carry revolver opinion
-
- Pot Shot
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Sat, 10 Sep 2016 16:45:03
- Location: roanoke,va
carry revolver opinion
[I just got my CC I am curious to see what opinions are for a good carry revolver ?
- SHMIV
- Sharp Shooter
- Posts: 5741
- Joined: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:15:31
- Location: Where ever I go, there I am.
Re: carry revolver opinion
My sister carries a .380 revolver, though she's not too fond of it. It's lightweight, and it bothers her wrists.
My other sister has a friend who carries a Taurus .357; she loves it.
A nice thing about a .357 is that you can run .38 through it, which is cheaper. Theoretically, the .38 has less recoil than .357, but I haven't noticed the difference.
A Taurus revolver is fairly inexpensive, and they function well, by all reports that I have read or heard.
If you can find a Ruger Security-Six, those are pretty awesome. They haven't been made since the 80's, but they were designed for LEO use, and are over built. I understand that salesmen used to begin their demonstrations by running over the sample pistol with their cars before actually firing them, lol. The only thing is that a nice set of Hogue grips is recommended; the stock grips are too skinny, even for my small hands. Also, it's a heavy gun. But that's good, because between the weight and the Hogues, recoil is minor. The DA trigger pull weight is quite heavy, but if you are firing for self defense, I doubt you'd notice, adrenaline pumping and all.
Ruger replaced the Security-Six with the GP100. Those seem a little pricier, but you can get them brand new with Hogue grips. I've read that the trigger pull is smoother, but I can't speak to it. They seem to have the same weight, if not an extra ounce or two.
I'd avoid any "feather-weight", "ultra-lite", or other gun that makes a selling point of how light weight they are. You really feel the recoil in those. You want to practice with your carry piece, and if it's not pleasurable to shoot, you'll be discouraged from practicing. My sister is a prime example. She had a S&W that she loved, but her husband replaced it with this feather weight thing. She was shooting regularly. Now she only shoots about once a year, when my son goes to visit, and she takes him to the range, as a good aunt should.
So, those are my brief thoughts on the subject. I'm sure others will chime in later. Any specific recommendations, either from me, or from others, do some Googling on them. Independent research is a good thing. And, of course, if your budget allows, you may be able to rent some of them at your local range for a test drive, and you'll be able to see how you like it.
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]
My other sister has a friend who carries a Taurus .357; she loves it.
A nice thing about a .357 is that you can run .38 through it, which is cheaper. Theoretically, the .38 has less recoil than .357, but I haven't noticed the difference.
A Taurus revolver is fairly inexpensive, and they function well, by all reports that I have read or heard.
If you can find a Ruger Security-Six, those are pretty awesome. They haven't been made since the 80's, but they were designed for LEO use, and are over built. I understand that salesmen used to begin their demonstrations by running over the sample pistol with their cars before actually firing them, lol. The only thing is that a nice set of Hogue grips is recommended; the stock grips are too skinny, even for my small hands. Also, it's a heavy gun. But that's good, because between the weight and the Hogues, recoil is minor. The DA trigger pull weight is quite heavy, but if you are firing for self defense, I doubt you'd notice, adrenaline pumping and all.
Ruger replaced the Security-Six with the GP100. Those seem a little pricier, but you can get them brand new with Hogue grips. I've read that the trigger pull is smoother, but I can't speak to it. They seem to have the same weight, if not an extra ounce or two.
I'd avoid any "feather-weight", "ultra-lite", or other gun that makes a selling point of how light weight they are. You really feel the recoil in those. You want to practice with your carry piece, and if it's not pleasurable to shoot, you'll be discouraged from practicing. My sister is a prime example. She had a S&W that she loved, but her husband replaced it with this feather weight thing. She was shooting regularly. Now she only shoots about once a year, when my son goes to visit, and she takes him to the range, as a good aunt should.
So, those are my brief thoughts on the subject. I'm sure others will chime in later. Any specific recommendations, either from me, or from others, do some Googling on them. Independent research is a good thing. And, of course, if your budget allows, you may be able to rent some of them at your local range for a test drive, and you'll be able to see how you like it.
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

