More Concealable: Revolver or Semi Auto?

[cam9910]

From a pure concealable standpoint, from these listed here, what do you think is the most easy to conceal? I've seen it discussed plenty (which is helpful) about the pros and cons of revolvers vs semi-autos and different calibers, but for my question here, what I am looking to hear is what is easier to carry most often? I dont have the funds to get a few different carry guns, so I have it narrowed down to either a .38 special J frame, or a small 9MM. Please let me know as I do not have experience with concealed carry. Thank you.

S&W 642 (or similar)
Ruger LC9, KelTec PF-9, or similar.

 

[jtg452]

From a purely concealablity stand point, a semi auto has an advantage because of its' flat profile. Even a J frame is going to be thicker than a semi auto of a similar bore size.

 

[Stein351]

conceal vs ease of use

i choose to carry a j-frame with crimson trace laser grips in a simple pocket holster over comparable caliber semi-autos for 1 reason only....it affords the quickest access possible. i hope to never need to draw, but when i practiced with each, i found i could get the j-frame out and on target ready to fire about a half second to a second faster that the semi. i attribute this to not needing to involve your off hand to charge or cock, depending on your semi model, and i don't advocate walking around locked and cocked...
a semi may be more concealable because of the thinner profile, but i choose quickly available and alive over totally concealed and bleeding out because i couldn't get into action fast enough.

 

[cabrera]

I have both Semi autos & revolvers & here is what I have found. Comparing a EAA 357 snub revolver & a S&W Sigma 40ve, using IWB holsters, the semi although bigger is definitely more concealable due to the slimness. The cylinder thickness is the reason. When I use a smartcarry holster for bicycling, I carry the revolver. It is easier since it is shorter. Of course a Ruger LCP would be even easier but I prefer a full size weapon.
Given your choice preferences I would go with a Bersa 9mm or a Beretta 40 cal Compact (JXS4F20) for an automatic or a S&W J frame 38

 

[.38 girl]

I agree with the others here. A semi-auto is going to be narrower because of the cylinder on the revolver, and thus some people will make their choice based purely on concealability.

I sometimes carry a semi-auto depending on my clothing/the weather. I have a Beretta Tomcat (.32) that works great using an IWB holster under a t-shirt.

The other thing I will mention is weight. It may be negligible to some people when you're talking about a difference of only a couple ounces. I have a Ruger LCR (.38 spl) that I love which is 13.5 ounces. I also have a Taurus .38 spl snubby which is considerably heavier at around 23.4 ounces. I believe the S&W 642 is the airweight at about 15 ounces. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

The Ruger LC9 is listed at 17.10 ounces and the KelTec PF9 is touted as the thinnest 9mm pistol on the market. It is indeed very lightweight and slim, less than an inch. I liked the one I had and carried it often.

Hope this helps some. Good luck in your search!

 

[mappow]

CC both depending on weather and location. My semi is of thinner profile so I don't print CC'ing SOB or shoulder. I do always CC C&L with thumb safety set. As for the wheel gun, 357, I agree with Stein351 concerning not needing to mess around with a safety or jacking a round into the breach. BUT AGAIN I CC cocked & locked. The only delay is depressing the thumb safety. WHICH is being pushed down as my weapon is just clearing the holster. (NO FINGER ON THE TRIGGER AS YET).
So I guess my point is carry as you feel comfortable, safe and able to present in a timely manner. It's your call.

 

[cam9910]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. I know I am not alone in wishing money wasn't such a consideration, and then I'd get a .38, and a semi, and a few others to round out the collection, but thats just not the case. Maybe I make too much of trying to decide, but to choose one CC gun is a tough choice. Thanks again.

 

[cabrera]

Maybe I make too much of trying to decide, but to choose one CC gun is a tough choice. Thanks again.

Not at all. I researched my 1st for several months before deciding.
Things to take into consideration:

1. Gun Fit - The gun MUST feel right in your hand.
Go to the gun shops, some with ranges have rentals. Try different calibers. & models. Judge the iron sights. try the trigger pulls. A gun that doesn't feel right shooting, is useless to carry.

2. Carry Preference - IWB, Shoulder, Smart Carry, Cell Pal, etc. Once you have satisfied #1, figure out #2. When you find the right fit you will know.
My wife is waiting for her CCW, in that last 5 months we have been testing guns (so many guns) for here to carry. All price ranges. She would pay more to like her gun so that she would not need to replace it.

