1st time considering a revolver for ccw. good?

Question

I'm thinking about purchasing a S&W 386 Sc/S revolver for a ccw. It's a 7 shot .357 magnum snub nosed revolver. I've never before thought about considering a revolver for carrying. IDK y but i never have.

What do you think?

I have one serious concern. overpenetration. If I use federal hydrashock ammunition doi still run a risk of overpenetration. All answers and opinions appreciated.

1 more thing. Is it OK to carry just in your pocket without a holster?

Answer 1

Carrying a Revolver for a 1st time Concealed Weapon for Personal protection is an excellent idea. A snub nosed 357 magnum like the S&W 386 is way too lightweight, going a little over the top for a concealed carry handgun. Considering the cost, you need to take into consideration that as with any short barreled revolver, range is somewhat limited..Add the 357 Magnum cartridge to the equation and you have a flame belching,over-penetrating, limited range revolver. The recoil is going to be increased, too. The fact that it's a snub nose will also limit it's use to a carry weapon only because the barrel will be too short to use effectively for anything else. I happen to love Revolvers and I've personally carried a 3" barreled Model 686 6 shot in 357 Magnum, but loaded it with Sinterfire 357 Magnum (Frangable)ammunition. The 3" barrel makes it a much more versatile gun, and increases your effective range.Just something to consider before you put limitations on yourself with the use the gun you purchase and intend carry...

* I also recommend the "Raptor" Holster for whatever you wind up with...

NO.......NEVER carry a revolver just in your pocket.EVER..

Answer 2

I'd get the 686 because with the .357 Magnum you need the weight for controlled firing. Also, I'd get the 6 shooter; the extra seventh round is a moot point with a .357 anyway, and with the 6 shooter you can use standard speed-loaders. A quick reload of six beats seven in the cylinder.

Over penetration with the Federal Hydra Shok 130 grain bullets? Even out of the abbreviated 2 n 1/2" barrel the possibility of over penetration does exist but unless it is a 24-7 concern, then use .38s or Glazier type pre-fragmented ammo.

At least in Texas if you use a revolver when you get your CCW you are limited to a revolver for concealed carry. If you use a semi-loader you can use either when you conceal carry. With that S & W 686 you will be well armed anyway.

Best.

H

Answer 3

Forget the M-386 and get either a stainless steel M-686 or if you want small and light, go with a stainless steel J-frame 5-shot snubbie like the M-60, M-640, M-649, all available in .357 Magnum.

In my opinion these flyweight magnums are an abomination. They are so light that even a .357 Magnum is uncomfortable to shoot, and in some of the smaller frame pistol, they weigh less than the cap-guns I played with as a child.

Many people make much of the fact that they are light and easy to carry. We don't carry guns because they are light and easy to carry. We carry handguns for defense, and sometimes that involves pulling the trigger, not just pointing and the badguy running away. These flyweight revolver make second shots harder to make, and if you don't practice extensively, they will be impossible. And don't bother with the "I'll practice with light .38 loads and carry combat magnum loads." If you don't learn to handle the recoil of the manstopper loads, you won't be able to handle them when the rotary oscillating air displacement unit is contaminated with fecal material.

My advise is to pick a stainless steel revolver in J-frame, K-frame, or even L-frame size and get a good holster or two to go with it. And be sure to get a good belt to go along with the good holster.

FWIW, I've carried a handgun for over 30 years, and for 25 of those years, the gun most likely to be in my pocket, on my belt, or in my sporran was a revolver. There have been many times I wished I'd had a rifle in my hands, but I've never felt that my revolver was not sufficient to get me out of trouble.

Doc

Answer 4

That's a great choice. I did some research a while back on stopping power of handgun cartridges, when looking for a carry gun. The .357 Magnum firing 125 grain Jacketed Hollow Points is rated highest by Marshall & Sanow for one-shot stops among popular pistol/revolver cartridges based on records of actual shootings. This even includes the .44 magnum. If you are concerned about overpenetration look at the Glaser Safety Slugs-they are designed to transmit all energy to the target and not overpenetrate; Hydrashocks may give you a problem there

Answer 5

Never saw much point in the 2 or 2-1/2 inch "snub-nose" barrel on ANYTHING, especially if you're shooting a factory .357 cartridge loaded with relatively slow-burning powder. All you get is a muzzle blast of unburned powder. The "Mag" should have at least a 4-inch service barrel, which is a lot easier to conceal than a 7-shot cylinder.

Answer 6

My suggestion: do no longer purchase a handgun on your first purchase. A .22LR rifle is a so plenty extra effective selection for you. .22LR is ridiculously low-fee, at approximately $0.05 per around of ammo. It has in incredibly actuality no felt flinch from a rifle, meaning that which you will possibly be equipped to hire it to earnings guard gun dealing with without the distraction of heavy flinch. I propose a Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60, or Savage sixty 4. they are going to all be $250 or much less, with the Savage being the least luxury, yet nonetheless an super rifle. once you have gotten taken undemanding firearms protection classes, and have found out to shoot your rifle wisely, seem into the two a .22LR semi-motor vehicle pistol, or a .357 Magnum revolver. you say you do no longer could be constrained to 6 or much less rounds. I in my opinion assume that 3 rounds is plenty, so despite previous it is an coverage. Odds are you're able to no longer be accosted by making use of making use of gangs of thugs, and in case you're, the presence or absence of a gun is companies to make little distinction. Of direction, in simple terms exhibiting which you have have been given have been given a gun will scare off maximum purposes attackers, so which you in no way know... That being pronounced, perpetually be waiting to take a existence in case you're compelled to entice your gun for self protection. that does no longer advise you're able to kill anybody. It ability which you're able to mentally prepare your self for all of the ramifications, and be waiting to easily pull the set off in an attempt to completely stop your assailant. the magnificent element a pair of snubnose .357 Magnum is you could hearth .38 specific from it, so as that they might supply you a miles less luxury and milder-recoiling selection the two for carrying and for objective prepare. .38 centred is a splendidly appropriate self-safety around, by making use of the way, so don't be afraid to hire it.

Answer 7

Another vote for the 686, but here I agree with the senior citizen above, get at least a 4" barrel. He is 100% right.

Answer 8

Believe me, the .38 special, with a 2" barrel is NOT over penetrative. You are really wasting your money on premium ammo, because like I said, regardless of your rounds, coming out of a 2" barrel, it is not effective for distances over 25 FT.

Answer 9

The only real problem is the weight as a full time carry gun that model might get heavy, if you are only carrying part time you should be fine. Perfect choice on caliber btw.

Answer 10

You could not have made a better choice.* If you are concerned with over penetration, use wad cutters.* I have a S & W Model 66 with 4" barrel. Great handgun !! We can also shoot 38 cal in it also.*