"Send lawyers, guns, and money; the $#!t has hit the fan!" - Warren Zevon
Re: carry revolver opinion
I don't have a revolver but would like to own a Ruger SP101 in .357 and shoot .38 specials. To me even though I have big hands the GP100 feels very large.
The only concern with a revolver is they are a bit thicker than most semi-autos but may not be enough to be a concern.
Attend a gun show, find a booth like Trader Jerry's where you can handle many different types and calibers -- something will feel best.
The only concern with a revolver is they are a bit thicker than most semi-autos but may not be enough to be a concern.
Attend a gun show, find a booth like Trader Jerry's where you can handle many different types and calibers -- something will feel best.
Make America Great Again
M-A-G-A
Re: carry revolver opinion
I'll cast a vote to the SP101. About as light as I want to run 357's in. Small enough to conceal.
The GP100 is a very nice revolver, but the grip size starts to push it into the hard to conceal category.
If you want to see what some gunsmith time can do, take a look at gemini can do for you
https://www.geminicustoms.com/ruger-revolvers/
I've got one they re-worked, with bobbed hammer, hybraport and trigger work. A truly impressive change from the factory gun.
The GP100 is a very nice revolver, but the grip size starts to push it into the hard to conceal category.
If you want to see what some gunsmith time can do, take a look at gemini can do for you
https://www.geminicustoms.com/ruger-revolvers/
I've got one they re-worked, with bobbed hammer, hybraport and trigger work. A truly impressive change from the factory gun.
- SHMIV
- Sharp Shooter
- Posts: 5741
- Joined: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:15:31
- Location: Where ever I go, there I am.
Re: carry revolver opinion
Ah, yes. I forgot about Ruger's SP line. I have no experience with them, but I've heard good things.
Ruger, in general, I hear good things about. My own experience with Ruger products has been good, as well. My impression of the company is that they offer quality products at an affordable price.
Incidentally, there are other calibers, than .357. I suggested .357, though, because while it is a powerful enough round, I am personally acquainted with many women who can handle the round with ease. Some of them are quite the girly-girls, too.
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]
Ruger, in general, I hear good things about. My own experience with Ruger products has been good, as well. My impression of the company is that they offer quality products at an affordable price.
Incidentally, there are other calibers, than .357. I suggested .357, though, because while it is a powerful enough round, I am personally acquainted with many women who can handle the round with ease. Some of them are quite the girly-girls, too.
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

"Send lawyers, guns, and money; the $#!t has hit the fan!" - Warren Zevon
- Reverenddel
- VGOF Gold Supporter
- Posts: 6422
- Joined: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:43:00
- Location: Central VA
Re: carry revolver opinion
Before I carried the Colt Mustang, I carried a Ruger SP101 with Hogue grips, and 125 grain Magnums SD loads (less flash- medium recoil)
It's what I qualified with when they REQUIRED you to get training before "Shall Issue" in my county.
It's what I qualified with when they REQUIRED you to get training before "Shall Issue" in my county.
- ProShooter
- Sharp Shooter
- Posts: 2176
- Joined: Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:46:51
- Location: Richmond, Va.
- Contact:
Re: carry revolver opinion
Why did she choose a .380 revolver? Why not a .38 or .357?SHMIV wrote:My sister carries a .380 revolver, though she's not too fond of it. It's lightweight, and it bothers her wrists.

http://www.ProactiveShooters.com
NRA Certified Instructor
Utah State Certified Instructor
NRA Membership Recruiter
NRA RTBAV Instructor
NRA Chief RSO
"Make your gun go to work, and carry every day!"
- Snakester
- VGOF Gold Supporter
- Posts: 2649
- Joined: Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:09:50
- Location: Dinwiddie County
Re: carry revolver opinion
Carol carried her sp101 .357 for about 2 years . Now she has gotten comfortable with her SR 22 and prefers it to the revolver .
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

- SHMIV
- Sharp Shooter
- Posts: 5741
- Joined: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:15:31
- Location: Where ever I go, there I am.
Re: carry revolver opinion
Lol, Jim. She didn't choose the .380; it was issued to her. My sister basically just carries whatever her father in law gives her to carry.
Oddly, her father in law is an FFL, and she can afford to buy a gun that she actually likes, so I really don't know why she is inclined to hang on to that .380, especially since she really doesn't like it.
I guess that it's just not a priority to her. It's functional, it's a revolver, and it fits in her purse, so she's happy.
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]
Oddly, her father in law is an FFL, and she can afford to buy a gun that she actually likes, so I really don't know why she is inclined to hang on to that .380, especially since she really doesn't like it.
I guess that it's just not a priority to her. It's functional, it's a revolver, and it fits in her purse, so she's happy.
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

"Send lawyers, guns, and money; the $#!t has hit the fan!" - Warren Zevon
Re: carry revolver opinion
if you can't even tell the diff in recoil between full charge 357's and .38 ammo, you're really, really in-experienced AND unaware. the 380 is most unlikely to be a revolver. It's an autopistol caliber.
- SHMIV
- Sharp Shooter
- Posts: 5741
- Joined: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:15:31
- Location: Where ever I go, there I am.
Re: carry revolver opinion
My experience with .357's is limited to two guns. You caught me. Pat yourself on the back.bali wrote:if you can't even tell the diff in recoil between full charge 357's and .38 ammo, you're really, really in-experienced AND unaware. the 380 is most unlikely to be a revolver. It's an autopistol caliber.
But, with those two revolvers, the recoil felt when firing .357, and when firing .38, was about the same. That was my personal experience and observation; a topic with which, I might add, you are wholly and completely ignorant, considering that you've never met me.
As to .380's, I know the difference between a revolver and a semiautomatic, thank you.
I may not be an expert on everything guns, but clearly, neither are you, Bali.
Oh, look, a revolver chambered in .380 acp:
http://www.taurususa.com/product-detail ... y=Revolver
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

