I'm thinking the unthinkable...

**Mike Irwin** · December 3, 2018, 12:30 PM

Anyone who has followed me here over the years knows how much I love revolvers, especially S&W revolvers. My primary carry handguns over the last 30+ years have been various types of revolvers starting with a Charter Arms and then graduation to various models of S&W.

Over the years I've occasionally carried semi-autos, primarily a Taurus PT-22 when I need something really small or my P7.

But now I'm seriously thinking about making a my S&W 410 in .40 S&W my primary CCW, especially in winter.

I recently bought a Bianchi belt slide holster for it, and I REALLY like how it rides on my hip (especially now that I've lost a lot of weight).

I'm also doing a lot more traveling these days and through some sketchy areas in Virginia, so I'm thinking that something a bit more powerful than a 5-shot .38 Special snub might be in order.

Never really thought I'd consider leaving a revolver at home in favor of a semi-auto as my primary.

Wishoot · December 3, 2018, 12:55 PM

Such a personal choice with no right or wrong answer.

I find a 5-shot J-Frame (about to wear new Crimson Trace grips) suites my needs 99% of the time, but there are certainly occasions where having more capacity is comforting.

btw.... congrats on losing weight. I know how difficult that can be.

aarondhgraham · December 3, 2018, 01:21 PM

Make whatever adjustment you feel necessary Mike.

Self-imposed restrictions are made to be broken by one's own "self".

Aarond

P.S. But, I did feel the firmament of the earth tremble a bit as I read your post.

.

HighValleyRanch · December 3, 2018, 01:26 PM

Something about an "elderly" dog and tricks or something?

CDW4ME · December 3, 2018, 01:47 PM

Consider the options of having pistol on belt and revolver in pocket, especially if carried in weak hand pocket.

Keep the momentum of positive change going.

Not directed toward OP:
Any subsequent comments about "needing" two guns, living in a war zone, not a cop, ect... is evidence of not considering the benefit of options.

**Mike Irwin** · December 3, 2018, 01:50 PM

I really don't have a weak hand when it comes to shooting a handgun.

I never realized it until a couple of people pointed out it but midway through a falling plate or bowling pin match I'd shift my gun from one hand to the other and, depending on the course of fire, back again.

Never knew I was doing it.

reteach · December 3, 2018, 02:27 PM

I consider myself a wheelgun guy, but I too sometimes feel the need for a semi with more capacity and quicker reload capability. The 410 is still a classic style pistol, so not a radical change from your norms. Seems like a good move.

Leaf · December 3, 2018, 04:17 PM

Perfect candidate for a Sig P365 with a 12 round magazine.

JDBerg · December 3, 2018, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Irwin:

But now I'm seriously thinking about making my S&W 410 in .40 S&W my primary CCW, especially in winter.

You never need vindication to carry a 3rd Gen S&W!

PolarFBear · December 3, 2018, 05:40 PM

Whatever happened to all those 3rd gen Smith's? I was "lucky" enough to pick up a .45 Model 457 over the weekend for $420. Have a 669 and a 6906. Lost my best one, a 3913, in a "domestic" dispute some years back. Have bunches of firearms but the, now old, Smith's are tip top.

**Mike Irwin** · December 3, 2018, 09:21 PM

Is the 410/411 considered to be a third generation? I thought it was the value line generation that came after the third generation.

I also have a 4506-1, which is one of my absolute favorite handguns. I've considered carrying it, but give its size I'd use a shoulder holster.

As for the Sig?

No. Just no.

tallball · December 3, 2018, 09:26 PM

I'm a revolver guy too.

But I have a 915, and I have been known to carry it owb from time to time.

**Aguila Blanca** · December 3, 2018, 11:43 PM

Welcome to the last century.

