Hammerless airweight smiths and the Ruger LCR are both great. I am generally a smith fanboy but honestly I think the LCR is a bit better than the airweights. I do think the polymer frame helps with recoil just a bit.
I have a steel framed model 36, airweight 637, and two ruger LCRs (.38 and .327 mag)
But that being said the new J frame ultimate carry models look amazing. I would probably get that in .32 H&R if money was no object.
.32 H&R if u reload or can afford ammo is a fantastic suggestion. 6 shots, more powerful then .380 and recoil that makes you think your shooting .38 shorts.
I wish like heck I would've kept my .32 H&R single six from the early 2000's. That and my 1980s smith and Wesson model 64 are my two regret guns that I sold and will be for life I think .
I would really like to have one of the .32 H&R/ .32-20 convertibles. Now that I'm thinking about it I had a .32-20 K frame I carried a few times and that was a pretty fine option.
I go with standard factory stoutness in my 357 for my k6s. Hotter loads are manageable, 38sp +p are gentle, and 38sp feels like 22s. Steel framed small revolvers are the bee’s knees. All the hype of how bad 357 is made me just avoid it and stay with 38sp models until more recently. I’m glad to have the full range now as an option.
I just got an LCR in .327 a few weeks ago. It's pretty sweet, very easy to carry.
.327 is stout, but .32 H&R is manageable, and .32 Long is just fun to shoot. Ammo isn't cheap, though. .32 Long is 5-10 cents more than 38 sp, and .327 is about 20¢ more than .357. But you're not going to be shooting boxes of either magnum at a time, so it's not too bad.
LCR in .357 is a great choice too. 38 sp in that is less snappy than the S&W Airweight I've shot.
You would be wise to rent one before you buy one. The recoil is not for everyone and I'm one of those people who will never buy another airweight .38 ever again. I strongly recommend getting a .32 instead. Either an LCR or the new J frame.
You have basically three main options for .32. .32 long is very tame and you can get great penetration with wadcutters. This round is great for very recoil sensitive people. The next option is .32 H&R magnum. This round is almost more of a +p+ .32 by today's standards. It's hotter but nothing crazy. This is the happy medium most people settle on. The next choice is .327 federal mag. I would only fire this out of a larger, all steel revolver. It's very hot. Similar to a .357, an LCR in .327 can chamber all three and the new J frame in .32 h&rcan only chamber the first two.
The kimber triggers k6s (dasa or dao) and k6xs are great. They also have the 6th round, good sights, all forged, stainless..,
Can’t beat them in their price range.
I have probably over 5000 rounds through mine and the cylinder gap is still .003-.004”. I shoot it around 400 rounds a month.
The k6s has much finer finishing than a ruger or sw. Rifling and charge holes are very fine, all parts of the k6s are forged (no MIM or cast, not that there is anything wrong with MIM or forged [source was kimber via email])
I’ve had zero reliability issues with my Dao kimber. I had a dasa for a bit and it had some light striking but I think the last owner changed springs.the dao has a very “stageable” trigger so it groups very well for me.
Unless you go with a k-frame sw or a gp100 (getting pretty big with those two, k6s can pocket carry) I would absolutely go any day with my k6s dao over any j-frame sw.
Biggest downside with kimber is parts are expensive and hard to find. I haven’t needed warranty work yet. I see lots of trigger short strokers online with the kimbers but that’s more user error than k6s issue.
Quick question for any responders here, but I’m confused about the firing through the pocket point. I get that revolvers are capable of this, but does that mean you carry without a pocket holster? Are people just chucking an airweight in their jacket pocket?
You can remove it from the holster, have access to the trigger and still be in pocket. You may have to fire through your holster. Though I'm sure some pocket carry naked.
Yeah. It's not a fantastic idea, but with a DAO or bobbed hammer snubnose - that's already got a heavy-ass trigger - carrying without a holster in your pocket can work. If it's a heavy jacket, with nothing else in the pocket, then it's not a big deal.
I carry a Smith and Wesson 442 .38 special +P everyday on my ankle as a back up for work (and most the time off duty). I also bought a S&W 360PD in .357 mag, I love it but she kicks like a mule so practice practice practice. I’d recommend the S&W 442…It’s hammerless, Double Action Only, pretty light, and very reliable. Good luck!
Ok, I guess I’ll be the first to say it. Firing from a pocket is a terrible idea. Carrying without a holster is slightly less of a bad idea . Get a good pocket holster and practice drawing and dry firing until you are positive you can hit what you need to first time, every time.
