Compact revolvers

[SusieShooter]

For those who carry a revolver, do you carry compact or not? I went to the range to try a couple compact revolvers last week and found that the way I used my trigger finger had to change due to the size of the grip. I had to put a lot of my finger on the trigger vs. using just the first pad with my 686.

If I get my CCW, I'm debating about getting a 2" 686 vs. a compact revolver. I think my 4" might be a bit too big, but I don't know if I like the smaller, lighter gun.

Who carries a revolver and what do you carry?

[mark]

Ruger GP100,

It is a little more bulky than my 1911,

but carrying is ok, with the exception of sitting in the truck or a chair somewhere in public,

I have just put some dinero on a Ruger LCR, real lightweight weapon, I am curious about recoil though, after I get it listed on the permit, and carry it around for sometime, I will re-post

[THE Gimper]

S&W 442. And with a heavier trigger pull, it's normal to have to use more than just the pad of your finger. You will have to insert your finger up to the first knuckle.

[Akzl]

S&W 642-change the stock grips out and practice, practice, practice. Light and ez to conceal or pocket carry. Gives my Kimber the day off!

[El Gato]

you might look for one of these...

Product: Model 327 Night Guard - .357MAG

as a compromise... size and power and lighter weight with night sights...

and it is on the list!

327NG / Alloy, stainless steel Revolver 2.5" .357 Magnum 9/23/2010

here is also a gun for sale... a little heavy but a good compromise between a shorty and a 4 inch gun... I would still lean toward the night guard but...here it is...

WTS Smith & Wesson .357 3" SS $600 - Calguns.net

[cksh8me]

You could do some dry firing at home and get some mussle in your hand, and smooth out the trigger at the same time.

[paul0660]

You will have to insert your finger up to the first knuckle.

Exactly this. Small revolvers take a lot of practice, but they are worth it, because they always work and never show. Also use left thumb over right thumb grip, and even .357 is managable. Jerry shows how here:

How to shoot a revolver like pro Jerry Miculek | Wonder How To

I usually carry a Taurus 85 lightweight in front right pocket, two speed strips in back right pocket, and nothing else in those pockets.

[Dutchman]

If your compact is a Smith and Wesson, Randy Lee in Los Osos Ca can smooth out the trigger to a 6 to 8# DA pull without changing the main spring. He'll also remove the internal lock, if you request, to eliminate the chances of the lock engaging during firing and tying up your hammer.

I had this happen at the range with my 340pd resulting with the hammer locked back over a live round. I had to put a gap gauge between the firing pin and primer while removing the grip, then side plate, then main spring. At this point the hammer is lifted out, thus exposing the lock...the flag easily lifts out. At this point the debridment was complete and the gun was re assembled. Just keep the flag, in case you have to send it in for warranty work.

If you opt for a ruger, then gemeni customs can do the same thing with respect to dropping the trigger weight without changing the main spring.

[Karatediver]

I carry the S&W 442 every day. I hated snubbies prior to trying the 442. My brother got one and I shot it and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to shoot. I do a front pocket carry. I changed the stock grips out for a set of Hogue Bantam grips which are slightly lighter and smaller. I did this mainly to accomodate the Safariland speedloader I carry in the other pocket along with a speed strip. With a pocket carry holster it doesn't print even in my jeans. It's so light that I forget it is there sometimes. It is that comfortable. Because I have to tuck in my shirt most of the time and can't wear a huge baggy shirt or pants it is a great way for me to carry.

[SD Shooter]

Originally Posted by Dutchman

If your compact is a Smith and Wesson, Randy Lee in Los Osos Ca can smooth out the trigger to a 6 to 8# DA pull without changing the main spring. He'll also remove the internal lock, if you request, to eliminate the chances of the lock engaging during firing and tying up your hammer.

I had this happen at the range with my 340pd resulting with the hammer locked back over a live round. I had to put a gap gauge between the firing pin and primer while removing the grip, then side plate, then main spring. At this point the hammer is lifted out, thus exposing the lock...the flag easily lifts out. At this point the debridment was complete and the gun was re assembled. Just keep the flag, in case you have to send it in for warranty work.

If you opt for a ruger, then gemeni customs can do the same thing with respect to dropping the trigger weight without changing the main spring.

Great info! I got an S&W 340PD and I am going to taking care of this potential issue.
Thanks,

[Gronk Bronson]

My wife carries a S&W Model 60 and she seems to do pretty well with it. I am however, looking for someone to work on the trigger for her. She seems to pull it to the right just a little with her grip technique because the trigger pull is a little too heavy I believe. She shoots DA only, and I think she should keep it that way. I saw a thread about Grant Cunningham and the excellent work he does, unfortunately he is about an 18 month wait, plus he isn't taking orders currently. So, if anyone has any suggestions about someone in my area I would sure appreciate it. Here's a link for the model 60 she has if the OP is interested!!
Product: Model 60 Revolver - 3"

[Car Guy]

I have a Ruger SP101 2.25 barrel. It's heavy and only holds 5, but I love it. It conceals well in an IWB holster, and shoots well with practice. I've tried several different grips and found that i liked the original grips best. I have large hands and I got used to inserting the trigger up to the second knuckle to press the trigger. It definitely takes practice, but I was able to adapt. I also have a 4" J Frame S&W Model 66, but I can't imagine lugging it around all day.

[Eirerogue]

Can't compare a 686 to a compact revolver for CCW daily use. Try pocket carry for a 686! Everything is a trade off. Better grip and trigger control in a bigger frame, but your concealment options are limited.

My 340M&P can slip into my pocket holster and is not even an issue to conceal. Practice, practice with your compact revolver and thing improve dramatically. Add some laser sights and it's better still.

Still carry my Ed Brown KC, but that 340M&P is with me everywhere, either as a primary or BUG.

[9x45]

I have a S&W 640 in .357 Remington Magnum. Because it's all stainless the weapon is very manageable, and I have chrono'd 180 grain Remingtons at 1,050 fps. Pretty amazing because it's only leaving a 2" barrel... I have owned, and shot, many J frame lite weights, but they are brutal to shoot. I consider lite weights to be back up guns only.

[NikNak]

Originally Posted by cksh8me

You could do some dry firing at home and get some mussle in your hand, and smooth out the trigger at the same time.

Or you can remove the side plate, add a little valve grinding compound, close the side plate..... dry fire for no more than 100 times, remove sideplate and flush ALL compound out, add jeweler's rouge, close side plate and dry fire about 100 times, open side plate and remove all jeweler's rouge, add a "little" good quality oil, replace side plate and you should be good to go....