Revolver guys: finally got my Andrews Leather "Slim Loader" pouch.

[I_Like_Turtles]

I generally carry a J frame revolver in my front pocket but I have not been happy with reloading from a speed strip. So I ordered and finally received the Andrews' Leather Slim Loader Pouch and my feelings are mixed. I like the pouch: it's easy to draw the Safariland speed loader from, comfortable to wear, with easy on and easy off, but I suspect it'll get more attention than my Simply Rugged speed strip pouch.

I am going to give it a try when I go out tomorrow and see if I notice any curious looks.

[boscobarbell]

I hesitated to get the speed strip pouch because it seems pretty long (I usually just throw a speed strip in my back pocket). Does it conform to the curve of your waist when you have it on?

[boscobarbell]

I was looking at the Speed Beez speedloader holder myself, even though I'm not crazy about the plastic construction. What I can tell you, however, is thet with an untucked shirt or jacket the speed loaders typically hide pretty well. I carried a double-holder myself back when Model 19s were our duty weapons, and if you find the right spot on your belt it shouldn't print too much.

[I_Like_Turtles]

I hesitated to get the speed strip pouch because it seems pretty long (I usually just throw a speed strip in my back pocket). Does it conform to the curve of your waist when you have it on?

Note I have the "Simply Rugged" speed strip pouch. It does bend with my waist and I never notice it being on my belt. I have worn it since 2014 and in those six years of nearly daily wear, only one guy has outright asked "what is that?" The answer "flip phone case" worked!

A close friend asked me once, another guy assumed it was the Urban Carry holster, and a woman thought it was some sort of insulin pump. Other than those, the many thousands of people never said a word or gave it a second glance.

I appreciate the advice but I always tuck in my tee shirt. I don't like anything but clothing against my skin and if the piece is under my shirt, getting a speed loader then requires two hands! If I need my speed loader, I expect my other hand to be filled with my empty revolver.

I'll give it a try tomorrow when I go over to town.

[340pd]

If my memory serves me correctly, the speed strip's intended use was to top off a partially emptied revolver and as a way to keep loose rounds organized for pocket carry. I don't see how it was ever intended as a super quick reload for a revolver.
I find them perfect for that intended purpose.
If I feel (which I often do) the need for more rounds, I opt for my P365.

[King Rat]

I actually found a nice compact cell phone holder for my speed strips. Simple to use, Clips on, or through the belt loop. Has a magnetic closure. Cost around $10.00 For my LCR9mm I like just using a TK holder for my moon clips and and just put into my pocket. I hunt a lot way back in the swamps. Run into quite a few Black Bear, I carry my LCR9mm. (not for the bears, but for any two legged creatures). I started carrying about 12 years ago. Over time I realize I do not feel the need for extra magazines etc. But so far back in the woods, I will carry this as prescribed by my Doctor to keep the Moon clips dry and easy to carry. Holds three full moon clips. Also have some plastic containers.

Drawing, speed and accuracy have always been my main concern in all my training. In the large town I live in, I do not ever recall more and three or 4 rounds fired in decades, unless some drive bys in the hood. Besides, I have always felt if I cannot shoot the bad guy first and do it accurately, with the first or second round, I am most likely dead anyway.

Seriously thinking of getting another Smith 642 cut for moon clips. I see a price on Sportsmen's Guide that is reasonable.
https://i.imgur.com/J7qrhbe.jpg?3

https://i.imgur.com/LjvYhDO.jpg?1

[I_Like_Turtles]

The speed strip is an excellent example of a catchy name that is not accurate. LOL. Interesting how it was meant to top off a cylinder.

In 2012 I decided to go "all in" when it came to being armed. No more haphazard "throwing X firearm into a coat pocket." No more "my .22 NAA Mag Mini Revolver is sufficient." No more running around without a reload. I set min. caliber standards for myself, always carry in a holster, always carry a reload, etc.

I have never had more than one-flat tire at a time. However, I still carry an auto tire pump and a tire plug kit in addition to my spare tire, which I top off its air every time I change the oil. Most spare tires carried by drivers are flat.

As some guy somewhere on the internet put it: "so what are you going to do while you wait for police---wait around with an empty gun?"

The pill bottle is a good idea....not a fast reload, but a good way to carry those. I use pill bottles in the cars to carry change....3 bottles each car, one for nickles, one for dimes, and one for quarters, with color-coded lids. When I black powder hunt, I carry my extra powder charges in pill bottles.

I'll go out here directly and wear the Slim Loader pouch. We'll see who notices, if anyone.

[King Rat]

I'm with Roscoe-learn those skills. Be fast, be accurate or be dead. Good info on Snubs here.

Great drills

The Langrish Drill with reload
https://www.imwithroscoe.com/

(https://www.imwithroscoe.com/)


Going to order one of these

https://i.imgur.com/GID64PB.jpg?1



(https://www.imwithroscoe.com/)

[boscobarbell]

Going to order one of these

https://i.imgur.com/GID64PB.jpg?1



(https://www.imwithroscoe.com/)

Who sells those?

[boscobarbell]

I'm having a sort of personal renaissance myself wrt to revolvers. After trying every micro out there, and ending up with a few very good ones, I took my old 642 out to the range for the first time in many years. I had carried it as a BUG/light-duty gun for a decade or more, but had put it in the safe, untouched, for years when I became enamored with the micro .380s. But after worrying about magazines and ammo compatibility and proper lubrication and all the other things that trip up the little semis, the revolver was a breath of fresh air. And I have come to appreciate the old world engineering and solid builds of the little J-frames. I also find that shooting them well brings me the same sort of satisfaction as putting a sports car through its gears at speed...the mechanical connection and practiced precision is intoxicating.

Shortly thereafter, I bought an M&P 340, in part because I like the Big Dot sight, and in part because I figured that I should pack .357 if I was only going to have 5 rounds on tap. And then I shot it....ouch!!!!

Now I'm on a quest to find a lower-horsepower .357, because I just don't feel that the recoil/muzzle rise makes follow-up shots tactically feasible.

Barring that, I've considered the new Taurus 856, which brings me back to .38 but at least gives me 6 rounds vice 5.

And, of course, there is the Kimber K6S, which I have lusted over for quite a while. What a beauty!!

So I've got some decisions to make, but I definitely see a revolver in my EDC rotation at some point very soon.

[Bawanna]

Who sells those?

I'm researching, I want a couple too, I'll get back to ya iffen I find em.

[Bawanna]

Made by Zeta Industries, available at Brownells. 8.99.

[Artie]

Thank you sir, I'm going to check those out.

https://zetasix.com/

[I_Like_Turtles]

bos....pretty neat that you are warming back up to a revolver.

Last summer, when I was forced to draw on an attacker, after the police cleared the scene, the eldest officer stuck around and we talked guns. He said "you carry what I carry for backup!" Along with "gosh I miss carrying a revolver....if I had it my way we'd each carry what we wanted." He said he started with the department carrying a 6 inch barreled revolver....I forgot to ask what kind but I assume a S&W 19 or 66.

**PROMISED SLIM LOADER POUCH CARRY REVIEW**

It's decently comfortable to wear but I did notice it being there with the seatbelt on. It only become a bit uncomfortable when I squatted down to pick up brass at the indoor range. That may go away as I loose more weight. No one asked about it or seemed to notice but I had an unzipped jacket on which may have hid it and I really didn't go anywhere with a lot of people. Testing will continue.

[King Rat]

Made by Zeta Industries, available at Brownells. 8.99.

Also check these out.

https://i.imgur.com/myV7KqB.jpg?1

https://quickloadspeedloader.com/

[King Rat]

Made by Zeta Industries, available at Brownells. 8.99.

Just bought a couple. See from another forum they work quite well. thanks for the info. $9.99 and $3.00 flat rate shipping from the Website.

[markman]

For anyone interested in revolvers this website is pretty good.
https://revolverguy.com/

[I_Like_Turtles]

For anyone interested in revolvers this website is pretty good.
https://revolverguy.com/

That's a very neat website.

I have used the New York Reload for years and for the same reason: the revolver is a slow reload and where do I keep that reload on the belt? Like the website author, my pockets are all taken up by other things.

I typically do the NYR if I am working a job that won't allow a visible reload pouch on the belt or if I will be seated a long time. My NYR is a second J-frame on the ankle. I adopted it when I worked nights at a Stop & Rob.

[berettabone]

I'm having a sort of personal renaissance myself wrt to revolvers. After trying every micro out there, and ending up with a few very good ones, I took my old 642 out to the range for the first time in many years. I had carried it as a BUG/light-duty gun for a decade or more, but had put it in the safe, untouched, for years when I became enamored with the micro .380s. But after worrying about magazines and ammo compatibility and proper lubrication and all the other things that trip up the little semis, the revolver was a breath of fresh air. And I have come to appreciate the old world engineering and solid builds of the little J-frames. I also find that shooting them well brings me the same sort of satisfaction as putting a sports car through its gears at speed...the mechanical connection and practiced precision is intoxicating.

