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A steady rise in violent crime has led to a rise of new gun owners. A revolver is the best choice for many people. They provide a reliable interface and are less susceptible to malfunctions than semi-automatic pistols. The wheel gun is a stable and simple platform that makes it an excellent choice for your first concealed carry gun. We have compiled a list of concealed carry revolvers to help you get started in your search.
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Best Concealed Carry Revolvers
The revolvers we know today have been around since the 1800s. There are even precursors to the design that date back further. There are many models available all over the globe. As with any firearm, choosing a revolver can be very subjective. Everyone has their favorites. We will limit the list to only a few current models we like for this purpose.
Consider the difference between single action and double action when choosing a revolver for concealed carrying. A single-action revolver is great for recreational shooting, but it has limitations for conceal carry. To fire a single-action revolver, you must first cock the hammer and then pull the trigger. You must do this for each shot. In a situation of self-defense, this can lead to disaster.
A double action revolver allows you to pull the trigger and simultaneously cock the hammer, and then release it. This eliminates one step and makes it easier to use for self-defense. It is important to note that there is a tradeoff. Double action revolvers have a longer trigger stroke which can affect accuracy. It is important to practice it regularly.
As I said, choosing the right revolver is subjective. You may not find what you like here. If you have any questions, I encourage you visit the Facebook post. You may also find other suggestions. We are a friendly community that is eager to help new gun owners.
Colt King Cobra Carry DAO (.357 mag)
A revolver list would not be complete without at minimum one Colt. Colt is why we have the revolver we know today. The King Cobra DAO (Double Action Only), provides the power of.357 Magnum in a small, concealable stainless-steel frame. The King Cobra DAO has a 3-inch barrel length and a 6-round capacity. It also features a heavy-duty construction that reduces felt recoil. The rubberized grips have finger notches to ensure a secure grip when firing.
MSRP: $899.00
Colt.com has more information.
Kimber K6S Stainless (.357 Magn)
According to Kimber K6S Stainless, the Kimber K6S Stainless chambered in.357 Mag is the world’s lightest 6-shot. The pistol features superior ergonomics and a smooth match grade trigger. This is possible due to the DAO configuration on the K6S. It will aid in accuracy. Secure grip is provided by the rubber grips and serrated backstrap.
It is worth noting that the K6S’s light weight does little to absorb the recoil from the.357 Mag round. It could prove to be too much for those with smaller hands. Ask your local gun shop if they can fire one before you make the purchase.
MSRP: $985.00
KimberAmerica.com has more information.
Smith & Wesson 642 (.38 Special +P).
The Smith & Wesson 642 Airweight revolver is a light revolver, as the name suggests. The 642 is easy to conceal thanks to its lightweight alloy frame. The J-Frame is as reliable and has been around since the 50s. The 642 comes with a 5-round capacity and an enclosed hammer to prevent snagging in the draw–whether it’s in your pocket or on your hip.
The 642’s lighter frame does not absorb the recoil from the.38 Special +P, as it did with the Kimber K6S. The recoil is not as severe as that of.357 Mag. Even though the recoil is not as severe, regular.38 Special can be used for slightly lower recoil.
MSRP: $532.00
Smith-Wesson.com has more information.
Smith & Wesson AirLite 340PD (0.357 Mag).
The J-Frame-reliable AirLite 340PD is another entry from Smith & Wesson. The AirLite 340PD, like the 642 Airweight is a lightweight option that can be concealed anywhere. The enclosed hammer makes it less likely that the draw can be snagged. The 340PD comes with a HIVIZ fiber optic green front view for excellent target acquisition in low or daylight conditions.
The AirLite’s light weight and power of.357 mag can make it difficult for smaller hands. You have other options, however, as the 340PD can shoot.38 Special +P. To make sure that you can handle the recoil, I recommend testing firing the 340PD before purchasing.
MSRP: $1,095.00
Smith-Wesson.com has more information.
Charter Arms Pink Lady (.38 Special)
We thought that women are a growing number of gun owners recently, so we created something specifically for them. Charter Arms’ Pink Lady is a variant of its popular.38 Special undercover Lite. The lightweight, aluminum pistol is easy to conceal and transport. Even small hands can use the 5-round revolver, chambered in.38 Special.
The Pink Lady, unlike most others on the list, has a spurred-hammer that can be used in single or double actions. This increases the risk of the draw getting snagged. Make sure you practice drawing and shooting, and take this into consideration.
MSRP: $429.80
CharterFirearms.com has more information.
Ruger LCR (.38 Special +P)
Ruger revolvers are known for their reliability. The LCR is no exception. The LCR’s lightweight and durable construction is aerospace-grade, 7000 series aluminum. The LCR is easy to conceal due to its light weight and enclosed hammer. The Hogue Tamer Monogrip offers secure retention while firing your LCR.
The patented polymer fire control box reduces the recoil of.38 Special +P rounds. The recoil can be further reduced by using a regular.38 special round. I recommend that you practice with.38 special and carry.38 Special +P in your five-round cylinder. Make sure you shoot some +P rounds first to get a feel for what to expect.
MSRP: $719.00
Ruger.com has more information.
Rock Island Armory M206 Spurless (.38 special)
The M206 Spurless is an economical option for those who are looking for a reliable choice. The M206’s heavy construction, which is crafted in.38 Special, helps to reduce felt recoil. The M206’s classic style is enhanced by a checkered wood grip that matches well with the black parkerized finish. The 6-round capacity of the M206 ensures that you have enough ammunition to complete any emergency.
MSRP: $279.00
For more information, please visit RockIslandArmoryUSA.com.
North American Arms NAA-22MSVL (.22 Mag).
North American Arms is the best choice for concealment. NAA is a favorite of mine and I carry a.22 Mag in my pocket. Due to its small size, I would consider this a backup revolver rather than a primary. The NAA-22MSVL is a last-ditch bell gun that can be used for close quarters defense.
The Viridian laser grasp will assist you at all ranges. Keep in mind that the barrel’s shorter length can cause ammunition to keyhole, which can affect accuracy and effectiveness at long distances. The Viridian laser grip has another advantage: the rubberized oversize grip keeps the pistol in place.
MSRP: $375.00
For more information, please visit NorthAmericanArms.com.
Concealed carry revolvers won’t have the benefits of a longer barrel for the most part. Most conceal carry revolvers have what is known as a snub nose. It has a barrel that is typically less than 4 inches. This means it will have a shorter sight radius (the distance from the front sight to the rear sight). As a result, accuracy is affected by a shorter sight radius. It is important to practice regularly with your new revolver.
It is also important to know the basics of gun safety before you handle any firearm. To learn more about firearms safety, I encourage you download our Gun Primer for New Gun Owners.
Be safe and happy shooting.
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