Retirement Gun

[white cloud]

So this is a very long winded question. I apologize.

I am very close to retiring. I am in good health and my joints seem to be doing fine. What I am looking for is sort of the ultimate carry revolver for this stage of life. It doesn't need to be a deep concealment piece as my wife tolerates me dressing around the gun. It has to be a S&W. Since I live down south, it gets hot and I sweat so I want something that I can pocket carry in cargo shorts. I want to be able to shoot a boat load of .38 level loads and not wear the gun out (I reload). I want a stainless steel gun. I want good sights. I want to be able to get a good D.A. trigger pull. I used to shoot NRA Bullseye so I want to be able to hit at 50 yards. It needs to be carried in a leather holster.

What do you suggest?

[silversnake]

Originally Posted by white cloud

So this is a very long winded question. I apologize.

I am very close to retiring. I am in good health and my joints seem to be doing fine. What I am looking for is sort of the ultimate carry revolver for this stage of life. It doesn't need to be a deep concealment piece as my wife tolerates me dressing around the gun. It has to be a S&W. Since I live down south, it gets hot and I sweat so I want something that I can pocket carry in cargo shorts. I want to be able to shoot a boat load of .38 level loads and not wear the gun out (I reload). I want a stainless steel gun. I want good sights. I want to be able to get a good D.A. trigger pull. I used to shoot NRA Bullseye so I want to be able to hit at 50 yards. It needs to be carried in a leather holster.

What do you suggest?

A Model 60 fits all of your criteria. I like the 2" Model 64 even better, but maybe a bit heavy for cargo pockets.

[adwjc]

Since you are mentioning target shooting, stainless steel and carrying capability, how about a nice 60-4 or 60-15?

You will need deep pockets, though.

[Targets Guy]

Model 638-3; .38 specials or +P's all day long.

[IAhunter]

K frames, model 64 (2 or 3"), 65 (3"), and 66 (2 1/2 or rare 3"). They'll make for a pretty full pocket though. I have a 2" 64-6 that is DAO with factory bobbed hammer that I do pocket for quick trips to the store, etc. It is very similar to guns designated NY-1 for the NYPD, just newer, MIM, and not stamped with the NY-1.

Although I carried an L frame 686 on duty for a good number of years, the smaller K frame guns are my favorites. I never cared for the 5 shot J frames.

[two-bit cowboy]

First, congratulations on your upcoming retirement. Here's the rub, though, there will be no more days off!

Now to your question.

My first recommendation, since you said it must be stainless steel, is a Model 640 Pro. Mine has a great double action trigger, and it's gotten better and better with more rounds. It's 1½ pounds, loaded, and the barrel is 2⅛". The front and rear tritium sights are adjustable for windage. You can, but you don't have to use moon clips; I do. I've carried one for about two years, not in a pocket, but in an OWB leather holster at 4 o'clock.

Staying with the stainless steel Centennial style, the 940 is my next recommendation. It's 9mm. I like mine a lot. I weighs a half ounce less than the 640 Pro, but the barrel is a quarter inch shorter. Fixed sights. You have to use moon clips.

If you want stainless steel for its inherent rust resistance, I understand, but in a pocket it might get a bit weighty so I'd suggest considering the M&P 340, too. The barrel and cylinder are stainless, but the frame is scandium/aluminum alloy. Mine weighs in at a pound, loaded, and, again, has a quarter inch shorter barrel than the 640 Pro. I've carried mine in a front jeans pocket, and it was easy to forget. Fixed sights but it has a tritium front bead.

I practice with all three of these out to seven yards. Out to that range they're perfect (better than me), and I don't plan to be in a gun fight beyond that distance. The real key for me is having the right stocks/grips on whatever I'm shooting: comfort and control.

Hope this helps.

[dhtwalden]

White Cloud, before I retired I purchased a 342ti as a BUG. Probably doesn’t meet all your requests, but it has over 1000 roundS put thru FOR qual courses. EASY TO CONCEAL AND CARRY. DONT THINK THEY MAKE THEM ANY MORE. However there are some good options in the 640, possibly in a PC. ENJOY. AND CONGRATULATIONS.

