Most concealable revolver in .38/.357?

[115scott]

Spraynbuckshot asked if the J frame held up. I have carried my 640 for several years as a backup. I have to qualify with it every 6 months and the only thing I train and qualify with are hot 357 loads. I normally carry Speer or Winchester 125 gr. After 50 rds it does have a bite.

[spraynbuckshot]

I splurged and bought the S&W 638. I will be picking it up today.

Now the quest for holsters and speedloaders!

[MADISON]

Ruger makes a very strong .357 Magnum revolver in their SP-101.
It is only 5 shot but, that is why we carry extra ammo.

[madcratebuilder]

I have not found anything better than my 640.

[Benzene]

A pal of mine argues that carrying a revolver IWB over time affects the timing of the weapon, especially if carried in the Uncle Mike's sidekicks. Thanks for the opinions of our resident experts.

[parrothead2581]

A S&W 442 in a Kramer pocket holster works well for me.

[Kreyzhorse]

I splurged and bought the S&W 638. I will be picking it up today.

Now the quest for holsters and speedloaders!

Good buy. Take a look at Galco and Bianchi holsters. Good quality and prices without a lengthy wait time.

I you aren't totally sold on speedloaders, I find the Bianchi speed strips a nice alternative.

[Playboypenguin]

...because of it's combination of small size and light weight.

[spraynbuckshot]

I will look into the speed strips.

I can't seem to find a specific S&W 638 J-frame holster selection on the Galco website. Should I select from (J fr 36 2") or another alternative?

[Teuthis]

Smith and Wesson Airlite T or one of the later models of the same. It is really light, and I can just carry it in my pants pocket, sometimes in a pocket holster to keep it from printing. They are good shooters too, but you must practice with them, and know where they shoot with your specific self defense rounds. I have carried Silver Tips in mine since I got it. i know where they go. I do not think that I need +P in that gun.

[Elvishead]

If I think I need .357. SP101.

If I think a .38 +P is more than adequate, I carry a S&W 638.

PS, I don't carry my SP101 hardly ever.

[spraynbuckshot]

I wanted to thank everyone for their input on this thread. It influenced my decision to buy a S&W 638. I got to shoot it a few times yesterday. It was a bit snappy with the +P loads but definetely not abusive. I just need to get used to aiming without the rear sight beacuse I was shooting low.

I figured I post 2 pics to show my gun.

Thanks

[parrothead2581]

Good choice.

Enjoy!

[Wuchak]

Originally Posted by Benzene

A pal of mine argues that carrying a revolver IWB over time affects the timing of the weapon, especially if carried in the Uncle Mike's sidekicks.

My initial thought is that your pal probably wears shoes with velcro since the difficult skill of shoe tying was beyond his ability to grasp, but in fairness I would like to hear his explanation. It will either be enlightening or amusing.