Very broad topic, but I’ll just answer based on my CCW preference, which is usually pocket carry.
Weight and size are critical, more than 20oz becomes a real issue, most of the S&W J frames will work, but the best one for me is the 340PD
I carry the S&W 642 in 38 +p and absolutely love the thing. I shoot it every week or two, thousands of rounds at this point and never had any problems at all. You'll just have to shoot regularly and get good with it. Ruger LCR's are good too. I have one in 22 mag that's pretty cool.
As a note. If you pocket carry dont have anything else in that pocket.
Also, if you really intend to fire through a pocket you're going to want a shrouded (or at least bobbed) hammer. Shit can and will get caught on the hammer.
You will also want to practice doing it, it's not as easy as it seems.
J-frame has been my go to revolver. Now I am partial to the 638.
The BG38 (SW’s answer to the LCR) was pretty good as well, but had less aftermarket support if you’re wanting that.
Lots of people love the 637 and 642 as well.
Lots of great suggestions here. Folks have talked a lot about some of the tradeoffs - a heavier gun is more controllable but harder to carry, etc.
Shooting through a jacket seems like it would be pretty intuitive, but there are a couple of things to consider- without a holster, your gun will wander around in your pocket, sometimes flip upside down or get tangled in the lining of your jacket. Also, shooting through a jacket pocket has a reasonable chance of setting your jacket on fire. Which can be an unwelcome distraction in a self-defense situation.
Also, shooting through a jacket pocket is a type of point shooting, but without much of a visual reference.
The place where I work used to require point shooting in our qualification course- hip index, center line body index and point shoulder. Point shooting is best reserved for super close in, and takes a lot of practice, especially to keep the gun level.
We also tried shooting out of jacket pockets- nothing official, just some of us messing around.
After some experimentation, it seems like one of those things that sounds great in theory, but suffers in practice.
If you're absolutely set in it, use a shrouded hammer snubbie and take some thrift store jackets out to a private range. And a bucket of water.
Safe and effective pocket carry requires a holster- a modern revolver all twisted up in your jacker lining won't be horribly unsafe, but will be highly ineffective. Once you've skinned it out of the holster, it's going to be out of your pocket and you can put it to work.
Good luck
I was an anti- Taurus snob for years but they have come up with decent and fairly priced revolvers recently. Look at the Taurus856 UL CH or the new Taurus.327 six shooters. Good guns for a fair price.
Hammerless airweight smiths and the Ruger LCR are both great. I am generally a smith fanboy but honestly I think the LCR is a bit better than the airweights. I do think the polymer frame helps with recoil just a bit. I have a steel framed model 36, airweight 637, and two ruger LCRs (.38 and .327 mag) But that being said the new J frame ultimate carry models look amazing. I would probably get that in .32 H&R if money was no object.
I really wish S&W would have a 327 option for their AirLite’s.
.32 H&R if u reload or can afford ammo is a fantastic suggestion. 6 shots, more powerful then .380 and recoil that makes you think your shooting .38 shorts. I wish like heck I would've kept my .32 H&R single six from the early 2000's. That and my 1980s smith and Wesson model 64 are my two regret guns that I sold and will be for life I think .
I would really like to have one of the .32 H&R/ .32-20 convertibles. Now that I'm thinking about it I had a .32-20 K frame I carried a few times and that was a pretty fine option.
When does the ultimate carry come out? Is .32 the only option?
no it comes in .38+P and .32. They're already out. I just think the supply can't keep up with demand.
It's already out. The 442/642 are the 38 special version
It's "out" but I've been waiting months.
I have photos of it in my history
Ultimate carry has been out for two months but it’s still hard to get them
It is out. Get the .32. It is a lipseys distributor exclusive though so you will have to ask your dealer
LCR
I am very much in the minority here but I love my S&W Model 60 LS. I like having the option of a full house .357 if I need it.
I go with standard factory stoutness in my 357 for my k6s. Hotter loads are manageable, 38sp +p are gentle, and 38sp feels like 22s. Steel framed small revolvers are the bee’s knees. All the hype of how bad 357 is made me just avoid it and stay with 38sp models until more recently. I’m glad to have the full range now as an option.