[326MOD10]

I would second the 640 PRO.

It is SS so has some weight to it but still concealable. The night sights are nice and you can take or leave the moon clips.

I carry mine in an OWB Lobo Gun Leather Enhanced Pancake and it conceals well with the right shirt.

Enjoy your retirement!

[Mike in Reedley]

Another vote for the 640 Pro, but I think you need two J frames. I have a 640 Pro, 60-15 Pro, 38, 638, 36, and a 442. I carry the 640 the majority of time, with the 442 when I want to go as light as I can.

Trigger is very smooth on my 640 and from a rest at 50 yards at the last range session, we were regularly hitting an empty shotshell box (I can’t do that with any other J frame I have). The bigger night sights are awesome. The longer ejector rod helps out when reloading too. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[SquarePizza]

I would say a 2 1/2" K frame, or a 3" J frame. Both should get you target sights yet still conceal well enough.

[SeamasterSig]

Originally Posted by silversnake

A Model 60 fits all of your criteria.

I second that recommendation! Here's a 60-7 I found at a decent price on Gunbroker. It's steel-framed and officially rated for 38 spl +p ammo. The best of the model 60 series with "everything you want and nothing you don't". I thought it might feel heavy in the pocket, but I barely noticed the few extra ounces compared with the Sig P238 I used to pocket carry. It came with a nice set of Uncle Mike's banana grips, which are great for the range, but not so great for concealment. So I added the magna grips (an inexpensive Ebay purchase) and an aluminum Tyler-T adapter. The combination is pocket-friendly and very controllable, even with stout ammo such as "old school" Buffalo Bore 158 grain hollow point semi-wadcutters. The trigger pull on this mid-90s gun is simply awesome. The DA pull is not what I would call light, but it has meanwhile become very smooth with no stacking or staging. In other words: perfect for a defensive gun. The gun points very naturally to aim, but if you absolutely have to use the minimal sights, they work fine at self-defense range (for my eyes, anyway). However, if you really need better sights, I think S&W makes a few J-frames with more modern three-dot night sights I think. Probably not steel-framed models, though. Or there's always a K-frame with adjustable sights if you don't mind the extra bulk.

Right after I bought the gun, I ordered a pocket holster in horsehide from Lobo Gun Leather as well as their highly regarded Enhanced Pancake holster and also picked up the DeSantis Nemesis to use in the meantime. The pancake holster is awesome, but it's OWB and if you're looking to pocket carry, the leather pocket holster I received is a bit tight for loose cargo-style pockets. It works fine in tighter pockets, though. The DeSantis, on the other hand, is almost too loose and never fails to release the gun. It's not pretty, but it's inexpensive and it works. The leather holster has a less conspicuous profile in the pocket, but the DeSantis also doesn't print much – it's just a little bulkier, so it's more obvious that there's something in the pocket.

[Ashlander]

If you're a big guy you might want to go with the new K-frame 66-8 with the 2.75" barrel. It's good for heavy shooting at the range and more satisfying in that role than a j-frame, and yet it's not hard to conceal if you dress around it.

I am retired and I can hide anything under my Hawaiian shirts (in St Louis if you see an old guy wearing an Hawaiian shirt - odds are he's armed!).

[kaaskop49]

Seems like the original 640 in .38 will "fit your pistol," as John Wayne once said. The steel frame .38 Js are much handier than the newer .357 progeny, IMHO. Pocket lint is less of a problem, altho the gun has to be wiped off regularly. My minty "junk table" example is a strong little chickenplucker: can't wait for surgeries to heal so I can carry it IWB. Too heavy for my pocket, tho.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. As to retirement, I have a slogan on my desk: "The hardest part of doing nothing is knowing when you're through."

