Dear On The Fence,

I understand you are undecided about continuing to carry your 457 due to weight, possibly bulk and less than 100% function. You are inclined to go "simple" w/ a revolver. You would jump on a 696. You are considering a 64 or 65.

Your big issue is one shot stopping power for a solid center of mass hit. You ask is there a significant difference in stopping power... will the .38 do just fine?

JMHO, but buy 65. It will do fine w/ .38 JHP. With the .357 Mag. it will most assuredly be a handful, but it that floats your boat, get a paddle and get going. But personally I would lean to simply buying the 64 or 65 based on which one gave the best value in terms of price and condition. Whichever revolver you buy, get to the range and practice with it until you are able to get good solid hits center of mass at a distance of 3-7 yds. This may not satisfy internet scenarios predicated upon engaging multiple waves of gangs attacking in 30 sec. intervals. If you commonly are at risk for such encounters, your going to need a lot more than any pistol can offer. But for any sort of real world encounter, a 64/65 stuffed with .38 Special +P 125 gr. JHP will be extremely effective. Sincerely. brucev.

BTW...are both the Model 64 and 65 +P guns?

Thanks![/QUOTE]

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