If money is a concern, don't rush it, do your homework. In the end you'll be glad you did. (buy right, buy once) BTW check out Buds Gun Shop
Good luck.

 

[mkuisi8mo]

From a pure concealable standpoint, from these listed here, what do you think is the most easy to conceal? ...what I am looking to hear is what is easier to carry most often?

Depending on how I feel, where I am heading and what my business is, I generally carry either a full-size CZ 75B SS 9mm semi-auto (loaded with a SP-01 18rd mag) or a S&W 686+ 4" 7rd .357 Magnum Revolver (or sometimes both) along with 2-4 CZ 75B 16rd Mags and/or 2-4 .357 Mag Speed-loaders. On some occasions, I'll opt for my CZ 75 P-01 9mm with 2-4 spare 14rd or 16rd mags, but my preference is for carrying the full-size shooters.

Weather plays no part in my decisions, hot or cold. Both conceal very easily, IMO, (the CZ slightly easier than the S&W because of the Smith's full square grip) with the right holsters & dress...that includes those 100+ days that come around now & then here in the sunny Southwest when I may be wearing only shorts and a T-shirt or Tank-top.

FYI: I always carry the 9's half-cocked (decocked) with one in the tube so 1st bang is DA followed with the rest as SA. I always practice that way too, so with either type shooter I don't have to think...the 1st trigger squeeze is always a DA bang...No froggin' with safety's!

BTW: If I am on the street here in my home state of NM, by law, I can only carry one concealed. (In my means of conveyance though, I could have as many as I want, all ready to Rock & Roll )...a New Mexico thingy. So, if in a NM metro area one or the other stays with my truck while I do my business. If rural, one stays concealed and the other goes "open" (NM being an open-carry state) or stays in the truck depending on my judgment at the time (because of the caliber of both 4-legged and 2-legged predators that inhabit these parts). In other states that I'm licensed to carry concealed, both go concealed if I have both on me, even if I'm in an open carry state (I don't like to advertise nor give up the tactical advantage concealment offers).

IMHO, just find a shooter & load that will do the trick with the least rounds, is uber-reliable and fits your hand like a glove because your life depends on it.

 

[wjh2657]

I carry both, depending on weather and clothing.

On the belt (IWB), a semi-auto is easier to conceal. Glock 23 for me.

In a front pocket holster, the J-frames cylinder melts into your thigh curve. Yes, the little .380s can be pocket carried too. I just prefer a .38 Special to a .380, just my own feelings.

Depends on how you intend to carry.

 

[Mr.357Sig]

If keeping it concealed is your top priority, I'd go with a Ruger LCP/Sig P238 or S&W 442/642 in a pocket holster. The Ruger and Sig, while chambered in .380 and not 9mm, is highly concealable with the right holster. The 442/642 is nearly as concealable and offers more firepower than the LCP.

Try to get to a range that rents these guns and try before you buy.

Good luck!:biggrin:

 

[Felix]

You didn't really address what your preferred price target was for that one CC handgun (versus the multiples you might like to have). If it's swingable, you might like to wait for the SIG P290 to start shipping in quantities. Early pre-production samples have been reviewed favorably. P238-sized, five ounces heavier but chambered for the 9MM which gives you quite a bit more smack, especially with +P loads, when compared to the .380 ACP.

 

[tnhawk]

A 442 does well in a pocket holster at times when carry of a larger pistol is difficult. I still prefer to carry a .40 or .45acp when possible.

 

[Tin Can Sailor]

A compact, single stack 9mm is more concealable than a J frame by it's very design although neither is difficult to conceal with thoughtful preparation. I carry a full sized 1911 on all but the hottest summer days and even then I can do it with an untucked or bloused shirt and an inside the waistband holster.

 

[ohio pat]

From a pure concealable standpoint, from these listed here, what do you think is the most easy to conceal? I've seen it discussed plenty (which is helpful) about the pros and cons of revolvers vs semi-autos and different calibers, but for my question here, what I am looking to hear is what is easier to carry most often? I dont have the funds to get a few different carry guns, so I have it narrowed down to either a .38 special J frame, or a small 9MM. Please let me know as I do not have experience with concealed carry. Thank you.

S&W 642 (or similar)
Ruger LC9, KelTec PF-9, or similar.

In my opiniion the 642 is the best choice, it is light yet has a good grip, you have 5 good cartridges to fire but most importantly it will not jam like a semi.