[rwsmith]

I wouldn't even consider the 'Airweight' type guns, unless you are going to put a big Pachmehr or Hogue monogrip on it. They are very shootable in the original form, for a few shots. But after that it starts to hurt.


My Model 36 J frame 5-shot .38 is pretty darn good, but I don't know of a stainless version. A model 60 or 640 REALLY sounds like a winner for your specifications.

[oldiesradio1560]

I've had stainless S&W revolvers since the 70s and I'm 66 and retired as well. I have a Concealed Carry License and carry a 640 Pro. My favorite revolver. Great sights, a great shooter for .357 or .38. I gave it a brother concealed auto a month ago. A .380 M&P Shield EZ. Love the grip safety that eliminates a manual safety so my EZ acts just like a revolver. Easy rack, point and shoot.

[white cloud]

Thank you all for your well thought out responses. I have carried a 649 no dash for a long time. I also carry a Kahr CM9 a bit. I am a confirmed revolver guy but will have to admit that the Kahr is a lot easier to hit with due to it's excellent sights. The 640 Pro looks like it has really nice sights and would fit most of my pockets. Do you folks think the 640 would survive 5000 rounds of .38 wadcutter ammo? I would like the snub revolver's advantages with a gun that I could hit with at a distance.

[BAM-BAM]

Wow....... covering a lot of territory with one gun...... pocket carry to 50 yd target shooting......... IMHO pocket carry means J-frame.... target shooting means adjustable sights............so you are going to have to compromise on every aspect ..................

Again in my opinion the gun that may meet your needs is a 3" 60-10..... think "micro 686".

That said I think you would be better served by getting at least 2 Smith revolvers........... a 2 or 2 1/2 inch K-frame Model 64,65 or 66 for concealed carry and a range/target/hunting 6 inch K,L or N-frame.......maybe a 686.

[Green Frog]

Find a Model 60-4; this will be the compromise that comes closest to filling all your requests, although none perfectly as some tend to be mutually exclusive. Remember, any compromise is a... COMPROMISE!

Froggie

[murphydog]

Everything you wanted was easy, until you threw out that 50 yard requirement. Accurate shooting at that distance has a lot to do with you, of course. .

With all that, I would look for one of the (fairly scarce) model 60-1s from 1985, a 2" J frame .38 Special with Target sights. Pocket sized, light, able to be fired single action for long distances, and if you were an S & W revolver bullseye shooter the sight picture would be familiar. Good luck in your decision and happy retirement!

[ExRanger714]

Originally Posted by adwjc

Since you are mentioning target shooting, stainless steel and carrying capability, how about a nice 60-4 or 60-15?

You will need deep pockets, though.

A 60-10 would be a good candidte.

[Bullet Bob]

"I want good sights. I want to be able to get a good D.A. trigger pull. I used to shoot NRA Bullseye so I want to be able to hit at 50 yards."

Sounds like you need three different guns to me, unless you want to carry a heavier gun, like a K frame. I've read about triggers on J frames that have been worked on to be as good as a K frame for over 50 years, but I've never seen one in person. They can certainly be okay, and I have seen some people shoot what I consider fantastic groups with them at 50 yards. I personally would need an eye transplant to do so.

I think at least two guns would be in my future if I were you.

[hkcavalier]

Little confused by the 50yd requirement, not many (legal) defensive encounters at that range.

I really like the 637 Wyatt Deep Cover, 60PC and the 640 Pro.

[nachogrande]

Congrats on your retirement & joints. I too, think 50 yards is a lot to ask from a pocket S/D gun. Hammers & adjustable sights don't compute for a pocket/S/D gun, for me. If "way down south" & plan on wearing the retired guy uniform, a sleeveless T shirt/ underwear/ sneakers, & cargo shorts if leaving home. For me that would be a steel centennial or humpback for pocket & MAYBE a 3" K frame/adj sights/hammer (mdl 19???) for the belt.

[les.b]

As others have said, the 640 Pro Series is the only one which meets your requirements. Best sights on a J frame that I have ever seen. Stainless steel. Great to shoot with 38s, but can easily handle the 357s as well.



