Revolver for CCW

D

doomonyou

Joined
May 3, 2003
Messages
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I have been looking for another gun for a CCW. I picked up a S&W catalog the other day and thier revlovers got me thinking. I almost bought a Glock 27 for another CC gun but what about a revolver? anyone carry one? Here are the ones I was thinking about.
S&W 340PD .357/.38 +p hammerless, alloy frame 5 shot.
638 "bodygauard" .38 +p, bobbed hammer, alloy frame, 5 shot.
The 340 PD is a scandium frame with Titanium cylinder.
I have also looked at some of the Taurus models as well. I would like to hear what everyone thinks.
 
Get the "27"...It has a longer barrel than those snubby revolvers, holds almost twice as many rounds, the .40 has more "power" than the .38, is "easier" to shoot, has more sight options (night-sights, etc...), and is quick to re-load if needed under stress.
 
My first back-up/off duty was a Smith 640. It was .38spl (that's before they went .38/.357 with them) shrouded hammer, satin finish. I loved that gun and shot it well.

Then Glock came out with the subcompacts. I ended up trading in my 640 on a G26. It made absolute, indisputable tactical sense. The G26 will accept my duty mags, so for back-up it's 11 ready to go plus whatever I'm still carrying, versus 5 to go plus the speedloader I used to carry (winter-only when I had the pockets for it.)

Off duty it's still 11 vs. 5 since I don't carry spares off the clock. -And it's 9mm+P from a 3" barrel vs. .38spl+P from a 1.75" barrel.

But... I really miss the 640 and wish I still had it. It carried deeper IWB than the Glock and there's just something I like about wheelguns. I priced a replacement 640, but they're just ridiculous, even used. In that nostalgiac mood I ended up seeing a Colt Detective Special for an absolute steal so I grabbed it. But honestly it's not the same thing as my old 640, 6 vs. 5, exposed hammer vs. shrouded, slightly longer barrel. The Colt's a classic and that's why I got it, but it really doesn't "replace" the little workhorse Smith. (On the other side, the blued finish on the '73 Colt looks better than the satin stainless did on my '94 Smith when I traded it.)

I almost went for an SP101 a gun that I love, but it's even a little bigger than the Glock, and again only 5 rounds of .38 so...

In the end, I shoot the Glock better, it brings more firepower to the party and is much more versatile in terms of on/off duty. When I'm actually shooting it, I LOVE it and have no regrets. When I think worst case, Moscow theatre terrorists, multiple bad-guy robberies, etc. there's no question it's the Glock I want. But when I'm just in a mood to think philosophically about guns, I realize that although it simply can't compete, I still miss my 640.
 
The 638 or 640 would be excellent choices. If you have shot them and are comfortable, go for it. Take the time at the range to get comfortable and confident.

Like many other things, practice will be the deciding factor.
 
-I am not sure of your shooting experience, but revolvers are generally easier to master.
-If you have been trained and continue to practice, a semi has numerous advantages, but from years of training civilians for carry permits I know for a fact, the newbie does much better with a revolver.
-As for capacity, most civilian engagements are two shots or less...extra ammo will lead many to 'spray and pray'. Realize, you own that bullet you fire until it stops and are responsible for everything it hits.
While I carry a 357SIG semi inside the waistbaind, I have often times found myself wishing I had my SW 640 in a SOB holster (it is simply more comfortable).
 
