New, and have a couple of questions.

[iracodypatterson]

Hello, how is everyone this evening? I'm new here, and I'd first like to say that I am very happy to have finally found a place like this. My name is Ira Cody Patterson, and I'm a 20-year-old college student that enjoys shooting and firearms (I don't think I'd be here if I didn't). I look forward to being a part of this organization.

Anyway, I turn 21 in a matter of months and have started looking at the small frame revolvers for concealed carrying (for after I get my permit of course). I was just wondering what everyone recommends, suggests, and thinks. The only things that I think really needs to be kept in mind is that I'm not a big guy myself (5'6" 135 pounds) and I am very found of the performance of the .357 magnum.

Does anybody own, or have shot a Uberit Top-Break revolver? If so, what caliber and what did you think of it?

Lastly, any recommendations on a .357 magnum “cowboy style” lever action rifle? I have a friend down here and he strongly recommends the Puma M92. Also, if possible, I’d like to find on that matches the finish of the Uberti Cattleman (the cheapest one, that is flat black with unpolished brass) but that is a minor detail.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance for ANY information.
Have a good evening.
Ira “Calico” Cody Patterson,

 

[FrogClan]

I think you have a good pick with the .357 -- it is my caliber of choice.

The only complaint I've heard about the Puma 92 is that some of them have trouble handling anything other than full size (factory) .357 cartridges. If that is all you intend to use it for, no problem, but lots of folks like to 'downsize' to .38 special. The slight difference in overall length gives some lever guns trouble.

I have an EMF-Hartford '92. It handles both the .357 and .38 special equally well. Link here:

http://www.emf-company.com/1892-winchester-rifle-carbine.htm

 

[Valkman]

Welcome Ira, this is a neat place.

I like .357 but carry .45acp and keep a snubby with .357 in my truck. I just think there's better calibers for carry but find what you like and practice with it! How comfortable you are with it is all that matters.

 

[AStone]

Hey Ira,

Welcome to THR. In case you haven't heard, newbies by the rnds.
(I'll take a Mojito with expensive rum, por favor).

OK, to your question about "small frame revolvers for concealed carrying".

There's at least a few of us in here that think the SW 642 is ideal for what you seek. (BTW, that's one of the longest running threads in this entire forum, so it may take you a while to digest it. Happy reading.

Have fun in here. Recommendation: stay out of L&P until you're ready for intellectual combat.

Nem (who owns a 642, and will soon put larger grips on it than what came with it, and loads it with 135 gr)

 

[lionking]

welcome,Im fairly new at the forum also.Wont comment on choices on a carry weapon since I rarely do and best to hear advice from others about that but as far as the lever action,I once would have said Winchester but forget about that now too overpriced so I say Marlin 1894c

cheers,whoops mistyped the numbers

 

[Dionysusigma]

I turn 21 in a matter of months and have started looking at the small frame revolvers for concealed carrying. I was just wondering what everyone recommends, suggests, and thinks. The only things that I think really need to be kept in mind is that I'm not a big guy myself (5'6" 135 pounds) and I am very found of the performance of the .357 magnum.

My recommendation would be a Taurus 650B or 650 SS. They're small revolvers in a double-action only (DAO) format, and are commonly called "hammerless" (although the hammer's actually inside the frame), which I personally like because there's no hammer to get snagged on anything, and nothing that collects lint. They're both chambered in .357, and usually go for ~$300. Only difference between the two is material (blued steel or stainless). I want a blued one for myself, in fact.

Hope this helps...

 

[El Tejon]

Welcome to THR.

Everyone wants to carry a small gun, but when it comes time to shoot, everyone wants a big gun. Carrying big pistols is a matter of education. Learn the gear that will allow you to carry big pistols.

 

[kansas45]

What El Tejon said +1.
And,
Welcome to the forum. I've found answers here for almost everything!
(well, gun related of course)

 

[ARTiger]

For a first carry gun that's easy to shoot well with I'd recommend a Ruger GP 100 with a 4" barrel. If that's too big for you, look at the Ruger SP01 with at least a 3" barrel. Snubbies are good for concealment but hard for a new shooter to get accurate with. The inch or two in extra barrel really doesn't affect concealability that much since it's the frame and cylinder size that's hardest to hide.

Also, Marlin makes a might fine lever gun (1894) that like both .357's and .38's.

 

[Deer Hunter]

I'm biased, because I'm a huge S&W fan. But, I would pick up a Model 19.

 

[iracodypatterson]

I have a Ruger GP100 with a 6" barrel and I love it. However, for the concealed carrying, I'd like something much smaller, even smaller than the Ruger SP. I don't need this firearm to be an everything firearm, I have plenty as it is. All I am looking for is something to carry concealed, period. I thought about the sub-compact semi-autos, and that's what I was looking at first but all of them I've held have been too bulky. That, and I just like revolvers because they're (for the most part) idiot proof.

Thank you again for all your help, I do appreciate it.
Ira Cody Patterson,

 

[El Tejon]

Ira, lots of people here (yours truly included) and I am certain many in Utah carry 1911s concealed. Why not ask at the gun shoppe or range what rigs they use so you can carry big guns too.

BTW, if you want to start carrying, first get a big cardboard box!

 

[FrogClan]

I just like revolvers ...

If you are looking for a revolver smaller than Ruger's SP you should take a look at S&W's model 637 and the 642. As much as I like the .357 cartridge, the S&W 637 in .38 special is the gun that is on me 80% of the time. Small and light, it is easy to carry and stays out of the way until needed. When I do need it, I usually have need for a carefully aimed second shot so prefer the exposed hammer and single action capability of the model 637. I usually carry exposed in a thumb break holster so getting the hammer snagged on clothing is not an issue. Since those factors are probably not relevant in your case, that S&W 642 might be a good choice. The Taurus 650 (recommended above) is essentially the same gun at a lower cost, but is available in .357 as well as .38. Stainless is the way to go in either case.

S&W 637

S&W 642

 

[iracodypatterson]

Thanks for all the great advice; I appreciate it. It was the Taurus that I held that got me set on the compactness of the revolver over a semi-auto (the one I held was the exposed hammer one too). I've been really leaning towards it since I held it, but like to see how other things are and see what other people think before I make my final decision.

The biggest reason I'm not considering a full-size firearm to carry is school... I go to two different colleges and firearms are not allowed on the grounds (even if you have a concealed permit). However, I want to be able to protect myself in case I get jumped again (I figure I was lucky the first time). I'd rather suffer the repercussions of having a firearm on school property and be able to protect myself rather than having myself, or worse yet, a loved one with me ending up hurt or dead because I could do nothing. We do have security guards; however, about all they can "secure" is parking tickets on vehicles for being parked in a parking lot that does not match the tag on the vehicle…

Anyway, thank you again to everyone for your great advice, I truly do appreciate it.

 

[gunsmith]

I'm a former security guard

for the most part we can't protect you...

I like the sp101 myself...anyway, welcome to the finest forum on the net.
ohhh yeaaah...I'll take an ice coffee please!