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One phone call changed how I feel about my safety. I was twenty years old and had a stalker. He called to tell me how cute I looked in my pink sweater, and then my hands began to shake when he told me he had been watching me for days. That call changed how I thought about personal safety, and the next thing I knew, I had a snubnose .38 Spl revolver riding in my purse.
Concealed Carry of a Revolver
Back then, I had no real idea what concealed carry really meant or how to do it well. There were no “concealed-carry purses,” and holsters were not part of my wardrobe. I just did my best to keep my revolver secure and handy.
I have carried firearms in many ways, from holstering on my hip to appendix carry and in my purse. While I agree with experts who say concealing in a purse is not optimal, I am also a realist and know women will carry that way. Concealed carry with revolvers is not new, but with a resurgence of revolver popularity, there are some things to consider.
Revolver enthusiast and retired federal agent, Doug Gilmer explained his use of a revolver for both on and off duty.
“Throughout my career, I carried both 2-inch and 3-inch models, often in a pocket ankle, or belt holster. When working in HQ assignments where I wasn’t conducting operational law enforcement missions, I’d carry two of them. Usually, one on the belt (strongside) and one in the pocket or on the ankle,” he said.
“Even working on the street in casual undercover roles, I would carry a J-frame and have been able to get the drop on a suspect before they could ever see I was armed. I could often approach a situation with my hand in my pocket, on my gun, looking very much like anyone else but with an immediate ability to draw,” Doug explained. “When I was off duty, and now retired, I usually carry my revolver either in a pocket holster or appendix carry using a DeSantis Flex-Tuk, leather holster (I am old school and still prefer leather over Kydex for several reasons).”
Choosing the Perfect Revolver to Conceal
Every firearm choice has pros and cons. Revolvers can feel bulky and carry fewer rounds than most semi-automatic pistols, but I disagree that fewer rounds make them a lesser option. I appreciate the simple ease of use and reliability of revolvers for concealed carry.
Several manufacturers produce revolvers designed expressly for concealment. A couple of my favorites are the Lipsey’s Exclusive S&W Model 432 Ultimate Carry and the Lipsey’s Exclusive Ruger LCR 32 H&R Mag. These lightweight J-frame hammerless revolvers designed with smooth frames that won’t get hung up on clothing, are comfortable to carry and shoot with a reasonable amount of felt recoil.
Holstering for Concealment
Carrying a revolver, or any concealed gun comfortably, comes down to having the right holster for your firearm and intended carry style. Finding the right holster can take some trial and error, however, as the box of holsters in my closet attests. There are several popular methods to carry a revolver on your body, and each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Inside-the-waistband (IWB): The holster is clipped inside the waistband against your body. The wearer can choose from several positions, left or right side, appendix or in the small of the back. This versatile method can also mean less of a wardrobe consideration.
- Outside-the-waistband (OWB): This method requires the user to wear a cover garment to conceal the firearm, such as a jacket or loose shirt. I like to use my Simply Rugged “Boomer” with my J-Frame.
- Pocket carry: Pocket carry is best accomplished with a small revolver in a snug holster that covers the trigger, and a good practice is to carry in the same pocket without any other items.
- Purse or bag carry: When using a purse or fanny pack make sure you have a dedicated holster pocket and a holster that covers the trigger securely. Keep the purse, backpack or bag on your body and don’t sling it over a chair when you are seated. I prefer Gun Tote’n Mamas crossbody bags for their quality and sturdiness.
- Built-in holster garments: A less traditional method of carrying a firearm on your body is by utilizing a built-in holster either in a waistband or side pockets that are sewn into snug leggings and shorts allowing it to fit under clothing like dresses.