(Sez the guy who carries a 1911.)

riverdog · December 4, 2018, 12:24 AM

I started shooting handguns with a Colt 1911, then discovered revolvers and then Glock. My current HD pistols are a S&W Mod.19 and a Glock G-19. When I carried it was the G-19.

ms6852 · December 4, 2018, 12:28 AM

I carried a 1911 45 acp for years, and just recently got the bug to carry a wheel gun. Mine new carry is the 686+ with the 3" barrel. I truly love it but kicks like a mule compared to my 1911.

**Mike Irwin** · December 4, 2018, 07:14 AM

I carried my Model 19 2.5" in a shoulder holster for years.

Need to dust that one off, actually. Love that combination.

**Spats McGee** · December 4, 2018, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Irwin

. . . .But now I'm seriously thinking about making a my S&W 410 in .40 S&W my primary CCW, especially in winter.

I recently bought a Bianchi belt slide holster for it, and I REALLY like how it rides on my hip (especially now that I've lost a lot of weight). . . .

I don't know of anything wrong with that combination. IMHO, choosing a carry gun is a surprisingly personal decision. You've got to know what's right, for you, in your circumstances.

Congratulations on the weight loss, too!

ETA: And when I switched to a Glock after many years of hating them, I think it was Tom Servo who posted that "there comes a time in every boy's life when he notices changes . . . ."

Cosmodragoon · December 4, 2018, 02:36 PM

Sounds good to me. I still carry a revolver for much of the year when wardrobe is variable. The LCR (and formerly a J-frame) is easy to carry in almost any attire. That meant .38 special for me because I find .357 magnum markedly unpleasant to shoot on that platform and I like to train with what I carry. However, that left me with some internal conflict because I view .38 special in a snub with the same "marginal" lens as .380 and five shots isn't a lot. Getting into .327 Federal a couple years ago really saved this carry choice for me.

During that third of the year when weather and wardrobe dependably allow, I switch to a higher capacity semi-auto. I used to be a naysayer on .40 S&W but I eventually discovered that it was because I had been using it in tiny guns. That's totally subjective but on the right platform, I think .40 is fun to shoot. While modern 9mm is good, .40 S&W does do more damage downrange and that's not a bad thing.

lee n. field · December 4, 2018, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Irwin

Anyone who has followed me here over the years knows how much I love revolvers, especially S&W revolvers. My primary carry handguns over the last 30+ years have been various types of revolvers starting with a Charter Arms and then graduation to various models of S&W.

Over the years I've occasionally carried semi-autos, primarily a Taurus PT-22 when I need something really small or my P7.

I recently bought a Bianchi belt slide holster for it, and I REALLY like how it rides on my hip (especially now that I've lost a lot of weight).

Never really thought I'd consider leaving a revolver at home in favor of a semi-auto as my primary.

"If the foundations are shaken, what can the righteous do?"

Quote:

But now I'm seriously thinking about making a my S&W 410 in .40 S&W my primary CCW, especially in winter.

Well, it is an obsolete gun, in an out of favor with the cool kids caliber.

Quote:

I'm also doing a lot more traveling these days and through some sketchy areas in Virginia, so I'm thinking that something a bit more powerful than a 5-shot .38 Special snub might be in order.

Real revolver geeks would say, carry a second snub.

I've been fickle lately, mostly carrying my Taurus snub over the past half year or so. But, if I was to be knowingly going into the "sketchy areas" around here, darn betcha I'd be upping my game to my G19 or XD40. (note to self, holster search for the XD, after the holiday).

Carry what you want, for reasons that seem good to you.

magnut · December 4, 2018, 03:39 PM

Just carry both. Five shot snubbies make decent backup guns. Primary.... meh.... definitly not ideal for more populated areas.

410 is a good solid pistol that is easy to handle and carry. 40s&w is one of the better rounds for self defense.

**Mike Irwin** · December 4, 2018, 08:33 PM

"Real revolver geeks would say, carry a second snub."

Hum...

Not a bad idea. I actually have 9 to choose from!

