Concealed Carry Options: Revolvers
by
Published on 06-23-2011 02:39 AM
Some people prefer a revolver for concealed carry over an automatic pistol. Overall a revolver is less prone to malfunction than an auto, although some revolvers lack the ammo capacity of an auto and they may weigh a little more. I'll say again: It all depends on what type of firearm you are comfortable with using and carrying. A lot of manufacturers have been producing revolvers specifically for the concealed carry market. These are usually small, lightweight, short barreled, and feature a hammerless or low-profile hammer design for an unhindered draw and comfortable carry. They're are many options out there. In this installment we'll take a look at a few of them.
Once again....the disclaimer!: Ignorance of the law is no excuse, no matter how wrong those laws might seem, they're still laws, breaking those laws reflects badly on all responsible gun owners. So be sure to check local ordinances and state concealed carry laws. Most states require a license for concealed carry while some forbid it entirely. Some cities and towns have local laws against the carry of a firearm into or near certain properties. When traveling with a concealed firearm it is also important to check if the state or area you are traveling to recognizes your CCW license, this is called "Reciprocity". Here are some excellent websites that contain everything you need to know about concealed carry licensing, laws, products, and reciprocity: www.carryconcealed.net
www.usconcealedcarry.com
www.usacarry.com
www.handgunlaw.us
www.nraila.org/gunlaws/
And now for the wheel guns!
Ruger LCR
Video by: talontraininggroup
The Ruger Lightweight Compact Revolver (LCR), a 13.5 ounce, small frame revolver with a smooth, easy-to-control trigger and highly manageable recoil. The LCR comes in two flavors: 38spl +P, 327 Fed Mag, 9mm, and .357mag. The .38spl version features an Aerospace grade aluminum frame, while the .357 version has a blackened stainless steel frame to deal with the higher pressures of that round. All versions have a stainless steel cylinder. Features a Hogue Tamer grip, also available with crimson trace laser grip. U-notch rear sight, replaceable ramp front sight. XS model features a tritium dot front sight.
Action: Concealed hammer, DAO
Caliber : .38spl (327 Fed Mag, 9mm, 357mag)
Capacity: 5
Safety: No manual safety.
Barrel Length: 1.875"
Overall Length: 6.5"
Weight: 13.5oz, (.357mag = 17.1oz)
MSRP: $525, (XS and .357mag = $575), (Crimson Trace = $792)
http://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/models.html
Ruger SP101 DAO
The DAO version of the venerable Ruger SP101 features a satin finished stainless steel frame/cylinder and is chambered for the .357mag cartridge. It has a black rubber grip, fixed rear sight and front blade sight. The concealed hammer design as well as the low profile sights lend well to concealed carry.
Action: Concealed hammer, DAO
Caliber : .357mag
Capacity: 5
Safety: No manual safety.
Barrel Length: 2.25"
Overall Length: 7"
Weight: 25oz
MSRP: $629
http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/models.html
Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan
Video by: MidwayUSA
The Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan is the largest and most powerful revolver I'll present here. It's rather heavy compared to the others in this article, but it is small enough to have a degree of concealability for those that can handle it. Also it's got the knock down power of the .44 Magnum or .454 Casull cartridge. An added bonus is it's dual-ammo capacity, the .44Mag version can also chamber the .44spl cartridge and the .454 version can chamber the .45 Long Colt cartridge. The Alaskan's frame and cylinder is made of satin finish stainless steel, with front ramp sight and adjustable rear sight, it also has a hammer forged barrel. Features a specially cushioned Hogue Tamer mono-grip to reduce felt recoil.
Action: Exposed hammer, SA/DA
Caliber : .44mag (also available in .454 Casull)
Capacity: 6
Safety: Transfer bar safety.
Barrel Length: 2.5"
Overall Length: 7.62"
Weight: 45oz
MSRP: $1049
http://www.ruger.com/products/superR...an/models.html
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38
Video by: GunWebsites
The S&W Bodyguard 38 is chambered for the .38 Special +P round, it features a one-piece aluminum alloy upper frame along with a steel reinforced polymer lower frame. The barrel and cylinder on the revolver are both stainless steel. The cylinder is coated with a durable, non-reflective, matte black PVD finish. It's double-action only (DAO) with a concealed hammer. The Bodyguard also features a standard Insight laser sight integrated into the top of the grip.
