Finally solved my concealed carry dilemma

[Sandy Scott]

I've carry concealed for many years both as a civilian and a police officer. I live in Florida and I find myself dressing around the ability to carry comfortably - something I don't particularly enjoy doing. I've been carrying various pistols from .45 ACP to .32. Although I used to carry a "wheel gun" as a police officer, I have not carried or even shot one for many years. It is always something with the autos from a KelTec P-32 that has been back to the factory twice for dropping magazines without the mag release being activated, to my Kahr PM9 which as an impossibly difficult slide to rack which would be un fun in a combat situation with a malfunction, and one of the supplied magazines was faulty and another won't drop free when the mag release is pressed. I do have a Ruger LCR with CT, but I don't particularly enjoy shooting it. If there were no carry issues, I would always carry my very reliable Kimber Ultra Raptor which is a dream to shoot.

The stimulus for the decision which I will describe came from a recent NRA gun of the week segment in which the president of the NRA featured his every day carry gun which happens to be a S&W M&P J-frame revolver with laser sites. The gun he uses is outstanding but pricey to say the least. My research finally led me to the Ruger LCR with Crimson Trace laser grips and the Galco Ankle Lite holster. The gun is incredibly light - even lighter than my Kahr PM9 weighing in at 15.5 oz. loaded with 135 grain +P .38 ammunition. It fit the Galco perfectly and is very comfortable to wear on the ankle with the gun resting at the 4:30 position on my left leg (I'm right handed). The gun is not only light, beautiful, accurate and reliable, but the price was considerably less than the S&W alternative.

Now, my only requirement is to wear long pants which I like to do anyway - my legs are so skinny, they look like a mounting platform for feathers. Some, BTW, will argue that they are not comfortable with only 5 rounds. If that is the case, you better get to the range pal, because I'm taking out any assailant with my first shot, but I will allow him to enjoy one of them in his or her head.

 

[Purple]

I have a S&W 642 with an Apex Trigger Package, and Crimson Trace Grips. I love the gun. It's light and easily concealable, plus its easy to shoot and stay on target with when round two and three are let loose. I grew up with wheel guns and carried one as a LEO. I always seem to go back to them. Right now I'm carrying a Ruger LCP or LC9...that will change again.

 

[Confederado]

I carried a S&W 642 on the ankle in a DeSantis 044 S1 holster. The best ankle holster I have found when worn with 8” high work boots. I even got one of these holsters for my Glock 27. I carried the 642 in my ankle holster for several years as my sole off duty weapon. On one occasion me and my girlfriend were walking to the car after a late movie and I tend to park my car away from others. Oddly, there was a car parked on both sides of mine, way out in the middle of the lot with several people on both sides of my car between their vehicles and mine. It was enough to make the hairs on my neck stand up. I just told my girlfriend to get in the car quickly and we bugged out. It was clear that if I had to draw my gun, I would have been at a distinct disadvantage. When I think back, the smart thing to have done was placed my gun in my pocket before going to the car. Now when I carry off duty, I conceal owb at 3 o’clock and extra mags owb at 11 o’clock. I do this due to muscle memory and that’s where I will instinctively go when SHTF.

 

[Cotillion]

I'm only comfortable carrying wheel guns personally. I also own a 642 as my primary carry. As reliable as many semi autos can be I just have this nervous itch about something going wrong in that life or death situation. Obviously with as many people who carry them daily, along with all the service men and woman who rely on them it'll most likely go boom, however I just don't think I'll ever get past that mental block.

I also look at the 5 rounds this way, the chances of me ever actually using it in self defense is so small, and the odds of me shooting off more than 5 rounds is even smaller. I carry a speed loader on me when clothing permits, I also keep one in my wife's purse and in the glove box and trunk of my car.

 

[rilkil23]

Loved carrying my S&W 637 but couldn't master the trigger. I put 250 rounds through the gun before going back to my Glocks and Ruger semis. When I have more time and money I will pick up another "wheel gun" for carry.

 

[Sandy Scott]

I also look at the 5 rounds this way, the chances of me ever actually using it in self defense is so small, and the odds of me shooting off more than 5 rounds is even smaller. I carry a speed loader on me when clothing permits, I also keep one in my wife's purse and in the glove box and trunk of my car.

Regarding 5 rounds, when I was a police officer all of the detectives carried S&W Chief Special revolvers which of course is a 5 round, 2" barrel revolver. There was no thought of being under armed and in those days we had no speed loaders. I happily carried 6 rounds with enough confidence that it would be a few more than I would need. Laughingly to me know, we carried 12 extra rounds on our belts, and it would have taken forever to re-load. Also thinking back, the only re-loading that was part of our training was when we were test on the PPC course in that the first 10 rounds, which I believe as I recall were fired at 7 yards with 5 in the cylinder and 5 in your hand - very unrealistic. Of course in those days, the bad guys weren't armed with assault rifles and pistols with high capacity mags.

 

[rdp357]

I went back to carring a revolver instead of my Glock 19 just a few months ago when I finaly found my Ruger SP101 357 3" barrel, took six months to find one in my area. Love revolvers, grew up with them, hopefully I won't go out using one!! I'm actually a much better shot with a revolver.

 

[Renegade681]

I like my S&W 637 especially when I weighed 160 lbs. But now that I'm heavier i'll start carrying my 1911 S A TRP.

 

[24ever]

I love my LCR .38! (and LCP .380). Both carry nicely in an ankle holster as a backup, or pocket carry in my cargo shorts on summer dress days (I use Link Removed for IWB & pocket).
The Houge grip tamer grips are great on the LCR and the trigger is outstanding! Highly recommend.

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[Sandy Scott]

I love my LCR .38! (and LCP .380). Both carry nicely in an ankle holster as a backup, or pocket carry in my cargo shorts on summer dress days (I use Link Removed for IWB & pocket).
The Houge grip tamer grips are great on the LCR and the trigger is outstanding! Highly recommend.

Link Removed

The Remora holster is an effective, inexpensive, efficient carry system. I'm amazed that it never seems to come up as a carry option. I have one for my Kahr PM9, but I noted that my new LCR fits nicely in the same holster. The more that I am back to a wheel gun after all these years, the happier I am knowing that I am not going to have to deal with any of the plethora of malfunctions that can happen with an auto. If one has a misfire with a wheel gun, pull the trigger again!

 

[danotech]

I have been carrying my 642 in the Remora for over a year. Works well in all dress situations. IWB, pocket, even have tucked it in my sock for ankle carry inside my boot!


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[Farmhood]

The Remora holster is an effective, inexpensive, efficient carry system. I'm amazed that it never seems to come up as a carry option. I have one for my Kahr PM9, but I noted that my new LCR fits nicely in the same holster. The more that I am back to a wheel gun after all these years, the happier I am knowing that I am not going to have to deal with any of the plethora of malfunctions that can happen with an auto. If one has a misfire with a wheel gun, pull the trigger again!

That Remora holster is the best! The standard model with sweat shield is just amazing... you can carry IWB on the go, quick and easy, and will not move. (My evening set up)