Have a great retirement!!

[Old cop]

I agree that the Model 60 snub fits your requirements but I find it pulls my pants down when I pocket carry. My 340PD no-lock has been rock solid since I got it last year. Very light and not too bad to shoot w/+P but full magnum loads are another thing.

[CH4]

Another vote for the 640-1 Pro. You only retire once and you don’t want to cap off a career with plastic.

[cmansguns]

My EDC for a decade +, the Model 637-2, meets all your requirements except sights. This gun is both smooth, and accurate, DA/SA, + P ammo no problem.

I carry IWB and OWB depending on weather and dress, and since my employer has no firearms in office or Shop, this gun resides in my truck console and suffers nothing from weather extremes.

Ready to go at all times, the grips were a factory option (for $75 additional) in 2002. I believe they are Altamont Combats, but the best of all.......used prices on these 637 are in the $350 range around here.

[Wee Hooker]

I think were are quite a few options available for your criteria until you mentioned pocket carry. In my experience, anything much over J frame size and weight is going to pocket carry like a pocket full of lead fishing sinkers. Even within the J frame world, I vote the alloy framed models carry much easier than full steel. (FWIW, I pocket carry an 11oz bobbed 360PD) Your tolerance /dedication may vary though.
Congrats on your retirement! I went just about a year ago. It is all that you could hope for!

[oddshooter]

Well I have that 360PD as well for backcountry carry. Nothing better. I love it, 13 oz. With 357 mag, it kicks harder than my 44 mag. Great short range. Horrible at 50 yards.

I have lots of J frames. Like the man said above, I've heard about but never seen a J frame with a sweet DA trigger. By the time you get there, you're getting light strikes. I know magic, I don't know miracles. K frames are easy to get a sweet DA trigger. They weigh too much for me to carry.

Light for pocket carry, but in SS; nice DA trigger pull, 50 yard target ?
THERE IS NO SUCH ANIMAL. I've looked.
If you find it, buy 2. Sell 1 to me.


Prescut

[jeeps]

The Colt Cobra is nice to,6 shots and no lock. I have both the new Cobra and new 640 pro,both are made about the same in finish and fit,but the action is better on the Colt and fiber optic front sight to.

[two-bit cowboy]

Originally Posted by white cloud

... The 640 Pro looks like it has really nice sights and would fit most of my pockets. Do you folks think the 640 would survive 5000 rounds of .38 wadcutter ammo? I would like the snub revolver's advantages with a gun that I could hit with at a distance.

I'm no expert, but I don't think you'll live long enough to wear out a 640 Pro with .38 WCs.

[Hasbeen1945]

Well I see most of you folks are better shots than me. When the OP said 50 yards.well that eliminated me and any of my 5 J frames. But say 50 yards and my K frames would work. I have a 4inch 66-3 that fills the bill. But recently shot a friends 66 2 1/2 in that would also work.

[326MOD10]

Agree with two-bit cowboy.

I put about 850 RN rounds through mine in 2 days at a training event and didn't have a hick-up.

It was very easy on the hands and enjoyable to shoot.

[wood714]

You should probably carry three.

The first one meets your needs for pocket carry, the second one, I doubt you'll ever wear it out shooting 38's. The third one should work out for 50 yard shooting.

[bronco45]

640 Pro is the defensive pkg to carry. Night sights, are Novak Sights. When I had mine I filled it with Buffalo Bore 38 Special 158 grain LSWCHP +Ps and they were whistling along at 1,067fps out of the 640.
Recoil very manageable and the 38 case no problem ejecting with the short ejector rod. Accurate round and shot to POA.

[ken158]

Taking into all your requirements, a snub 66 is about the only option. Stainless, good sights, good trigger and leather holster. Find an older 2 1/2 or try out one of the newer 2 3/4 models.

