3rd CCW gun...perhaps a Revolver

[AMS MIKE]

When shooting with Mike (OCRancher) this morning, he got me thinking of a 3rd gun to add to my CCW. He mentioned a small revolver and I can use an ankle concealment gun. This is a good idea when I cannot carry IWB for some reason, or to carry this as backup along with my IWB. I have never shot a revolver but i do know a little about them and how they opperate.

Is there a benefit between having a centennial style (enclosed hammer) or the chief style (exposed hammer) ?

I like these two below because they take .357mag & .38+P Anyone have experience with these?

S&W 340PD

S&W 360PD

[flyingm]

I believe the main draw to the centennial style is that is it easier to conceal since it has less chance of snagging on clothing. It can also help to keep lint and dirt out of the hammer area. Of course it also makes it harder to cock the hammer if you are so inclined to do so. It might be a good idea if you are planning on ankle carry so it doesn't get hung up in your pant leg and/or socks.

[BonoVox]

I made my 3rd gun a Kahr PM9. You can shoot it next time we shoot together. I like semi autos. It shoots 9mm which I also like. Better round IMO than a .38, less recoil and much less recoil than a .357 out of snubbie.



That being said a lot of people carry snubbies as their third gun too.

The S&W 642 is very popular. Rated to .38 +P. I have shot it a few times and even with .38s it's a handful. +P a big handful. Ask those that have qualified with them. Usually their hands are shaking 2/3 the way through qualification.

A .357 out of a similar platform

[1buba]

My 3rd gun is a S&W 360PD (scandium frame .357 mag). There are some reasons why i picked this over the hammerless design, but that is for a different thread.

If I had my choice though, I'd have a Colt Mustang for deep concealment. The little snubbies aren't bad, and the .38 definitely has a leg up on the .380, but the flat Mustang would be a bit easier in tighter legged pants..

[THE Gimper]

Originally Posted by BonoVox

I made my 3rd gun a Kahr PM9. You can shoot it next time we shoot together. I like semi autos. It shoots 9mm which I also like. Better round IMO than a .38, less recoil and much less recoil than a .357 out of snubbie.



That being said a lot of people carry snubbies as their third gun too.

The S&W 642 is very popular. Rated to .38 +P. I have shot it a few times and even with .38s it's a handful. +P a big handful. Ask those that have qualified with them. Usually their hands are shaking 2/3 the way through qualification.

A .357 out of a similar platform

I would agree with this assessment. Mike, I have a model 442. It's an aluminum alloy frame with a steel cylinder. It's rated for .38+P. Shooting +P out of it is quite a handful. I'd be happy to let you shoot it. I'll make sure I have both regular and +P rounds so you can compare.

[THE Gimper]

Originally Posted by 1buba

My 3rd gun is a S&W 360PD (scadmium frame .357 mag). There are some reasons why i picked this over the hammerless design, but that is for a different thread.

If I had my choice though, I'd have a Colt Mustang for deep concealment. The little snubbies aren't bad, and the .38 definitely has a leg up on the .380, but the flat Mustang would be a bit easier in tighter legged pants..

Yes, that's an excellent point. I've been thinking about that. I may add my Mustang.

[AMS MIKE]

Thanks for all the info guys.

Bono, I remember holding your PM9 and would love to shoot it when you get back. Thanks for the info on the different calibers. I have yet to shoot any, so 1st hand experience is what i am looking for. I will pick up some 9mm so I can shoot the PM9.

Gimper, May i try out your revolver on Tuesday at Range Night Please? I will bring you a box of .45 in trade.

I didn't want the colt mustang conversion because its too similar to what i own now. I want something different

What looks good on my computer screen made not feel the same in my hands. Good thing I know some people who will let me shoot their guns

[THE Gimper]

Originally Posted by AMS MIKE

Gimper, May i try out your revolver on Tuesday at Range Night Please? I will bring you a box of .45 in trade.

Deal.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by AMS MIKE

Thanks for all the info guys.

Bono, I remember holding your PM9 and would love to shoot it when you get back. Thanks for the info on the different calibers. I have yet to shoot any, so 1st hand experience is what i am looking for. I will pick up some 9mm so I can shoot the PM9.

Gimper, May i try out your revolver on Tuesday at Range Night Please? I will bring you a box of .45 in trade.