You can fire it through your pockets if you have to, another thing you cannot do with a semi.

I qualified a new ccw permit holder yesterday, I let him fire a smith 640 and a glock 27.

He said he liked the smith better because he could see the cartirdges in the cylinder and therefore could easily check to see if it was loaded.

Hope this helps

Pat Olvey
email [email protected]
Cincinnati, Ohio
Hamilton County

 

[Mr.357Sig]

Firing Through Your Pocket

In my opiniion the 642 is the best choice, it is light yet has a good grip, you have 5 good cartridges to fire but most importantly it will not jam like a semi.

You can fire it through your pockets if you have to, another thing you cannot do with a semi.

Well, you can fire a semiauto through your pocket. You'll likely get only one shot off before it jams, but you can fire it once. That gives the .38 Spl wheelgun a 5-1 advantage! :sarcastic:

 

[ohio pat]

Well, you can fire a semiauto through your pocket. You'll likely get only one shot off before it jams, but you can fire it once. That gives the .38 Spl wheelgun a 5-1 advantage! :sarcastic:

To prove my point in self defense using a 5 shot concealed hammer smith, like a model 642.

Try shooting a semi in your pocket, feel free after you expermiment to tell me if you had to go to the hospital for any hand injuries or if you had ample first aid items at home or at the range.

Hope this helps you see the light

Pat Olvey
email [email protected]
Cincinnati, Ohio
Hamilton County

 

[cabrera]

Hell. I wouldn't recommend carrying in your pocket w/o a holster, much less shooting one.
BTW the wife (5'2" 110 lbs) tested a PPK & a Bersa Thunder both 380. The PPK was difficult to aim as the sights were rather small (not as small as the LCP) the Thunder jammed and would not shoot after the first shot so we shelved it for the PPK. The Bersa did have a nice feel & the recoil was manageable. Both concealed extremely well. The next try out will be the Ruger SR9 compact 17 shot mag 9mm. It felt nice in her hands & the sights were good, and retry the Bersa again

 

[Gordon Shumway]

Here's my opinion after 4 decades of this.

1. Have a gun that is comfortable for you and you are proficient at handling.

2. Have only ONE concealed carry weapon TYPE.
i.e. Don't switch to something with a different safety, etc., that you might not make work under stress.

3. Carry your same weapon, in the same place, with the same holster, EVERY TIME.
i.e. Don't go reaching for a shoulder holster when you weapon is inside your waistband. Get it?

4. CONCEALED CARRY IS 70 % ATTITUDE, and 30 % clothes.

Ever see people that just look uncomfortable about something? Like the farmer who is in a dress suit? etc.

I carry a 1911 IWB all the time. period. Untucked shirt, even black T shirt or polos in summer. For tucked shirt tail carry I use a DeSantis or Galco tuckable. Close to the same. You want the thinnest leather possible to reduce bulk.

IWB holsters pull the gun into your flesh so bulging is minimized. It helps if you are a little chubby.

My winter clothing is not heavy, and worn loose and open front.

By the way, this isn't the movies.
Remember, self defense is 15 ft. and happens quickly.

If you are confronted with more than 2 armed assailants, TIME will not allow you to get more than 2.

You'll probably never get to shoot more than 4 rounds.
At that point they will be dead or you will.

There is absolutely no necessity for 52 rounds on your person.

If you act like you are in a fire fight spraying bullets, YOU will probably be charged with a felony, if you live.

There are lots of shooting techniques that most CCW instructors don't teach, or don't know.

Like:
If the bad guy is 10 ft from you and he has a dozen innocent bystanders behind him. What do you do?


No BS, just hard facts.

 

[wjh2657]

re: Gordon Shumway.


Outstanding!
It will be down and dirty, up close and personal.
No cowboy and indians.
No Rambo heroics.
No swat tactics.

One assailant: empty gun into COM.
Two assailants: pray while shooting closest one. Odds are not with you.
Three or more: run like hell and hide!

Lots of innocent bystanders around: you are screwed.

Brain is best survival tool you have. Practice with it as much if not more than you do with your gun. When you practice, take time to critique (After Action Review) and think through "what could I have done that would have more effective at preventing me from getting hurt?" Prime Directive: I will go home tonight.

Gun does not make you bulletproof or immortal. Snuff it up,be a big boy and learn to live with it.