Trigger Talk …Selecting a Concealed Carry Handgun Pt. #2
Revolvers? Aren’t they obsolete? Why would I want one of those antiques looking things?
When it comes to self-defense, the LAST reason for picking a firearm is because it looks cool. Reliability, power, size, weight, and ability to conceal are what’s important in your carry gun.
Revolvers are making a comeback in recent years. Innovations in materials and design have produced lightweight carry guns with modern features such as laser sights and polymer shock absorbing frames and grips. Several models are offered with shrouded or internal hammers to prevent snagging on clothing when drawing from a holster.
Short barreled revolvers take more skill to shoot accurately than a semi-auto pistol. The same features that make for easy concealment also can be a draw back. The short distance between the front and rear sights known as “sight radius” makes sight alignment much more critical. Long trigger pulls can lead to movement of the gun and wide variation in shot placement at 10-15 feet. This may be overcome by the use of laser sight, place the red laser dot on the target and that is where the bullet goes.
The smallest revolvers often have cylinders that hold only 5 rounds, this is done to make them thinner and easier to conceal. This is a tactical disadvantage when compared to the 8 to 15 rounds found in semi-auto pistols. Carrying extra ammo in a speed loader or speed strip is a must with a revolver.
The most common caliber for carry revolvers is .38 Special and the slightly more powerful .38 Special +P. Several manufactures make ammo specially formulated for short barreled guns. The .357 Magnum is an excellent choice and still one of the most powerful handgun rounds available. The recoil however is especially brutal in lightweight guns. It also has the ability to chamber lower powered .38’s allowing for lower cost and more comfortable practice sessions.
There are many choices available from the major manufactures: exotic materials, special alloys, stainless steel,. The new Ruger LCR and Smith & Wesson Bodyguard are two of the new polymer guns that are worth looking into. Because revolvers have been made for many decades, the used market is a great source of affordable guns. Often people have moved to the newer semi-auto guns and barely used revolvers have been traded in.
Next month we’ll talk about AR style rifles. Future topics will include Open Carry, personal defense training, reloading ammunition, gun cleaning, gun storage and more!
Until then …….Safe Shooting!
Dick Cupka is an NRA Certified Pistol, Personal Defense in the Home and Concealed Pistol License Instructor. You can reach him by e-mail at….. triggertalk.dc@gmail.com