386 Night Guard. Very Pleased.

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blgoode

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I’ve been wanting a mid size revolver for years….. and yesterday it happened. Cost is a real sting but I caved in.

At 5 yards I think it shows the potential this gun has.


This is double action with 2 cylinders.




This is single action at 5 yards with 1 cylinder.




Here is double action with 357 rounds in it. Wasn’t too bad with 357’s.




Step back at 14 yards and she hits at my typical left slot I seem to shoot everything at!!! But I think it shows she can group well.




With 357’s my groups at 14 yards open up from recoil anticipation but I did shoot 21 rounds of 357 in it and I’d never do that with any J Frames I own.

 
blgoode said:
I’ve been wanting a mid size revolver for years….. and yesterday it happened. Cost is a real sting but I caved in.

At 5 yards I think it shows the potential this gun has.


This is double action with 2 cylinders.




This is single action at 5 yards with 1 cylinder.




Here is double action with 357 rounds in it. Wasn’t too bad with 357’s.




Step back at 14 yards and she hits at my typical left slot I seem to shoot everything at!!! But I think it shows she can group well.




With 357’s my groups at 14 yards open up from recoil anticipation but I did shoot 21 rounds of 357 in it and I’d never do that with any J Frames I own.

Click to expand...
Of all the newer wheel guns out there, that's the best. Are you planning to carry this, because you appear to be very accurate with that piece. I love it. Congrats!!
 
If I may suggest it, I’d recommend an OWB pancake with forward cant. This one is in horsehide and faced with elephant but a more plain one would carry and conceal just as well. This absolutely disappears on my body under a light t-shirt or polo shirt. It’s light enough to not pull my pants down and be comfortable for all day carry and is just small enough to be reasonably easy to conceal. They are an excellent carry gun. I can on multiple occasions placed 7/7x A-zone hits on a USPSA target at 10-15 yds in just shy of 2 seconds on the with mine while drawing from cover.

IMG_3395.webp

This is a fairly common/average timer data for me with the night guard…
IMG_3529.webp
 
gdpolk said:
If I may suggest it, I’d recommend an OWB pancake with forward cant. This one is in horsehide and faced with elephant but a more plain one would carry and conceal just as well. This absolutely disappears on my body under a light t-shirt or polo shirt. It’s light enough to not pull my pants down and be comfortable for all day carry and is just small enough to be reasonably easy to conceal. They are an excellent carry gun. I can on multiple occasions placed 7/7x A-zone hits on a USPSA target at 10-15 yds in just shy of 2 seconds on the with mine while drawing from cover.

View attachment 887348

This is a fairly common/average timer data for me with the night guard…
View attachment 887352
Click to expand...
What do you shoot in yours the most?
Where you you advise looking for a holster?
 
blgoode said:
What do you shoot in yours the most?
Where you you advise looking for a holster?
Click to expand...

I handload 38+p loads that are on point with the lighter factory “short barrel” defensive loads in point of impact and perceived recoil for training purposes but are MUCH cheaper to shoot.

I make my own leather these days but have had really good experiences with both Kramer horsehide and Milt Sparks cowhide gun leathers before I started doing my own to get little picky things that I wanted on them.
 
That is a beautiful night guard. Good shooting. I would like to buy one. I want one but I have my P&R M19. I don’t my M19 shoot enough now. If it didn’t have the 19 I would buy the night guard. As I get older I think about to guns I own that I have not shot in decades. My kids even though they are pro 2A they are not interested in shooting. They have not idea the value of the guns I own. I think about when the Good Lord calls me home and the kids selling my guns and gear for penny’s on the dollar.
 
Gater said:
… My kids even though they are pro 2A they are not interested in shooting. They have not idea the value of the guns I own. I think about when the Good Lord calls me home and the kids selling my guns and gear for penny’s on the dollar.
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Same here.
 
I recently purchased the Big Sister, the 396 Night Guard in .44 Special. I took a chance even after hearing all the poo pooing about the QC on the new Smiths. I gotta tell ya, this is one of the finest handguns I have recently added to my collection of not only Smiths, but Colts, Rugers, Glocks as well as others. The sights work well for me and the overall fit and finish is excellent. I had some spine surgery recently so I've not been able to get to the range, however, single/double action dry fire yields a smooth and crisp trigger. (y)
 
I just looked at the new Night Guard…and quickly handed it back when I saw the $1100 price tag…no way that gun is worth that, just my opinion, but with Smith’s current quality issues I would never pay that for any new Smith.
 
bgbmagic said:
I just looked at the new Night Guard…and quickly handed it back when I saw the $1100 price tag…no way that gun is worth that, just my opinion, but with Smith’s current quality issues I would never pay that for any new Smith.
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I disagree about that. Only 3” option with the features I wanted in a fun that weight. Shoots better than any other recovery I have so far. Cry once as they say.

