Welcome to another episode of I Carry. In this week's feature, we're taking a look at a pocket-carry method utilizing a Smith & Wesson J-frame revolver, a DeSantis holster and adding in a Cold Steel knife. Let's start off with the revolver.
Firearm: Smith & Wesson Model 432 UC TI (MSRP: $825)
This looks like a pretty standard Smith & Wesson J-frame, right? Well, it is, but it also isn't—because this is a six-shot revolver in .32 H&R Magnum. This particular firearm is a Lipsey's exclusive variant. Up top, you can see its upgraded sights, it's not just the rear sight carved into the top strap and a little bump for the front sight. It's actually a tritium dot with a photoluminescent green ring up front, which really helps to draw your eyes to the front sight. One frequent complaint folks have with small revolvers is the minimalist sights, which is clearly not so in this case.
Another big difference between this particular revolver and a standard snubnose is its chambering. The .32 H&R Magnum, while not quite as powerful as a .38 Special +P. is still a valid defensive round. The big difference is that you have one more round over a .38 special or .357 Magnum.
Here you have the standard Smith & Wesson rubber grips, although keep in mind there is a wide world of aftermarket support. If you want to add wooden grips, G10, anything like that, there are companies like Altamont, VZ grips and others who make excellent additions. Whatever you want, it's out there. You want it to be more grippy, less grippy, more grip in the hand, any choice you'd prefer is more than likely available on the aftermarket, and it's easy to change. That's one of the advantages to the revolver.
This model, as evidenced by the "Ti" designation, features a titanium cylinder to go with the aluminum frame. It's very lightweight, very easy to carry, whether you want to carry it on a belt, in a pocket like we have today or ankle carry, that sort of thing, it makes a great backup gun. For folks that are fans of the wheelgun for concealed carry, this is an excellent version of the snubnose, J-frame revolver.
Holster: DeSantis Super Fly (MSRP: $62.99)
Now, I mentioned pocket carry as the method for carrying today's kit, and the holster I've chosen is one of my favorites. This is the DeSantis Super Fly pocket holster, and it's called the Super Fly because basically this whole exterior front and back is a tacky, grippy substance, which is exactly what you want in a pocket holster because you don't want it coming out of the pocket on the draw. This specific holster is designed for the J-frame revolver. Now, revolvers have distinct outlines, and to combat that, the Super Fly has this cover piece, which can be removed, as it's hook-and-loop. This also means you can swap it to either side for right- or left-hand pocket carry. It is also designed to help break up the outline in the pocket.
A couple of notes, here, on pocket holsters and pocket carry. First, nothing other than the gun and that holster should be in that pocket. Second, best practice on reholstering, are to actually take the holster out of your pocket to accomplish this. Don't just try to stuff the gun back in while it's in your pocket. Take a few extra seconds, take it out, put the gun in being careful to keep the muzzle in a safe direction, and then put the whole rig back in your pocket. It's much safer that way, and if you're at the point where you're reholstering, you can take the extra time to be as safe as possible.
Accessory: Cold Steel Frenzy pocketknife (MSRP: $179.99)
Rounding out today's kit, is the Frenzy pocketknife from Cold Steel. This is a handy, sharp little knife. It's got a 3½-inch blade made of 3V steel in a modified Wharncliff profile. This knife is super sharp. The Frenzy opens with a thumbstud present on both sides of the blade and is held open with a lock-back mechanism. It has a reversible pocket clip, which is really nice as you can carry it in the left or right pocket, however, it's only available in tip-up orientation. You can't change it to tip down, which is fine.
I mentioned that it's held open with a lock-back mechanism, which I like because when you're closing the knife, unlike a liner- or frame-lock, you're not putting your finger in the path of a closing blade. When you open it up and use it, it's nice and solid, and when you go to close it, you're not sticking your fingers out in front. It's not quite as easy to close with one hand, and may require a little practice to get that part down. I'm a fan of being able to both open and close a knife with one hand, because you never know what might be occupying the other hand.
For more information on the items we've chosen for today's kit or for more guns of gear in general, visit americanrifleman.org. Always, stay tuned for more episodes of "I Carry."