And, no, I'm not going to start carrying two freaking guns, 400 rounds of ammo, a personal flotation device, and a helium laser....

Mackie244Bud · December 4, 2018, 08:50 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUqYoZZoKb0

**Mike Irwin** · December 4, 2018, 10:31 PM

Huh. Never thought to look at Yootoob for a video on my 410.

That guy really needs to up his presentation skills.

Mine unfortunately didn't come with the hard case or other goodies. But, I wasn't going to pass it up for $300.

The only thing I need to do before I start carrying it is run some of the Winchester HP ammo through it to make sure it's going to feed correctly.

jar · December 5, 2018, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Irwin

"Real revolver geeks would say, carry a second snub."

Hum...

Not a bad idea. I actually have 9 to choose from!

And, no, I'm not going to start carrying two freaking guns, 400 rounds of ammo, a personal flotation device, and a helium laser....

But you would consider a Sonic Screwdriver wouldn't you?

Onward Allusion · December 5, 2018, 07:47 AM

How about a S&W 627? 8 > 5

December 3, 2018, 12:30 PM	#1
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	I'm thinking the unthinkable... Anyone who has followed me here over the years knows how much I love revolvers, especially S&W revolvers. My primary carry handguns over the last 30+ years have been various types of revolvers starting with a Charter Arms and then graduation to various models of S&W. Over the years I've occasionally carried semi-autos, primarily a Taurus PT-22 when I need something really small or my P7. But now I'm seriously thinking about making a my S&W 410 in .40 S&W my primary CCW, especially in winter. I recently bought a Bianchi belt slide holster for it, and I REALLY like how it rides on my hip (especially now that I've lost a lot of weight). I'm also doing a lot more traveling these days and through some sketchy areas in Virginia, so I'm thinking that something a bit more powerful than a 5-shot .38 Special snub might be in order. Never really thought I'd consider leaving a revolver at home in favor of a semi-auto as my primary. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 3, 2018, 01:21 PM	#3
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	Make whatever adjustment you feel necessary Mike. Self-imposed restrictions are made to be broken by one's own "self". Aarond P.S. But, I did feel the firmament of the earth tremble a bit as I read your post. . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

December 3, 2018, 01:26 PM	#4
HighValleyRanch Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2005 Posts: 4,066	Something about an "elderly" dog and tricks or something? __________________ From the sweet grass to the slaughter house; From birth until death; We travel between these two eternities........from 'Broken Trail"

December 3, 2018, 01:47 PM	#5
CDW4ME Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Posts: 1,321	Consider the options of having pistol on belt and revolver in pocket, especially if carried in weak hand pocket. Keep the momentum of positive change going. Not directed toward OP: Any subsequent comments about "needing" two guns, living in a war zone, not a cop, ect... is evidence of not considering the benefit of options. __________________ Strive to carry the handgun you would want anywhere, everywhere; forget that good area bullcrap. "Wouldn't want to / Nobody volunteer to" get shot by _____ is not indicative of quickly incapacitating.

December 3, 2018, 01:50 PM	#6
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	I really don't have a weak hand when it comes to shooting a handgun. I never realized it until a couple of people pointed out it but midway through a falling plate or bowling pin match I'd shift my gun from one hand to the other and, depending on the course of fire, back again. Never knew I was doing it. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 3, 2018, 12:55 PM	#2
Wishoot Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,093	Such a personal choice with no right or wrong answer. I find a 5-shot J-Frame (about to wear new Crimson Trace grips) suites my needs 99% of the time, but there are certainly occasions where having more capacity is comforting. btw.... congrats on losing weight. I know how difficult that can be.

December 3, 2018, 02:27 PM	#7
reteach Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2016 Location: Texas Posts: 379	I consider myself a wheelgun guy, but I too sometimes feel the need for a semi with more capacity and quicker reload capability. The 410 is still a classic style pistol, so not a radical change from your norms. Seems like a good move.