Shortly thereafter, I bought an M&P 340, in part because I like the Big Dot sight, and in part because I figured that I should pack .357 if I was only going to have 5 rounds on tap. And then I shot it....ouch!!!!

Now I'm on a quest to find a lower-horsepower .357, because I just don't feel that the recoil/muzzle rise makes follow-up shots tactically feasible.

Barring that, I've considered the new Taurus 856, which brings me back to .38 but at least gives me 6 rounds vice 5.

And, of course, there is the Kimber K6S, which I have lusted over for quite a while. What a beauty!!

So I've got some decisions to make, but I definitely see a evolver in my EDC rotation at some point very soon. I'm with you on all counts. I carry this now with 5 rds. of .357 and no extras. I just came back to the simplicity of operation and cleaning and so many ammo options. It's very comfortable carried in my JIT holster OWB high and tight. Riding in the car, bending over, and general carry is very comfortable. Makes life just a bit less complicated. Sometimes I carry something with a bit more capacity, depends on where I am going, but the revolver is my main squeeze.

[boscobarbell]

Made by Zeta Industries, available at Brownells. 8.99.

Awesome. Thanks!!

[Barth]

I personally prefer Jet Loaders with Jet Loader pouches.
But that's just me...
https://i.imgur.com/u1KbrWV.jpg?1

[340pd]

I have a question for all carrying a round revolver speedloader. I have enough trouble finding a suitable shirt that covers my IWB carry rig. How do you cover up all that extra gear?

[I_Like_Turtles]

I have a question for all carrying a round revolver speedloader. I have enough trouble finding a suitable shirt that covers my IWB carry rig. How do you cover up all that extra gear?

I have only carried a Safariland speed loader once but I carry my Streamlight tactical light in the provided black nylon pouch on the belt. I have worn the Simply Rugged speed strip pouch on the belt for years. These things are in the open and I have never had a problem.

I will wear the Slim Loader pouch in the open as well and I am not foreseeing much in the way of issues.

In summer I wear khaki pants, black belt, my belt-carried gear, and generally a white tee shirt that I tuck into my pants every time.

[boscobarbell]

I should point out that I'm trying this "solution" to spare ammo. You still have to deal with the relatively slow speed of reloading, but it at least gives the you a fighting chance (especially with practice). The upside is that the clip keeps the speed strip perfectly aligned in your pocket, so retrieving it is very easy and predictable. The other asset is that, unlike carrying a speedloader in your front pocket, this won't tie up one of your front pockets (where I typically carry a money clip and pocket knife, one on each side). My right back pocket is typically empty anyway, so that's a perfect place to keep this.

https://theneomag.com/shop/rasc/

[boscobarbell]

I'm with you on all counts. I carry this now with 5 rds. of .357 and no extras. I just came back to the simplicity of operation and cleaning and so many ammo options. It's very comfortable carried in my JIT holster OWB high and tight. Riding in the car, bending over, and general carry is very comfortable. Makes life just a bit less complicated. Sometimes I carry something with a bit more capacity, depends on where I am going, but the revolver is my main squeeze.

Is that a Ruger?

Regarding the bolded part: I, too, tend to opt for a bit more horsepower when I'm traveling great distances or know that I will be going into the big city. For those occasions, I usually grab my P365 or H&K P2000sk. But for around town, the J-frame strikes me as more than enough.

[berettabone]

Ruger Wiley Clapp SP101...……………………..I see that great minds think alike. I like the revolver for anywhere, but for big city, or woods, I also grab an H&K P2SK in .40 cal. my favorite.:)

[boscobarbell]

I also grab an H&K P2SK in .40 cal. my favorite.:)

Exactly what I own. For a reload, I carry a USP Compact magazine with an X-Grip sleeve to give me 12 rounds. With a hot .40 self defense load, I feel like I'm pretty good...if that isn't sufficient, I suppose it just wasn't my lucky day!

[berettabone]

That's the way I look at it. I'm not about to haul around all sorts of extra rounds and magazines and other devices. I've got my P2K with XS Big Dots and oversize mag release and Gripsaver. If that's not enough,:faint2:

[I_Like_Turtles]

I don't go anywhere without at least 100 spare rounds. LOL

Part of my personal rules are "always at least one reload."

****

Update on Slim Loader Pouch: no one in the library, courthouse, or food store seemed to notice it. The seat belt pressing against it even seemed to make less of an impression.

[King Rat]

Just bought a couple. See from another forum they work quite well. thanks for the info. $9.99 and $3.00 flat rate shipping from the Website.


The Zeta's came in today (4). Started playing around with them and surprised at how easy they are to load. You do have to practice a little, but then you find that groove and the rubber cover comes off very quickly.

[I_Like_Turtles]

The Zeta's came in today (4). Started playing around with them and surprised at how easy they are to load. You do have to practice a little, but then you find that groove and the rubber cover comes off very quickly.

Well that's good. And these are the star shaped speed strips?

Update with pouch:

Got out of the car at a local restaurant and something fell out onto the pavement. IT WAS THE SPEED LOADER. I assume the seat belt and gotten under the thumb break of the pouch and popped it open. I will have to watch for that. However, I forgot to watch for that, drove to four other places, and it did not happen.

No one in the restaurant or the three stores I went to noticed the pouch. At each place I had conversations with employees and patrons I met there. I even asked someone "what do you think of this?" pointed to the pouch, and they said "they had not noticed it." I wore a tucked in white tee shirt and the pouch is black leather.

People just don't notice things. I will stick with the pouch for the time being whenever I carry a revolver and begin practicing reloads with it at the range.

[Barth]

I have a question for all carrying a round revolver speedloader. I have enough trouble finding a suitable shirt that covers my IWB carry rig. How do you cover up all that extra gear?

I only go OWB.
Have to dress around the gun and mags/speed-loaders.
Usually a tucked in tank or tee with an un-tucked long tactical shirt like 5.11.
Cargo pants go a long way to enabling a BUG :cool:

[King Rat]

Took the New Zeta's and Placed in a TX custom Moon clip holder 9mm for my LCR. And nice and snug. Can now just put one into my pocket like a moon clip. No need for a pouch. Makes life and carry fast and convenient. The rubber tabs work great. Light weight Appendix Holster. I normally Hate IWB holsters. This works for me.

https://i.imgur.com/azsQvfj.jpg?1

[I_Like_Turtles]

Took the New Zeta's and Placed in a TX custom Moon clip holder 9mm for my LCR. And nice and snug. Can now just put one into my pocket like a moon clip. No need for a pouch. Makes life and carry fast and convenient. The rubber tabs work great. Light weight Appendix Holster. I normally Hate IWB holsters. This works for me.

https://i.imgur.com/azsQvfj.jpg?1

Where do you have "pocket room?" Carrying my cell phone is hard for me...especially in summer. In fall, winter, and spring I can put it into my jacket pocket but summer.....ugh.

My reloads must go onto the belt to go anywhere and they have to be easy to reach. I am constantly getting into high volume gunfights......almost every day for years and now with the toilet paper wars.......it's a mad house! LOL

[Planedude]

I regularly carry my S&W 642 in the pocket with a speed strip tossed into pocket with the holstered gun. I just am always sure those reload rounds are nickle plated. I carried some brass case +P rounds for a bit, but they got to looking very rough within 30 days of EDC...

They did go bang just fine, but they looked slightly green and ugly. The nickle plated brass rounds look good after a year or so.

Guess its whatever works for you.

Peace

[I_Like_Turtles]

I am of the "only gun in holster go into pocket" variety.

When brass comes into contact with leather, there is a green material that forms, I forget what it's called exactly. Verdigris? Something like that?

I have been wearing the Slim Loader pouch daily now, no problems other than mentioned above. I no longer notice it on the belt and no one (yet) has asked about it. I think it has been covered up by my jacket also.

The original plan was: get a standard (cowhide) leather pouch from Andrews Leather, test it for some weeks, then order one or two of the same but in ostrich leg leather. It's cheaper than croc leather and perhaps even more durable.

I don't like how cowhide wears out and it can scratch with a fingernail. As I lose the gut I want to get a croc or spinal stingray belt from Mr. Andrews. That should last my lifetime and be super tough.

[King Rat]

Where do you have "pocket room?" Carrying my cell phone is hard for me...especially in summer. In fall, winter, and spring I can put it into my jacket pocket but summer.....ugh.

My reloads must go onto the belt to go anywhere and they have to be easy to reach. I am constantly getting into high volume gunfights......almost every day for years and now with the toilet paper wars.......it's a mad house! LOL

God did not make pockets for keys and other crap. Only for spare ammo or a POCKET GUN. Everybody knows that. (liberals excluded) And I do not get into as many high volume gunfights as you do. Only 5 or 6 in my whole life time. However, you are right, now that the toilet paper wars have begun, I might actually start to carry that extra speed loader or magazine, which I normally leave at home.

WAR IS HELL! A real crappy mess.

PS I like to be prepared. I now carry spare toilet paper. (Think about it)

[I_Like_Turtles]

God did not make pockets for keys and other crap. Only for spare ammo or a POCKET GUN. Everybody knows that. (liberals excluded) And I do not get into as many high volume gunfights as you do. Only 5 or 6 in my whole life time. However, you are right, now that the toilet paper wars have begun, I might actually start to carry that extra speed loader or magazine, which I normally leave at home.