I have a Glock 27 and a S&W 642. Both are GREAT!!! All my CCW holsters are from FIST. The S&W rides a little deeper IWB and is easier to conceal. On the other hand you get 10 shots with the Glock and only 5 with the Smith. I've only had the S&W about 2 months, so I haven't had a chance to shoot it much, but I think it would do the job if it was ever needed with no problem. The Glock does seem to be more accurate, at least in my hands. I carry the S&W more than the Glock because it is easy and comfertable to conceal. But if things ever got "thick", I would probably be wishing I had my Glock. To be honest your can't go wrong either way. It's just a matter of what the most comfertable for you.
I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but the gun I carry the most is a .32. I carry my Kel-Tec P-32 in a FIST pocket holster. I like it because I don't have to worry about my shirt tail riding up and exposing my weapon.
 
revolvers are ok, i reecntly got a S&W 940 9MM, and it carries well, i prefer my kahr P9 though, it just carries lots better and more ammo/lighter/i shoot it better, rarely carry the 940 to be honest.

glocks are good too, i carry a 33 more often than the smith. just wider than the kahr.

i think the kahr P9/PM9/P40/PM40 are the best thing going for concealed edc, bar none.

but revolvers are ok.


greg
 
"Scandium" frames are in fact an aluminum alloy containing about 1/2% scandium, it's just a high strength alloy. Scandium is a rare earth metal and VERY expensive so you wouldn't want to pay for a frame made of it ....At one time S&W earned the reputation of making very fine guns. Sadly that is no longer true and I could not recommend S&W at this time because of quality problems......I personally favor autos and Kahr would be my first choice with the SIG 239 and the small Glock as second choices.The 9mm is ok but the 40 is better. The choice comes down to which gun fits your hand and points for you best and which caliber you are comfortable shooting .So it's best to shoot them first if you can to make your choice.
 
The 340 is VERY uncomfortable to shoot with .357s (this from someone who isn't recoil sensitive). I have a new 642, and even it is not pleasant to shoot with +P+ .38. You would probably shoot a Glock or other small auto better, but as has been pointed out, J frames conceal very well. IMO J frames are backup, not primary, and in that role I can live with the shortcomings.

I'm not sure what Mete is talking about with quality problems at S&W, but the new revolvers I've seen have all been excellent.

SIFU, if you ever want to get rid of that 940, give me a shout. I've been sorry I sold mine from day one. :(
 
Being "of an age", I carried nothing but revolvers for much of my law enforcement career. I can't say that I ever felt underarmed with a wheelgun.

The small-framed .38s are easy to carry, but offer limited firepower. 5 shots for the S&W J-frames and various knockoffs. ( I have a Taurus)
Light alloy is nice for the weight, but can be painful to shoot with stout loads.
Bigger grips, like the Pachmayr rubber jobs, help a lot, but are bulky.

Consider a speed-loader.

Better, for serious use, would be one of the newer .357s they're making now.
The old magnum round is still rated as highly effective, even from shorter barrels with the right loads.
Hehe- at one time, I carried a much-modified 1917 S&W .45, with the butt rounded, the hammer bobbed, and the barrell shortened back to the ejector stud. Impressive piece; way too heavy.....

Our department went to the Glock M23 some years ago, and it's an impressive combat pistol. Were I in the market for an off-duty weapon, I'd consider one of the "compact" Glocks in .40.
 
First off I would examine your CCW requirements...where you live, where you work, how often you will carry(ALWAYS!), and realistically what you are comfortable with carrying. Too many folk go out and buy the latest and greatest uberpistol the gun rags suggest and find it doesn't fit their situation.

IMHO buy a good small frame revolver second-hand so you don't pay too much and SHOOT THE C*** OUT OF IT! Once you master that you can move out into other wheelguns or autos.

A small frame 38 in you pocket is better than Biff the Wonder Pistol left at home because it's too uncomfortable to carry.

Good Luck!
 
My S&W 640 .38/.357 is a sweet gun, I prefer 1911s, but the revolver is very easy to carry.
 
Thanks guys! I have a Glock 23 and a Colt Defender that I use for CCW. I was looking for something smaller and different, hence the revlover. I too have read about the sharp recoil come from the S&W scandium alloy guns. This does not bother too much. I am more concerned with ease of use, and quality along with it being reliable. I really like the Glock 27, but I am going to look at the Kahr some of you have recommended.
 
