I am thinking of buying a model 63 (.22) with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights as an understudy for my 340PD.

I would change out the grips to match my 340PD but everything else would be left alone.

Has anyone done this? Is this a useful thing to do? The .22s will be much less expensive to shoot and would abuse my hands far less. I figure I could get 50+ rounds of trigger time on the 63, and then do my regular 340PD routine which includes 20 rounds of .38s and 5 rounds of .357. (That is about all my hands can tolerate before they start to go numb.)

There are lighter versions that match the configuration of my 340PD much closer, but the aluminum cylinder seems likely to wear too quickly with the number of rounds I would put through it each week (3 to 4 sessions of 50+ rounds per week).

Opinions?

Having a 22 revolver on a similar frame size as one's carry gun is a great idea. Similar bbl lengths and sights are also helpful. The trigger pulls will almost always be a bit different, but not enough to worry about.
S&W introduced the 22 Combat Masterpiece as a companion for their polular 38 Special way back when, both guns evolving in the catalog as the model 18 and model 15.
Of course, if one practices with ANY 22 that is made by the same company AND of similar operation (revolver, auto) as one's carry piece you cannot go wrong.
You may want to ensure that you use the same grips on your 22 as your carry gun. The all-important feel of the guns starts there.

Packard, I'd go with a M43C. I have one to match my 340M&P and it uses the same holster. I would not worry about the aluminum not holding up. I've run several hundred rounds through mine, not a mark on it. At 11 ounces, one might be tempted to carry it loaded with Stingers or at least as a back up for the centerfire J frame. Bob!

I'm impressed by the fact that you can handle 5 357 rounds in your 340PD before your hand gives out...I'm maxed out at 2 and practice with 38 wadcutters (which are getting harder to find for some reason). My 340PD is my CCW, and like you, I was concerned about practice. I bought a 640-1 for practice. I buy the cheap, Walmart 38's and can shoot the 640 all day without grief. I got matching grips for the 640 so the hold is the same, and only the weight is really different. This has worked great for me. I do own a 63 four inch which I enjoy and would recommend owning one just because...

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Randy
Provenance nerd

I cheat. I bought a pair of cowhide leather gloves two sizes too small for me. I soaked it in warm water for a few hours and then wrung it out like a dish towel. I then pulled on the glove (shooting hand only). The leather will stretch where it has to and will shrink where it can while it dries. You need to leave the glove on until it is completely dry or it will shrink smaller than your hand. I used a hair dryer to speed up the process.

Now I always use the glove for shooting practice. In real life the adrenaline will overtake any discomfort so you need not worry about that. The glove gives me several additional rounds of practice time.

I am thinking of cutting the fingers off a second glove and soaking it and using it as a double layer. It might be too bulky but if it is, I can always peel it off.

The cow hide gloves cost $8.00 a pair at Walmart.

I think its a good move - I bought a 317 kitgun as an understudy for my 329 , they are worlds apart in size and weight but have the same sights which was what I was after - don't worry about the aluminum not holding up , there are 317's out there that have been fired thousands of times

I thought about that too. Like I said I was worried about the durabilty. I will wait until others chime in. "Several hundred" does not really give you a picture of what 10,000 rounds a year would look like.

If I had to do all that to shoot any gun of mine, I would get rid of the gun! That obviously isn't the right gun for me.

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Dick

It's like a wife: It has its good points and its bad points.

It is reliable and light and enjoys riding in my right front pocket. It fires a potent major caliber. (9mm does not have the clout I would like.)

On the down side it is loud and bitchy and hurts my hand. But my hand is gradually getting use to the frequent beatings so it bothers me less and less as I go along.

On the plus side I love a challenge.

I have both revolvers and did what you want to do, I put Pachmayr Gripper grips on both weapons. I can also use the same holster for both revolvers. You can really have a lot of fun plinking with the Model 63 and practice is cheaper than the 340PD.
I have arthritis in both hands so I don't shoot my 340PD as much as I do the 63-5. IMHO, the 340PD is to be carried a lot for personal protection whereas the 63 is for training, fun and shooting backyard pests (armadillos).
I believe you will be happy with the model 63; good luck with your decision.

