Best recommended S&W revolver

[tarheelcoastie]

Good evening everybody. I am looking to purchase a S&W revolver for my concealed carry. What is the best one out there in terms of quality, decent price, and comfort while wearing? I want a gun that will fit well on my belt holster. Thank you very much for your help.

Eric

 

[Punch]

Not enough info on what you want. I carried Smith & Wessons for most of the first 20 years I carried. My favorite was the Model 28, and later the Model 25. Both had 4 inch barrels. I have had people comment about the weight of those pistols, but I would tell them that at 6'3" and 350#, I crap turds heavier than those pistols. If you are a skinny fellow at 90# soaking wet, they are not going to work for you. I have suggested the Model 10 to several people. I like the fixed sights and I don't mind the .38 Special cartridge. I have a couple of J Frames, but I usually carry them when I really need to hide the gun, or as a backup to something else. I have carried the short barreled Model 19, and I can recommend it, too. Plus it is in .357 Mag. I have also carried an assortment of Single Actions over the years, but that is another story. While I still have most of my Smith & Wessons, I don't carry them much anymore. I have carried mostly semi-autos for the last 10 or so years.

 

[Peggy Reist]

I have a S&W .38 Bodyguard revolver. While it's not my everyday carry, I like it OK. I just prefer semi-autos. It's small enough to conceal pretty well for a revolver and I have a SuperTuck holster for the rare occassion I do carry it.
I'm pretty small so its smaller size is important to me.

 

[tarheelcoastie]

Thank you both very much for the advice. Yea I apologize for not giving too much information on what I was asking for. Honestly, I am not the most knowledgeable with guns. Don't get me wrong, I have shot and carried handguns, M-16s, and shotguns many times while in the Service, but it wasn't my primary job or hobby. A lot of friends I know carry semi-automatic handguns as the both of you mentioned. What kind do you use if I may ask? I used either the Sig Sauer P226 or P229 while in the CG, cannot remember specifically. Is there a smaller version to that handgun that would be good to use as a concealed carry?

My father has always liked the S&W six-shooters, and has said they are one of the best handgun wise, since they rarely misfire. My stature is 5'9, 190lb. Thanks again for the help guys.

 

[Peggy Reist]

There is nothing at all wrong with any revolver if that's what you like. They usually ARE more dependable, less likely to go "click" when they should go "bang". It's just personal preference.
Personally my everyday carry is a Kahr CW9. It's got a fairly easy trigger pull, no manual safety to worry about, and is pretty concealable.
I've also carried a Ruger LCP, it's a .380 and very small and fairly hard to shoot.
I've also carried a KelTec P11. It's a 9mm like the Kahr, double stack magazine, but has a long hard trigger pull.
I still love going to gun shows and holding all the pistols, but I'm a lot less tempted to buy them since I have one I really like.
Sig Sauer makes several really good small ones that I like, can't remember the model numbers, they're just more expensive.

 

[jtg452]

I'd start by looking at 2 to 4 inch barrel K frames (Models 10, 66, and 19 as examples) with a round butt and go from there based on how they work for you.

You can go up in size to the L frames (Models 686, 696, ...) if you think you can hide them (and you can if you dress right) or go down in size to the J frame if a K ends up being too big. Hiding an N frame (Models 25, 29, ...) is possible for you but that's pushing the envelope for someone of your size.

 

[POP CHARLIE]

I carry a mid size 1911 and have no trouble using an IWB holster , but if you like revolvers S&W are great but expensive. You might try a ruger SP 101 or GP 100 also great revolvers and less expensive.

 

[gunnerbob]

I've been carrying a Model 37 for awhile now, it's a J frame with a 3" barrel. I really like it and don't feel disadvantaged with .38Spl. Just be sure that you TRAIN, TRAIN and TRAIN some more. Reloading is the part of carrying a revolver that may turn people off but, with practice it can be very fast and fluid. If you're interested in something larger, I'm a big fan of the Model 15.

 

[mappow]

My wife bought a S&W Mod 642. It came with Crimson Trace grips. Whist it's small, compact and holds .38 spl +P it's a bit tough on the hand. That being said. It's a great fast reaction defense weapon. I'll carry it in my back pocket at times. Priced reasonable too. Product: Model 642

 

[gunnerbob]

My wife bought a S&W Mod 642. It came with Crimson Trace grips. Whist it's small, compact and holds .38 spl +P it's a bit tough on the hand. That being said. It's a great fast reaction defense weapon. I'll carry it in my back pocket at times. Priced reasonable too. Product: Model 642

mappow, the "tough on the hand" part is one reason why I carry standard pressure .38Spl in my snubs. Knowing I'm giving up whatever expansion may have been had, I load my snub noses with LSWCs.

 

[mappow]

I don't mind the tough on the hand due the compact size, fire power and ease of concealment. But on the range after about thirty rounds or so it's time to switch up. Great little snubby with no hammer to snag on anything.