What do you carry?

[MikePGS]

I'm interested in possibly getting a revolver, but for some reason am under the impression that something like say a SP101 with a 3 inch barrel would be difficult to conceal. I'm also looking at the GP100, but again the same concern comes up. I know that many people here swear by the pocket pistol, but I feel that i'd be more comfortable with a .357 mag and with a 3 or even 4 inch barrel. I'm looking at the Summer Special holster, which seems to hold almost anything. So what i'm wondering is, what do you carry on average, and if you had it to do over again what one gun would you carry?

 

[straight-shooter]

I carry a S&W 649-5 all stainless 357 magnum snubby. I installed the Wolff spring kit and have total 100% confidence in this piece. I really like the body guard design with the top of the trigger exposed for single action or double action shooting.

 

[Rexster]

I don't know your build, or how you dress, so I can only go with my experiences as a slim-built guy with decently wide shoulders. I regularly conceal 2.25" SP101 snubbies, and a 4" Speed Six, usually using Milt Sparks PMK holsters for both. The Speed Six is similar in size to a fixed-sight GP100. I do have nylon IWB rigs for both sizes of revolvers, and both are easy to conceal that way. (The IWB rigs were made by Eagle Industries and are of a type no longer made.) I do have a Sparks Summer Special made for a Colt SAA, which works well, comfortable and concealable. The SAA is similar in size to a GP100, though smaller in the grip.

DawgFvr has posted photos of his customized 3" GP100 in various rigs, which should prove helpful. If he does not chime in here, do a search.

I have never thought of sixguns as difficult to conceal. I used to conceal my then-duty sixgun, a 4" S&W M58 .41 mag, an N-frame. Slightly oversized cover garments are one key to hiding big big guns.

 

[Stainz]

I carry one of the following every day. The top is a no longer available S&W 296 5-shot .44 Special AirLite I carry loaded with 200gr Gold Dot HPs, while the bottom is a 642, the same basic thing in .38 Special (See the '642 Club'.) carrying the 'FBI Load', 158gr LHPSWC +P. The bottom set of pix depict them in R. Mikas pocket holsters. The 642 fits any of my pants, while the 296 is too big for a few pair. The holster breaks up the 'print' of both in my pockets.





Stainz

 

[rbmcmjr]

Concealability is a question of size and clothing. I can routinely carry a 3.5" N-frame in an IWB holster, but I am a big guy (6'4", 285#) and can get away with it. If you are 5'2" and only weight 130#, you aren't going to be joining me.

 

[Oro]

Yep, one nice thing about rain in the Northwest much of the year is it makes it easy to conceal a 2.5" K frame .357mag, a 66 or 19. I prefer this gun for carry in most concealed situations. If I need lighter, I have a 2" model 60 J-frame.

I have done lots of comparisons with shooting RB S&Ws in snub barrles alongside their 4" brethren with square butts. A j is comfortable to shoot with +p .38s as long as you "grip" it right - I prefer round butt combat finger grooves. Ditto the snubbie k frame .357s - they are fine until you get to the big honkin' magnum rounds, then you get some slap vs. a 4" L frame.

Bottom line - snubbies rule. versatile, potent, concealable, controllable with some thought and practice.

 

[19-3Ben]

I carry an SP101 with a 3"bbl every single day from the time I wake up until i go to sleep. No problems with it at all with either my IWb or my belt holster.

 

[gggman]

I carry an SP101 under a sweater vest or an untucked shirt.

 

[Glock Holiday]

Kel-Tec P32 in the summer in a DeSantis sting front pocket holster.

S&W .38 Bodyguard in a Mika holster in the winter time or when I can wear a jacket.

 

[tblt]

taurus mod 85
I want to get a kel tec .380 also for the pocket

 

[MikePGS]

Ahhh i'm on the large size to, 6' 2" 270lbs (though trying to lose weight, of course). Thanks for the input so far, keep it coming please.

