New choice for concealed carry

[dpmtherrien]

Having spent 36 years in law enforcement, and with the state of things going on today, I find that there are more times when I'd prefer to carry something for self protection. The choice always comes down to either the auto or the revolver. The auto would seem to win out due to its ability to carry more rounds. The revolver is limited to 6 rounds or even 5 in the snub-nose version. However when size is considered, the ability to conceal and not be noticed puts the auto into a smaller size, and IMHO any auto in a smaller size is not completely reliable. After all if an auto were to misfire or jam, it takes 2 hands to clear and get it functioning again. With a revolver all one has to do is pull the trigger again and you're back in business. As to the number of rounds for the smaller auto's, its now down to an average of 6 because of the smaller size, and as I've said I don't trust the reliability of any small auto. I was at a dealer in my area and was comparing the smaller auto's when he showed me the new S&W Bodyguard .38. As I've said, I would trust any revolver over an auto any day. The new S&W will take the +P ammo, which puts it well ahead of the 9mm. It also has a laser sight which is great for low light or even dark conditions. Its lighter, 14 ounces, than the auto, and as a choice of a self defense weapon it can't be beat, again IMHO. The size is right about the same as any small auto, the difference of 1 round is not a concern to me, and it seems to be a great choice in a concealed carry self defense weapon.

 

[Katia]

I was always recommended revolvers as well, and that would definitely be my choice.

Only concern is the hammer-- a friend went concealed-hammer after the test on her concealed-carry class-- she went to draw and her shirt got caught on the hammer right out of the gate. I don't prefer the look of a concealed hammer/hammerless wheelgun, but it's probably what I'd look at myself if buying, now that I know what she knows. Would certainly rather be alive to think the thing's ugly than lying smug in my grave that I've got a good-looking pistol!

 

[rickboone1]

Awesome! Enjoy it. Post photos.

 

[PFP_Dad]

I don't prefer the look of a concealed hammer/hammerless wheelgun, but it's probably what I'd look at myself if buying, now that I know what she knows. Would certainly rather be alive to think the thing's ugly than lying smug in my grave that I've got a good-looking pistol!

A lot of this is training based, with enough practice you tend to clear the shirt automatically. A buddy and I had this argument (to be fair we both carry and train for work) and after a week of carrying my S&W 360 he changed his tune. The ability to shoot single action allows a more accurate shot and with the right holster and placement, snagging becomes a non-issue.

To the OP, congrats, you really can't beat a S&W in my opinion. The triggers are just superb out of the box.

 

[Mick]

Sounds like a good choice.

 

[noahpictures]

We want pics!

 

[Mick]

We want pics!

 

[dpmtherrien]

I was always recommended revolvers as well, and that would definitely be my choice.

Only concern is the hammer-- a friend went concealed-hammer after the test on her concealed-carry class-- she went to draw and her shirt got caught on the hammer right out of the gate. I don't prefer the look of a concealed hammer/hammerless wheelgun, but it's probably what I'd look at myself if buying, now that I know what she knows. Would certainly rather be alive to think the thing's ugly than lying smug in my grave that I've got a good-looking pistol!

As you can see from the picture, this S&W Bodyguard is a hammerless weapon that is double action only. This is a smaller room distance self defense weapon. If needed I'm sure one would not be concerned with cocking the hammer, taking the time to get a good sight picture, and then squeezing off a well placed round. Nope, this is a point and shoot type of situation, and a couple of quick shots usually does the trick. Being hammerless there's no worries about it snagging.

 

[Jimbob]

I went through a phase (one of MANY) where I wanted a hammerless revolver but didn't want to fork out the $$ required to have one. What I did have though was a Taurus Ultralite that I got a heck of a deal on. So in the evenings while I played poker online I filed the hammer spur off and now I have a snub nose pistol that can slip in or out of a pocket without catching.

 

[Acmemfg]

A lot of this is training based, with enough practice you tend to clear the shirt automatically. A buddy and I had this argument (to be fair we both carry and train for work) and after a week of carrying my S&W 360 he changed his tune. The ability to shoot single action allows a more accurate shot and with the right holster and placement, snagging becomes a non-issue.

To the OP, congrats, you really can't beat a S&W in my opinion. The triggers are just superb out of the box.