[jimmyj]

.38 Special, Stainless Stainless Steel, good sights, and accurate at 50 yards ? CCW in cargo shorts ?

You should consider changing your dress mode. K frame 4" barrel in a OWB holster.

[nachogrande]

"GET OFF MY LAWN" like a shotgun. Clothing is optional.

[Camster]

My vote is for a Model 66.

[Old_Cop]

A 3" Chiefs special should meet your requirements.

[brokendowncop]

I'm thinking like "BAM-BAM". You specifically ask about revolvers so a Chief or variant. CCW is for defense. Combat shooting at personal threat distance. You don't need night sights or long range accuracy to neutralize a threat to your person. What you need is a second revolver for those additional "wants" How about a Model 27 6" with factory target trigger grips and sights. Bingo! Hope this helps.

[Kernel Crittenden]

If the OP is looking for a current production revolver that he can walk into any gun store and purchased today, in my view, the model that best meets all his needs is the product code 178013 Performance Center PRO SERIES Model 60.

The 3-inch barrel can easily be pocket carried. J-frames are made for that. Cargo short are perfect. All you need is a light cover garment. I like an untucked "fishing" shirt. The kind with lots of pockets and special features. The Model 60's all steel construction will stand up to thousands and thousands of rounds.

It has true target sights. The rear sight adjusts for windage and elevation. The front sight is pinned and easily replaceable. This is a gun that the OP could use to legitimately punch paper at 50 yards. You can't do that with a 1 7/8“ or 2 1/8“ fixed sight snubbie, that's not possible.


Performance Center(R) Pro Series(R) Model 60 | Smith & Wesson

[TheHobbyist]

2.5" 686 Great gun that meets your needs. YMMV

[TheHobbyist]

By the way, congrats on the retirement...you earned it and now you are on your time! Have fun. Hope you have many happy, healthy years to come.

[brjr51]

Well I just retired in January and since then I've picked up a new 327 PC 2", a Model 38 no dash, a Model 36 no dash, a Model 36-6 3", and a Model 60-7, plus a 32 Hand Ejector and Model 31-1 Regulation Police for giggles.
Why limit yourself to one choice?

[03hemi]

One of my new carry guns. S&W PPK/S 380.

[PALADIN85020]

Carryable with a suitable holster. Concealable. Adjustable sights. Six shots, not 5. Rust-resistant. Rugged. Reliable. Accurate. Will not abuse your shooting hand. Shoot either .38 Specials or .357 Magnums.

I think a 66 snubby would be ideal for you. This 66-2, shipped in 1983, was purchased by me as an ideal self-defense tool. I treated it to a primo action job by Nelson Ford, equipped it with some nice Ahrends concealment stocks for comfort and retention, and hand-polished it so it looks prettier. I'm a happy camper. As an alternative to holster carry, I sometimes use a "day planner." I got this one from Dillon a number of years ago.

John

[44specialfan]

One more vote for a 640 Pro. No danger of serious wear with .38’s and very well balanced. Not light so make sure to get a well designed pocket holster for cargo pants carry. It truly is an outstanding j frame.

[joe44va]

I also consider the 60-15 Pro my first choice. If you'd like a couple more holes in the cylinder and the cargo pockets are big you might consider my second choice. A 686+ 3".

[SeamasterSig]

I overlooked the part about it needing to hit the target reliably at 50 yrds. That seems like an awful lot to ask of a pocket carry gun – especially with "retired" eyes, no matter what kind of sights are on it. I would think the full list of stipulations would require a couple of guns to fit the bill. Does it really have to be only one?

Didn't S&W make a 36 with a 3-inch barrel and adjustable sights? I would look for one of those before selecting a later-model stainless version, but that's just me. Lots of people like the 21st century models. However, I'm skeptical about carrying a gun with a 3-inch barrel in a front pocket on a regular basis – even a J-frame. Wouldn't it run the risk of exposing the grip in shorter pockets or when you sat down? It seems to me that it would be a better candidate for belt-carry and/or a shoulder holster.