Carry Revolver? - The Firearms Forum

Slimslam · 01-24-2004, 09:54 AM

I am taking the CCW (CPL in Michigan) class in Feb. Currently, I own a S & W Model 586 w/ 8 3/8" bbl. I am interested in carrying a revolver to start. Help me narrow my choices down to a couple of models, including maximum barrel length, hammer/hammerless, etc... thanks
SS

Shooter45 · 01-24-2004, 06:32 PM

That 's a loooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggg barrel for a carry revolver. I would never carry a revolver with a barrel longer than 2 1/2". Several Smiths will fill your need. Also check out the Ruger SP-101 or GP-100.

When I must carry a revolver, it's an old Colt Cobra.

merc · 01-24-2004, 07:24 PM

there are just too many fine revolvers out there to suggest just one.
So I will tell you about mine.
I have a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 special.
It is a pretty good compromise.
Plenty of power--no frills--and light

Marlin · 01-24-2004, 07:26 PM

I'll stick with my Smith Model 60. Use it, still, as a back-up. Regular carry either a Browning Hi-Power or a 1911.

01-25-2004, 06:22 AM

I've been carrying a S&W model 60 for years, for a back-up and/or depending on the conditions, a shoulder holster with 2 speed loaders, belt holster or mostly ankle holster.
No one will ever know you have it with you.

Slimslam · 01-25-2004, 06:43 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone...incidentally shooter45, I never intended to carry the model 586 with the 8" bbl. I just mentioned that this is what I currently own (for target shooting and/or home defense), as I do not have my CCW yet. (Well, I know what yer thinkin'...)

I understand that it will be at least a six month wait before I'm issued my license to carry.

I'm leaning toward a .38 revolver with a 4 inch barrel. What is the best finish in a revolver to carry? Stainless? Blue? Nickel?
Appreciate the advice..
SS

Marlin · 01-25-2004, 09:26 AM

If you do as I, Slim, that is carry on the ankle like Ziggy, stainless is a must since the salt will do terrible things to blueing. I did terrible things to an early 2" Chief's Special back in the 60s before I realized that.

pickenup · 01-25-2004, 01:34 PM

I use the 357 SP-101 stainless 2 1/2 bbl.
Why 6 months?

BlkHawk73 · 01-25-2004, 07:53 PM

I agree that there's just too many choices in this category to narrow it down w/o checking them them personally. see what fits you best. And don't skimp the the holster either!
That said, I carry a Ruger SP101 in .357 magnum with a 2 1/4" bbl w/ a hammer. I gets carried in a Mitch Rosen "Workman" holster on a Rosen belt. Great combo for me.

Slimslam · 01-26-2004, 05:25 AM

Thanks for the suggestions!
pickenup: I live in Wayne County (Detroit area). They are slow in processing permits, I guess. ("bureaucracy", no doubt).
ss

Shooter45 · 01-26-2004, 06:33 AM

Slim, I knew you didn't plain on carrying that long barreled revolver. Just my attempt at humor.

45Smashemflat · 01-26-2004, 07:13 AM

J Frame Smith on an ankle rig by Ken Null. Has hammer, but its been bobbed off - best of both worlds to me. Also does duty in a pocket holster by Kramer. Two speed strips for reloads. No, not as fast as HKS speed loaders - I have those too - but the speed strips are much easier to conceal. Just one guy's 0.02

45Smashemflat · 01-26-2004, 07:15 AM

Oh, forgot about the other question - its a Ti model, Al frame. No issues with rust and such. I like the look of blued - but appreciate the durability of other metals. One tactical consideration - Blued doesn't flash like stainless. If you go stainless, you might consider a matte or beadblasted finish. I really wish Ruger would make a 101 with that "Target Grey" finish.

Tony Mig · 01-27-2004, 07:16 PM

Living in the northern part of the country, and assuming you normally wear a coat except for the couple of months it's actually hot out, I'd think a 4" wheel gun wouldn't be too hard to hide. But a 3" would probably be better.

Woodman · 01-28-2004, 01:59 AM

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firear...=famid&famid=9

These are the Rugers the guys are talking about. I have a '101 (KSP-321XL) with the bob'd hammer and 2.25" barrel waiting to DROS; I hear guys say they would prefer the 3", but some swear by the 2.25".