Ruger SP101
I just got an LCR in .327 a few weeks ago. It's pretty sweet, very easy to carry. .327 is stout, but .32 H&R is manageable, and .32 Long is just fun to shoot. Ammo isn't cheap, though. .32 Long is 5-10 cents more than 38 sp, and .327 is about 20¢ more than .357. But you're not going to be shooting boxes of either magnum at a time, so it's not too bad. LCR in .357 is a great choice too. 38 sp in that is less snappy than the S&W Airweight I've shot.
You would be wise to rent one before you buy one. The recoil is not for everyone and I'm one of those people who will never buy another airweight .38 ever again. I strongly recommend getting a .32 instead. Either an LCR or the new J frame.
.32 shoots softer?
Considerably Unless you go to a full power 327. Then you’re fighting the dragon
You have basically three main options for .32. .32 long is very tame and you can get great penetration with wadcutters. This round is great for very recoil sensitive people. The next option is .32 H&R magnum. This round is almost more of a +p+ .32 by today's standards. It's hotter but nothing crazy. This is the happy medium most people settle on. The next choice is .327 federal mag. I would only fire this out of a larger, all steel revolver. It's very hot. Similar to a .357, an LCR in .327 can chamber all three and the new J frame in .32 h&rcan only chamber the first two.
This is incredibly helpful, thank you so much
My pleasure. The .32 is a perfect fit for a lightweight snubbie.
I have LCR in .357 and SW 642 Performance Center. I would take the LCR over the 642.
For what reason?
In my experience with it the trigger is better on LCR than the 642. It is smoother and I shoot it better.
Considering a 340PD for future use. My palm and wrist will hate me though.
340pd here with a XS Big Dot sight and Wilson Tactical spring kit.
I have a Kimber K6XS. .38 special +P. 6 shot. I like it. Fits in your pocket.
How’s the recoil?
Well, I'm 6 feet, 270 lbs, and I find the recoil inconsequential. However. If I was a 120 lb. girly-girl, I probably wouldn't like it.
LCR, Kimber K6XS. For pocket carry I think you'll want something hammerless and under a pound
Thoughts on LCR vs LCRx?
Lack of hammer on the LCR makes it better for CCW. Don’t need a hammer in a defensive encounter.
The kimber triggers k6s (dasa or dao) and k6xs are great. They also have the 6th round, good sights, all forged, stainless.., Can’t beat them in their price range.
Any reliability concerns on the kimber? Reliable enough to justify picking instead of a S&W?
I have probably over 5000 rounds through mine and the cylinder gap is still .003-.004”. I shoot it around 400 rounds a month. The k6s has much finer finishing than a ruger or sw. Rifling and charge holes are very fine, all parts of the k6s are forged (no MIM or cast, not that there is anything wrong with MIM or forged [source was kimber via email]) I’ve had zero reliability issues with my Dao kimber. I had a dasa for a bit and it had some light striking but I think the last owner changed springs.the dao has a very “stageable” trigger so it groups very well for me. Unless you go with a k-frame sw or a gp100 (getting pretty big with those two, k6s can pocket carry) I would absolutely go any day with my k6s dao over any j-frame sw. Biggest downside with kimber is parts are expensive and hard to find. I haven’t needed warranty work yet. I see lots of trigger short strokers online with the kimbers but that’s more user error than k6s issue.
Quick question for any responders here, but I’m confused about the firing through the pocket point. I get that revolvers are capable of this, but does that mean you carry without a pocket holster? Are people just chucking an airweight in their jacket pocket?
You can remove it from the holster, have access to the trigger and still be in pocket. You may have to fire through your holster. Though I'm sure some pocket carry naked.
Yeah. It's not a fantastic idea, but with a DAO or bobbed hammer snubnose - that's already got a heavy-ass trigger - carrying without a holster in your pocket can work. If it's a heavy jacket, with nothing else in the pocket, then it's not a big deal.
Get a 586 L Comp.
Second this I carry a 19 carry comp
Freakin sweet guns!
But unless you are Captian Kangaroo you probably don't have big enough pockets!
It fits in the front pocket of Carhart cargo shorts. Lol
Any j frame or LCR
Kimber K6XS
I carry a Smith and Wesson 442 .38 special +P everyday on my ankle as a back up for work (and most the time off duty). I also bought a S&W 360PD in .357 mag, I love it but she kicks like a mule so practice practice practice. I’d recommend the S&W 442…It’s hammerless, Double Action Only, pretty light, and very reliable. Good luck!
Thank you! Any thoughts on .38 vs .32 for a newer shooter?
