Ideal revolvers to replace Shield?

[Ranger17]

I own a Shield 9mm (PC 1.0) that is a great gun, but as i now am dealing with some arthritis issues in my left thumb it is getting more difficult to manipulate the slide. Wearing a brace is not helpful either. I often have read that if one has trouble with this, a revolver can be a good choice.
I'll note that I have never owned or even shot a revolver, so while I dont want to run out and dump the Shield just yet I thought some early research could be helpful.
As there seems to be countless options for revolvers out there, what models could potentially make for ideal Shield replacements? Something that could be carried if desired, but also match the accuracy I get at the range now? Knowing all the variables involved, what sort of barrel length in a revolver could be similar in accuracy to its equivalent in semi auto?
I will add that I am one who enjoys shooting, so running 1-200+ rounds thru my 9's when i hit the range is common. I believe if I cant enjoy a gun at the range then I have no interest in owning it. And I would never carry something I wasnt proficient with.

So if my short novel hasn't lost y'all yet lol, any basic feedback would of course be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Jeppo]

Have you considered the new Shield 9mm EZ?

 

[Ranger17]

Have you considered the new Shield 9mm EZ?

Yep, only at a store so far but not sold on it over my current Shield. I also have a full size MP and that is easy enough to still manage. Any change from my Shield isn't a "today thing", just figured if a revolver someday could be added to my collection then may as well ask the pros. Thx for the suggestion though

 

[Goldstar225]

For a revolver, a 3" J frame will be similar in size and is capable of providing very good accuracy.

 

[JDinAZ]

Most any J frame should work. I like the shrouded hammer ones to carry. I got a kinda issue with left trigger finger so makes sense. You can do the ol bite slide with teeth and rack if needed to like old school rack 1911s sorta thing or have a dovetail cut and add a nub to help

 

[reccpd101]

There are after market suppliers who furnish parts that add a racking aid to the rear of the Shield. You might want to check them out.

For a revolver, the j frames are very accurate but the short sight radius makes them hard to shoot with experienced eyes. The 3 inch barrel is not more accurate but makes for a much better sight radius. I own several 2 and 3 inch models some I have owned for over 40 years.. Try a 3 inch with Hornaday low recoil ammo. The J frames in 38+P are hard on us who are high mileage.

 

[wheelyfun66]

Maybe a 640 Pro?
Heavier than aluminum j frames (less felt recoil with hotter loads), good sights, internal hammer... plus, good looking revolver!

 

[gnystrom]

Shield .380EZ. Easier loading the magazine, far less recoil, and easier to rack than the Shield 9EZ. Ballistics are very close with the right ammo.
If you really want a revolver and are concerned about arthritis getting worse,
Both S&W and Ruger offer STEEL framed guns what have low recoil and great accuracy with practice. I would not go lower shorter than a 3" barrel.
Until you become experienced, I would avoid any alloy or polymer framed models.
my 2¢

 

[Old cop]

Try renting a few J frame models, if possible, to see how you like them. They're great for EDC but the learning curve can be steep.

 

[dr. mordo]

Personally, I'd look at a Kimber K6S snubbie or a Ruger LCR327. Both are easier to shoot than a S&W, and both give you six shots rather than five.

 

[Telecaster]

+1 for steel J frames.

 

[Ranger17]

Thx all.
Yep i know about accessories to help rack Shields, am actually working on one as well. I don't want to (or i tend to) give up my other semi autos, just figured at some point a revolver could be a nice addition. And getting some experienced feedback like listed above is a great way for me to start looking. Well frankly for anyone new to revolvers as with any gun it can be overwhelming.

Its appreciated, y'all have a great weekend.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I think a steel J-frame would be a good option. Not too light, not to heavy, still compact enough to carry with reasonable power. I've never been interested in the 3" barrel models so I don't know what kind of availability they have. I'm partial to the Bodyguard (shrouded hammer) or Centennial (enclosed hammer) models.

If arthritis is a concern, pulling the DA trigger on a revolver may be an issue, either now or later on down the line. Plus, you said you've never shot a revolver, so even if arthritis isn't a concern the heavier trigger pull may require an adjustment period for you to get used to it.

I'd also second dr. mordo's recommendation for the Kimber (I haven't handled one yet, mostly because I'm afraid it'll make me want one... ). I think that would be a good option. I, personally, don't like the LCR revolvers because I like a strong trigger reset, but its trigger pull may be closer to what you're used to, so that might be an option worth considering.

Like with any potential gun purchase, being able to handle and shoot the guns you're interested in can be very helpful, so a trip to a rental range would be strongly recommended, if possible.

In the meantime, the Shield EZ line may be worth considering, or possibly look at changing your technique for manipulating the slide to see if you can work around your limitation.

 

[Bumpus13]

I used to carry my Shield daily. Now, I've moved on to carrying a bit bigger pistol (CZ 75 D PCR) most days ... But, occasionally I'll slip my M36 or my M60 in a pocket holster instead. I can recommend both as being very good for CCW - the short sight radius does make it a little bit more difficult in the accuracy department, as does a revolver's trigger. Double action shooting takes some getting used to, but honestly it's made me better at shooting ALL handguns. The heavier trigger pull can magnify errors in your technique that you didn't notice before.

 

[iowaMallard]

If you are carrying a revolver for self defense you aren't really planning on reloading it in the heat of battle. With that established. Racking the slide on a semi auto is a non issue. Load it and leave it, if you need it in a defensive situation shoot it till empty, same as a revolver only you have 2-3 more rounds to begin with. Find an easy gun to manipulate for range work.

 

[uncleted327]

I carry a S&W 360 in my rotation, but I wouldn't call a sub 1 pound 357 for everyone lol. I would recommend a 3" S&W 60 Pro, followed by a standard 3" 60.

 

[geeollie]

I have recently become a fan of the Ruger LCR chambered for 327 Federal.
A family member who has bad wrists and bad fingers can not shoot 38 Special in any firearm that they can manipulate. (tried j-K-l frame)
They also had MUCH trouble with some of the factory triggers.

The little 6 shot LCR with 32 S&W Long wadcutter (Sellier Bellot or Buffalo Bore) or Black Hills 32 H&R magnum 85 grain is a capable self defense platform. Can be had in many calibers but .32 is 6 shot others are 5 shot.

Try the trigger on an LCR then a J frame. Ruger got this right.
That is my 3 cents

 

[Telecaster]

Speaking of .32, the new Charter Arms Professional, 7-shot .32Magnum is out there. Decent sights, I'm not impressed with the trigger though. The trigger feels heavy and clunky, but could smooth up with use. And the ammo is expensive.

 

[Jim Watson]

There is a new Taurus out, a roundbutt 3" sixshooter; the configuration people are paying tons of money to convert a police tradein M&P to. Even available in a lightweight version. But it IS a Taurus. Oh, well.

 

[H Richard]

Have you given thought to changing how you rack the slide? I have taught the "hold the slide" and "push the grip/frame forward" method. I find that a large number of shooters who have trouble and manage this better.