Is a Concealed Carry Revolver Practical?

Whether it is a backup gun or your main carry, a revolver could have some serious benefits

We all have seen the old western films with the cowboys carrying those long barrel revolvers, cocking the hammer back on every shot before pulling the trigger. Now, you may not think to carry a revolver like that, and you may be partially right, but when it comes to your everyday carry pistol, a revolver can be a good option. Of course, we do not necessarily mean carrying those Wild West revolvers is the way to go, but a modern revolver can be a good choice of handgun for your everyday carry, or maybe just as a backup gun to your everyday carry. 

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of revolvers, and why you may or may not want to consider adding one to your arsenal.

What is a Revolver?

It may sound self explanatory to those who have been around guns for a long time, but if you are a first time buyer or just relatively new to the firearms world, let’s go into the explanation on exactly what a revolver is.

A revolver is a repeating handgun that has one barrel, but rather than a magazine being inserted the ammo will go into a revolving cylinder that contains multiple chambers for firing. While some revolvers will hold 5 rounds, most revolver models hold up to six bullets before needing to be reloaded, hence the reason revolvers are commonly called six shooters or six guns. Some revolvers can hold more.

What Type of Ammo Does a Revolver Take?

A revolver will take several different types of rounds, from .22 up to 500 Smith and Wesson. Some of the more popular calibers to find a revolver in are often .38 special, .357 magnum, and .44 magnum.

Now, this is part of the reason that revolvers can be great guns for self defense, as these calibers are known to pack a punch. If you look at even something like a .38 special in comparison to a 9mm (a standard carry round that can be found in firearms like Glocks and Sigs), the .38 is a pretty big round. Same with .44 magnum. Now, when it comes to 500 Smith and Wesson, that is quite literally a round designed to take down large and dangerous game; pretty much a round for bears.

Different Sizes

Along with different calibers comes different barrel lengths and capacity. For example, you might have a .38 special with a 2 inch barrel, or you might have a .44 magnum Colt Python with a 6 inch barrel (a handgun widely popularized by the hit tv series The Walking Dead). 

That being said, you want to take a look at what you are using the revolver for. Are you purchasing a revolver to just throw in your car or on your ankle? If that’s the case and you are looking for a concealed carry revolver, then you may want something with a shorter barrel and smaller caliber. If you are someone looking to carry concealed- in a holster or a handbag, then a smaller size and caliber also might be the way to go.

Now, if you open carry or this is something that will be staying stationary in your home and used as a home defense gun only, going a bit bigger may be more feasible. 

Assessing Recoil

The recoil on your revolver will depend largely on the caliber and size. Although Rick Grimes fires his Colt Python with a 6 inch barrel with one hand pretty accurately, this is not the easiest to do in real life. Revolvers can have a good bit of kick, especially with ones chambered higher calibers or the snub noses.

Revolvers for Concealed Carry

When it comes to choosing a revolver for concealed carry, this is a personal choice. You have plenty of options of more advanced, tactical firearms like the Caniks and the Walthers that offer higher magazine capacity, less recoil, and are overall more efficient. 

However, revolvers can pack a far more significant punch, and will rarely jam. That being said, a revolver for concealed carry certainly has its benefits, but you also have to look at the drawbacks. One of them being the shape of the revolver is a bit more awkward, and weight is distributed a bit differently than something like a Glock. 

How Shape Affects Concealed Carrying a Revolver

A major drawback of concealed carrying a revolver is the shape. You have those with medium to long barrels that can come in 4-8 inches, then you have the snub nose options that don’t really go above 2.5 inches. Combine the awkward barrel length and shape with a grip that is basically a handle, and this can make it hard to conceal.

Another reason that shape affects concealed carrying a revolver is the cylinder. As stated above, a revolver is loaded through the cylinder rather than a magazine, and this can really make it hard to put in a concealed carry holster.

Whether you are looking to carry your revolver in an inside the waistband holster, or a belly band, the shape and weight distribution can make it hard to do so. That being said, revolvers are good carry guns if you are open carrying, or have some sort of bag that they will be in, but when it comes to carrying concealed you may find it to be a bit difficult.

Capacity

Capacity is another drawback of concealed carrying a revolver, as most of them will only hold about five or six shots, which may not be enough for some people. On the other hand, if you are packing a revolver and hit your shots, the target on the receiving end will not be having a good day. For that reason, revolvers are great to keep around the house in case the day ever comes where you need one. Nonetheless, if you are planning on concealed carrying a revolver on the daily, then capacity is something you need to look into.

Concealed Carry Revolvers Wrap Up

Overall, concealed carrying a revolver is something that could be beneficial to you. Revolvers pack a punch, rarely jam, and can be pretty versatile. On the other hand, they have an awkward shape which can make it difficult to keep them in a holster, the recoil is relatively high compared to other firearms, and they hold a limited amount of shots. 

The choice to concealed carry a revolver is entirely up to you, but in the end there are some more effective firearms to do so.

What is your go to carry gun?