I didn't want the colt mustang conversion because its too similar to what i own now. I want something different

What looks good on my computer screen made not feel the same in my hands. Good thing I know some people who will let me shoot their guns

Understood!!! Don't want duplicates when you can get a wide range of differences!!! lol

Did you try Ocra's this am? I think he got the 360 like mine, but with different sites. I think he got the HIVIZ sights and mine has a plain red ramp front site.


The discription from S&W:

Smith & Wesson combined a Scandium alloy frame with a Titanium cylinder to build the strongest and lightest weight .357 Magnum revolver made. The result...maximum power in a small, lightweight, easy-to-carry package. Scandium alloy is used for small, medium and large frame revolvers. Smith & Wesson's lightest and strongest revolvers deliver dependable power every time.

Specs:

SKU: 163063
Model: 360PD
Caliber: .357MAG/.38+P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Barrel Length: 1 7/8"
Front Sight: Red Ramp Front
Rear Sight: Fixed
Grip: Rubber Grips
Frame: Small - Chiefs Special Style
Finish: Blue / Black
Overall Length: 6 3/8"
Material: Scandium Alloy/Titanium/Stainless Steel
Weight Empty: 12 oz.

12 oz is the lightest one i've found out there. Problem is I'm afraid it would be BRUTAL to shoot .357's out of. Ask SealBeach what he thought about it with just the .38's!!! LOL

[Bombard]

I've got a 640 (stainless, hammerless, .38 because it's older) on my permit now. I shot OC Rancher's 340 (hammerless, ultralight, 357) with +P 125 JHP a few weeks ago, and I plan to buy one and replace the 640 at some point. It's so light it feels like a toy. It kicks, I wouldn't want to put 50 rounds of +p or 357 through it in one session.

[THE Gimper]

Originally Posted by Bombard

I've got a 640 (stainless, hammerless, .38 because it's older) on my permit now. I shot OC Rancher's 340 (hammerless, ultralight, 357) with +P 125 JHP a few weeks ago, and I plan to buy one and replace the 640 at some point. It's so light it feels like a toy. It kicks, I wouldn't want to put 50 rounds of +p or 357 through it in one session.

On my 442 I swapped out the grips with Hogue rubber Bantam grips. It helps. It might help with the 340 also.

[hygyliac]

Originally Posted by AMS MIKE

I didn't want the colt mustang conversion because its too similar to what i own now. I want something different

The snubbie will definately fill the bill. Good idea to try the various light and feather weights. But try them with the ammo that you will use for self-defense. You may be surprised at the recoil. You can always qualify with .38 and then use the more potent rounds for CCW.

[THE Gimper]

Originally Posted by hygyliac

The snubbie will definately fill the bill. Good idea to try the various light and feather weights. But try them with the ammo that you will use for self-defense. You may be surprised at the recoil. You can always qualify with .38 and then use the more potent rounds for CCW.

Yes. But I would still recommend at least some practice with the self-defense round you're going to use. If you're going to carry it with .357 you should know and be prepared for what shooting that ammo feels like, and how the gun behaves. Your life could depend on it.

[AMS MIKE]

Originally Posted by hygyliac

The snubbie will definately fill the bill. Good idea to try the various light and feather weights. But try them with the ammo that you will use for self-defense. You may be surprised at the recoil. You can always qualify with .38 and then use the more potent rounds for CCW.

thats what I plan on doing bud. Tuesday i will be like Trinity and show up and shoot everyone elses guns and ammo

Only kidding! I will trade .45 ammo for what I use.

[sealbeach]

Originally Posted by 1buba

Understood!!! Don't want duplicates when you can get a wide range of differences!!! lol

Did you try Ocra's this am? I think he got the 360 like mine, but with different sites. I think he got the HIVIZ sights and mine has a plain red ramp front site.


The discription from S&W:


Specs:


12 oz is the lightest one i've found out there. Problem is I'm afraid it would be BRUTAL to shoot .357's out of. Ask SealBeach what he thought about it with just the .38's!!! LOL

Yep, I shot 1Buba's, it is a totally different experience. It is as lightweight as they advertise, unreal. With that low mass, you take ALL the recoil in your hand and arm, wow! It is a painful experience, I would NOT want to shoot that gun in .357, no sir! For an easy to carry gun it would work, short range shooting only.