WAR IS HELL! A real crappy mess.

PS I like to be prepared. I now carry spare toilet paper. (Think about it)

How did you manage to live this long? Some guys have all the luck! I have carried my own toilet paper since 1995.....throughout college, my years teaching, always in my car, a roll in my gym bag. I carried it during my recent trip to the Far East. Had I not had it, Anak Krakatau's eruptions would certainly have killed me.

This is a fun site. I like it. :D

[King Rat]

How did you manage to live this long? Some guys have all the luck! I have carried my own toilet paper since 1995.....throughout college, my years teaching, always in my car, a roll in my gym bag. I carried it during my recent trip to the Far East. Had I not had it, Anak Krakatau's eruptions would certainly have killed me.

This is a fun site. I like it. :D

How did I manage to live this long? Good question. Ask myself that all the time. And If I had known I would live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.

[boscobarbell]

How did I manage to live this long? Good question. Ask myself that all the time. And If I had known I would live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.

God, ain't that the truth. 5 shoulder surgeries, 3 knee surgeries, double hernia surgery, and quarterly back injections...too bad it took me this long to learn my lesson!

[jeepster09]

I used to use speed strips, now I carry a small ammo pouch in pocket.

[I_Like_Turtles]

That is a neat little pouch and ammo carrier but your reloads will be very slow. Speed strips are only an ammo holder in themselves.

[jeepster09]

That is a neat little pouch and ammo carrier but your reloads will be very slow. Speed strips are only an ammo holder in themselves.

I don't anticipate being in a shootout at the Okay Corral, I am not concerned with FAST RELOAD. If the initial shots fired don't work, I will be running away anyway.

[BirdsThaWord]

I don't anticipate being in a shootout at the Okay Corral, I am not concerned with FAST RELOAD. If the initial shots fired don't work, I will be running away anyway.
Lol! Honestly put! So how many points do you have on the rewards card? I’m up to 15k. Saving for the big pink stuffed elephant prize!!!

[I_Like_Turtles]

I don't anticipate being in a shootout at the Okay Corral, I am not concerned with FAST RELOAD. If the initial shots fired don't work, I will be running away anyway.

Not very many people anticipated a run on toilet paper.....not even 2 weeks ago.

I would assume a good, moral, sane person would have already run away, no matter what laws were on the books. If one has to shoot, it's because running away wasn't an option or the needs of the innocent precluded a good, moral, sane person from leaving them behind.

My slowest reload was my speed strip but now that I can comfortably carry a speed loader, the speed strip has been retired. The only time I can foresee carrying the speed strip is when I am going to a dinner, meeting, or some area where a speed loader might be recognized and I do care that it is (most of the time, I don't care who notices what).

I basically consider the "trial period" of the Slim Loader pouch over and a success. I want to order a second from Mr. Andrews but this one in ostrich leather. Exotic leather is much more durable than cowhide.

[I_Like_Turtles]

Update:

Called Andrews Leather some weeks ago, ordered the Slim Loader pouch again, this time in ostrich leg leather. Mr. Andrews advised me to flip the pouch around, so the snap moves away from the body to prevent the seat belt opening it. THAT WORKS GREAT and it's faster to open the thing now.

Wore it today, no one noticed. Also, I no longer notice the seat belt at all. Of course no one is around now, I don't go anywhere much at all where there are people (food store) but no one is thinking about anything but "living to see tomorrow" anyway.

When the new pouch comes in I will either get another one in ostrich leg leather or just wear the cowhide one I have now. That will give me 2 reloads on speed loaders. I think that's enough for a revolver.

[RWW84]

I used to use speed strips, now I carry a small ammo pouch in pocket.

Nice pouch. Where did you purchase it? Have a link for online purchase?

[getsome]

Nice pouch jeep, I like it, looks right handy...When I carry my 642 I like to keep 5 extra rounds in my jeans watch pocket and feel pretty well armed with a little something extra if it comes down to it....If that ain't enough I probably should of brought some friends......

[dustnchips]

Why carry 20 extra rounds when the weight will just slow you down when you run? Seems like five or ten rounds would leave you fleeter of foot. LOL I seem to remember that there were only thirty some rounds fired at the OK Coral. No one reloaded a revolver in that fight. Around my quiet little home town I carry a CW 380 with seven rounds in a six round mag and one in the chamber. Other places a PM9 with a spare mag. Everyone needs to carry according to the relationship of their paranoia level and their anticipated needs. I don't ever expect to need a pistol in my home town.

[I_Like_Turtles]

Why carry 20 extra rounds when the weight will just slow you down when you run? Seems like five or ten rounds would leave you fleeter of foot. LOL I seem to remember that there were only thirty some rounds fired at the OK Coral. No one reloaded a revolver in that fight. Around my quiet little home town I carry a CW 380 with seven rounds in a six round mag and one in the chamber. Other places a PM9 with a spare mag. Everyone needs to carry according to the relationship of their paranoia level and their anticipated needs. I don't ever expect to need a pistol in my home town.

I am sure there are hardcore preppers that sunk their life savings into self-sufficient farms that right now, are sitting back relaxed, not worried one bit about the expected meat shortage. I'm sure those that laughed and scoffed aren't laughing or scoffing any more but trying their best to move in.

So when you defeat that robber/meth-head/attacking dog, do you plan to wait for police with an empty gun?

[dustnchips]

I'll be fleeter of foot with an empty gun so I can just buggy out of there. In my town there has never been an armed conflict on the street, so if I am the first and survive I will wait for the police with an empty gun. My point was that different situations call for different armings and the person doing the arming needs to make his own choices. One size does not fit all.

[Bawanna]

With me if I win and have time I'm gonna boogie before the police get there. :roll: Even if I'm right, the police would probably not charge me but then..........wait for it. Lawyers come into play.

[I_Like_Turtles]

I'll be fleeter of foot with an empty gun so I can just buggy out of there. In my town there has never been an armed conflict on the street, so if I am the first and survive I will wait for the police with an empty gun. My point was that different situations call for different armings and the person doing the arming needs to make his own choices. One size does not fit all.

Always the first time.....statistically we are more likely to be murdered by someone we know and in my case, that was very nearly true! That attack happened all of 20 feet from my house but I had the tools and the mental preparation to get through it without bloodshed. Had I not been ready, there is a good chance you'd have heard about it on the news and/or I'd be typing this from a wheelchair. I have no doubt that man would have killed or maimed me had I not acted when I did.

As for self defense...I'm libertarian on all things. Whatever a person wants to carry is their right. :-) Myself, I don't run around without a spare tire (or two) and I don't run around without a reload or more.

[boscobarbell]

You know what's killing me during this pandemic (no pun intended)? The fact that I have about a dozen boxes of .357 magnum ammo in several different loadings but can't go to the range to see which work best in my J-frame. Seriously, I had decided that it was do or die time for my scandium frame...either I would find a round that I could utilize as a decent tactical EDC round, or I'd sell the revolver (which has proven difficult to shoot with most .357 loads) and move on to other options.

Seriously, the suspense is killing me. The boredom, too.

[King Rat]

You know what's killing me during this pandemic (no pun intended)? The fact that I have about a dozen boxes of .357 magnum ammo in several different loadings but can't go to the range to see which work best in my J-frame. Seriously, I had decided that it was do or die time for my scandium frame...either I would find a round that I could utilize as a decent tactical EDC round, or I'd sell the revolver (which has proven difficult to shoot with most .357 loads) and move on to other options.

Seriously, the suspense is killing me. The boredom, too.

Had to laugh at that one Bosco. My last shooting session was when I took my P380 to the range and did the review for the first time out. On that day I was shooting strictly to get the gun broken in and was not shooting for accuracy. I had planned to go out a few days later and place targets up 7-15 yds away and post. Unfortunately right after the range session the closed my Out door range. My indoor ranges were already closed. What is even insult to injury is the fact that they had just sent notices for yearly range renewals which I paid. Seems they are going to swallow that. Yes, I am dying to put the new P380 through the accuracy test.
Keep your J-FRAME!!!

My last shooing session

https://i.imgur.com/eVsR9lf.jpg?2

Fortunately I have been a Air Gun enthusiast for many years and at least get trigger time in.

https://i.imgur.com/E987n09.jpg?1 https://i.imgur.com/nSrUwBs.jpg?2

[berettabone]

You know what's killing me during this pandemic (no pun intended)? The fact that I have about a dozen boxes of .357 magnum ammo in several different loadings but can't go to the range to see which work best in my J-frame. Seriously, I had decided that it was do or die time for my scandium frame...either I would find a round that I could utilize as a decent tactical EDC round, or I'd sell the revolver (which has proven difficult to shoot with most .357 loads) and move on to other options.

Seriously, the suspense is killing me. The boredom, too. Keep your J frame and find yourself some Winchester .38 special +p 110 gr. Silvertip JHP. or the same in .357. Milder shooting. Excellent defense loads. Hang in there, shooting will open up soon outdoors.

