need help picking my next CCW
- Thread starter Dustin0
- Start date
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You will get different takes depending on personal views. I have changed my CCW habits during the past years. I now try to carry as large/powerful caliber as I can reasonably carry. That means given the choice I would choose the Smith .357 mag.
If you ever have to use it for SD then it will probably seem barely adequate.
OK, now I voted.
Do not carry a primary on a ankle rig. If the BG is on you like now and you bend over or raise your leg your allready done. A 380 and a 357 are a world apart in power and the 357 in a short barrel will kill what hearing you still have now and can be fairly viiolent in recoil. We all have many different choices. Why not try to shoot as many guns at the range or that friends own and see what other than those two to choise from. It looks like weight could be a main buying concederation so see how some of the guns fit in a pocket or inside pants holster too. I have carried in a front pocket for 26 years and now have a ultra lite 38 revolver and a lite weight 9mm and they fit well. I can carry on my ankle do but only as a backup. I don't like glocks but with the history of the guns and the line up its hard not to look them over too.
There will be many different opinions here but most wll say a revolver will not jam and that is a big plus. The 340PD can also be fired from a pocket. The 380 is not a round I will count on, sure it will kill you but maybe about 10 minutes after being shot. I would carry 38+P's in the 340 and maybe the fifth round a 357.
I think this answers your question. If you're looking for something when the Para is too big/heavy, then get the Sig 238.
Lighter Weight
The Model 60 is a steel framed gun and weighs about 23 ounces unloaded. The Sig weighs about 15 ounces without the mag, so add another couple of ounces with the mag to bring it up to 17 ounces unloaded. The .38 or .357 cartridges will likely weigh more than the .380s but let's leave that out for right now. While six ounces difference in weight doesn't sound like a lot, you'll be able to tell it when wearing light clothing, especially if pocket carrying. Cotton shorts, for example, may start sagging if you pocket carry a gun too heavy. If your other choice was a .38 Spl Airweight, weight wouldn't be much of an issue.
Better Concealment
The Sig is a flatter pistol than the J-frame. In looser pants, this won't make a big difference but in "normal" jeans, a J-frame will print more than the Sig, even with a pocket holster. It's just thicker.
If you didn't already have a carry pistol, I would say go with the J-frame. However, since you do have one, go with the Sig. It's not always about the biggest caliber. The gun's not going to do you any good if you leave it behind because it's too big or heavy.
I am speaking only from my own experience. I do own a Sig 238, a Model 60, and a couple of Airweight J-frames.
Well, the poll is closed and you already made your purchase but I was going to vote for the 360PD anyway.
I have carried the 340PD for almost 10 years. The 340PD is the concealed hammer version of the 360PD. The gun is utterly reliable and stupidly simple to conceal in a front pocket with a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I carry mine with 158 grain Federal SJHP ammo. Sure, it kicks like a scalded mule but I rather enjoy it, believe it or not. If you ever have to use it, it will kick equally hard on the other end. Choose the ammo that allows you to deliver fast follow-up shots. I have learned to control the recoil and deliver fast follow-up shots. If you can't do it with .357 ammo, just drop down to .38 special and it will still get the job done. The only thing I wish is for Smith & Wesson to remove the silly internal lock from these fine shooting pieces but so far, it hasn't been a problem.
Just don't use the lighter bullets in these guns as noted on the barrel. Lighter bullets can become unseated under recoil and prevent rotation of the cylinder. It has never happened to me but then again, I have never used light bullets in my gun. This gun is a joy to carry in a good ankle holster due to its light weight. It fits almost any coat or jacket pocket and is thus the perfect BUG as well as a capable primary. Good shootin'.
I have carried the 340PD for almost 10 years. The 340PD is the concealed hammer version of the 360PD. The gun is utterly reliable and stupidly simple to conceal in a front pocket with a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster. I carry mine with 158 grain Federal SJHP ammo. Sure, it kicks like a scalded mule but I rather enjoy it, believe it or not. If you ever have to use it, it will kick equally hard on the other end. Choose the ammo that allows you to deliver fast follow-up shots. I have learned to control the recoil and deliver fast follow-up shots. If you can't do it with .357 ammo, just drop down to .38 special and it will still get the job done. The only thing I wish is for Smith & Wesson to remove the silly internal lock from these fine shooting pieces but so far, it hasn't been a problem.
Just don't use the lighter bullets in these guns as noted on the barrel. Lighter bullets can become unseated under recoil and prevent rotation of the cylinder. It has never happened to me but then again, I have never used light bullets in my gun. This gun is a joy to carry in a good ankle holster due to its light weight. It fits almost any coat or jacket pocket and is thus the perfect BUG as well as a capable primary. Good shootin'.