Started off carrying a S&W wheelgun on duty (Model 66), with a "Chief's special" (Model 60) 5-shot as a backup / off-duty. Served me well for a number of years, but as the number of 'multiple assaliant' events rose it became evident having additional rounds w/o reloading would be prudent, so I transitioned to the Beretta 92F, & eventually to the 96F when the .40S&W 'took the world'

Eventually the department decided to trade the 92/96's towards 'Tactical Tupperware'. Although I hated the trigger action, I reluctantly attended the class & converted --- then I found the GL27! Great backup piece, could use the same magazines & ammo; also great for off-duty, as 10 rounds beat 5 anyday. Eventually grew to tolerate the trigger action.

All that said & done, the weapon most accessible in the middle of the night is that old model 66. Revolvers are simple -- pick them up, pull the trigger, they go BOOM. Keep pulling trigger, they keep going BOOM until empty. No failure-to-feed or stovepipe malfunction drills, etc. While I'm confident of my ability to function under adverse conditions w/the pistol's, the rest of the family is another story -- the pistol could/would quickly become a single-shot.

If you're going to train & practice, pistols can't be beat. If you intend to qualify for your CCW & not shoot again until you have to, (not endorsed/recommended, but a fact of life) GET A REVOLVER!
 
My wife swears by her Taurus 617T. I would probably have gone with one of the slightly thinner cylinders, but 7-rounds of .357 Magnum is a lot of firepower for a weapon that small and light. The real genius of this model is that the factory porting and exceptionally well-designed grip makes it easy to control, even with hot loads. It's nice to find a small .357 that doesn't really need to be carried with .38s.

--Bob Q
 
doomonyou said:
I have been looking for another gun for a CCW. I picked up a S&W catalog the other day and thier revlovers got me thinking. I almost bought a Glock 27 for another CC gun but what about a revolver? anyone carry one? Here are the ones I was thinking about.
S&W 340PD .357/.38 +p hammerless, alloy frame 5 shot.
638 "bodygauard" .38 +p, bobbed hammer, alloy frame, 5 shot.
The 340 PD is a scandium frame with Titanium cylinder.
I have also looked at some of the Taurus models as well. I would like to hear what everyone thinks.
Click to expand...

Your choices are good ones. I'm a revolver guy. I want it to go "bang" when I squeeze the trigger every time for 5 or 6 times. I'm not saying Glocks or anything else are bad or not reliable, I'm just a revolver guy. Besides, if I need more than 5 or 6 shots, I am in really, really big trouble.

Mike
 
I love my Taurus revolvers. I own Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers also.
I think Taurus quality is on par or better than Smith and Wesson. Taurus is about 15% less. Go handle these firearms at a gunshop. For me the weight and grip of my Taurus .357 was just a better fit. I like Taurus' integral lock better than Smith & Wesson's also.

Also, check your state CCW laws carefully. Some states (such as mine) only allow you to carry a revolver only, if you qualify with a revolver. But, if you qualify with a semiauto, you can carry either.
 
I'm completing my CCW class next week and decided that I will be using my Glock 17. I have considered using a revolver, but I prefer the trigger of the Glock and the extra ammunition it allows me to carry. If 18 rounds of 9mm doesn't work, nothing will. I would be fine with carrying a .357 revolver, but I can't seem to find one that I really like. I also can't seem to find one that has a good size/weight/grip to help better manage recoil. If it were me, I would probably go with the G27 or a G26. (I don't really think that .40 is any better than 9mm.)
 
No one has mentioned the Ruger SP-101. Five rounds of .357/.38, built like a tank, good variety of barrel lengths and a hammerless version (w/2.25" barrel). Downside is that it is somewhat bigger and heavier than most other "small" revolvers, although that extra weight soaks up the recoil. It's a nice gun that's at least worth a fondle at the shop.
 
yam said:
Besides, if I need more than 5 or 6 shots, I am in really, really big trouble.
Click to expand...

You ain't just whistlin' dixie!

I've been looking at the 337 Airlite and have heard good things.
 
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