Hi gman1969,

One of the guns I will sometimes carry concealed is a S&W 649, chambered for .357 Magnum. It is stainless....and not real light. My favorite holster for that purpose is a Galco speed paddle, strong side right-hand, (but you have to have a shirt out....a sweatshirt....or a jacket to conceal it). The carry load is .357 Magnum Federal 125 grain hollow point....but all my speed loaders have .38 Specials, (either 158grSWHP+P Winchester, 125grJHP+P Winchester, or 110grJHP Personal Defense Federal). Because my wife's normal carry gun is a S&W 642 Airweight, chambered for .38 Special...usually carried in a Galco pocket holster. That way any of our speed loaders are interchangable..weapon to weapon.

My 649 is managable with Magnum loads...but you know you're shooting a magnum. If I was carrying one of the titanium or scandium magnums....I'd be very inclined to only use .38 + P's. Otherwise recoil recovery would be so slow making it a serious liability in combat shooting.

Small revolvers are not quite as concealable as small autos.....but a well maintained, tuned, revolver.....is GOING to function unless the ammunition malfunctions. Additionally....they are very simple to put into battery while under great stress. As long as you understand the trade-offs in revolver vs. autos, (and either have advantages and disadvantages), the .357 Magnum is a very reliable cartridge for self-defense!

Good luck!

Dave