Perfect carry revolver?

[Alan]

What's your go-to revolver for everyday carry and why? I'd love to hear from those who regularly carry wheelguns about their real-world experiences and what features make a difference.

 

[Jack Teahan]

The new DiamondBack SDR is a Very nice CCW Wheel gun.................

 

[rfd]

Not too many CCW guns in Blue Jersey because of the imposed carry restrictions that drastically limit where CCW is allowed.

For me it's the Ruger LCR .22LR and loaded with Fed Punch. A .22 rimfire?? What?!?!?! Yes indeed. Plenty of solid reasons why.

 

[rfd]

Some folks have contacted me with a negative view about the ability of .22LR use for effective defense, particularly in a snubby 8 shot. They may be right, but maybe I am as well. To each their own.

Here's the bottom line to me for all this hubbub about .22LR for civilian SD/EDC/CCW …

"If you can put holes into the vitals you're aiming at, caliber doesn't matter ... and if you can't, caliber doesn't matter." - Rhett, Demonstrated Concepts.

The .22LR to employ for CCW needs to be a double action revolver, and an internal hammer snubby at that - NOT a semi-auto.

The .22LR snubby revolver - not a gun for range fun, but lots of "serious fun" for SD/EDC/CCW. No? Clearly not for everyone? Maybe so, maybe not, please read on ....

What matters most, IMHO – Reliability, Accuracy, Speed, Recoil Management, Noise Management.

Premium .22LR cartridges are a Must for reliability and ballistics.

A firearm's report matters when there's no hearing protection - worse yet indoors and/or in confined spaces, such as a vehicle.

Revolver reload speed can matter, too, and speed loaders get the job done fastest.

For the recoil sensitive, there's literally no recoil of concern with a .22LR snubby revolver loaded with premium .22LR cartridges.

Snubby revolvers are typically lighter, smaller and easier a carry than most semi-autos. Revolvers are always carried in "Condition 2", no safety switches needed, just aim and pull the trigger. If a round FTFs, keep pulling the trigger, no slide to rack or mag to drop for an FTF or FTE.

Snubby revolver sights are another issue that can be enhanced by adding a grip laser by Hogue or Crimson Trace, but not a requirement.

Yes, a D/A only .22LR revolver will have a hefty trigger pull of near or about 15lbs. Won't take too long of dry fire practice to master that trigger pull, and that's it's realistic "safety".

The cylinder blast from a .22LR revolver is of zero consequence if your weak hand happens to cover the cylinder forcing cone area during firing, and firing positions can be far more radical than with a centerfire.

Unlike the snubby ejectors for all centerfire cartridges and .22mags, a .22LR snubby ejector will 100% dislodge all cases from the cylinder with the tap of a thumb or palm = surer and faster reloads (of at least 8 rounds and not 5 or 6).

Premium .22LR cartridges are lots cheaper than cheap centerfire cartridges, and thus more incentive to practice more. Live fire practice at short distances may allow for at-home shooting, offering more opportunities for practice.

For those persons who don't regularly train with a centerfire handgun, a .22LR will be SO much more likely to consistently achieve multiple aimed POIs than any other type of handgun.

An eight shot .22LR snubby revolver loaded with proper premium cartridges - Federal Punch, CCI Velocitor, and others - is a CCW weapon not to be ignored - or dissed. These dayze, a .22LR revolver is quite the antidote for the typical SD scenario, but to each their own, and I own or have owned a gaggle of centerfire handguns - 1911 .45acp autos, wheel guns in .357mag/.38spl, and many autos in 9mm. They're all good aggressor deterrents, but the Ruger LCR22 allows me more accuracy and speed, among more than a few other good attributes. YMMV.

 

[Rich Evans]

Some folks have contacted me with a negative view about the ability of .22LR use for effective defense, particularly in a snubby 8 shot. They may be right, but maybe I am as well. To each their own.

Here's the bottom line to me for all this hubbub about .22LR for civilian SD/EDC/CCW …

"If you can put holes into the vitals you're aiming at, caliber doesn't matter ... and if you can't, caliber doesn't matter." - Rhett, Demonstrated Concepts.

