Concealed carry firearms have experienced a significant trend towards revolvers that marry simplicity with high-caliber power, particularly in the guise of super-light wheelguns. These revolvers respond to the needs of those who desire a simple yet effective self-defense device capable of delivering punch amidst the difficulty of managing high power and recoil.
The trend is highlighted by the recent choices of both law enforcement officers and private individuals for revolvers manufactured from high-tech materials such as scandium and titanium alloys. These components are responsible for the substantial weight savings and resilience of the handguns, without compromising performance.
In the lead for this trend are the Smith & Wesson (S&W) Model 43C and Taurus 942, which have become topics of interest and evaluation among hobbyists and experts. The S&W Model 43C, .22LR, 8-shot revolver is complimented by its light-as-a-feather weight of only 11.5 ounces. Likewise, the choice of Taurus, the 942, is an “Ultra-Lite” that tips the scales at a reasonable 17.80 ounces, yet with excellent balance and handling. Both models are designed to fulfill the requirement for easily portable and rapidly deployed revolvers.
These ultra-lightweight revolvers are not only used for personal protection but also as great practice weapons. They enable one to practice extensively without the cost and wear of heavier calibers. As a full review put it, “22LR means cheaper practice for those who carry the 340PD. Getting good with this gun means being more efficient with the 340PD.”
The 43C and 942 also speak to the other most important feature of concealed carry: a snag-free, comfortable fit for daily carry. Both their designs guarantee that whether being carried in a pocket or in a holster, the guns are easily accessible without obstruction.
Performance-wise, these revolvers are anything but disappointing. The 43C can maintain an average of 1050 fps with 30-grain Aguila SuperMaximum cartridges, and in ballistic gelatin, both the SuperMaximum and CCI Stingers have penetration exceeding 12 inches, according to FBI protocol for stopping power. This amount of performance in a sub-caliber revolver is impressive, in that it defies the belief that smaller calibers will not suffice for self-defense.
The Taurus 942, put through a real law enforcement qualification course, proved itself reliable with dead-on accuracy and smooth trigger pull, which echoes the contention that Taurus revolvers are equal in quality to their pricier counterparts despite cost savings.
In addition, these revolvers are not solely for self-protection. They are a part of a special tradition of “kit guns” small, light guns with many functions in the course of outdoor recreation. The kit gun tradition lives on in these contemporary revolvers, serving functions ranging from recreational plinking to backup hunting implements.