 

[rmarcustrucker]

mostly the middle one and far right. taurus 651 or xd45

 

[Phelptwan]

My daily

 

[LKB3rd]

When i carry a revolver i carry A Colt Detective Special in a DeSantis "speed scabbard."

 

[FullEffect1911]

I'm 6'3" about 210#. I started off with a gp100 w/ 3" barrel moved to a sig p220 then sig p226, and I am now going back to the gp100. I just feel more comfortable with revolvers for carry. A good holster is key (IWB for me). I am also going to be getting a DAO sp101 for pocket carry in the summer. I know, the sp101 is too big for the pocket... well I just have to disagree on that one

Anyway, you'll have no problem with the sp101.

 

[Phydeaux642]

I carry a S&W 642 in a Smartcarry or a Safariland pocket holster. I went with the 642 because of the weight. I had no desire to shoot .357 in an Airweight snubbie and I didn't want to get a heavier model in order to carry .357. So, I compromised and got the 642 with +p ammo. YMMV.

____________________

"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"

 

[rdrancher]

6'0" 210lbs here. Daily carry is a Ruger SP101 .357 / 2.25" barrel in a DM Bullard Dual Conceal Carry, or a 642-1 in the pocket, or both. The Ruger gets carried the most.

Would I get the 3" SP next time? Nope. But I think that either barrel length would do just fine.



rd

 

[RandomMan]

I've got on my hip right now a 4" Ruger GP100 (fixed sight model with smaller round butt grips) in a Rafter S IWB (modeled after the Sparks Summer Special). I am 5'6, 175 pounds (with some fair love handles), and have NO problem concealing this gun under a sweater, sweatshirt, untucked t-shirt, or polo. If I need an even lower profile, I have a Colt Agent with Eagle Secret Service grips, that I carry in a pocket or IWB as well.

Try and get a gun with round butt grips as they drastically help in concealing the profile of the gun. I have a square butt K-Frame that is identical in size to the GP100, but harder to conceal, due to the square butt.

-Rob

 

[MCgunner]

SP101 carries well IWB or in thunderwear, but it's certainly not a pocket gun for me, too heavy. It's compact and you barely notice it IWB, though, quite comfy. I have a Taurus M85UL that's a favorite and a few autos.

 

[RustyShackelford]

S&W model 638 38spl or Ruger SP-101 .357magnum DAonly

For your posted uses I'd check into a new S&W model .38spl 638 J frame or maybe the stainless steel .357mag model with the same format. These Jframe size revolvers conceal well and offer solid firepower for CC or protection.
The DA only Ruger SP-101 .357magnum is a great selection too. It was my 1st handgun buy in 1993. The Ruger weighs a lot compared to a J frame Smith or even a small Taurus but it has a proven record of use as a protection or outdoors sidearm.

For loads look into these choices;
.38spl: Speer Gold Dot 135gr JHP(bonded) +P or Corbon 110gr +P+ JHP or the BuffaloBore 158gr lead SWC HP +P, Glaser Silver Safety Slug.

.357magnum; 125gr JHP from either Federal or Remington Golden Saber. 135gr Speer Gold Dot .357magnum short barrel load. Glaser Silver Safety Slug-.357magnum.
All the best;
RS

 

[Marshall]

S&W Model 60 .357 Mag.

 

[The_Shootist]

Marshall...

...that revolver puts both my M85 and SP 101 to shame - i want one!

 

[TallPine]

I carry a 4" Security Six OWB every day. In the summer I often carry openly, but it doesn't take too much that nobody notices it - untucked shirt, vest, etc. That's assuming I'm not crawling on the ground under a truck or leaning over a fender under the hood. Even then it doesn't matter but it's probably a lot different where you are.

 

[Marshall]

Shootist, thank you. A little polish goes a long way.

 

[Glock Holiday]

S&W .38 Bodyguard in one of Mika's holsters.