Single action shooting in a self defense environment is hardly recommended. Acquire the target as quickly as possible; pull the trigger. The entire scenario will be over in a matter of seconds. Wasting time looking to **** a hammer just isn't a good idea

On the S&W..been carrying a 442 for years. Finest kind.........

 

[Mick]

On the S&W..been carrying a 442 for years. Finest kind.........

That is a nice one

 

[Graybeard57]

Ditto on the revolvers. Hammerless preferably, but not absolutely, IMO.

 

[Wullie]

Can't fault your logic about wheelguns.

I can say I've had more wheelgun issues with a variety of revolvers over the years than I've ever had with this old dog.

Bought it in new 1968 when I was 16 years old. It's been all over the country and part of the world with me. It has yet to stop shooting unless it was out of ammo.

It is not, however, an easily concealable pistol.

 

[Samurai-5]

Can't fault your logic about wheelguns.

I can say I've had more wheelgun issues with a variety of revolvers over the years than I've ever had with this old dog.

Bought it in new 1968 when I was 16 years old. It's been all over the country and part of the world with me. It has yet to stop shooting unless it was out of ammo.

It is not, however, an easily concealable pistol.

NICE!

 

[ThePatrician]

My dad gave me his new Browning HP because he never shot it; he got his baby brand-new in 1978 and has slicked it up a LOT.

Even though I don't intend to carry very much, I still want to get my CCP so that if I feel I have to carry, I can. My carry choice would probably be an XD-9.

 

[Wullie]

My dad gave me his new Browning HP because he never shot it; he got his baby brand-new in 1978 and has slicked it up a LOT.

Even though I don't intend to carry very much, I still want to get my CCP so that if I feel I have to carry, I can. My carry choice would probably be an XD-9.

THe only "slicking up" that one of mine has had is hard use and couple of K rounds down the bore.

I had a WWII Nazi proofed FN Hi-Powr with the tangent sight on it until somebody popped off an offered me a lot more than I thought it was worth. It was great sport to have one in each hand and dump 26 rounds downrange. I got pretty good blasting stuff from the hip with those things. Burned a lot of surplus old 9mm ammo back in the day.

Decided to get my concealed carry license the other day and get legal. Doubt I'll carry that HP much in warm weather. That fat grip isn't much fun gouging you in the back. BUT, I also have a Radom VIS 35
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vis_pistol

It's got all the bells and whistles for one handed operation.

It's about the same size as that HP and it's a single stack 9mm so it will tuck in closer.

I wish Rock Island Armory/ARMSCOR would make that mid size 1911 in 38 Super. That to me would be a VERY nice carry pistol.

 

[D.W.B.]

I think you made a good choice with your Smith & Wesson. I carry a S&W model 38 Bodyguard in the summer months though this model has a hammer shroud which allows the cocking of the hammer if needed. Wearing shorts is the order of the day during the hot months. I carry mine in a Galco pocket holster in the front pocket, with a reload in the opposite pocket. I really like this combination. The winter months are a different story, more clothing allows for larger firearms, I prefer an inside the waistband holster for this time of year along with a .45.

 

[noahpictures]

Single action shooting in a self defense environment is hardly recommended. Acquire the target as quickly as possible; pull the trigger. The entire scenario will be over in a matter of seconds. Wasting time looking to **** a hammer just isn't a good idea

On the S&W..been carrying a 442 for years. Finest kind.........
View attachment 312839

I also like the 442 even if it kicks like a mule and is not ideal for long ranges. Do you have any suggestions/advice?

 

[noahpictures]

Thanks Mick.

 

[Acmemfg]

I also like the 442 even if it kicks like a mule and is not ideal for long ranges. Do you have any suggestions/advice?

A couple:

1. Replace the grips with something larger if possible but not so big as to hinder concealment. I am quite impressed with Hogue Bantam Grips. They offer me much better control (and I have big hands), install easily and are reasonably priced ($20 or less).

2. Although the 442 can eat +P ammo all day there is really no need. Hornady 125 Gr. XTP/HP rounds have been my carry round for quite some time (their newer Critical Defense Round in 110 or 125 Gr. also shows promise). For everyday shooting, pick up some "Cowboy Loads". These are very light recoil rounds that are decent for fun and practice, but have NO BUSINESS in your weapon when it is in your "protection mode". Cowboy loads are pretty common and easily enough found at reloaded ammunition sources. Just be sure the reloader knows his trade...ask around before you load up with it.

Great gun.......