"Send lawyers, guns, and money; the $#!t has hit the fan!" - Warren Zevon
- Reverenddel
- VGOF Gold Supporter
- Posts: 6422
- Joined: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:43:00
- Location: Central VA
Re: carry revolver opinion
You know what I think would be a fairly good weapon for a "kit Gun" carry revolver? A 9 shot .22 MAGNUM....
Paired with a decent bolt action? That's a good combo for general "walks in the woods".
Paired with a decent bolt action? That's a good combo for general "walks in the woods".
Re: carry revolver opinion
you dont need much of anything to just walk in the woods. about 90% of the time, nothing's in season, legally, to be shot. I go with a silenced 22 handgun and a pocket 9mm. gotta keep the defensive gun always present and it's educational to shoot live targets with the carry load.
It's best to not be seen with a gun (or heard to be shooting) The handgun's reduced range, vis a vis the .22 rifle, is made up for by the fact that a miss doesn't run off the target (or other critters). They just sit there and be shot at again.
It's best to not be seen with a gun (or heard to be shooting) The handgun's reduced range, vis a vis the .22 rifle, is made up for by the fact that a miss doesn't run off the target (or other critters). They just sit there and be shot at again.

Re: carry revolver opinion
there's very few critters that require the increase in power of the 22 mag. it's wasted on birds (short of turkey), squirrels, frogs, rabbits, chipmunks, water turtles, muskrats, possums, skunks and the like.
- Snakester
- VGOF Gold Supporter
- Posts: 2649
- Joined: Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:09:50
- Location: Dinwiddie County
Re: carry revolver opinion
Critters that I feel require the .22 Mag. over the .22LR : Ground Hogs , Bob Cats and Coyotes.....My property in Dinwiddie is loaded with these. I spend a lot of time in the woods and am always armed. I keep my Rossi .22 mag. 9 shot revolver rifle on my gator . It's light weight and easy to handle. I usually carry my Bond Arms .410 Derringer....for those Copperheads and Cottonmouths. Carol usually carries her Judge .410 (5 shot revolver )around our property. We don't hunt too much for frogs , turtles and skunks.



- Reverenddel
- VGOF Gold Supporter
- Posts: 6422
- Joined: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:43:00
- Location: Central VA
Re: carry revolver opinion
Snakester wrote:Critters that I feel require the .22 Mag. over the .22LR : Ground Hogs , Bob Cats and Coyotes.....My property in Dinwiddie is loaded with these. I spend a lot of time in the woods and am always armed. I keep my Rossi .22 mag. 9 shot revolver rifle on my gator . It's light weight and easy to handle. I usually carry my Bond Arms .410 Derringer....for those Copperheads and Cottonmouths. Carol usually carries her Judge .410 (5 shot revolver )around our property. We don't hunt too much for frogs , turtles and skunks.![]()
Agreed! 90% of the time I find that a .22lr is useless for Ground hogs, and we've got 'yotes around central VA now... .22 Magnum just has that good reach that them 'yotes feel safe.
Re: carry revolver opinion
In no way, shape, or form did my post allude to me being a snitch for anyone. Your post on the other hand, clearly says you carry a silenced 22 and a 9mm. Another one of your "oops" moments.
Trust? Years to earn, seconds to break. Be careful who you trust - remember, the devil was once an angel
- allingeneral
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9678
- Joined: Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:38:25
- Location: King George, Virginia
- Contact:
Re: carry revolver opinion
I like a 38 special revolver. Charter Arms or Taurus fits a budget. Maybe a hammerless model if you plan to carry in your purse.
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]
[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Re: carry revolver opinion
but what is the POINT of a revolver in 380? and I DID say most unlikely, so that a sucker like you would search all over the net, but that aint what she's GOT, so I caught you again. Once again, unless the .38 is an airweight snub, using 158 gr lhp plus p's and the 357 was a huge, heavy gun, using abbreviated loads, the difference in recoil is VERY noticable.
Re: carry revolver opinion
there's simply no way that 158 grs at 800 fps, normal 38 load, feels anything like 158 grs at 1400 fps, normal, full charge 357 load, cause the latter is 3/4 more blast and recoil. So the gun has to weigh 3/4 more, or the 357' s recoil is going to be noticably greater. But beginners can't tell the diff between a .38 and a 380, so of course they wont notice the huge diff in recoil between a 38 and a 357.