I still can't figure out how one would carry a .45 and dress "slim", so I stick with something small that's really accurate.

Slimslam · 01-28-2004, 06:05 AM

Great advice and suggestions! Hey shooter45, I suppose in the winter I could carry my 8 inch, .357 concealed....(hehehe..).

Now, some are carryin' with a hammer...what are the pros & cons of hammer and no hammer? SS

45Smashemflat · 01-28-2004, 06:56 AM

Well, there's lots of differing opinions on that. First, there are "hammerless" revolvers, like the S&W Centinneal (sp?) which have the hammer completely encased. These offer no option of a single action shot, but are absolutely snagless. Easy to draw from a pocket or other deep concealment.

Then there are the bobbed hammers, like the Rugers. They are real snagless too, but offer a way to go single action by pulling the trigger a bit, catching the hammer with your thumb and finishing the single action cock that way. I created this same set up with my Smith by lopping off the thump rest on the hammer and checkering the very top of the spur for a more postivie grip for thumb cocking.

It just depends on if you think the single action need is important. Oh, the completely encased versions also offer a bit more resistance to crud getting in the action when carried in lint filled pockets or jackets.

Xracer · 01-28-2004, 08:46 AM

If you're looking for a concealeable wheelgun in a real man-stopping caliber, you might consider the Charter Arms Bulldog:
http://www.charterfirearms.com/bulldog.php

My personal hot-weather carry gun is an old shroud-hammer S&W Model 49 in .38 Special. The newer ones are stainless steel and are also available in .357 Magnum: http://firearms.smith-wesson.com/sto...sw_activeTab=1

01-24-2004, 09:54 AM	#1
Slimslam V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 124	Carry Revolver? I am taking the CCW (CPL in Michigan) class in Feb. Currently, I own a S & W Model 586 w/ 8 3/8" bbl. I am interested in carrying a revolver to start. Help me narrow my choices down to a couple of models, including maximum barrel length, hammer/hammerless, etc... thanks SS __________________ All Rights Reserved c. 1791 -->

01-24-2004, 07:24 PM	#3
merc V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pelham, NH Posts: 309	there are just too many fine revolvers out there to suggest just one. So I will tell you about mine. I have a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 special. It is a pretty good compromise. Plenty of power--no frills--and light __________________ Merc Living without Liberty is not Living

01-24-2004, 07:26 PM	#4
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,854	I'll stick with my Smith Model 60. Use it, still, as a back-up. Regular carry either a Browning Hi-Power or a 1911. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

01-25-2004, 06:43 AM	#6
Slimslam V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 124	Carry... Thanks for the replies everyone...incidentally shooter45, I never intended to carry the model 586 with the 8" bbl. I just mentioned that this is what I currently own (for target shooting and/or home defense), as I do not have my CCW yet. (Well, I know what yer thinkin'...) I understand that it will be at least a six month wait before I'm issued my license to carry. I'm leaning toward a .38 revolver with a 4 inch barrel. What is the best finish in a revolver to carry? Stainless? Blue? Nickel? Appreciate the advice.. SS __________________ All Rights Reserved c. 1791 Last edited by Slimslam; 01-25-2004 at 06:45 AM..

01-25-2004, 09:26 AM	#7
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,854	If you do as I, Slim, that is carry on the ankle like Ziggy, stainless is a must since the salt will do terrible things to blueing. I did terrible things to an early 2" Chief's Special back in the 60s before I realized that. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

01-24-2004, 06:32 PM	#2
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,790	That 's a loooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggg barrel for a carry revolver. I would never carry a revolver with a barrel longer than 2 1/2". Several Smiths will fill your need. Also check out the Ruger SP-101 or GP-100. When I must carry a revolver, it's an old Colt Cobra.

01-25-2004, 06:22 AM	#5
Zigzag2 Adnanced Senior Member Posts: n/a	I've been carrying a S&W model 60 for years, for a back-up and/or depending on the conditions, a shoulder holster with 2 speed loaders, belt holster or mostly ankle holster. No one will ever know you have it with you.