The .22LR to employ for CCW needs to be a double action revolver, and an internal hammer snubby at that - NOT a semi-auto.

The .22LR snubby revolver - not a gun for range fun, but lots of "serious fun" for SD/EDC/CCW. No? Clearly not for everyone? Maybe so, maybe not, please read on ....

What matters most, IMHO – Reliability, Accuracy, Speed, Recoil Management, Noise Management.

Premium .22LR cartridges are a Must for reliability and ballistics.

A firearm's report matters when there's no hearing protection - worse yet indoors and/or in confined spaces, such as a vehicle.

Revolver reload speed can matter, too, and speed loaders get the job done fastest.

For the recoil sensitive, there's literally no recoil of concern with a .22LR snubby revolver loaded with premium .22LR cartridges.

Snubby revolvers are typically lighter, smaller and easier a carry than most semi-autos. Revolvers are always carried in "Condition 2", no safety switches needed, just aim and pull the trigger. If a round FTFs, keep pulling the trigger, no slide to rack or mag to drop for an FTF or FTE.

Snubby revolver sights are another issue that can be enhanced by adding a grip laser by Hogue or Crimson Trace, but not a requirement.

Yes, a D/A only .22LR revolver will have a hefty trigger pull of near or about 15lbs. Won't take too long of dry fire practice to master that trigger pull, and that's it's realistic "safety".

The cylinder blast from a .22LR revolver is of zero consequence if your weak hand happens to cover the cylinder forcing cone area during firing, and firing positions can be far more radical than with a centerfire.

Unlike the snubby ejectors for all centerfire cartridges and .22mags, a .22LR snubby ejector will 100% dislodge all cases from the cylinder with the tap of a thumb or palm = surer and faster reloads (of at least 8 rounds and not 5 or 6).

Premium .22LR cartridges are lots cheaper than cheap centerfire cartridges, and thus more incentive to practice more. Live fire practice at short distances may allow for at-home shooting, offering more opportunities for practice.

For those persons who don't regularly train with a centerfire handgun, a .22LR will be SO much more likely to consistently achieve multiple aimed POIs than any other type of handgun.

An eight shot .22LR snubby revolver loaded with proper premium cartridges - Federal Punch, CCI Velocitor, and others - is a CCW weapon not to be ignored - or dissed. These dayze, a .22LR revolver is quite the antidote for the typical SD scenario, but to each their own, and I own or have owned a gaggle of centerfire handguns - 1911 .45acp autos, wheel guns in .357mag/.38spl, and many autos in 9mm. They're all good aggressor deterrents, but the Ruger LCR22 allows me more accuracy and speed, among more than a few other good attributes. YMMV.

Totally agree with every point you've made here. There are far too many who dismiss 22LR as insufficient for self-protection. In reality, there are significantly more deaths attributed to 22LR than almost any other caliber. My choice of CC is the S&W 43C - 8 shots of Punch and only 11oz. The photo shows my gun but with a SpeedBees reloader kit for my 10 shot 617.

 

[drjjpdc]

My only question is how many shots that you have to pump into someone to stop them? For a carry gun you are not just trying to slow them down, right?

 

[rfd]

My only question is how many shots that you have to pump into someone to stop them? For a carry gun you are not just trying to slow them down, right?

An absolute valid question! Here's my take ...

Citizen CCW is about life saving extraction from a deadly situation. It's not about killing a perp. However, what it takes to end a deadly confrontation may mean shoot to kill.

Citizen CCW isn't the military. We're talking citizen encounters not wars. I see basically three types of aggressors - (1) aggression as the result of a verbal or physical conflict, or (2) a thief who just wants a quick heist for the money, or (3) in perhaps the worst case it's a perp already drugged out looking to steal bucks for another meth score. In all three scenarios, a lone aggressor versus multiples is another concern.

For the very most part just brandishing a weapon may terminate an aggressor or aggressors from continuing, particularly if they're not showing a firearm. That would apply to aggressors 1 and 2.