December 3, 2018, 04:17 PM	#8
Leaf Junior member Join Date: August 11, 2018 Posts: 198	Perfect candidate for a Sig P365 with a 12 round magazine.

December 3, 2018, 05:40 PM	#10
PolarFBear Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2015 Location: NE Tennessee, a "Free State" Posts: 478	Whatever happened to all those 3rd gen Smith's? I was "lucky" enough to pick up a .45 Model 457 over the weekend for $420. Have a 669 and a 6906. Lost my best one, a 3913, in a "domestic" dispute some years back. Have bunches of firearms but the, now old, Smith's are tip top.

December 3, 2018, 09:21 PM	#11
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	Is the 410/411 considered to be a third generation? I thought it was the value line generation that came after the third generation. I also have a 4506-1, which is one of my absolute favorite handguns. I've considered carrying it, but give its size I'd use a shoulder holster. As for the Sig? No. Just no. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 3, 2018, 09:26 PM	#12
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I'm a revolver guy too. But I have a 915, and I have been known to carry it owb from time to time.

December 3, 2018, 11:43 PM	#13
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,468	Welcome to the last century. (Sez the guy who carries a 1911.)

December 4, 2018, 12:24 AM	#14
riverdog Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2000 Posts: 824	I started shooting handguns with a Colt 1911, then discovered revolvers and then Glock. My current HD pistols are a S&W Mod.19 and a Glock G-19. When I carried it was the G-19.

December 4, 2018, 12:28 AM	#15
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	I carried a 1911 45 acp for years, and just recently got the bug to carry a wheel gun. Mine new carry is the 686+ with the 3" barrel. I truly love it but kicks like a mule compared to my 1911. __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

December 4, 2018, 07:14 AM	#16
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	I carried my Model 19 2.5" in a shoulder holster for years. Need to dust that one off, actually. Love that combination. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 4, 2018, 02:36 PM	#18
Cosmodragoon Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Northeastern US Posts: 1,869	Sounds good to me. I still carry a revolver for much of the year when wardrobe is variable. The LCR (and formerly a J-frame) is easy to carry in almost any attire. That meant .38 special for me because I find .357 magnum markedly unpleasant to shoot on that platform and I like to train with what I carry. However, that left me with some internal conflict because I view .38 special in a snub with the same "marginal" lens as .380 and five shots isn't a lot. Getting into .327 Federal a couple years ago really saved this carry choice for me. During that third of the year when weather and wardrobe dependably allow, I switch to a higher capacity semi-auto. I used to be a naysayer on .40 S&W but I eventually discovered that it was because I had been using it in tiny guns. That's totally subjective but on the right platform, I think .40 is fun to shoot. While modern 9mm is good, .40 S&W does do more damage downrange and that's not a bad thing.

December 4, 2018, 03:39 PM	#20
magnut Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 112	Just carry both. Five shot snubbies make decent backup guns. Primary.... meh.... definitly not ideal for more populated areas. 410 is a good solid pistol that is easy to handle and carry. 40s&w is one of the better rounds for self defense.

December 4, 2018, 08:33 PM	#21
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	"Real revolver geeks would say, carry a second snub." Hum... Not a bad idea. I actually have 9 to choose from! And, no, I'm not going to start carrying two freaking guns, 400 rounds of ammo, a personal flotation device, and a helium laser.... __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 4, 2018, 08:50 PM	#22
Mackie244Bud Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2017 Location: South Florida Posts: 252	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUqYoZZoKb0

December 4, 2018, 10:31 PM	#23
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	Huh. Never thought to look at Yootoob for a video on my 410. That guy really needs to up his presentation skills. Mine unfortunately didn't come with the hard case or other goodies. But, I wasn't going to pass it up for $300. The only thing I need to do before I start carrying it is run some of the Winchester HP ammo through it to make sure it's going to feed correctly. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 5, 2018, 07:47 AM	#25
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	How about a S&W 627? 8 > 5 __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying