Looking for the best revolver for concealed carry (CCW)? We identify the best CCW revolver for men and women, and at the best price.
Ruger LCR .38 Special +P
In this time of danger, throughout the World, warrior/sheepdog men and women are looking for the best revolver for concealed carry to protect themselves and their loved ones. It seems like weekly we hear of a crazed shooter who spins off center and goes on a shooting spree. Locally we hear of robberies, home invasions, sexual assaults and worse. As a LEO of 45 years’ experience on three continents, I can tell you relying on police response to save your bacon is foolhardy. At the very best you can expect a ten minute response from our finest warriors and national heroes. Once when depending on another agency for backup my call for help was dropped by the computer. Twenty-four hours later they were looking for me. The behemoth had been arrested and booked, after his trip to the hospital, before they found their mistake and sent an officer….looking for my body I guess. Our law enforcement do their very best in responding to calls for help. The equation is number officers verse the population and number of calls.
Most police officers only train with their duty weapon when the department requires. So maybe one to two times a year. A sad fact. With this said, most CCW holders rarely shoot their weapon of choice after they get their permit or license. In interviewing CCW holders, rarely do they carry their weapon. I find this strange. If they knew what I know to be the truth, they would never leave the house without their weapon.
What’s The Best Revolver for Concealed Carry
I know semi-autos are cool and can carry many rounds. I am a 1911 .45acp lover. However, I shoot a couple times a month and clean my weapon every two weeks or sooner. A habit I developed many years ago. If you face the facts of your busy life with family, work, kids in sports and other school activities, you will need a highly reliable weapon which is easy to shoot and clean. A small weapon you can carry in your front pocket or for the ladies in a small purse. The best revolver for concealed carry is the Ruger LCR 5401 in .38 special +P. The “+-P” means you can shoot high velocity .38 special ammo in this firearm.
I like this weapon for its concealability and simple operation. Pull the LCR from you front pocket and pull the trigger. This snub-nose five shot revolver is small and light. The barrel is less than two inches and weighs in, unloaded, at 13.5 ounces. The Hogue grips make for a perfect hurried grip. The shrouded hammer keeps the revolver from hanging up on clothing as it is drawn.
As a citizen, personal defense with a firearm should take place from three feet to fifteen feet. Making 25 yard shots at an attacker might make it harder to prove fear of immanent death or serious bodily harm. I know several CCW holders as well as peace officers who carry the Ruger LCR Revolver. These Warriors and Sheepdogs have several other handguns, but as they go out the door they pick up the easy to carry, dependable Ruger LCR.
Shooting the Ruger LCR .38 spl. +P is easy and should be handled in this manner. Find a reliable company who sells reloaded .38 spl. In a semi-wad-cutter lead bullet. Teflon coated even better. Use these to practice your ten feet shooting. For carrying, buy a good self-defense round such as the Hornady 38 Special +P 110 gr FTX® Critical Defense®. Buy two of the 20 round boxes. Yes they are not cheap but well worth the price. Also buy one or two five shot speed-loaders designed for the LCR .38/357 calibers.
After shooting 50 rounds of the practice ammo, shoot five rounds of the Critical Defense ammo. This will keep your muscle and mental memory up to date in the firearm defense mode. Remember, 90 percent of fighting is mental yes, but mental preparation. Practice with your weapon and reframe from carrying anything else as muscle memory will prevail and default to the revolver.
As citizens you are not a Pistolero but a sheepdog with a warrior’s heart and willingness to defend yourself and others who are close by. In my professional opinion a five shot .38 spl. +P revolver is all one needs to defend yourself. A Ruger LCR Revolver would be my choice as a high quality firearm coming from a World famous company Ruger which can be found at around $379 with free shipping. See below.
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Ruger LCR .38 Special +P Specifications
- Caliber: .38 spl. +P
- Barrel Length: 1.87 inches, 6 Groves
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Weight 13.5 ounce
- Overall Length: 6.50 inches
- Height: 4.5 inches
- Grip: GripHogue® Tamer™ Monogrip®
- Rear Sight: U-Notch Integral
- Front Sight: Pinned Ramp, Replaceable
- Finish: Cylinder FinishPVD
- Finish Frame: Matte Black
- California Approved: Yes
- MSRP: $579.00
Expect To Pay: $379 + transfer fee. Shipping is free at Sportsmans Outdoor Superstore.
A friend asked me for advice on buying a gun. I recommended a revolver instread of a semi-auto. She didn’t know the difference. After explaining the difference, I was more than sure my friend shouldn’t be using a semi-auto!
This same friend doesn’t lock the doors of her house. Perhaps that would be a better idea than buying guns for her.
I agree 100%. Revolvers are best for first time shooters. Until they get some range time with the revolver and getting instruction on gun handling safety with familiarization with a semi-auto it is best for them to get a short machete.
Thank you for your reply and comment.
Clint
I, also, am a fan of the LCR and the LCRx as well. However, instead of the .38 Spc I prefer the firearm chambered in .327 Federal Magnum. There are two distinct advantages to this. One, the .327 is more powerful than the .38 yet less recoil than the .357 Mag and two, the cylinder accommodates six rounds instead of five. So, I have both the LCR and LCRx chambered in .327.
An excellent choice Michael with sound reasoning.