I don’t claim to be an expert on personal
carry weapons, but I have used a variety of carry revolvers and
autos for many years. I’ve also known and learned a lot from
professionals in law enforcement and other respected
authorities. In all of my reading and study of the question of
the perfect carry arm, I have come to the conclusion that size
definitely matters. In the following paragraphs, I will try to
make that point through the comparison of several popular
options.
The weapons considered are all fine examples of
available choices from Ruger and Smith & Wesson.
I know that there are other excellent carry revolvers available
from other manufacturers, I just don’t have any of them or the
experience with them to speak with any authority.
Some
Great Choices, Starting With The Smallest
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S&W
Model 36, 38 Special, 2 inch
(Click picture for larger version) |
The
Model 36 is a fine concealed carry weapon because of its small
J-frame design and 5 shot cylinder. All of which make an easy
carry pocket pistol or IWB (inside waist band) concealed weapon. The model 36 is accurate at 25 yards and with the
light recoil of standard 38 Special ammo is easy to master with
practice. Also, 38 Special ammo is relatively cheap so lots of
practice can be had for the dollar. Practice and familiarity of
any weapon is very important, but if you are going to carry a
weapon because you may need to use one in a life threatening
situation, it is critical that all actions required to defend
yourself are automatic and skills are finely honed. Anything
less will place your life at increased risk and possibly
endanger others. The model 36 loaded with +P ammo for business
is quite adequate. I love this little 38 because it is one of
the most concealable and can be worn IWB under a T-shirt.
|
S&W
Model 60, 357 Magnum, 2-1/8 inch
(Click picture for larger version) |
The
Model 60 is an even better choice than the 36 since it is
essentially the same size, which makes it a great concealed-carry
weapon, and it is a MAGNUM. The 357 magnum is one
of my all time favorite handgun rounds and handguns in
this caliber are my almost constant carry choice. The model 60
is very accurate at any range where a short barrel handgun would
be appropriate and even with full magnum loads is pleasant to
shoot. Of course practice ammo is still cheap and one can get
really proficient with the weapon before it goes undercover. I
like the stainless finish also, since in warm weather and IWB
carry, my favorite concealed location, can get a little hot. A
good holster makes a lot of difference but the stainless feature
takes most of the protection of the weapon finish concerns away.
Regarding accuracy, recently my brother and I had an afternoon
of plinking at various targets, cans and small stones. After a
while, I began to dig spent 38 slugs out of the dirt bank and
place them in bullet holes in a log. With great regularity one
could pluck the 38 slugs out of the log or drive them in at 25
feet. Nuff said!
|
Ruger
SP 101, 357 Magnum, 2-1/2 inch
(Click picture for larger version) |
The
Ruger SP101 has been my long time carry favorite because of its
great size, 357 magnum capability, and the terrific Lipsey's
special finish. The finish is a special titanium coating, which
appears virtually indestructible. No sweaty palm worries. The
revolver shoots very well and is highly accurate. It’s a Ruger
so you know you can shoot almost any load in it you can handle.
The grips are great and make the hottest magnum loads easy to
handle. The noise is the most punishing thing about full house
loads in this or any of the other short-barreled revolvers.
Concealability is just as good as the other models mentioned
above. The revolvers are affordably priced. Like I said, it is
my almost constant companion. It has a special place on the
nightstand and in the car. I did brighten the front sight with
florescent yellow just to aid in quick sight acquisition.
|
S&W
Model 19-1, 357 Magnum, 2-1/2 inch
(Click picture for larger version) |
As
I have discussed before, the S&W
Model 19, 357 Magnum is one of my life long favorite
handguns. I own more than just a few and use most. Some are
unfired and I guess I’ll have to keep them that way. The Model
19 is a powerful revolver, built for accuracy and ease of carry.
While the K-frame design makes the revolver a little heavier and
bulkier than the previous offerings, it has a full 6 round
cylinder. It’s somewhat comforting to know that you have the
additional round in a personal defense weapon. It is the most
accurate of the revolvers discussed thus far due to the
excellent adjustable sights, frame size, trigger and action
smoothness, and grip. As configured, the Model 19 is very
comfortable to shoot even with full house magnum loads. It is a
little larger and harder to hide than the smaller versions. But
in my opinion the additional size and weight are value add
options for a personal defense weapon.
|
S&W
Model 24, 44 Special, 3 inch
(Click picture for larger version) |
The
Model 24 is an N-frame revolver, and thus is a little larger and
a heavier than the model 19. It is not a magnum, however, it has
a significant advantage in bore size. The 44 special round is a
large to start with as many expanded smaller bullets (0.43 inch
vs. 0.36 inches). The weight of the bullet is also much greater,
240 grains vs. 158 grains. Added weight means added momentum and
penetration. Loaded with a Keith type cast bullet or a +P
loading in jacketed ammo, the 44 special offers significant
margin in knock down power. Big bullets make big holes, so the
stay down factor for the 44 special is greater. As shown in the
following photo, the difference in size of the weapon in minimal
while the difference in size of the round is significant.
|
Comparison
of S&W Model 19 .357 Magnum (left) and Model 24 .44
Special (right)
(Click picture for larger version) |
The Model 24 with round butt grip and grips
makes this larger revolver an easy concealed-carry choice when
heavy artillery is warranted. Having read for years the exploits
of Elmer Keith and others who used the 44 for personal
defense, enforcement of the law, bringing home the meat, and
protection from dangerous critters has given me a great deal of
respect for the big bore. A little extra weight on the hip is
good insurance when needed. This particular handgun is rapidly
becoming my favorite personal protection partner.
The
truth is that size does matter. In fact the only thing I can
think of that is better than a handful of 44 on your side is…
|
...a
pair of 44’s!
(Click picture for larger version) |
All
of these weapons are configured for easy concealment under a
light jacket, shirt or vest. I have carried each. All are good
choices. I prefer those on the heavier end of the spectrum.
Selection of a carry weapon is a very personal decision. The
only recommendation I would make to anyone else is to select a
handgun that you are comfortable with, and will practice with
enough to become skilled in its use. And, like buying insurance,
which is always too expensive until you need it, all handguns
are too heavy, bulky, and hard to conceal until you need one.
That’s when size really matters.
Butch
Kent
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