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"Life is short, hunt hard"

Picked that trick up from OJ did ya????

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Forum consigliere

Yeah, if it don't fit you gotta acquit!

I put matching grips on my 63 3" the same as my 60PRO 3".
The 60PRO grips are a nice wood and about 5/8" longer, they feel really great in your hands. Available at S&W.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

You can forget those gloves, too, with the .38s. I'll never talk anyone out of buying a 3" 63 - mine is certainly a keeper. I like it gripped like my 5" 63, 4" 651, 3" 60 Pro, and 2 1/8" 632 Pro. If I wanted more revolver-time, however, I'd just buy a bunch of inexpensive .38 Specials - like the 130gr MC from Wally World. Just clean the stew out of those chambers before you ever load .357 Magnums again. Heck, while dirty, just load some +P .38 SD ammo! You can buy a heck of a lot of .38s for what a new 3" 63 will cost you!



Now, if you just want a reason to buy a really fun - and frugal to shoot - revolver, I totally understand. It's more fun with a bigger grip - not a smaller grip - but try the OEM grips first.

Stainz

PS The 60 Pro grips are available from S&W Accessories (800-331-0852) for $43 + s/t + s/h - sku #41174 0000. You may have to back-order them - they are popular. They can get you, gasp, another set of boot grips... if you must!

I have a Ruger SP101 w/4" barrel and adjustable sights. No problem with that.

I really wanted to get some more trigger time with a small J-frame.

I am still undecided.

I went to the local gun store and ordered a model 63 ($649.00 + tax). It should arrive Wednesday. But the papers to take possession of the firearm can take anywhere from one to five weeks. At this time of the year about two weeks--each application has to be reviewed by a judge.

This must be an unusual firearm. The dealer kept insisting I meant a #317 Kit Gun (which must be much more popular).

At any rate I want to put the same grip on the #63 as I have on my 340 PD. Does anyone know what grip S & W puts on this gun? And where to buy one?

Thanks for all the replies.

Regards,


Packard

I use PAST shooting gloves but others have used golf gloves, and weightlifter gloves.

I agree.

These ultra light weight carry guns remind me a bit of guys who buy large caliber/ultra lt wt rifles to shoot a deer. Recoil so badly they can't barely shoot them. Whats the sense of that?

FN in MT

I've never really subscribed to the concept of .22lr as an "understudy" for a high power/large caliber defensive weapon, other than to gain initial comfort with an unfamiliar platform.

Using a 26 oz .22 J-frame as a practical practice substitute for an 11 oz .357 strikes me as particularly nuts.

But then so does the idea of shooting .357 in one those things in the first place....unless you're into powerful, functionally single shot weapons.

Just sayin'....from the perspective of a vet.

Methinks he just wants the 3" 63. The 340PD, etc, use SKU #413030000 synthetic grips ~$28 + s/h + s/t. Call 1-800-331-0852 to order them from the S&W Accessories 'store'.

Stainz

Yup. Have the 63 (.22) 3 inch and the similar sized 60 (.357) in 3 inch.

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Bud

My day job is as a registered and licensed occupational therapist (OTR) with advanced credentials as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). I like to think I'm pretty good at it.

Your hands are going numb shooting a very light gun with perhaps unnecessarily powerful ammunition. Hello...Earth to Packard.

Permanent damage is on the way, and will probably involve a confrontation with a masked man with a knife and a needle in a well-lit room.

The M63 is a good idea for any number of reasons. Just buy it. I love mine. Even then, reduced loads, gloves, new/different grips, perhaps re-thinking your carry options/platform and hand strengthening are all things to be considered. Like, now.

No charge.

Good advice Murdock.... I switched grips on my 340PD after shooting 20 rounds of .357 mag through it when I first bought it. I found the Pachmayr grips help to reduce the shock factor to my hand.
What type of hand exercise do you recommend to strengthen arthritic hands?

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"Life is short, hunt hard"