EDC-Ready Wheelgun: Taurus 692 Executive Grade Revolver

As we stand and look at the everyday carry (EDC) landscape, we see that there are hundreds of options at our fingertips. From space-age polymer microguns to full-size steel classics, we can have them all. One platform that has stood the ultimate test of time is the revolver.

While some may roll their eyes at this, the truth is that revolvers still have a place in the modern world. The strengths of the classic wheelgun are well proven. The first thing that comes to mind is reliability. They have fewer moving parts compared to semi-automatic pistols, which can make them less prone to malfunctions such as failure to feed or eject. Second is that they are very simple to use. With generally no external safety to deal with, the revolver is very instinctive to run. Many of these guns have unique versatility as well. If it is chambered in .357 Mag., for example, it will also run .38 Special ammunition, making training easier and more affordable.

For those who have an interest in making a revolver their EDC gun, there is a knowledge gap in carry and gun options. With that, I will share some suggestions on what I have found to work well.

The foundation of any new EDC setup is obviously the gun. There are many to choose from, but the new Taurus 692 Executive Grade is one you should consider. Taurus has gone the extra mile with their Executive Grade guns. These are built in a special part of the company’s manufacturing facility and receive special detailed attention. The fit and finish of the guns are exceptional and honestly, they are very good looking. One of the standout features of the Taurus 692 Executive is its ability to chamber both .38 Spl./.357 Mag. and, more unexpectedly, 9mm cartridges. This is accomplished by including a second, easy-to-swap cylinder in the package. The versatility allows shooters to choose between three widely available and effective defensive chamberings, depending on your preference or availability of ammunition. An additional bonus is that the 692 revolver is a seven-round gun using either cylinder.

The Taurus 692 Executive Grade includes features like a transfer bar safety mechanism, which enhances safety by preventing the hammer from striking the firing pin without the trigger being pulled. This is a widely accepted and well-proven mechanism that offers peace of mind when carrying a revolver so equipped. Performance-wise, the gun shoots well and has good ergonomics. In short, it is a reliable, easy to carry, and handsome revolver that has all the features you might look for in an EDC wheelgun, plus some added adaptability.

Now that we have a gun, we need to rig up to carry it. Like other revolvers, there are plenty of options in holsters. I will admit that I am a bit of a classic guy and love leather. Because of that, I chose Craft Holsters as my go-to on rigs like this. My preference for the Taurus 692 is an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster with a steel clip from Craft. This is a versatile holster and can be positioned anywhere along the beltline. The clip is very firm and does a good job of holding the gun in place during carry. It is also made by people who know about carrying a gun. There are no sharp or hard edges on the holster which is critical. You may not think much about it when you first put it on, but after 10 hours of carrying it, you will appreciate a smooth holster. I personally carry it on the right side just in front of my hip. It is a comfortable spot for me, easy to access, and allows me to still easily conceal.

Now, if we are serious about our EDC we will need extra ammo on us. This is the case with any gun you choose to carry on a daily basis. For carry, I set the 692 up to run .357 Mag. I also set up two speedloaders with extra ammo. Like my holster, I choose Craft for my ammo pouches. I carry two on me every time I walk out the door. The Craft pouches fit perfectly and have zero slop or wiggle in them. They are also not so tight that they impede the retrieval of the rounds. For me, these are set on my left side exactly opposite of the holster. Like the position of the revolver, it is easy to access and conceal.

The last component of our EDC rig is a belt. This is one of the most overlooked parts of the EDC rig. Regardless of whether you carry a microblaster, a full-size 1911, or a revolver, your belt matters. If you just grab an off-the-shelf big box retailer belt, I can guarantee you will regret it. First is that they are not firm enough to support our rig. In a day or two you will see a dip in the belt which means your rig is now sagging. You will end up pulling your belt tighter and tighter until it is finally just ruined in a short period of time. A good EDC belt is firm, well-made leather with support stitching throughout. I stick with Craft on this as well and use the 1.5-inch Leather Gun Belt. It is both strong and good-looking.

Now you have all the individual parts of a new EDC kit, it is time to fine tune. As you carry, pay close attention to any issues you have. While you may initially think that appendix carry is the best way to carry, for example, it may not be comfortable as the days go on. Do not be afraid of moving your rig around, trying new positions, or making adjustments. Many people simply stop carrying because it is uncomfortable, so invest the time to improve the fit and comfort of your rig.

It is also important that you train with your new rig. While comfort is an important factor to ensure we carry daily, we also need to ensure that we can run our guns quickly and efficiently. Consider and practice multiple scenarios that you might encounter on a daily basis. With an unloaded firearm, practice drawing from a seated position, while walking, and even while inside the car. Carrying a gun is serious business and being effective with it is critical. Step one of being effective is getting the gun between you and the threat.

Lastly, you should also spend some time practicing reloads. I will admit, revolver reloads are a bit more difficult than with magazine-fed semiauto pistols, but that doesn’t mean they have to be super slow. With practice, you can easily get a reload done in under three seconds using a speed loader. Take your time, learn the manual of arms for your firearm, and gradually increase your skill and muscle memory.

Like many, I’ve found that revolvers are still a good choice for an EDC firearm. While they may not be for everyone, they offer several advantages like reliability and simplicity that appeal to many shooters. If you haven’t tested the waters of revolver carry yet, I suggest you take some time and give one a test drive. A gun like the Taurus 692 Executive Grade may be an ideal option since it is a very complete, well-tuned revolver right out of the box. Plus, if you already shoot 9mm, there is no need to invest in new ammunition straight away, just select the 692’s appropriate cylinder. In any event, I can’t recommend enough that handgun enthusiasts should spend some time with a quality revolver. Who knows, maybe it will be you next EDC.

---