The CCW Choice That Everybody Overlooks

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When people think about carrying a concealed firearm, they typically think of a modern pistol. Sure, some will look deeper to choose between a hammer-fired or striker-fired pistol, but they’re generally thinking of a variation of a Glock, a Walther, or several other pistols with many similarities.

Why is that? Great question, and much of it has to do with things like capacity (especially with the higher capacity micro compacts over the last few years).

There is an old staple of small firearms, though, that can be a great concealed carry choice that you probably haven’t even thought about. Patrick Sweeney writes,

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The packability of a short-barreled [or snub-nosed] revolver is not something you should overlook. Yes, the cylinder does add some bulk, but the real problem with comfortable carry is the barrel, the part that acts as a lever against your hip, waist or some other body part. With the right holster (and every handgun you carry should be in the correct holster, no “pocket carry” in the 21st century), it stays secure, rides comfortably and is easy to draw.

What, then, are the complaints that people have with the snubby? Capacity, trigger pull and accuracy.

Now, capacity is what it is. If you’re accurate with fewer rounds with a gun that you actually have on you, though, that is certainly better than having higher capacity with a gun that you hate to shoot or aren’t carrying.

As for the trigger, Sweeney writes,

The trigger pull on a revolver can be a task to handle, but it need not be if you have yours slicked up by a pistolsmith who knows the task. Or you can dry-fire it a lot.

That leaves us with accuracy, due to “the short sight radius.” But Sweeney has more to say on that:

That said, does it matter? Well, if you were to attempt to use a snubby in a Bullseye match, yes. But shooting at typical defensive and practical competition distances, not much, if at all.

That’s right. Because most defensive gun use is in relatively close quarters, you probably won’t be trying to hit a target 100 yards out (and in some places, you would be legally required to try to get away from a known threat 100 yards a way from you before you could be legally justified in firing on them anyway). So, while red dot sights can be incredibly useful, in close quarters, the dot may or may not actually be helpful.

So, should you carry a snub-nosed revolver as your daily carry firearm? Obviously, that’s up to you. But if you want a want something other than the more common pistols that people carry for their daily concealed carry firearm, a snub-nosed revolver may be worth considering.

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3 COMMENTS

  1. When father made Sargent in the late 60’s, he bought a S&W model 36. Used that model 36 when shooting on the pistol team and was one of the top competitors back then. So much for the claim of snub nose revolvers being “inaccurate”. But – snub noise revolvers require serious practice to become proficient. Now as an “older shooter” I found that a revolver is easier to handle than most semi auto pistols. Issue with modern revolvers is mainly because of the “Ultra Lite” push. Anyone trying a 12 oz and then an 18 oz 38 spl. revolver will understand quickly. Likewise, compare using a S&W model 642 DA only versus a model 638 in SA mode. “Older Shooters” don’t have to fight the recoil spring to rack a slide or clean the barrel of a revolver. This last issue alone is a major reason for the modern DA/SA revolvers to stick around.

  2. Started my career 50 years ago when wheel guns were pretty much the only option. I now carry a Ruger LCRx in .327Federal – six shots in J frame size and with Crimson Trace grips ‘aiming’ is not an issue. Plus I have at least 3 choices in viable ammo and with a speed loader close to hand I do not feel ‘under armed’. Every body needs to make a realistic assessment of their needs and choose accordingly. BTW, with a proper holster barrel length is NOT the biggest problem, overall bulk is. That bulk is mitigated with that proper holster.

  3. Just to let you know… my wife and I were the victims of an armed robbery “attempt” a few years back. I had a CCW as of 1996 and was carrying a S&W model 649 in .357 magnum with a 2inch barrel. Although it was dark and the perpetrator, a convicted felon on parole, was wearing dark clothing, I did hit him, at what was approximately 6-7 yards. I was using .357 Remington Golden Sabres with a 125gr JHP bullet. These guns are accurate, the round was effective, and we were unhurt. I most emphatically recommend PRACTICE and more PRACTICE! Other than attending a hearing for revocation of the felon’s parole, we were fortunate to have no legal difficulties.

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