You can see in my post from earlier this week that I just picked up a as new in the box 386NG. I absolutely love this revolver. It is the most important gun in my collection. Why?

I usually carry one of my J Frame air weights or scandium/titanium air lites. But there are times I would like something a little more. Usually in those cases I carry my SW Shield 9mm or Glock 19. But I wanted a wheel gun I could carry in those situations. So I decided to pick up a 386NG to see if it would fit the bill. And boy does it ever!

With the grips configured as below it weights 26 ozs loaded (22.6ozs unloaded).



It carries so comfortably IWB that I barely notice it is there. I took it to the range when it came in and I shoot it very well...Noticeably better than my J Frames (which I actually shoot pretty well). With it's light weight and excellent carrying and handling characteristics, the 386NG is now my go to carry.

I always wanted a large revolver that i could carry regularly, and this is it! I have a 686 PC 2.5", but it is 34ozs unloaded. Love the gun and shoot it incredibly well, but it is too heavy to carry everyday IWB. The Night Guard line of guns are the ultimate big revolver carry solution. All hail Scandium frames and steel cylinders!

I like this gun so much that I decided I have to have two...because I am going to wear this out. I paid $900 for the first one. But yesterday i was able to convince a dealer on Gunbroker to let me have a New In The Box 386NG for $650. He had it up there with a starting bid of $699, with no bids. I think that is a pretty excellent deal Here is a pic of it, my dealer will receive it Monday:





I can't believe the Night Guard series did not catch on and it was discontinued. The NGs are without question in my mind the ultimate carry revolvers. At 18ozs, the scandium and titanium version, the 386PD, is just too light for full power magnum loads. The 386NG is the perfect tradeoff in weight to handle magnums.

Wish SW would make the Night Guards again. But it is your fault for not buying them

Nice! Kinda makes me want one now... :-)


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It is beyond me how everyone who wants to carry a revolver didn't buy one. The NGs should have even converted many who carry semis. Either SW didn't market it right, or you'll dropped the ball.

I'm glad you found the second one to help you with "dollar-cost averaging." It's always good to have at least two of anything you rely on.

You mention the 386PD, which always appealed to me. I presume the major differences are the cylinder material (Titanium vs. steel?) and the slightly different sights. Anything else?

Exactly. Titanium cylinder and sights. Both have a 2.5" barrel. The NG has better sights in my opinion...XS Big Dot Night Sight and Cylinder & Slide U Notch Extreme Duty rear sight from the factory. The PD has the traditional Red Ramp Blade Front Sight and Adjustable rear. Here a pic of the 386PD. There is one on GB right now for $850. I considered buying it instead of the 2nd NG, but I really think it is too light to shoot 357s. Don't really see the point of loading it with 38+Ps. If I wanted a 7 shot 38+P I would get a 242 or 315 Night Guard (only 6 shot though). I aesthetics mean anything to you (they do to me), I also think the NG looks better.

I agree with you about it being rather lightweight for full-charge .357s, but I would like to have one anyway. It can't be any worse than the 340PD.

Very nice!

I've been carrying a snubbie K-frame (29.6oz unloaded) for about 6hrs per day for two days now and like the way it carries even in the cheapo holster I have while waiting for a better one. Would really like a 24oz with one more round that could also handle .357.

I think the reason they didn't sell well is most people want a semi that holster half a box of ammo, or if they carry a revolver they normally want a J-frame.

I sort of agree there. While 7 rounds is not the same as high-capacity it does - or could - tend to cause folks to start leaning towards pistols. On the other hand, while carrying a J-frame every day, which I do, is extremely easy, packing a snubby Model 10 is no great challenge in a belt holster and so many folks that have those probably were not inclined to "upgrade" to a 386.

If they want to go lightweight they go J-frame; if they want a belt gun they go K-frame.

PURE speculation on my part because I haven't taken a survey, I just watch what's out there selling and guesstimate from there.

***GRJ***

Pretty much the same thing as the 386PD. A little lighter than a 386NG.

But with shrouded hammer, and 32 special + P.

I'm thinking of adding it to my carry license. Trying to find a pocket holster just a big larger than a Uncle Mike's #4 which almost fits.

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Love the weight and 7 round capacity. The steel guns are fine for shooting, but for carry, I prefer to lighten the load a bit.

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Price had been the reason why I didn't buy one when they were produced and it continues to be the reason why I don't own one still.

I just picked up a NIB 386NG for $650 delivered. What 2.5" to 3" K or L frame can you get for less than that?

I just paid $385 shipped for a mint 64-6 2" with box and papers on gunbroker.

A month ago I picked up a 65 ladysmith for $330. But these are rare deals. I'm speaking generally about average prices. Nice deal btw. How about some pics!

I agree. And $650 for a NG is a great price.

In my opinion the only thing they need to do to improve the 386NG is offer it in a 3" barrel.

I posted a thread on it last week.

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I think what killed the Night Guard series was the cost. When new, most of these guns were around $1k. Most of the people I know who carry do so with sub-$500 polymer frame automatics or J-frames. Those who carry more expensive guns are typically wedded to a platform and/or have money to burn. It would have taken significant marketing to justify the cost, especially to new buyers who might not consider a revolver for serious work.

If 2-1/2" isn't close enough for you how about the 325NG? They're 2-3/4" long.

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Waiting for the break of day