01-25-2004, 01:34 PM	#8
pickenup Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 6,841	I use the 357 SP-101 stainless 2 1/2 bbl. Why 6 months? __________________ The gene pool needs chlorine

01-25-2004, 07:53 PM	#9
BlkHawk73 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Maine Posts: 292	I agree that there's just too many choices in this category to narrow it down w/o checking them them personally. see what fits you best. And don't skimp the the holster either! That said, I carry a Ruger SP101 in .357 magnum with a 2 1/4" bbl w/ a hammer. I gets carried in a Mitch Rosen "Workman" holster on a Rosen belt. Great combo for me.

01-26-2004, 05:25 AM	#10
Slimslam V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 124	Thanks for the suggestions! pickenup: I live in Wayne County (Detroit area). They are slow in processing permits, I guess. ("bureaucracy", no doubt). ss __________________ All Rights Reserved c. 1791 Last edited by Slimslam; 01-26-2004 at 05:25 AM..

01-26-2004, 06:33 AM	#11
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,790	Slim, I knew you didn't plain on carrying that long barreled revolver. Just my attempt at humor.

01-26-2004, 07:13 AM	#12
45Smashemflat Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,494	J Frame Smith on an ankle rig by Ken Null. Has hammer, but its been bobbed off - best of both worlds to me. Also does duty in a pocket holster by Kramer. Two speed strips for reloads. No, not as fast as HKS speed loaders - I have those too - but the speed strips are much easier to conceal. Just one guy's 0.02

01-26-2004, 07:15 AM	#13
45Smashemflat Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,494	Oh, forgot about the other question - its a Ti model, Al frame. No issues with rust and such. I like the look of blued - but appreciate the durability of other metals. One tactical consideration - Blued doesn't flash like stainless. If you go stainless, you might consider a matte or beadblasted finish. I really wish Ruger would make a 101 with that "Target Grey" finish.

01-27-2004, 07:16 PM	#14
Tony Mig Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Sorprano State Posts: 716	Living in the northern part of the country, and assuming you normally wear a coat except for the couple of months it's actually hot out, I'd think a 4" wheel gun wouldn't be too hard to hide. But a 3" would probably be better. __________________ "I solemnly swear to tell the truth as I know it, the whole truth as I believe it to be, and nothing but what I think you need to know." New Jersey Politician's oath of office O /\ (( -------------v-

01-28-2004, 01:59 AM	#15
Woodman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Da' Keystone State Posts: 270	http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firear...=famid&famid=9 These are the Rugers the guys are talking about. I have a '101 (KSP-321XL) with the bob'd hammer and 2.25" barrel waiting to DROS; I hear guys say they would prefer the 3", but some swear by the 2.25". I still can't figure out how one would carry a .45 and dress "slim", so I stick with something small that's really accurate. __________________ www.fiftycal.org http://www.ccrkba.org/

01-28-2004, 06:05 AM	#16
Slimslam V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 124	Great advice and suggestions! Hey shooter45, I suppose in the winter I could carry my 8 inch, .357 concealed....(hehehe..). Now, some are carryin' with a hammer...what are the pros & cons of hammer and no hammer? SS __________________ All Rights Reserved c. 1791

01-28-2004, 06:56 AM	#17
45Smashemflat Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,494	Well, there's lots of differing opinions on that. First, there are "hammerless" revolvers, like the S&W Centinneal (sp?) which have the hammer completely encased. These offer no option of a single action shot, but are absolutely snagless. Easy to draw from a pocket or other deep concealment. Then there are the bobbed hammers, like the Rugers. They are real snagless too, but offer a way to go single action by pulling the trigger a bit, catching the hammer with your thumb and finishing the single action cock that way. I created this same set up with my Smith by lopping off the thump rest on the hammer and checkering the very top of the spur for a more postivie grip for thumb cocking. It just depends on if you think the single action need is important. Oh, the completely encased versions also offer a bit more resistance to crud getting in the action when carried in lint filled pockets or jackets.

01-28-2004, 08:46 AM	#18
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	If you're looking for a concealeable wheelgun in a real man-stopping caliber, you might consider the Charter Arms Bulldog: http://www.charterfirearms.com/bulldog.php My personal hot-weather carry gun is an old shroud-hammer S&W Model 49 in .38 Special. The newer ones are stainless steel and are also available in .357 Magnum: http://firearms.smith-wesson.com/sto...sw_activeTab=1