you. It is a slight bit harder to conceal than the XDs I also carry. Something about my stomach getting in the way I think. JMTCW.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Deaf smith, why do you have to keep posting that picture? Every time I see it, I start trying to figure out how I can get a 3" sp101 or S&W 2.5/3" k-frame in .357!

Cause I am trying to encourage people here to save their money and search for a true quality gun. A gun you can use and hand down to your posterity. One that can go on many adventures with you and, in your old age, have many tales to tell. You don't need a passel of them. In fact having to many can get in the way of your adventures as you have to pick and choose all the time (actually I use only a few of the guns shown.)

These two guns of mine have many tells to tell.

And even now, this one below is starting to have such a history with me.

Deaf

 

[g_one]

Don't tie your sense of identity to the ownership any object, especially a weapon.

Well said, and I couldn't agree more. I guess identity crisis was perhaps too strong of a phrase to use, but I've definitely got the wheelgun fever lately.

Are those the 'Secret Service' grips from Eagle Grips? I saw those when I was window shopping online. I'm assuming since you have so many of them they must be effective - have you ever tried the Badger Grips? I'm curious to see how they stack up against each other

 

[Deaf Smith]

Yes they are Eagle Secret Service grips.

And yes they work very well for me (I have small hands.)

I have heard of Badger grips and they do look mighty good (so do Ahrends.)

I have no doubt they will work fine.

In fact, the S&W 65 'ladysmith', in the photo I posted earlier, I intend on getting Ahrends to replace those Rogers grips I have on them.

Deaf