Dealing with a wild eyed perp that's high on drugs is a whole 'nother story. I'm at best an average handgun shooter, no matter what the caliber or handgun type. Under duress I'll have 8 opportunities to place at least one .22LR bullet into the head of any aggressor. I'm so much more accurate with .22LR than any centerfire cartridge. To stop a major aggressive perp means taking head shots only. It also means a fair amount of continuing practice.

So, on a regular basis I need to assess my expertise with a handgun and do that in one or more monthly live fire drills that simulate reasonably close encounters with a perp, from an arm's length away to 20 yards, that's my range of fire.

Be great to hear other folks chime in with how they address CCW self defense.

 

[drjjpdc]

An absolute valid question! Here's my take ...

Citizen CCW is about life saving extraction from a deadly situation. It's not about killing a perp. However, what it takes to end a deadly confrontation may mean shoot to kill.

Citizen CCW isn't the military. We're talking citizen encounters not wars. I see basically three types of aggressors - (1) aggression as the result of a verbal or physical conflict, or (2) a thief who just wants a quick heist for the money, or (3) in perhaps the worst case it's a perp already drugged out looking to steal bucks for another meth score. In all three scenarios, a lone aggressor versus multiples is another concern.

For the very most part just brandishing a weapon may terminate an aggressor or aggressors from continuing, particularly if they're not showing a firearm. That would apply to aggressors 1 and 2.

Dealing with a wild eyed perp that's high on drugs is a whole 'nother story. I'm at best an average handgun shooter, no matter what the caliber or handgun type. Under duress I'll have 8 opportunities to place at least one .22LR bullet into the head of any aggressor. I'm so much more accurate with .22LR than any centerfire cartridge. To stop a major aggressive perp means taking head shots only. It also means a fair amount of continuing practice.

So, on a regular basis I need to assess my expertise with a handgun and do that in one or more monthly live fire drills that simulate reasonably close encounters with a perp, from an arm's length away to 20 yards, that's my range of fire.

Be great to hear other folks chime in with how they address CCW self defense.

So even in cases 1 & 2, a 6'5" 325 lb. guy like me meaning to do harm would be enough. I just remember reading a number of police stories where an assailant continued to approach with .38 specials in him. I am not arguing with you at all, but I would love to hear from any LEO's around here.

 

[rfd]

So even in cases 1 & 2, a 6'5" 325 lb. guy like me meaning to do harm would be enough. I just remember reading a number of police stories where an assailant continued to approach with .38 specials in him. I am not arguing with you at all, but I would love to hear from any LEO's around here.

YES, I totally agree with you. I've seen vids of perps totally whacked out on meth where it took many body hits to neutralize what was a mobile but already dead assailant.

I get it where defensive thinking is necessary for a civilian to be armed and ready for any kind of attack, but I also believe that it's prudently personal with regards to situation, firearm conceal ability, and firearm usage expertise. Which is why all my concealed firearm training is focused on head shots with .22LR Fed Punch or CCI Velocitor. I would not want to be hit in the head or throat with either of those rounds. Personally, I'm way more on target with those cartridges - particularly for firing 3 or 4 rounds fast - than my .45ACP or 9mm.

I see good people at ranges practicing with centerfire handguns that they absolutely can't control for consistent accuracy at 7 yards. You don't buy firearm control, you earn it. I think they would all have more of a chance of defense success by using a rimfire than a centerfire.

I'm NOT saying .22LR is better or even as good as any centerfire cartridge. I'm saying that for consistent accuracy and speed I'm personally better off with .22LR, knowing full well the negatives. Rhett sums it all up for me when I see folks pray spraying 45ACP or 9mm ...

"If you can put holes into the vitals you're aiming at, caliber doesn't matter ... and if you can't, caliber doesn't matter." - Rhett, Demonstrated Concepts.

 

[drjjpdc]

rfd,

I understand your points on the .22 lr, although I would also like the .22 mag. But push comes to shove I would prefer the bigger holes with my S&W 66. However since I don't have a carry permit. I guess my opinion is moot.

 

[rfd]

The .22mag is a good choice, but IMHO not as good for me as .22LR Fed Punch or CCI Velocitor - I'm more accurate and fast with those 2 cartridges than any brand/type .22mag cartridge, will do as much head damage as well.

Love mine, but I can be so much better with a .22LR snubby.