[I_Like_Turtles]

According to tn9outdoors gel tests (youtube), the +P version of Critical Defense has less penetration.

I carry Critical Defense 110 grain standard pressure in my defensive .38's.

[boscobarbell]

Keep your J frame and find yourself some Winchester .38 special +p 110 gr. Silvertip JHP. or the same in .357. Milder shooting. Excellent defense loads. Hang in there, shooting will open up soon outdoors.

If this batch doesn't work out I'll look into the Silvertips in .357. But I won't go down to .38...or if I do, it will be with a Taurus, which will at least give me another round to make up for the ballistic drop off. Or I'll go to the .327 LCP, which is another 6-round option. Besides which, I have a J-frame in .38 anyway (642), so my M&P 340 would seem to be redundant if it's loaded with 38.

[boscobarbell]

Had to laugh at that one Bosco. My last shooting session was when I took my P380 to the range and did the review for the first time out. On that day I was shooting strictly to get the gun broken in and was not shooting for accuracy. I had planned to go out a few days later and place targets up 7-15 yds away and post. Unfortunately right after the range session the closed my Out door range. My indoor ranges were already closed. What is even insult to injury is the fact that they had just sent notices for yearly range renewals which I paid. Seems they are going to swallow that. Yes, I am dying to put the new P380 through the accuracy test.
Keep your J-FRAME!!!

My last shooing session

https://i.imgur.com/eVsR9lf.jpg?2



Love the black-on-black of yours. Mine is a real sweetheart to shoot, and it is such a great size.

I just can't get mine to handle any +P loads, and it mystifies me as to why. It IS a fairly picky gun, but I've found 3-4 decent SD loads that it seems to like. But having it shoot +P would make a tremendous difference. I load both my Pico and my G42 with Underwood +P loads, and that ammo approaches 9mm performance (which in a gun like the Kahr would just be phenomenal). You know that I share your fondness of the Pico, and these days I seem to carry it more than my other pistols. But I'd love to have my Kahr in my EDC rotation a bit more often.

[boscobarbell]

You know what's killing me during this pandemic (no pun intended)? The fact that I have about a dozen boxes of .357 magnum ammo in several different loadings but can't go to the range to see which work best in my J-frame. Seriously, I had decided that it was do or die time for my scandium frame...either I would find a round that I could utilize as a decent tactical EDC round, or I'd sell the revolver (which has proven difficult to shoot with most .357 loads) and move on to other options.

Seriously, the suspense is killing me. The boredom, too.

Okay, I finally got to the range today.

The final verdict? .357 is just too much round for my M&P 340. Three different "mild" ammos still caused ungodly pain and uncontrollable muzzle flip.

So I'll either get a more substantial .357 revolver or look for a 6-shot revolver in another load, probably .38 or .327. For the former I'm leaning toward the new Taurus, and for the latter I'd probably grab a LCR.

[getsome]

Boscobarbell you are braver than I am shooting that 340 scandium with full mag loads, that's going to absolutely leave a mark....If you want a nice easy shooting 6 shot small revolver look no further than the Ruger LCR .327 mag and shoot H&R .32 Mags in it....Nice easy shooting round and plenty stout enough for CCW and if you feel the need to stoke it with .327 Federal mags you can do so....I found a nice used one a while back and like it a lot....As for the Beretta Pico, I love mine and carry it around the house and forget it's in my pocket.....Don't get me wrong, I like my Kahrs but if you want a super small, thin .380 that's reliable out of the box the Pico is the one....

[King Rat]

If this batch doesn't work out I'll look into the Silvertips in .357. But I won't go down to .38...or if I do, it will be with a Taurus, which will at least give me another round to make up for the ballistic drop off. Or I'll go to the .327 LCP, which is another 6-round option. Besides which, I have a J-frame in .38 anyway (642), so my M&P 340 would seem to be redundant if it's loaded with 38.

When my friend Bosco said he was going to sink his teeth into some 357 with his Smith Snubbie, I did not say anything, just got a big grin and thought OK, Bosco, take on that monster. Any one ever keep up with the famous rodeo Riding Bull "Bodacious"? Crazy Bull would just tear cowboys apart. Took the King of riders and broke every bone in his face. A bull that most cowboys said NO WAY. They finally sanctioned the Bull out of competition. Just too bad to ride. Bull was Sports Illustrated athlete of the Year. A whole documentary on him. I mean he was one Bad A** Bull! He had this power to jump high into the air and come down like a swimmer does a cannon ball and smash the riders face into his back. And the Bull had no problem with jumping the fence and going after the crowd either.
That is my feeling on the 357 with a J-Frame snubbie.

As far as the 380 pocket gun, I have said so many times that PrecisionOne is such a lovely round. Rated number one by Shooting the Bull until the Leheigh came ahead. Then later PrecisionOne came out with PlusP. 50 fps faster. And the Pico and Kahr just love that ammo. It shoots very Mild. I buy a box of 250 rds at a time. And for me, all my 380's get the best accuracy.

I have shot the Ruger 327 LCR. Loud round and still a lot of recoil. But as Getsome said, the 32 magnum would be IMO a ideal round. And the LCR's are such nice shooting guns. Also shoot some ARX Plus P in the 38. Mild and good ballistic results.

I love the LCR9mm. Good ballistics, this side of pleasant before going harsh and shoots the ARX Plus P and makes a sweet shooting gun. The good new is that IMO a snubbie requires a lot of consistent shooting. You have to shoot them often and the cheap 9mm answers that call. I would Like to have the LCR327 just for carry and again shoot the 32 mag. The 327 is a stout shooting gun and is LOUD. And a lot of muzzle flash. It would IMO blind you at night, and send your opponents and your ear drums into the next county.

I really believe a hidden secret for shooting the DAO and small barrel guns well is the LCR22. IMO a must have if you want to get serious. The trigger is a little heavier, but after shooting so many rounds I honestly do not even notice it. And so much fun to shoot. I love that little gun. And thousands of rounds of 22.cal is cheap.

Hey! Congrats on attempting to ride BODACIOUS! Don't fret, you are not the first cowboy he as sent back home.

https://i.imgur.com/UzhACLX.jpg?1

[Planedude]

I found a great deal on my S&W 642 several years ago because the OG owner thought it was "too much gun" for him. At the sale, he handed it to me loaded, barrel first... If his finger had moved anywhere near the trigger gaurd I'd knocked him on his arse.
I pushed the barrel to a safe direction, opened the action and five 158grn +P semi-jacketed HPs fell into my palm. Too much gun? More like waaaay too much ammo for such a newbie shooter. His ammo miscalculation helped make the little S&W a sweet deal.
I pocket carry it often, loaded with Hornady 125grn (standard pressure) .38 rounds. I find these rounds and the Winchester 130grn FMJ target ammo recoil the same and shoot to the same point of aim making practice cheaper and easy. I figure if I do my part with the marksmanship, the Hornady's are plenty good enough to stop the threat. Another consideration for me is the off chance that my wife might have to use the gun and the Wilson combat spring kit, Crimson trace laser grips and standard pressure ammo all would help her shoot under stress much better. My wife is a decent shooter, but hates a hammerless snubbie, preferring her Kimber micro 380 over anything else...
I carry a 124grn HP ammo in my old NYPD K9 (also not a +P round) so I'm kind of right there when I carry an autoloader too. I do my best shooting with the K9 (weirdly good shooting) but the IWB holster kit is not usually right for most of my running in the world. The snubbie in the pocket is my quick and easy out the door "go to" carry gun. Kitting up to go is 15 seconds with the S&W and several minutes (with wardrobe considerations) for the K9.
For me its about options...
Your mileage may vary.

Oh! You can keep the bull. That sport is just plain NUTS!

Peace.

[boscobarbell]

Boscobarbell you are braver than I am shooting that 340 scandium with full mag loads, that's going to absolutely leave a mark....If you want a nice easy shooting 6 shot small revolver look no further than the Ruger LCR .327 mag and shoot H&R .32 Mags in it....Nice easy shooting round and plenty stout enough for CCW and if you feel the need to stoke it with .327 Federal mags you can do so....I found a nice used one a while back and like it a lot....As for the Beretta Pico, I love mine and carry it around the house and forget it's in my pocket.....Don't get me wrong, I like my Kahrs but if you want a super small, thin .380 that's reliable out of the box the Pico is the one....

I have been weighing the LCR for quite a while. Having trouble getting past the look of a plastic revolver...but when I had one in my hands, it sure felt right. And I like what I hear about the .32 family of ammo. Just hate to add ANOTHER caliber to my cache...especially when I'm so loaded up on .38/.357 now.

And you are so right about the Pico. It's the pistol I never really wanted to like, but it just kept amazing me with how reliable and easy to shoot it is. And not ammo-picky in the least, either. The Underwood +P rounds really do close a lot of the gap between 380 and 9mm, too.

[boscobarbell]

Hey! Congrats on attempting to ride BODACIOUS! Don't fret, you are not the first cowboy he as sent back home.

https://i.imgur.com/UzhACLX.jpg?1


That is a great story! Thanks for making my humiliation a bit more bearable....

