What is a good "ALL THE TIME" HD Carry gun?

[Fat Boy]

I have been researching a carry gun for home defense. I recently read a couple of posts about carrying at home, carrying all the time, as opposed to having a gun near the bed at night. After thinking about it, I began to see the value of this process, what with criminals actually forcing a door open and literally rushing in...not much time to go to the safe or nightstand and retrieve the weapon of choice.

So, I began thinking about what gun I would carry at home all the time I thought about a NAA mini-revolver in 22mag; actually a bit hard to manage in my hands (I am 6'2" x 346 lbs). I thought about a snub-nose 38 special, maybe a S&W 36 or 60, or a Colt Detective special, or Ruger sp101- or S&W Model 19 with a short barrel, although many of these seem pretty large for pocket carry. NOTE: I am not adverse to semi-auto's; However, I have a concern about a situation in which I might need to fire one through my pocket; so I am partial to revolvers-

The issue comes to this; what revolver is lightweight enough to carry in a pocket and NOT pull down the trousers, sweat pants, shorts, etc, yet sturdy enough to handle a lifetime of shooting? I am leaning towards a S&W snub, maybe even a lightweight, but want to make sure I have considered all the options...

Thanks!

 

[schultzie]

The 642 is a great pocket gun, but I seriously question my ability to draw it from my pocket and fire. I have no experiance firing from inside the pocket as my range budget cannot (yet) include a disposable wardrobe.

Remember that most home invasions that I am aware of involve multiple assailants -- kind of like a bad guy entry team. If you fire from inside a pocket you will likely ignite one very field-expedient tinder -- pocket lint. I can only imagine that the other bad guys might consider a hasty retreat if the would-be victim shot one of them while simultaneously setting himself on fire and charged the others

Maybe something in either an inside the waistband holster or a hip-grip. While I have yet to try a hip-grip, it seems that an airweight tucked inside sweatpants or shorts might be very convenient and much easier to draw than one stowed in the pocket.

Good Luck,

Rich

 

[FranklyTodd]

Check out the M&P340. Pocket carry every day all day - love it.

 

[DMK]

Mine's an S&W 642. It's so light I forget it's in my front pocket. I also have a Keltec P32, but I hardly ever carry it.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Option B; guns stashed all over the place. Doesn't work if you have little ones, but for the rest of us it is a viable option, rather than a mousegun in our bathrobe or jammies.

 

[GaryP]

Ruger SP101 in .357 Mag! It will out last you. The trouser issue is best resolved by wearing a belt.

 

[XavierBreath]

S&W Model 38

 

[kb2iaw]

Suspenders

fatboy, you have to really consider suspenders ,i dont weigh as much as you but i do have a built in (kangaroo pouch ) . Ive tried all kind of suspenders ,most are useless and become un clasped . You may need the type with buttons sewn inside the waist band ,they are unseen and work the best ,with a wide button down suspender . You can then add a belt if you wish and try a holster in the pants or out with a cover shirt . either way you will be most comfortable and secure . Try it on one pair of pants .its worth it for the comfort and securety .

 

[slow944]

When I'm at home I carry either a Ruger Security-Six in 357 or I carry a S&W Model 669 in 9mm. Both guns have enough stopping power and from reading the Civilian Self Defence Gun Blog most of the time the BG's retreat with any sign of resistance, but not always. Thats why I advocate fireing until the threat stops. Get a good leather holster and a good at least 2" wide leather belt, thats what works for me as I'm only 5' 8" and pushing the deuce. When I can't carry either of these guns ,like with shorts, I carry a Kel-Tec P3AT in a De Santis Nemesis pocket holster. Most of the time if we're out and about my wife doesn't even know if I'm carrying or not. If she says anything about the bulge I just tell her that I'm glad to see her.

 

[slow944]

When I'm at home I carry either a Ruger Security-Six in 357 or I carry a S&W Model 669 in 9mm. Both guns have enough stopping power and from reading the Civilian Self Defence Gun Blog most of the time the BG's retreat with any sign of resistance, but not always. Thats why I advocate fireing until the threat stops. Get a good leather holster and a good at least 2" wide leather belt, thats what works for me as I'm only 5' 8" and pushing the deuce. When I can't carry either of these guns ,like with shorts, I carry a Kel-Tec P3AT in a De Santis Nemesis pocket holster. Most of the time if we're out and about my wife doesn't even know if I'm carrying or not. If she says anything about the bulge I just tell her that I'm glad to see her.

 

[TimboKhan]

Fat boy, I weigh MORE than you do (6'1, 410), and I carry a Taurus 605. It's a bit heavy, but I can carry it IWB all day long comfortably and it doesn't adversely affect my waist/pants continuum.

 

[dbarale]

Light, hamerless J frame or equivalent.
The S&W 642 comes to mind...

 

[Brian Williams]

I really like a 642 for dropping in my pocket, but lately it has been a S&W 36 3".

 

[leadcounsel]

Try using an OWB with a service sized pistol, holster and a belt. You'll forget it's there.

 

[chris in va]

Definitely an SP101 2". I'll second the OWB holster, really makes it manageable. I have the 3" but it's a little long for the gun's actual purpose IMO. Doesn't mean I'm gonna sell it though.

I also have an old model 36 but if someone's busting in my door while I'm sitting in my La-Z-Boy watching TruTV I'd rather have 357 instead of 38 if I can help it. Again, doesn't mean I'm gonna sell the 36.