Revolvers. Gunowners should definitely think about carrying a revolver. It is a gun that has been around for a long time and easy to use. Even if you are completely green to the firearms world, along with the lever action and shotgun, you probably already know how to use a revolver.
When first getting into concealed carry, it is often overwhelming to choose what type of gun to carry. However, although they are not as prominent as they once were, revolvers are still a viable option.
Small and Compact
Revolvers for the most part, are small and compact. The only bulky portion of the weapon is the cylinder. Many J-frames such as the Smith and Wesson 642 or 638 are small enough to carry without much notice. I’ve personally carried one for about 6 months now and I can say, they are more comfortable to carry then a subcompact 9mm.
Plenty of Options
Revolvers have plenty of options. Options of caliber and manufacturer. Companies like Smith and Wesson, Ruger, Charter Arms, Taurus, and Colt are some of the more popular manufacturers of revolvers in production today. Small, concealable revolvers, known as J-frames, are the perfect companion for concealed carry.
Caliber in plentiful too. Revolvers offer guns in .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .22LR, .44 Magnum, .44 Special, and .327 Federal to name a few. Options are plenty in action as well. Most revolvers are double action nowadays, but there are some guns still designed for single action only. This would not be the most ideal for concealed carry, however, it is up to the user what type of gun and which features works well for them.
Back in the olden days when your grandfather was carrying guns, revolvers were more prevalent. Colt and Smith and Wesson were the most popular and they still are. Given that bit of knowledge, there are other companies like Charter Arms or Taurus that make some pretty good choices like the Charter Arms Bulldog chambered in .44 Special!
Easy to Use
For the new shooter, they are perfect, because most people already have some sort of clue on how to use them. Simplicity is key when your new to something; and the fact that you can simply place 5-6 bullets into a cylinder and then you’re good to go is good enough for me!
Plus, most revolvers double action trigger is something that is an amazing option for the first time carrier. I believe it’s also safer, because it takes a quite a bit of pressure to pull back the trigger. In case your shirt or anything were to get caught in the trigger guard, its a lot harder to fire the weapon than a striker fired gun.
Popular Choices
Some of the most popular choices in terms of revolvers are Colt, Smith and Wesson, and Ruger. Others include Taurus, Charter Arms, Kimber, and Chiappa. Next, we will list a few choices for the first time shooter:
Smith and Wesson 642/637/638 Air weights
All of these revolvers fall under the J-frame type. These small, little .38 Special carry guns pack quite the punch. The real difference between them all is the hammer. With the 642 there is not external hammer; it is covered. It’s there, just enclosed. It makes the perfect, snag-free concealed carry.
Next we have the 637. The model 637 is just the 642, but with the hammer. Having the hammer exposed, (like most revolvers are) allows for easier practice time at the range.
Lastly, we have the 638. The 638 is like the others, except for a shrouded hammer. So, you get the best of both worlds with this model. I personally carry one and is the reason I chose to write this article!
Ruger SP101
Another widely popular choice is the Ruger SP101. The Ruger is a .357/.38 Special caliber revolver. This bulky built gun is an ideal choice for someone looking to get into revolvers. Built with either the hammer exposed or covered the SP101 is a great, entry-level revolver for concealed carry.
Charter Arms Bulldog
The Charter Arms Bulldog is chambered for .44 Special and is a gun not to be trifled with! Not as common or well known as it’s competitors S&W and Ruger, but American made none the less. If you are looking for a wheel gun to carry that is in a different caliber than your usual .357/.38, than look no further than the Bulldog by Charter Arms.
Conclusion
Yes, it is true that wheel guns have lost their popularity over the years as striker fired and double action pistols have risen. However, revolvers still are a great, reliable choice for personal defense. I have been carrying one personally for the last six months, and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! Don’t knock it before you try it!
Until next time.