Action: Concealed Hammer, DAO
Caliber : .38spl +P
Capacity: 5
Safety: No manual safety.
Barrel Length: 1.9"
Overall Length: 6.6"
Weight: 14.3oz
MSRP: $509
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y
Smith & Wesson M&P 340
The S&W M&P 340 revolver features a scandium alloy frame and tritium night sights. The 340 is chambered for the .357mag but can also chamber the .38spl+P round. Also available with a Crimson Trace Lasergrip. Various cylinder options, as well as sight options,and grip styles, with matte black or gray metal finish.
Action: Concealed Hammer, DAO
Caliber : .357mag and .38spl +P
Capacity: 5
Safety: No manual safety.
Barrel Length: 1.875"
Overall Length: 6.31"
Weight: 13.3oz
MSRP: $869 ( $1129 for Crimson Trace version)
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y
Smith & Wesson 327 Night Guard
Part of S&W's Night Guard series, the 327 features a scandium alloy frame,stainless steel barrel and cylinder, Pachmayr grips and tritium night sights. The 327's 8 shot cylinder and dual cartridge use makes it a great choice for a carry revolver.
Action: Exposed Hammer, SA/DA
Caliber : .357mag and .38spl +P
Capacity: 8
Safety: No manual safety.
Barrel Length: 2.5"
Overall Length: 7.75 "
Weight: 27.6oz
MSRP: $1049
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y
Taurus CIA 650
The Taurus CIA 650 is designed for simplicity and ease-of-use with a fully enclosed hammer. It's frame, barrel, and cylinder are made of stainless steel. It features a textured rubber grip, grooved rear sight and fixed front blade sight. Also available in Taurus black finish.
Action: Concealed hammer , DAO
Caliber : .357mag
Capacity: 5
Safety: Transfer bar safety, Taurus key lock safety
Barrel Length: 2"
Overall Length: 6.5 "
Weight: 23.9oz
MSRP: $530
http://www.taurususa.com/product-det...rumbseries=CC2
Taurus 851 Protector Ultra-Lite
The 851 Protector Ultra-Lite features a fully shrouded zero-profile hammer that can be manually cocked/decocked in single action operation when needed. It's constructed from Taurus's Ultra-Lite Titanium Alloy with a stainless finish. It has a fixed front sight, adjustable rear site, and textured rubber grip.
Action: Zero-profile hammer , SA/DA
Caliber : .38spl +P
Capacity: 5
Safety: Transfer bar safety
Barrel Length: 2"
Overall Length: 6.5 "
Weight: 16.8 oz
MSRP: $500
http://www.taurususa.com/product-det...rumbseries=CC2
Charter Arms Undercover DAO
Video by: MidwayUSA
This version of the Charter Arms Undercover revolver is DAO and chambered in .38spl. It is also rated for +P ammo. Made entirely of stainless steel, it features a rear grooved sight with a fixed blade front sight and rubber grip.
Action: Concealed hammer , DAO
Caliber : .38spl +P
Capacity: 5
Safety: Hammer block safety
Barrel Length: 2"
Overall Length: 6.8 "
Weight: 16 oz
MSRP: $372
http://www.charterfirearms.com/produ...ver_73811.html
Charter Arms Bulldog DAO
Charter's Bulldog is a versatile revolver for personal or home protection. This revolver, chambered in .44 Special, is one of the larger revolvers to qualify for concealed carry. Features stainless steel construction, grooved rear sight, fixed front blade sight, and a ribbed rubber grip.
Action: Concealed hammer , DAO
Caliber : .44spl
Capacity: 5
Safety: Hammer block safety
Barrel Length: 2.5"
Overall Length: 7.1 "
Weight: 21oz
MSRP: $431
http://www.charterfirearms.com/produ...dog_74421.html
Charter Arms Mag Pug DAO
The Charter Arms Mag Pug, chambered in .357 magnum, has a stainless steel frame and cylinder, features a low profile front blade sight, and rubber grip.
Action: Concealed hammer , DAO
Caliber: .357mag
Capacity: 5
Safety: Hammer block safety
Barrel Length: 2.2"
Overall Length: 6.8 "
Weight: 23oz
MSRP: $404
http://www.charterfirearms.com/produ...Pug_73521.html