Wheel Gun Help

[Brickboy240]

If it HAS to be a CCW gun, then a Smith Chiefs Special in 38Spl would be best. Taurus also makes a nice 2 inch 38. I'd stay away from the 357 snubbies - they're really nasty to shoot - loads of muzzle flash and snappy recoil. With the modern +P 38 loads today, the 38Spl is much better than it used to be.

Also, don't pass up a nice Colt Detective Special, if you find one. We bought my wife a nice early 70s version a few years ago for a car-carry piece and it is a very nice shooter in 38Spl. It holds 6 rounds and is a little bigger than the Cheifs Special Smith, but it is a finely made piece of hardware and sort of hard to find these days. Bad thing is that these tend to go for high prices and are considered somewhat collectables. We paid 350 for hers and thought that was a steal.

If you can handle a 4 inch revolver, I'd go with a Smith Model 10 38Spl or a Smith Model 19/66 357 mag. Taurus also makes a nice 4 inch 38/357 thats worth a look. I used to have a Smith Model 19 4 incher and never should have sold the thing. It was accurate and a very nice piece.

For hunting and open carry, where a littel more weight does not matter, it is hard to beat a S&W Model 586/686 in 357. These are large but sweet shooting 357s that are very well made. Dad has a 4 inch 686 and it is an accurate revolver and is pleasant even with the hottest 357 loads.

Got bucks to burn? Then spend like mad and get a Colt Python 2 or 4 incher 357. Nice guns, hyper-accurate, but very pricey.

- Brickboy240

[dogsoldier]

I have 32 h&r magnum in titanium from taurus, supposedly develops the same energy as a 38special, but carries 6 rather than 5. It's also really light.

[Matt`G]

I've been in the same situation -- looking around for an alternative carry gun (something easier to carry). Originally was comparing snubnose revolvers and the small autoloaders (Keltec & used Kahrs). I decided on a lightweight revolver as what I wanted. I just put an order in at a local gun store for a Taurus 851... it's a 2" ultralite .38+P revolver. It's got a shrouded hammer. I was looking between this model and the S&W 642, but decided on the Taurus mainly due to price. When I get it and shoot it, I'll try to write up a range report. Good luck!

[InspectorNugger]

+1 on the Rugers! I just bought my wife an SP101 3" in 357 mag/38spcl. for Christmas. I must say that after I had a buddy tune it up I was a bit jealous. Granted, the SP's are only 5-shot, but you could conceal that thing almost anywhere. Some serious firepower in a smaller package without having to go with a snubbie. I'd highly recommend it. I just may have to get one for myself soon enough...

[Intel486]

I have a S&W 629 in .44 Magnum and really like the gun. I'd buy it or another S&W revolver any day.

When I was in the store I looked at some small S&W .38 specials that would be great for CCW. The felt nice and you could get hammerless ones as well. I've been considering getting one in the future once I get settled in with my CCW.

[mullanman]

S&W for sure. It will hold its value well.

carry L frame or J framed guns..

L frame . 586 or 686 six shots 4" barrel are easy to carry and use .38 or .357.

[bd]

Originally Posted by InspectorNugger

+1 on the Rugers! I just bought my wife an SP101 3" in 357 mag/38spcl. for Christmas. I must say that after I had a buddy tune it up I was a bit jealous. Granted, the SP's are only 5-shot, but you could conceal that thing almost anywhere. Some serious firepower in a smaller package without having to go with a snubbie. I'd highly recommend it. I just may have to get one for myself soon enough...

I hate to do this to you.......

Check out these SP101 custom packages.

http://www.geminicustoms.com/RugerSP101prices.htm

I've got an SP101, I just haven't come up with a good enough reason to run this part of it by the wife yet.

bd

[InspectorNugger]

mmmm....customized SP101's....

bd- I best keep that site away from my wife...she'll want her's worked on before I could buy one for myself!

[backstay]

Why go with a 38 when a 357 will shoot both and price is the same? I wouldn't.

[Brickboy240]

Have you ever shot a 2 inch 357 with full house 357 loads? Not exactly pleasant...not at all. Sorry, but that muzzle blast and snappy recoil could lead to flinching or bad shooting habits, anticipating the blast. Also, the extra noise is really disturbing and could leave you temporarily deaf without hearing protection.

There are a number of good 38Spl defensive loads these days. The 38Spl is not the bad choice it used to be. Magsafe and CorBon make some pretty good 38Spl loads.

Another snubby to consider is one of the Taurus 44Spl 2-inchers. The 44 Special Winchester Silvertip comes pretty close to the 45ACP in stopping power and has low penetration and is not a violent kicker. They're also not very expensive and have their lifetime warranty. Worth a look.

- Brickboy240