Every time I go to the public range I see people shooting their self- defense revolvers. Almost every one of these shooters are shooting the revolver Single Action. That is, they are cocking the hammer before firing. This gives a lighter, crisper, trigger pull but it is not a practical way to practice for self defense.
In a self defense situation, you will not have the time to thumb-cock the hammer. You will have to fire the gun Double Action, cocking the hammer and rotating the cylinder by pulling the trigger. Why not practice this way all the time? It takes a few hundred rounds to get the timing right, but you will see that you can be accurate- and blindingly fast, with a good double action revolver.
A good double action technique is to get the gun on target, press the trigger so the hammer starts to go back, and at the apex of hammer travel make sure that the sights are perfect and continue the press until you get a suprise break. It is easier to do than to describe, it just takes practice. In time, you can do it rapid fire with deadly efficiency and accuracy.
Speedloaders are a fast and conveinent way to carry spare ammunition. The two major types are: Those that release the cartridges by twisting a knob, and those that release the cartridges by pushing a button. The push type are available in a short and long version. The long version is good for competition and range use. The short type fits carry pouches and fits well in pockets.
I typically carry about 3-4 speedloaders in my jacket pockets. Because I carry them in my pockets instead of a belt case I find that the twist type are less likely to release the cartridges inadvertanly. I do not have much experience with the push type, so I cannot fully condemn or praise them. **Note I have to say that I changed my mind about the safariland speedloader. They are much better than the HKS. My previous statement shows that I did not spend enough time with the push button safariland. They retain the cartridges well and they are FAST! **
A very useful ammunition carrier is the Bianchi speed strip. It is a flat rubber device that holds six rounds of .38/.357 ammo very securely. The fastening method is not unlike that of a tupperware lid. The speed strips are flat and can be easily pocketed. I make special dump pouches out of scrap leather for mine. When I carry a revolver in warmer weather I usually pocket 2-4 speed strips. To load the revolver you insert two cartridges at a time into the cylinder. Pull the strip away and the cartridges will peel off. Continue this process two more times and the gun will be full.
The reader may wonder why I would carry four speed strips or speedloaders. Thirty rounds of ammunition is a lot of shots in a gunfight. I certainly do not expect to need all thirty. But why then, do I have so many cartridges?
There is a useful tactic in combat called the tactical reload. Its principle is this: Let us say that you are in the middle of a firefight, shots are exchanged but you have not emptied all six rounds. You took cover or are in a lull in the fighting. Wouldn't it be a great time to have a full cylinder? That is the principle of a tactical reload. Reloading your gun before it is emptied at a time when you can safely (when your are not being fired upon) reload.
There are many schools of thought on this one. Some dump the cartridges in a pocket, so they can sort the loaded cartridges by feel. Some push the cartridges about halfway out, pick out the empties, and insert fresh cartridges into the empty chambers. I carry extra ammuntion so I can dump the cartridges to the ground and reload with a full speedloader/speed strip. Why this way? To save time, and to reduce the time spent not looking for the bad guys. I've practiced the first two methods and I believe that too much time is spent looking at the gun and not your targets. With a tactical reload my way, you need only to learn a standard reload and you will spend less time looking at your gun. Sure, you will abandon perfectly good cartridges. But isn't it better to leave cartridges on the street than to have you lying on it? Of course if you are shooting IDPA you had better learn to retain those cartridges.
Regardless of the holster style you choose, be sure the one you buy is made well. Chose one constructed of heavy cowhide or horsehide. Be sure that it covers the triggerguard. Choosing a holster that is tightly fitting and boned to contour the pistol makes for a secure holster that will not need a time-wasting thumbstrap.
While revolvers can be carried in an inside the pants holster, many people find the wheelgun a little thick at the cylinder to be carried that way. Kramer Leather and Milt Sparks make a wonderful inside the pants rig. A word of caution, do not buy a holster that has a plastic or metal clip. They have the nasty habit of coming out with the gun.
I am fond of the string side "Pancake" style holster that is worn on the right hip. I am experimenting with the "Paddle" style too, but I haven't spent a lot of time with it. It looks promising though. The Pancake holster holds the gun high up on the belt. This is nice because I can hide my .357 in a pancake under a sweatshirt. You can see it, but you have to look for it. Long car rides with a pancake holster are a bit of a bummer, and a pain. The pancake boasts easy removal. Something to consider.
The most comfortable holster I have ever used is a Ted Blocker shoulder holster. It is quick to draw from, concealable, and it helps keep you pants up. Back when I carried in a shoulder rig all the time I bought a thin rip-stop cotton jacket from an Army-Navy store and overdyed it. I wore it for a long time.
I have become a big fan of Kydex. The PVC material is ideal for holsters. They are durable, retain their shape, and fast as blazes. I like the strong side straight drop holster. You should look into kydex.