Purchased devoted carry piece...strayed

[novalty]

Not as up on S&W revolvers as the semi-autos, but think a revolver is the way I want to go. I want it to be stainless, and have at least a 2" long barrel, and be either 357 or 38 special. From my searching the S&W model 60 looks like a great candidate, as it tends to be in the price range I would be willing to spend--plus I prefer the look of the hammer design. Seen some 66's and 686's but they tend to be much more dollar wise. Any other's that I should take a look at?

 

[Moonman]

+1 FOR MODEL 60,
Give the S&W 60 PRO a look 3" barrel.

You might look at some used S&W Model 64's police trade-ins,
carried a lot shot little.

J&G sales has Double Action Only ones on sale,
Roberson's Trading Post has DA/SA ones.

Both for GOOD USED PRICES.

 

[novalty]

Thanks Moonman for the suggestion of the pro-series. Just took a look at that model 60 and it looks really nice, a little bit over what I think I will have available to spend, but do like the 3" barrel.

 

[StatesRightist]

For my money, the model 640 is the perfect J frame carry gun. Heavy enough to handle the recoil, light enough to waist carry and not feel it. Combine it with a 642 pocket gun and you are set for light carry. JMO.

 

[novalty]

The 640 doesn't look too bad, I am not a huge fan of the hammerless design, but I'm sure it does help prevent snagging on anything when being drawn. The only thing I am not a huge fan on the 642 is the barrel is less than 2" long.

 

[blujax01]

If you're not going to shoot .357 don't waste your money buying a .357. Buy an M36. They're available in nickel. Mine is a 3" but it carries well in an ankle holster.

Or an M64 which is my daily carry. But they are beefy.

 

[The Tourist]

I carry a 642. Yes, it's hammerless. But like Forrest Gump said, "One less thing to worry about."

I also had a nickel finished snub-nose Model 12. I've had a 60. I think a snub-nosed 64 would also be a good choice.

Practice, practice, practice.

Oh, and if you have to use it, it might become prima facie evidence and you'll never see it again. Don't get attached to it.

If you can find a scratched up one, and know someone like Terry Tussey to repair and perfect the inside, that would be even better.

 

[mg357]

The 60 with the 3 inch barrel is a nice S&W revolver. In fact it is one of my favorites.

 

[o3rugby1]

Find a 3" model 13.

 

[novalty]

Looked through all the suggestions. Really like the looks of a 64 3" but seems they are harder and pricer to come by. The 642 despite its barrel being under 2" is available at Cabelas at not too horrible a price in the Ladysmith version, and I do have a bunch of Cabelas points and gift certificates that I could use towards the purchase. Maybe I can get over to my local store this weekend and get a feel for them. Appears Cabelas is having a 10% off their used guns or regularly priced guns through Oct. 23rd. The only thing that concerns me on used revolvers it knowing what to look for.

 

[C Islander]

If you can find a range that rents, try as many revolvers as possible. What I love, you may not. It's going to be the firearm you trust your life to, make sure it's the right one for you!

 

[Old cop]

IMHO the .38 +P is all you need in a self defense ccw. Look at the airweight (not airlight titanium) J frames. They afford the options of pocket, IWB, OWB, & ankle carry allowing you to have an always-gun. The steel Js and Ks are too heavy for me for EDC.

 

[photoman]

Not as up on S&W revolvers as the semi-autos, but think a revolver is the way I want to go. I want it to be stainless, and have at least a 2" long barrel, and be either 357 or 38 special.

A no-lock Model 642 with Hornady 110gr FTX ammo is a nice combo.

Centennial every day!

 

[novalty]

If you can find a range that rents, try as many revolvers as possible. What I love, you may not. It's going to be the firearm you trust your life to, make sure it's the right one for you!

I would love to go to a range that rents, unfortunately here in Maine, there are none that I know of that do this. All the shooting ranges are up here is a place to go shoot.

 

[blujax01]

How far are from you from New Hampshire? When I was in Portsmouth (The Tijuana of New England) there seemed to be gun stores and ranges on every corner.

 

[Moonman]

A 38 loaded with FULL WADCUTTERS will accomplish the task also.

 

[Faulkner]

For comparison here's a picture of a 3 inch K Frame, a 3 inch J Frame, and a 1 7/8 inch J Frame. (Models 65, 61, & 42). After years of carrying on and off duty, my small J Frames are the ones that get carried the most.

 

[squidsix]

If you are going to carry/shoot a J-frame, get a STEEL one. I love them in all flavors, but a 36 no dash blue 2" is one of the things I would never be without.
If I were getting one today, it would be a 640-1 pre-lock in .357 Magnum. Easy to carry, but tough enough to SHOOT.

 

[ladder13]

A 649 Bodyguard, or any Bodyguard, gives you the option of of SA shooting. I carry a 649-3 with 105 Crimson Trace grips every day.

 

[66Park]

For comparison here's a picture of a 3 inch K Frame, a 3 inch J Frame, and a 1 7/8 inch J Frame. (Models 65, 61, & 42). After years of carrying on and off duty, my small J Frames are the ones that get carried the most.

Back before I moved to Illinois and could actually carry, my model 60 got lots of use. A J frame is so easy to carry and conceal. I had a M64 as well, and it shot better than the 60 but because of its size, it got carried much less. The J frames are wonderful little carry guns.