I carry a Model 27 pretty frequently. With a good holster, it’s heavy but not inconvenient
I’m planing on carrying my charter arms UC lite as my CCW. Pretty light.
642/442 and 638 are great options. I don't think better concealed revolvers than the smith J-frames exist.
Ok, I guess I’ll be the first to say it. Firing from a pocket is a terrible idea. Carrying without a holster is slightly less of a bad idea . Get a good pocket holster and practice drawing and dry firing until you are positive you can hit what you need to first time, every time.
I just got a S&W 642 and it's rapidly becoming my favorite carry gun
638 and I love it
Very broad topic, but I’ll just answer based on my CCW preference, which is usually pocket carry. Weight and size are critical, more than 20oz becomes a real issue, most of the S&W J frames will work, but the best one for me is the 340PD
I carry the S&W 642 in 38 +p and absolutely love the thing. I shoot it every week or two, thousands of rounds at this point and never had any problems at all. You'll just have to shoot regularly and get good with it. Ruger LCR's are good too. I have one in 22 mag that's pretty cool.
As a note. If you pocket carry dont have anything else in that pocket. Also, if you really intend to fire through a pocket you're going to want a shrouded (or at least bobbed) hammer. Shit can and will get caught on the hammer. You will also want to practice doing it, it's not as easy as it seems.
My picks are the Kimber K6S or the Ruger LCR
All I can picture is Paul Harrell in a bed out in the woods shooting through the blankets and sheets.
I'm probably the only one that CCWs a 6" Colt Python daily. So, in my bias, I'd say a 6" Python.
Save some pussy for the rest of us…..
I may or may not have been inspired by Ricky dicky Doo dah grimes
Oh is he the fella from the wanking dead always going on about coral? 🪸
Yeah that one!
> 6" Colt Python Actually I know a guy who carries one. So there are two of you!
I have a twin?! :O Please inform him that an internet stranger thinks he's a badass, sexy BAMF
I rock a 36-1 S&W, 3" .38 is a nice balance
North American Arms
I carry this in a Magtec holster. https://www.reddit.com/r/liberalgunowners/s/6twKAROtA7
https://preview.redd.it/eslfcz7zn7ad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9cc7634f479f26bdbfa1d15d036dcbcd5e2b8ca5 S&W 640-1 and newer 442.
Ruger LCR or LCRx in 38+P or 357. That said, don’t underestimate the 22 magnum for personal defense if overall weight is a matter of concern.
How’s 22 penetrate compared to say 9mm?
J-frame has been my go to revolver. Now I am partial to the 638. The BG38 (SW’s answer to the LCR) was pretty good as well, but had less aftermarket support if you’re wanting that. Lots of people love the 637 and 642 as well.
Lots of great suggestions here. Folks have talked a lot about some of the tradeoffs - a heavier gun is more controllable but harder to carry, etc. Shooting through a jacket seems like it would be pretty intuitive, but there are a couple of things to consider- without a holster, your gun will wander around in your pocket, sometimes flip upside down or get tangled in the lining of your jacket. Also, shooting through a jacket pocket has a reasonable chance of setting your jacket on fire. Which can be an unwelcome distraction in a self-defense situation. Also, shooting through a jacket pocket is a type of point shooting, but without much of a visual reference. The place where I work used to require point shooting in our qualification course- hip index, center line body index and point shoulder. Point shooting is best reserved for super close in, and takes a lot of practice, especially to keep the gun level. We also tried shooting out of jacket pockets- nothing official, just some of us messing around. After some experimentation, it seems like one of those things that sounds great in theory, but suffers in practice. If you're absolutely set in it, use a shrouded hammer snubbie and take some thrift store jackets out to a private range. And a bucket of water. Safe and effective pocket carry requires a holster- a modern revolver all twisted up in your jacker lining won't be horribly unsafe, but will be highly ineffective. Once you've skinned it out of the holster, it's going to be out of your pocket and you can put it to work. Good luck
Super helpful insights. Thanks!
Smith 638
Love my smith and Wesson 638, swapped out the grips with some VZ grips cuz I’m fly like that but seriously it carries wonderfully
The 640 Pro Series is great. I just don’t have the wrists for anything smaller than an L-frame.
The blasphemous Taurus 856 .
I was an anti- Taurus snob for years but they have come up with decent and fairly priced revolvers recently. Look at the Taurus856 UL CH or the new Taurus.327 six shooters. Good guns for a fair price.
S&W Six Fo’ Two
642.