WHY A REVOLVER? OLD SCHOOL IS STILL COOL FOR SOME

Depending on who you talk to, a revolver is anything from "absolute perfection" to antiquated and useless. Reality is somewhere in the middle, but wheelguns certainly have their strengths and weaknesses. Revolvers are what I call "self-contained," with nothing outside the weapon itself needed for it to function—no magazines, just load and go!

With proper maintenance, they remain some of the most reliable handguns available, and advances in metallurgy and production have made them even better. They are mostly "ammo blind," because if it's the right caliber, they work no matter the velocity or design, and if it doesn't work, you just press the trigger again. Many can use more than one type of ammo, and some are even multi-caliber with a cylinder swap. Revolvers can be concealed and operated a number of ways that are less than ideal for most semi-autos. Operation remains simple and straightforward, and given there is no slide movement, accuracy can be excellent.

Probably the most common criticism is the trigger pull. Although consistent and the same each time, double-action trigger pulls can be quite heavy. This is a major problem for self-defense use if you can't pull the trigger and stay on target! That is changing for sure with modern designs, but they are nothing like the 4-lb. trigger on a semi-auto. As with all handguns, time with a qualified gunsmith can make it even better, but as a rule, trigger pull is an issue for many. Sights also tend to be minimalist, but this too is changing. Newer designs can rival your average semi-auto, but it is a consideration. My Kimber K6S has great sights, and other companies are following suit.

Grip-to-bore-height tends to increase muzzle rise during recoil and requires some effort to control, and the cylinder gap makes for some safety issues if not careful. Still, with proper training and practice, a revolver can do anything most will ever need in a defense application—and more reliably!

CONCEALED CARRY

Considerations for carrying a revolver are no different than other handguns, with reliability being at the top of the list. Make sure it works, and you know how to work it. Revolvers require maintenance and upkeep; they are not magic machines that never fail.

With proper care, they will outlive most owners, but neglect can cause issues. I inspected a gun years ago that was so full of lint the cylinder would not rotate. Keep it clean.

and practice, get training, and practice some more.

As with any firearm, choices should be based on practical application. Smaller handguns are easier to conceal but may be more difficult to use in a fight. Depending on your situation, a mid-sized revolver like a Kimber K6S, S&W K-Frame, or similar may be the ticket. Need more concealment? The S&W J-Frame or similar may be what’s needed. Shorter barrels take more practice to be accurate outside 15 to 25 yards, but up close and personal they are great. Bigger calibers work fine but make sure you understand the tradeoffs. I regularly carry a 3" S&W N-Frame loaded with .44 special inside the waistband, especially when out in the wild. It’s perfect for the task at hand, but also bigger, heavier, and has more recoil. Are you protecting yourself against 2-legged threats that can hurt you, or 4-legged critters that will eat you? Either way, most things can be dealt with using a 3" barrel or shorter. If you want more, understand the limitations for concealed carry. Carrying a 4" mid- or full-sized revolver is doable—I carried one on- and off-duty for years—but you need a good holster and belt.

If capacity is an issue for you, look at the 7- and 8-shot revolvers. Without regard to the fascination of carrying 100 rounds on your person with a semi-auto, reality does not indicate a real need. Statistically, you are going to use what’s in the gun and probably no more than 10 rounds total, generally less with most civilian encounters. Everything else is just weight.

You can carry a revolver pretty much any way a semi-auto can, whether IWB, AIWB, OWB, shoulder holster, ankle, or pocket. Holster companies are making things for everything, including revolvers with a red dot sight. Taurus’ 856 T.O.R.O comes ready to mount most mini-sized optics, and Galco makes a great IWB leather holster for it, with several other Kydex versions available. Several companies are making compact mounts for Smith & Wesson revolvers as well. My Model 610 (10mm) has a Trijicon RMR mounted. It is fast to target and makes for some impressive accuracy at 100 yards. My K6S 3" is a daily carry in a DeSantis IWB or Simple Rugged Holsters Boomer model. I also carried my 8-shot 2" S&W IWB in a Simply Rugged Pancake for years. Pouch carry is back. It is less obvious and about perfect for the Taurus 856 or similar. Pocket holsters are available as well, as is the somewhat controversial ankle carry. Speed loaders can be carried vertically, or with the sidewinder, horizontally. Speed strips are popular as well, and there is nothing wrong with a few loose rounds in your pocket.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Carrying a revolver may not be for everyone, but anyone can carry one. After years of carrying everything from hand cannons to subcompacts, I often return to a revolver and a speed loader or two for EDC. At no point do I feel "under-gunned" or ill-equipped to deal with anything that may come in my world. They remain my first choice when traveling or in the back country. I do carry a wunder-nine with an optic and a bunch of ammo on occasion but seldom based on need. Running to the fight is no longer a requirement for me, and a six-shot revolver with some spare ammo will generally get the job done.

Either way, with some thought, preparation, and training, a revolver remains an excellent choice for concealed carry.