[boscobarbell]

I found a great deal on my S&W 642 several years ago because the OG owner thought it was "too much gun" for him. At the sale, he handed it to me loaded, barrel first... If his finger had moved anywhere near the trigger gaurd I'd knocked him on his arse.
I pushed the barrel to a safe direction, opened the action and five 158grn +P semi-jacketed HPs fell into my palm. Too much gun? More like waaaay too much ammo for such a newbie shooter. His ammo miscalculation helped make the little S&W a sweet deal.
I pocket carry it often, loaded with Hornady 125grn (standard pressure) .38 rounds. I find these rounds and the Winchester 130grn FMJ target ammo recoil the same and shoot to the same point of aim making practice cheaper and easy. I figure if I do my part with the marksmanship, the Hornady's are plenty good enough to stop the threat.



My problem with the tamer .38 loads--and this is probably me overthinking things--is that you are then dealing with ballistics that is in the same ballpark as good SD .380 loads (and a good bit below the +P offerings). So then I ask myself, why carry 5 of those when a lighter, smaller .380 will give me 7, with tactically faster reloads to boot?

(btw, I have a 642 as well. Timeless little gun.)

[Bawanna]

I'd carry both your snubbies before I'd stoop to a 380. One with a speed strip would be more than plenty.

Quite some time back I rented an LCR with my son to try out. 357 standard pressure. I shot one cylinder and put it down, had enough. Couldn't hit anything and it wasn't fun. My son finished off the box but didn't care for it either. It did feel good in hand but the looks to me were kind of a turn off. And I really like most Rugers. Especially revolvers. Never loved the P89's and 90's much but the work fine and most who have them love them.

[King Rat]

Yep, went out today and stooped so low as to shoot my lovely P380. The New one I posted on right before the range closed down. The indoor range re-opened up Friday. They said there was a line around the building. Today I had it almost to myself. Go figure. Shot 100 rds of American eagle and 50 rds of the PrecisionOne Plus P. Even with the Plus P these guns are such sweet shooters and conceal so well. When I hear someone put down the 380, I always get a visual in my mind of them getting pumped with 7-8 fast rounds of this ammo and what they would have to say about this round then? My guess is they would not have much to say at all.
Regardless this now make the New P380 with 350 rds of flawless shooting. Talking about revolvers already has my itch going and will be hitting the range tomorrow with the LCR9mm. I am beginning to feel normal again. (Well, as normal as possible for myself).

PS what ever you do, please do not get rid of the Smith. I would bet you would regret it.

[DavidR]

Yep, went out today and stooped so low as to shoot my lovely P380. The New one I posted on right before the range closed down. The indoor range re-opened up Friday. They said there was a line around the building. Today I had it almost to myself. Go figure. Shot 100 rds of American eagle and 50 rds of the PrecisionOne Plus P. Even with the Plus P these guns are such sweet shooters and conceal so well. When I hear someone put down the 380, I always get a visual in my mind of them getting pumped with 7-8 fast rounds of this ammo and what they would have to say about this round then? My guess is they would not have much to say at all.
Regardless this now make the New P380 with 350 rds of flawless shooting. Talking about revolvers already has my itch going and will be hitting the range tomorrow with the LCR9mm. I am beginning to feel normal again. (Well, as normal as possible for myself).

PS what ever you do, please do not get rid of the Smith. I would bet you would regret it.

OMG! You rely on a 380?!? [emoji4]

Glad to hear the new one is good to go.

[getsome]

I carry my Pico around the house and for those very few times I have to wear a suit and it's ok but I fell much better with a 9mm but that said, some time ago I did a redneck wet newspaper test with several self defense .380 rounds and they all penetrated about 10-11 inches so I think that would definitely get a bad guys serious attention and I sure wouldn't want to stand in front of one but bigger is always better but if a .380 is all you can carry and you have good ammo it will do just fine in a pinch......

[boscobarbell]

I carry my Pico around the house and for those very few times I have to wear a suit and it's ok but I fell much better with a 9mm but that said, some time ago I did a redneck wet newspaper test with several self defense .380 rounds and they all penetrated about 10-11 inches so I think that would definitely get a bad guys serious attention and I sure wouldn't want to stand in front of one but bigger is always better but if a .380 is all you can carry and you have good ammo it will do just fine in a pinch......

I'm retired, so most days I'm at home or just doing errands around town (a quiet, suburban/rural town with the highest per capita income in the state). My point is that the Pico is really all I need for most days. On top of that, I'm in sweats about half the time because my main activity in retirement is working out...and the Pico is the perfect choice for carrying without a belt. When I head into the big city, or travel even a little farther from home, I usually opt for my P365. And home defense is my H&K P2000sk. But the Pico is pretty much my constant companion otherwise.

In a vacuum, I much prefer the P380...better geometry for me, better feel in the hand, better trigger. But it is really picky with ammo, and that just doesn't inspire confidence that it won't malfunction when I need it. Like I said, I never wanted or expected to really love the Pico...I bought it on a lark. But it has really proven itself to be a wonderful SD handgun in a smaller package.

[berettabone]

" in a pinch."...…………...:o

[berettabone]

I'd carry both your snubbies before I'd stoop to a 380. One with a speed strip would be more than plenty.

Quite some time back I rented an LCR with my son to try out. 357 standard pressure. I shot one cylinder and put it down, had enough. Couldn't hit anything and it wasn't fun. My son finished off the box but didn't care for it either. It did feel good in hand but the looks to me were kind of a turn off. And I really like most Rugers. Especially revolvers. Never loved the P89's and 90's much but the work fine and most who have them love them.
Or. a .380 in each pocket, one on each ankle, 2 on the waist and extra mags...……………………...that will stop em……………………………………………….

[King Rat]

I'm retired, so most days I'm at home or just doing errands around town (a quiet, suburban/rural town with the highest per capita income in the state). My point is that the Pico is really all I need for most days. On top of that, I'm in sweats about half the time because my main activity in retirement is working out...and the Pico is the perfect choice for carrying without a belt. When I head into the big city, or travel even a little farther from home, I usually opt for my P365. And home defense is my H&K P2000sk. But the Pico is pretty much my constant companion otherwise.

In a vacuum, I much prefer the P380...better geometry for me, better feel in the hand, better trigger. But it is really picky with ammo, and that just doesn't inspire confidence that it won't malfunction when I need it. Like I said, I never wanted or expected to really love the Pico...I bought it on a lark. But it has really proven itself to be a wonderful SD handgun in a smaller package.

Well as far as the Pico goes, really do not have much to say that I already haven't. Just a huge Fan boy. I honestly believe it to be as far as ounce to ounce one of the best guns ever made. And even though I have a size large hand I shoot it better than the Kahr. The quality through out the Pico is top shelf on everything to include the fact that they ship it with a stainless steel guide rod. My first Pico is still being shot at the range and the amount of ammo fired through the gun is crazy. While I have not tried all ammo out there and stick with PrecisionOne for Defense, I just do not get failures. I buy PrecisionOne defense ammo in bulk, so always have plenty available.
I love the Kahr's obviously, and will Carry the Kahr more than the Nano. And that is due to the light weight if the Kahr. The Nano is the most solid built Micro 9mm I have seen or shot. A very under rated firearm. I would have to go through my log, buy last Sept, I hit the 12,000 rd mark. Hope to hit the 20,000 mark this Sept. Just a solid built, smooth shooting Micro 9mm.

Shooting the 380 Pm yesterday I did realize there is one thing I do not care about on the Kahrs and that is the hulky take down lever. All these Micro 9mm and small guns need to be streamlined. While both the 380 and 9mm are easy shooters, the take down pin just gets in the way on recoil. I would like to see Kahr make a change in the future.

As far as Carry, most of the time a 380, sometimes in winter the CM. If I am going on a trip and or some place I feel I need more security I will carry the Nano. I now own two Nano's and bought a third for my son. Just a matter of time before I get the Beretta Carry. However one of my Nano's does have the Carry grip. If a Micro 9mm is going to last a long time, the Nano IMO will go the distance. And the one gun I would choose if I had to choose just one.
All this said, I do carry the Smith 642 on many occasions, and it just seems to be made for easy carry. So easy to load and unload, no messing with magazines. Easy to Appendix carry etc. Same with the LCR9mm but that gun is a little heavier. Wish the 642 had moon clips.

https://i.imgur.com/Y6a4Ofb.jpg?1 https://i.imgur.com/jyuLrfR.jpg?4

[berettabone]

Somehow, I don't think you mean't this one :rolleyes:, but if you did, I would be in total agrement.......................................... ........https://www.thefirearmsforum.com/threads/beretta-92fs-custom-carry-2-need-knowledge.149476/

[boscobarbell]

https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/beretta-apx-carry-review/372277

[boscobarbell]

I'm retired, so most days I'm at home or just doing errands around town (a quiet, suburban/rural town with the highest per capita income in the state). My point is that the Pico is really all I need for most days. On top of that, I'm in sweats about half the time because my main activity in retirement is working out...and the Pico is the perfect choice for carrying without a belt. When I head into the big city, or travel even a little farther from home, I usually opt for my P365. And home defense is my H&K P2000sk. But the Pico is pretty much my constant companion otherwise.

In a vacuum, I much prefer the P380...better geometry for me, better feel in the hand, better trigger. But it is really picky with ammo, and that just doesn't inspire confidence that it won't malfunction when I need it. Like I said, I never wanted or expected to really love the Pico...I bought it on a lark. But it has really proven itself to be a wonderful SD handgun in a smaller package.

I know this is a bit of a thread hijack, but I'll add this.

Just got back from the range. I was there to check out ammo functionality in a couple of my carry pistols...most especially my Kahr PM380, which has been ammo-picky albeit reliable within a very narrow window of 3-4 decent carry loads. Of late I just couldn't get it to feed Underwood XtP rounds reliably, so I was back at the range today to see if fiddling around with the magazines and a feed ramp polishing had helped.

Short answer...no. I was so frustrated, I took my Pico out of my waist and decided to run a few magazines through it for the sake of comparison. And the little thing surprised me all over again with just how pleasant it is to shoot. Whatever Beretta did recently to these triggers is genius...short, light, clean break. And although I am a big fan of the Kahr, the Pico also soaks up recoil far better.

The Beretta Pico is a little gem, and it's a shame it doesn't enjoy a greater audience.

[boscobarbell]

Regarding that ammo testing, another surprise at the range today was that I FINALLY found a round my M&P 340 can shoot without causing the operator bodily harm. I shot about 20 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense 38 +P 110 grain ammo, and it was tolerable. Follow-up shots were were actually decent, too, which is a first.

I'm still not thrilled that I'm shooting 5 rounds of 38 out of a .357 revolver, but at least it isn't just a pretty paperweight now.

p.s. I've got a bead on a couple of .32 mag revolvers tonight, so this may be moot. I would gladly make the change to 6 rounds of .32 mag vs 5 rounds of .38 +P, especially with some of the hotter SD loads now available for the former. In case you can't tell, I REALLY REALLY want to find a revolver that I am comfortable to EDC. :D

[getsome]

Well since you found that the Hornady 38 +p rounds shoot well out of your Smith 340 without causing operator problems then I would go with that and not feel like you need anything more....The 340 is a great, very light weight little revolver that will serve you quite well....I have a Ruger LCR .327 mag and it's a nice pistol and I like that you can shoot anything .32 caliber through it, even 32 acp but if you think shooting .327 Federal mags through it will be much different than your 340 with magnums or hot .38's it's very much the same, yes you get 6 rounds but with .327 mags it's pretty much unshootable with the muzzle blast and noise it's very unpleasant....H&R .32 mags are much better but the ammo is very expensive and basically you get mild .38 special ballistics so why not keep the 340 and spend the money on more controllable +p .38 special ammo......Trust me, 5 well placed shots of good +p .38 ammo will be more than enough......Now that said, the Beretta Pico is a gem of a little pistol, mine has never had a failure of any kind with any ammo tried....I love my Kahrs but for a .380 the Pico is awesome....

[I_Like_Turtles]

Well since you found that the Hornady 38 +p rounds shoot well out of your Smith 340 without causing operator problems then I would go with that and not feel like you need anything more....The 340 is a great, very light weight little revolver that will serve you quite well....I have a Ruger LCR .327 mag and it's a nice pistol and I like that you can shoot anything .32 caliber through it, even 32 acp but if you think shooting .327 Federal mags through it will be much different than your 340 with magnums or hot .38's it's very much the same, yes you get 6 rounds but with .327 mags it's pretty much unshootable with the muzzle blast and noise it's very unpleasant....H&R .32 mags are much better but the ammo is very expensive and basically you get mild .38 special ballistics so why not keep the 340 and spend the money on more controllable +p .38 special ammo......Trust me, 5 well placed shots of good +p .38 ammo will be more than enough......Now that said, the Beretta Pico is a gem of a little pistol, mine has never had a failure of any kind with any ammo tried....I love my Kahrs but for a .380 the Pico is awesome....

One option you guys are missing is to go to an older Colt Cobra, Detective, or Agent. You get six shots over 5 with a longer ejector rod compared to the S&W.

Some Colts have the added-on hammer shroud, which I would want on a carry revolver. I very nearly bought one of the alloy-framed Colts for a carry piece but no CTC grips made for them.

That may not be that big of a deal though as I removed the CTC laserguard from my CW 45 and don't feel handicapped without it.

6 shots, .38 Special.....think about it.

[Bawanna]

Thought about it around 1975. First store bought gun I ever purchased, actually second, it replaced the Agent that got stolen.
https://i.postimg.cc/9Q99HZMD/DSCN8089.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bZzrQG1P)
https://i.postimg.cc/MKNBLdWk/DSCN8087.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bs0dD0DL)
https://i.postimg.cc/jjr7x2wZ/DSCN8088.jpg (https://postimg.cc/BjM6NqCK)

Shot it better than some of my longer barreled guns of the time. One of my never part with guns.

[berettabone]

I can see why it's a keeper...........................I'd be carrying it myself. :p

[berettabone]

No one is missing anything......................most people can't afford or don't want to carry a Colt. Could be worth mucho denaro in the future. Me, I would carry any of the above. No hammer shroud for me. Always prefer a hammer for sure. I've NEVER had an issue with a hammer snagging on anything............ 5 shots of .38 +p will do the trick.

[berettabone]

Regarding that ammo testing, another surprise at the range today was that I FINALLY found a round my M&amp;P 340 can shoot without causing the operator bodily harm. I shot about 20 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense 38 +P 110 grain ammo, and it was tolerable. Follow-up shots were were actually decent, too, which is a first.<br>
<br>
I'm still not thrilled that I'm shooting 5 rounds of 38 out of a .357 revolver, but at least it isn't just a pretty paperweight now.<br>
<br>
p.s. I've got a bead on a couple of .32 mag revolvers tonight, so this may be moot. I would gladly make the change to 6 rounds of .32 mag vs 5 rounds of .38 +P, especially with some of the hotter SD loads now available for the former. In case you can't tell, I REALLY REALLY want to find a revolver that I am comfortable to EDC. <img src="/images/smilies/biggrin.png" border="0" alt="" title="Big Grin" smilieid="3" class="inlineimg"> I have that load in my revolver right now. Very accurate and have been using various Hornady loads for years. Still looking for the Win. Silvertip .38 sp.110 gr. +p. Not easy to find...........................

[I_Like_Turtles]

No one is missing anything......................most people can't afford or don't want to carry a Colt. Could be worth mucho denaro in the future. Me, I would carry any of the above. No hammer shroud for me. Always prefer a hammer for sure. I've NEVER had an issue with a hammer snagging on anything............ 5 shots of .38 +p will do the trick.

I missed it! I'm sure others have too. Given how people will carry a $1,000 dollar 1911 I'm sure somebody will carry a Colt. I might even get one myself.....one that's a bit banged up already. It's just like life: you have your wife that's a little banged up but holds up and your expensive arm candy sugar baby for showing off.

LOL. OK, I wish I had that.....and a wife that didn't mind. :cool:

[dao]

You won't have it. And I strongly recommend that you don't describe your wife as a little banged up but holding up well, to her face :)

[boscobarbell]

So, my quest for the perfect EDC revolver has advanced bit.

I bought a Taurus 856 Ultra Light (all black, shrouded hammer) on Gunbroker. So I've got a .38+P now that carries 6 vs. 5 rounds.

But because I had an itch that I just couldn't scratch, I arranged a trade with Bud's Guns....my J-frame .357 plus a bit of cash for a NIB Kimber K6s. And, as I was waiting for it to arrive, I got lucky and scored a set of night sights for the Kimber (they are almost always sold out).

I took delivery of both today. It was like Christmas in June!

First impressions: the Taurus is very nice in the hand...LOVE the rubber grips. The DAO trigger is a bit heavy, but not awful and certainly manageable (I bought a set of trigger springs that promise to cut that pull weight, but my gunsmith was so backed up with work that I had to take it home before he could install it. Gonna bring it back when I return the Kimber for the night sight install.) No idea how durable the Taurus finish will be, but it sure looks nice out of the box...a bit more matte than the M&P 340 I just traded. And this thing is very light. On paper it is heavier than my 642 or 340, but it sure doesn't feel like it. Mechanically, everything feels tight and precise.

As to the Kimber...I think I'm in love. It's a real work of art, with beautiful lines, impeccable machining, and amazingly melting (seems like there isn't a single sharp edge). Great 3-dot sights...unusual on a little revolver like this. And that trigger! Butter-smooth, no stacking, and it just begs to be staged for precision work. It is noticeably heavier than the Taurus, but I carried it around the house in my J-frame AIWB holster (a bit snug, but pretty close to perfect) and it rides quite well.

The game plan is to get both out for a range session soon. I've got several different brands of both .38 and .357 to try out in them. My goal is to see if shooting .357 out of the Kimber is more feasible than it was for the 340. If so, the Kimber will probably be my EDC choice moving forward. If it still seem overly painful or if followup shots are still unmanageable, then my hope is that the Taurus (not as pretty, but perfectly acceptable and apparently well-made) will fill that role with an acceptable SD load.

Wish me luck.....

[I_Like_Turtles]

Congrats man. Sounds like you have two excellent pieces there for defense.

[King Rat]

So, my quest for the perfect EDC revolver has advanced bit.

I bought a Taurus 856 Ultra Light (all black, shrouded hammer) on Gunbroker. So I've got a .38+P now that carries 6 vs. 5 rounds.

But because I had an itch that I just couldn't scratch, I arranged a trade with Bud's Guns....my J-frame .357 plus a bit of cash for a NIB Kimber K6s. And, as I was waiting for it to arrive, I got lucky and scored a set of night sights for the Kimber (they are almost always sold out).

I took delivery of both today. It was like Christmas in June!

First impressions: the Taurus is very nice in the hand...LOVE the rubber grips. The DAO trigger is a bit heavy, but not awful and certainly manageable (I bought a set of trigger springs that promise to cut that pull weight, but my gunsmith was so backed up with work that I had to take it home before he could install it. Gonna bring it back when I return the Kimber for the night sight install.) No idea how durable the Taurus finish will be, but it sure looks nice out of the box...a bit more matte than the M&P 340 I just traded. And this thing is very light. On paper it is heavier than my 642 or 340, but it sure doesn't feel like it. Mechanically, everything feels tight and precise.

As to the Kimber...I think I'm in love. It's a real work of art, with beautiful lines, impeccable machining, and amazingly melting (seems like there isn't a single sharp edge). Great 3-dot sights...unusual on a little revolver like this. And that trigger! Butter-smooth, no stacking, and it just begs to be staged for precision work. It is noticeably heavier than the Taurus, but I carried it around the house in my J-frame AIWB holster (a bit snug, but pretty close to perfect) and it rides quite well.

The game plan is to get both out for a range session soon. I've got several different brands of both .38 and .357 to try out in them. My goal is to see if shooting .357 out of the Kimber is more feasible than it was for the 340. If so, the Kimber will probably be my EDC choice moving forward. If it still seem overly painful or if followup shots are still unmanageable, then my hope is that the Taurus (not as pretty, but perfectly acceptable and apparently well-made) will fill that role with an acceptable SD load.

Wish me luck.....

Man that is awesome. I would buy one now, but heck, conserving every bit of centerfire ammo I have. I paid $18.39 for 38 ammo last year, and the same box now $30.00, IF you can even find it in stock. Most of my time now is shooting the LCR22.
Congrats on the 856. Seems Taurus is ahead of the game. Maybe others will listen up. Keep posting on results.

[getsome]

Congrats bosco on the new wheel guns, I will admit that I am very jealous about your new Kimber, what a beautiful revolver to have and enjoy....I'm starting to rethink this whole back and forth vs round and round thing and me think simple might be the way to go with a carry pistol and end the worry about a miss feed or failure to eject and go with a bang every time to save my ace......I still love my PM9 but with old age, a bum hand and a general lack of dexterity I'm thinking a wheel gun might be in my near carry future....Good luck with your new revolvers and let us know how they do at the range.....

[berettabone]

So, my quest for the perfect EDC revolver has advanced bit.

I bought a Taurus 856 Ultra Light (all black, shrouded hammer) on Gunbroker. So I've got a .38+P now that carries 6 vs. 5 rounds.

But because I had an itch that I just couldn't scratch, I arranged a trade with Bud's Guns....my J-frame .357 plus a bit of cash for a NIB Kimber K6s. And, as I was waiting for it to arrive, I got lucky and scored a set of night sights for the Kimber (they are almost always sold out).

I took delivery of both today. It was like Christmas in June!

First impressions: the Taurus is very nice in the hand...LOVE the rubber grips. The DAO trigger is a bit heavy, but not awful and certainly manageable (I bought a set of trigger springs that promise to cut that pull weight, but my gunsmith was so backed up with work that I had to take it home before he could install it. Gonna bring it back when I return the Kimber for the night sight install.) No idea how durable the Taurus finish will be, but it sure looks nice out of the box...a bit more matte than the M&P 340 I just traded. And this thing is very light. On paper it is heavier than my 642 or 340, but it sure doesn't feel like it. Mechanically, everything feels tight and precise.

As to the Kimber...I think I'm in love. It's a real work of art, with beautiful lines, impeccable machining, and amazingly melting (seems like there isn't a single sharp edge). Great 3-dot sights...unusual on a little revolver like this. And that trigger! Butter-smooth, no stacking, and it just begs to be staged for precision work. It is noticeably heavier than the Taurus, but I carried it around the house in my J-frame AIWB holster (a bit snug, but pretty close to perfect) and it rides quite well.

The game plan is to get both out for a range session soon. I've got several different brands of both .38 and .357 to try out in them. My goal is to see if shooting .357 out of the Kimber is more feasible than it was for the 340. If so, the Kimber will probably be my EDC choice moving forward. If it still seem overly painful or if followup shots are still unmanageable, then my hope is that the Taurus (not as pretty, but perfectly acceptable and apparently well-made) will fill that role with an acceptable SD load.

Wish me luck..... New tools are always nice aren't they???????????????? I don't think you can get much better than the Kimber for revolver carry. Don't get me wrong. I love my SP101 but that Kimber is something. The .357 is just a handful and I think that you'll find that the platform doesn't really matter, it's just a powerful load. I had a S&W 19 with a 4" barrel, and the load was a beast out of that. When I do shoot .357, I practice starting at the groin and proceeding to pull till empty. I think you'll find that you can keep all of your shots in/on the torso area. With that load, very effective. I also think you can be confident in using a.38 +P ammo for carry.

[boscobarbell]

Congrats bosco on the new wheel guns, I will admit that I am very jealous about your new Kimber, what a beautiful revolver to have and enjoy....I'm starting to rethink this whole back and forth vs round and round thing and me think simple might be the way to go with a carry pistol and end the worry about a miss feed or failure to eject and go with a bang every time to save my ace......I still love my PM9 but with old age, a bum hand and a general lack of dexterity I'm thinking a wheel gun might be in my near carry future....Good luck with your new revolvers and let us know how they do at the range.....

Thanks. The simplicity and inherent reliability of the revolver keeps drawing me back to them.

[boscobarbell]

Okay, I finally got a chance to try out my new toys. Brought the Kimber and Taurus to the range with a boatload of different ammo choices in .357 and 38...and, on a lark, decided to bring along my last remaining J-frame, the 642 that I carried for 10 years as a BUG/light-duty gun.*.


First up, the Kimber. What an amazing gun. It is definitely stout enough to tame every .357 round I put through it (although the Con Bon was pretty stout). The trigger was amazing for follow-up shots, and those big 3-dot sights are so easy to bring on target. Unlike my J-frame .357, I didn't dread putting a lot of rounds downrange, and my hand wasn't crying on the way home. On a lark, I finished my range session by shoot a couple of cylinders of ammo at steel plates from 25 yards. The Kimber is no sniper's tool, but it is perfectly competent at extended distances...certainly those at the every farthest edges of what you may need for 99.999% of SD work. Also, I should add that while I'm not I'm usually not a fan of rubber grips, given how good this pistol feels in the hand, I'd be reticent to change anything about it. The only downside of the entire experience was how I was kicking myself for not buying one of these sooner.

Next up, the Taurus. Compared to the Kimber, this little revolver certainly suffered by comparison. It certainly isn't as pretty, and the controls all feel just a bit rougher. It was flawless in execution, however, and certainly much better at handling hot .38 +P loads than comparable Smith & Wessons. All of the SD ammos functioned well, and only the Buffalo Bore 158 gr soft lead semi-wadcutter ammo was really too hot to shoot comfortable (although my Kimber ate it up). The only difficulty I really experienced was that the brass seemed reluctant to eject from the cylinder, and the trigger really seemed to stiffen up the more I shot it. Otherwise, while not a beauty queen, the Taurus was entirely acceptable as a SD pistol. It may not be the pistol you lust for, but it is an affordable and viable EdC option.

A couple of post scripts:

p.s. I have since cleaned up the Kimber and carried it around town for a few errands. To my surprise, in jeans and a bison EDC belt with the revolver in a suede AIWB holster, I completely forgot that the revolver was even on my waist. No printing, and no discomfort (even when driving, which is the toughest test for EDC set-ups. Damn, K6s, where have you been all my life?!

p.p.s. I cleaned the Taurus, too, and couldn't believe how much gunk I was getting on my swabs and patches. I realized that the revolver had apparently been treated at the factory with some kind of coating/grease. I spent a good amount of time cleaning it up with Ballistol and spraying some Eezox into the interior, and when I was done it seemed like a different pistol...everything felt smoother and required less effort. No, it still isn't the Kimber, but it's pretty darn good for a revolver that holds 6 rounds and costs less than $300. Should I ever find my Kimber to be just too heavy to carry, the Taurus will fill that role nicely.

p.p.p.s. After writing this, it occurred to me that I never mentioned reliability. And isn't that the really beauty of revolvers? No magazine spring issues or feed ramp hangups or ammo compatibility or recoil spring fatigue?? Both revolvers fired every round I fed them, without complaint or issue. And let me tell you, after a 3+ year quest to find a decent, smaller EDC pistol, that is not insignificant. I remember driving back from the range after too many sessions filled with frustration because my latest micro pistol was refusing to operate reliably. Heck, I still have few that remain ammo-picky. No such thing with properly-functioning revolver.