“The way I carry varies with my outfit, but I do carry the Kimber K6S often when I go to church. I have a pair of Dene Adams shorts with a thigh holster,” says Mia Anstine, outdoor writer
When deciding on your method of carry, also make sure to consider how you are going to carry backup loads. The most common way to carry revolver reloads is either with a speed strip, speed loader or moon clips. Not all revolvers are moon-clip compatible, however. Commonly, moon clips are used in revolvers chambered for rimless semi-automatic cartridges like 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
Practice With What You Choose to Carry With
Make sure your revolver is well cared for and practice with it often, both in live-fire and dry-fire sessions, which will improve muscle memory, speed, accuracy and confidence. Practice carrying your revolver in different ways until you find the best fit. Be smart about your carry gun and have a plan for your self-protection and the protection of your loved ones. Dragging your gun out of your jeans pocket or purse, along with your Tic-Tacs, lint, and wadded-up receipts won’t help you in a serious situation. Above all, practice careful situational awareness and trust your intuition, knowing, that if a situation feels dangerous, it probably is.
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22 Comments
The emphasis on the reliability and ease of use of revolvers makes a strong case for their consideration in concealed carry, especially for those who prioritize simplicity and effectiveness.
The discussion about the pros and cons of revolvers for concealed carry, including their bulk and round capacity, provides a balanced view of their suitability for personal defense.
The author’s experience with a stalker at twenty years old highlights the importance of personal safety, and I appreciate how she found comfort in carrying a snubnose.38 Spl revolver in her purse.
The reference to the snubnose.38 Spl revolver as the author’s first choice for concealed carry highlights the enduring popularity of this model for personal defense.
The variety of carry methods discussed, from hip holsters to purse carry, underscores the importance of finding the right method for individual needs and comfort levels.
I find it interesting that the author and Doug Gilmer have carried revolvers in various ways, including on the hip, in a pocket, or in an ankle holster, showing the versatility of revolvers for concealed carry.
The article’s discussion on the resurgence of revolver popularity makes me wonder if this is due to their reliability and the simplicity of operation, especially for new carriers.
Yes, I believe the simplicity and reliability are major factors, along with the compact size of many modern revolvers designed for concealed carry.
The comfort and reliability of revolvers, as mentioned, are key points for me when considering a firearm for concealed carry, especially for everyday situations.
I appreciate the author’s point that fewer rounds in a revolver do not necessarily make it a lesser option, the reliability and simplicity of use are significant advantages for concealed carry.
I agree, the simplicity of a revolver can be very comforting, especially in high-stress situations where complex firearm operations could be a hindrance.
I’m curious about the author’s mention of the Lipsey’s Exclusive S&W Model 432 Ultimate Carry and the Lipsey’s Exclusive Ruger LCR 32 H&R Mag, has anyone had personal experience with these models for concealed carry?
I’ve shot the Ruger LCR 32 H&R Mag and found it to be very manageable with minimal recoil, making it a great option for concealed carry.
The importance of having the right holster for the intended carry style, as emphasized, cannot be overstated, it makes all the difference in comfort and accessibility.
The article mentions that revolvers can feel bulky, but I’ve found that with the right holster, such as the DeSantis Flex-Tuk, they can be comfortably carried, even in a pocket or appendix style.
Doug Gilmer’s preference for leather holsters over Kydex is interesting, I’ve also found that leather holsters can be more comfortable for concealed carry, especially with revolvers like the J-frame.
I’m skeptical about carrying a revolver in a purse, as the article mentions it’s not optimal, but I understand the practicality for some individuals, particularly women.
While it may not be optimal, the right purse and holster combination can make it a viable and comfortable option for some.
The article’s mention of the need for trial and error in finding the right holster and carry method is a realistic view, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Doug Gilmer’s experience with carrying two revolvers, one on the belt and one in the pocket or ankle, highlights the versatility of revolvers for both on and off-duty carry.
Doug Gilmer’s experience with approaching situations with his hand on his gun in his pocket, without appearing armed, is a valuable insight into the tactical advantages of concealed carry with a revolver.
The mention of trial and error in finding the right holster resonates with me, I’ve tried several before finding one that works well for my concealed carry needs.