choice 2" or 4" to carry

D

Doc Holliday 1950

New member
I carry either a 2" 357 mag or a 4" 357 mag.(not at the same time) as my CCW.It depends how I feel.

Which would you carry for general everyday protection, the 2" or the 4"and Why?
As usual all thoughts and answers are welcome.

Also, consider that I'm accurate using both the 2" and the 4". But, I'm a tad quicker with my 2" but, the 4" can handles a more powerful load.

Doc
 
Doc Holliday 1950 said:
I carry either a 2" 357 mag or a 4" 357 mag.(not at the same time) as my CCW.It depends how I feel.

Which would you carry for general everyday protection, the 2" or the 4"and Why?
As usual all thoughts and answers are welcome.

Also, consider that I'm accurate using both the 2" and the 4". But, I'm a tad quicker with my 2" but, the 4" can handles a more powerful load.

Doc
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Hmm, interesting question.

My initial thought is to go with the 2", as you are faster with it, and it is more easily concealed and drawn from a holster. That said, there is some benefit to the longer sight radius, and the longer ejector that comes with a 4" barrel revolver (which is more likely to fully eject empty shells, decreasing your reload time.

I think I would end up going for the 4" barrel, honestly, although my 2" J frame 357 gets more carry time than my K frame 3"
 
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I'd prefer the 2 1/2 inch S&W 66 Combat Magnum .357 for ccw.

Very handy, accurate, and with buffalo bore 158gr lswhp at 1050 fps plenty of power.

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You are seeing from top to bottom, S&W Ladysmith K frame .357, GP 100, S&W 686 .357, Speed Six, and S&W 66. All snubs.

Deaf
 
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The more I carry a gun, the lighter I want it. Both of my carry guns are 2" alloy frame revolvers. One's a Colt, the other a S&W.

I love my Model 15 with it's 4" barrel, but I'd hate to have to lug it around all day.
 
I think I'd have to go with a 4 inch model. They conceal about as well-the cylinder is about the same size and is the most difficult part for me to conceal. The 4 inch should give better velocity and I am all for "free horsepower"
 
Not 2"......not 4"..... but a 3" K-frame (S&W model 64). How's that for splitting hairs ?


Actually, that is only sometimes. Most of the time, it is a 2" model 60.
 
There's a reason that they make 2" guns. They are lighter, easier to conceal, faster to handle, and if a fight goes hand to hand, easier to get on target in tight quarters. To me, that's what a carry revolver should be.
 
For concealed carry to me there is no question, 2". What limited advantage the longer sight radis of the 4" offers is far outweighed by bulk, weight, and more cumbersome draw. The chances of needing the type of careful, deliberate am that the longer tube would make possible are nearly non existant in personal self defense.
 
"Accurate"? "A tad quicker"?


Strive for combat accuracy, with a balance of speed and precision.

Shoot at a target the size of the upper chest, at three to five yards. See how fast you can hit it four or five times---try to keep the time under a second and a half, not including draw time.

The longer, heavier gun should serve most people better, as will lighter loads.
 
For the last few years I have been carrying 2 Snubs every day. The past Two weeks I started carrying my 4" 357 7shot AIWB and my 442 or LCR357 in my pocket.
 
My little snub nosed Taurus (think J frame)is my only .357 (for now) and is "only" loaded with .38 +P---the extra weight being a .357 makes recoil nothing with the .38's .

If you're looking at a S&W 686 4"---we're talking about a MUCH heavier but more capable gun.

All about trade-offs I guess
 
"general everyday protection"

That's easy - the snubbie.

Quick to draw, easily packed in a variety of methods, plenty of power and accuracy at "protection" ranges (unless your aggressor is a moose or great bear), small enough to be WYATT.
 
For CWC it's an easy choice, the 2 incher. Conceals easier, draws easier from under clothing and has all the power and accuracy needed for a SD scenario.

the 4" can handles a more powerful load.
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Odds are either gun can handle similar loads safely and accurately, it's probably you that is more comfortable shooting the heavier loads from the 4 incher.
 
Unless it's a J frame (or equivalent) for pocket carry as a backup, I would pick a 4" in at least a K frame every time. Most importantly, I can shoot a 4" much better.

I've never found barrel lengths under 5" to be the limiting factor in concealment. It's the top half of the revolver that makes the difference.
 
For CCW use, a 2"... loaded with .38 special +Ps.

For open carry or around the house, a 4" loaded with 125 grain full bore .357s magnums. :cool:
 
2" Security Six!

For concealed carry personal defense when I am in my "city clothes" I like my stainless Security-Six in a strongside holster, loaded with 125 gr. jhp in .357. I also have a .38 spl derringer in my front pants pocket.

I am on a weekly bodyguard detail with three other guys. For that I carry my S&W Mountain Gun in 44 mag but loaded with very hot 180 gr. hollowpoints in 44 Special for instant stopping power, manageable recoil and less over penetration.
 
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