Ive even contemplated a second down the road to try an optic on.
 
Congrats!

I have the older 2 1/2” version and love it.

3” is my preferred length though.

I also have the Model 315 K frame 38spl +P NG. Also a 2 1/2” barrel. I love that one too.

I very slightly prefer the 315 because of the slightly smaller K frame and trimmer cylinder, but both carry and shoot well.

I carry them both loaded with Buffalo Bore 158gr SWCHPGC +P. This load is rip roaring for a 38spl +P load.

I also have a 386PD and 386 Mountain Lite. 2 1/2” and 3 1/8” respectively. Both have titanium cylinders, which makes them easier to carry (@ ~ 19oz unloaded) but not a lot of fun to shoot. The ~ 5oz really makes a difference.

The Night Guard series is the better compromise.
 
bgbmagic said:
I just looked at the new Night Guard…and quickly handed it back when I saw the $1100 price tag…no way that gun is worth that, just my opinion, but with Smith’s current quality issues I would never pay that for any new Smith. must adjust to inflation.
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Is your mind adjusted to the inflation?
What would you say in todays dollars?
 
John Patrick said:
Congrats!

I have the older 2 1/2” version and love it.

3” is my preferred length though.

I also have the Model 315 K frame 38spl +P NG. Also a 2 1/2” barrel. I love that one too.

I very slightly prefer the 315 because of the slightly smaller K frame and trimmer cylinder, but both carry and shoot well.

I carry them both loaded with Buffalo Bore 158gr SWCHPGC +P. This load is rip roaring for a 38spl +P load.

I also have a 386PD and 386 Mountain Lite. 2 1/2” and 3 1/8” respectively. Both have titanium cylinders, which makes them easier to carry (@ ~ 19oz unloaded) but not a lot of fun to shoot. The ~ 5oz really makes a difference.

The Night Guard series is the better compromise.
Click to expand...
I agree with the current version being a good weight compromise. The stainless cylinder is an advantage to me.
 
The biggest advantage IMO to the stainless cylinders is not having the sensitivity to frequent and heavy cleaning issues that the Ti cylinders have. I love the scandium frames with titanium cylinders for pocket carry but once it goes to a belt the weight savings of a titanium cylinder vs stainless is pretty negligible. However, I can go out and shoot the ever loving snot out of my Night Guard weekly and feel completely comfortable cleaning it up after every range session. I’m currently a touch over 2k rounds deep on my brand new Night Guard. I sincerely doubt that my 20 year old 340PD has even hit 200 rounds through it, and if it has it definitely hasn’t hit 300. Heck I even bought a 640 solely to use as a trainer while carrying the 340pd because the stainless is a bit more comfortable to shoot in volume and is more tolerant to frequent cleanings.
 
Last edited:
gdpolk said:
The biggest advantage IMO to the stainless cylinders is not having the sensitivity to frequent and heavy cleaning issues that the Ti cylinders have. I love the scandium frames with titanium cylinders for pocket carry but once it goes to a belt the weight savings of a titanium cylinder vs stainless is pretty negligible. However, I can go out and shoot the ever loving snot out of my Night Guard weekly and feel completely comfortable cleaning it up after every range session. I’m currently a touch over 2k rounds deep on my brand new Night Guard. I sincerely doubt that my 20 year old 340PD has even hit 200 rounds through it, and if it has it definitely hasn’t hit 300. Heck I even bought a 640 solely to use as a trainer while carrying the 340pd because the stainless is a bit more comfortable to shoot in volume and is more tolerant to frequent cleanings.
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What are you shooting through your Night Guard the most? 158 grain 357?
 
bgbmagic said:
I just looked at the new Night Guard…and quickly handed it back when I saw the $1100 price tag…no way that gun is worth that, just my opinion, but with Smith’s current quality issues I would never pay that for any new Smith.
Click to expand...
If that’s the 396 @1100 and local, it would be mine pending a look see.
 
Kansasgunner said:
About 300 rounds thru mine since I got it. First brand new S&W I’ve bought in several years. No regrets and carrying it everyday now!
Click to expand...
Great looking platform and the Spegel grips and Simply Rugged work just enhances that roundgun.
 
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