*It wasn't until I was on my ride home that I realized that I never even shot the S&W. It pains me to say it, but I think my new purchases have made it irrelevant, except as a memento from my career.

[Bawanna]

OK, I read back but don't see the stats on the Kimber, 2" or 3". Did you get one with a hammer or shrouded?

Considering talking the wife into one but after reading your report I might talk her into one for myself. They sure look nice and the sights have to be great. Not seen one in person yet.

[King Rat]

Okay, I finally got a chance to try out my new toys. Brought the Kimber and Taurus to the range with a boatload of different ammo choices in .357 and 38...and, on a lark, decided to bring along my last remaining J-frame, the 642 that I carried for 10 years as a BUG/light-duty gun.*.


First up, the Kimber. What an amazing gun. It is definitely stout enough to tame every .357 round I put through it (although the Con Bon was pretty stout). The trigger was amazing for follow-up shots, and those big 3-dot sights are so easy to bring on target. Unlike my J-frame .357, I didn't dread putting a lot of rounds downrange, and my hand wasn't crying on the way home. On a lark, I finished my range session by shoot a couple of cylinders of ammo at steel plates from 25 yards. The Kimber is no sniper's tool, but it is perfectly competent at extended distances...certainly those at the every farthest edges of what you may need for 99.999% of SD work. Also, I should add that while I'm not I'm usually not a fan of rubber grips, given how good this pistol feels in the hand, I'd be reticent to change anything about it. The only downside of the entire experience was how I was kicking myself for not buying one of these sooner.

Next up, the Taurus. Compared to the Kimber, this little revolver certainly suffered by comparison. It certainly isn't as pretty, and the controls all feel just a bit rougher. It was flawless in execution, however, and certainly much better at handling hot .38 +P loads than comparable Smith & Wessons. All of the SD ammos functioned well, and only the Buffalo Bore 158 gr soft lead semi-wadcutter ammo was really too hot to shoot comfortable (although my Kimber ate it up). The only difficulty I really experienced was that the brass seemed reluctant to eject from the cylinder, and the trigger really seemed to stiffen up the more I shot it. Otherwise, while not a beauty queen, the Taurus was entirely acceptable as a SD pistol. It may not be the pistol you lust for, but it is an affordable and viable EdC option.

A couple of post scripts:

p.s. I have since cleaned up the Kimber and carried it around town for a few errands. To my surprise, in jeans and a bison EDC belt with the revolver in a suede AIWB holster, I completely forgot that the revolver was even on my waist. No printing, and no discomfort (even when driving, which is the toughest test for EDC set-ups. Damn, K6s, where have you been all my life?!

p.p.s. I cleaned the Taurus, too, and couldn't believe how much gunk I was getting on my swabs and patches. I realized that the revolver had apparently been treated at the factory with some kind of coating/grease. I spent a good amount of time cleaning it up with Ballistol and spraying some Eezox into the interior, and when I was done it seemed like a different pistol...everything felt smoother and required less effort. No, it still isn't the Kimber, but it's pretty darn good for a revolver that holds 6 rounds and costs less than $300. Should I ever find my Kimber to be just too heavy to carry, the Taurus will fill that role nicely.

p.p.p.s. After writing this, it occurred to me that I never mentioned reliability. And isn't that the really beauty of revolvers? No magazine spring issues or feed ramp hangups or ammo compatibility or recoil spring fatigue?? Both revolvers fired every round I fed them, without complaint or issue. And let me tell you, after a 3+ year quest to find a decent, smaller EDC pistol, that is not insignificant. I remember driving back from the range after too many sessions filled with frustration because my latest micro pistol was refusing to operate reliably. Heck, I still have few that remain ammo-picky. No such thing with properly-functioning revolver.


*It wasn't until I was on my ride home that I realized that I never even shot the S&W. It pains me to say it, but I think my new purchases have made it irrelevant, except as a memento from my career.


Wow Bosco, I did not know you bought a Kimber. I have drooled over them for a few years now. Great report. Congrats!!!!!!! How about a pic?

[boscobarbell]

OK, I read back but don't see the stats on the Kimber, 2" or 3". Did you get one with a hammer or shrouded?

Considering talking the wife into one but after reading your report I might talk her into one for myself. They sure look nice and the sights have to be great. Not seen one in person yet.

Yeah, my bad. I got the Kimber in 2" with the shrouded hammer.

I'll try to get some photos loaded later today.

[Barth]

Thought about it around 1975. First store bought gun I ever purchased, actually second, it replaced the Agent that got stolen.
https://i.postimg.cc/9Q99HZMD/DSCN8089.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bZzrQG1P)
https://i.postimg.cc/MKNBLdWk/DSCN8087.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bs0dD0DL)
https://i.postimg.cc/jjr7x2wZ/DSCN8088.jpg (https://postimg.cc/BjM6NqCK)

Shot it better than some of my longer barreled guns of the time. One of my never part with guns.

LOVE the Colt snubbie :cool:

[I_Like_Turtles]

A neighbor called me this past week, apparently he saw a Colt Cobra and wanted to know about how much that would cost. I quoted him around $1K, as that is what they go for on Gunbroker.

If I found a good deal on a Cobra or Agent with the hammer shroud, I'd get it for carry. Be nice to have 6 shots over 5.

[boscobarbell]

Wow Bosco, I did not know you bought a Kimber. I have drooled over them for a few years now. Great report. Congrats!!!!!!! How about a pic?

Here's a couple. My Kimber along with my Taurus and 642.

https://imgur.com/a/hwRnjis

[King Rat]

Here's a couple. My Kimber along with my Taurus and 642.

https://imgur.com/a/hwRnjis

Nice! I see when you go to the range you try out all the defense ammo.

[Bawanna]

That Kimber is a classy looking piece. I want the same exact thing but with a hammer. I'm a thumb buster myself.
Your's probably makes more sense, nothing to hang up on and sounds like the trigger is so nice single action isn't needed but I gotta have a hammer.

[boscobarbell]

Nice! I see when you go to the range you try out all the defense ammo.

I like to try out a variety of viable SD ammos with any new pistol to get a feel for reliability, recoil, etc. Once the break-in period is over (is there ever really one for a revolver?), then a range session will usually consist of mostly cheap range ammo and just 20 or so rounds of my SD choice (to cycle old ammo and for familiarity).

[boscobarbell]

I wanted to provide a brief update on my revolvers.

I got brave and decided to try a trigger job on the Taurus. I bought the Galloway Precision reduced weight springs, and found their install video to be extremely helpful. A few hitches and a lot of curses later, I had both springs installed. While I had it apart, I also cleaned/lubed all the internals.

Well I'll be. This little Taurus is a pretty damned good little revolver now. Trigger pull is somewhere in the 5-6 lb range, and very, very smooth. Easy to stage for precision work, too. I took it out with a variety of range and SD ammos, and I had no failures to ignite.

My Kimber will be my go-to EDC whenever clothing permits, but that Taurus will definitely see some carry time on days requiring lighter clothing.

Smith and Wesson really needs to stop resting on their laurels and get back in the game with small revolvers. There is no reason to buy a J-frame with only 5 rounds when viable options exist for 6 rounds in a similarly-sized package (and, in the case of the Taurus, a significantly CHEAPER package).

[getsome]

Glad you got your Taurus running good with the lighter springs.....I would love for S&W to bring back a model 632 .327 magnum revolver in a similar size as the Ruger LCR .327 mag.....I would also like to see a premium line up of heavy frame blued revolvers in the old style one piece barrel design....Colt did it with their new Python so Smith should be able to bring out a new/old style improved .357 .41 and a premium performance shop model 29 .44 mag in various barrel lengths....I think there would be a very big market for them and I would pay up to get a small perfect carry size 6 shot J frame in.327 Federal mag.....

[boscobarbell]

Glad you got your Taurus running good with the lighter springs.....I would love for S&W to bring back a model 632 .327 magnum revolver in a similar size as the Ruger LCR .327 mag.....I would also like to see a premium line up of heavy frame blued revolvers in the old style one piece barrel design....Colt did it with their new Python so Smith should be able to bring out a new/old style improved .357 .41 and a premium performance shop model .29 .44 mag in various barrel lengths....I think there would be a very big market for them and I would pay up to get a small perfect carry size 6 shot J frame in.327 Federal mag.....

Agree on all counts.

I almost grabbed an LCR in .327 when I was exploring getting back into carrying a revolver, but I just couldn't get past the plastic look. It felt good in the hand, too, and I really like the trigger. But while I can live with polymer in a semi, I guess I'm just too old school to take it a step further into the world of revolvers.

But, yeah...a J-frame with that caliber and 6 rounds would be just about perfect.