38 special or the governor

[animl]

I can't seem to find the right spot for this question, so here goes. Looking at a new revolver to keep at home, maybe use for some travel. If I got the governor, I would probably use 45 acp. If I get the 38 special, I would probably go for the 38+p. Any suggestions or thoughts. I've already read the threads on lasers and have pretty well decided against them. (Yeh- maybe a rookie question.) I've an LCP for daily use. Thanks for all your help.

 

[peyton]

Welcome to the forum. The question you ask has two different answers. First, are you looking for a carry gun? The k frame or j frame 38 makes a great house or carry gun. The governor is quite a bit larger plus heavier. The answer also depends on your budget. A good S&W 38 can be bought for $300. The governor is going for $600 plus. If you decide the 38 is more easy on the budget look at our classified section first. I have bought 20 guns from forum members here and every one I got was in great shape and reasonably priced.

 

[Buford57]

If you would be using .45 ACP, why the Governor rather than an N-frame .45ACP?

Are there other family members who would share the house gun? Are any of them recoil-sensitive? How familiar are they with firearms?

In my mind, not knowing the answer to these questions, the default house gun/nightstand gun is a 4" DA .38 K-frame. These are available for $300 or less used and if mechanically sound and not of WWI or earlier manufacture, should give years of service with +P or any other currently manufactured .38 SPL ammo you care to feed it.

On the other hand, if the Governor concept appeals to you and you don't have others to consider, why not indulge yourself? As a travel gun (by which I understand you to mean a car gun and hotel room nightstand or next to your sleeping bag) it should be fine. As a trail gun while hiking is probably the only on-person carry of this piece you will enjoy for long.

 

[shep854]

.38\.357 in a K or L frame. The Governer's a toy.

 

[PeterCartwright]

Police/security trade-in model 64s (stainless version of model 10-38 spl.) are everywhere now for $300 and under. The K frame .38 spl. makes a dandy tool for self-defense at bargain basement prices.

PC

 

[bananaman]

I don't think that a Gov will ever be a collectr's item. I think that they will come and go. K Frames are classics that will hold their value ( or appreciate ) depending on the condition. How long have K's been around? The accuracy factor is there with a K. Granted, I have had no experience w/ a Gov, but I don't really want to either. Just my opinion, and to each his own! Bob

 

[KJM]

.38\.357 in a K or L frame. The Governer's a toy.

And the TYPE of toy you play with for about three minutes then don't touch again.

Waste of space...
It's a Taurus Judge that says Smith and Wesson on it.

They can't even come up with any original ideas anymore?

38+P........... you'll love it and it is a whole lot more versatile.

When the day comes that you need a 3 inch .410 handheld shotgun, let me know.

If you want a 45, find a nice 1911... or a 625 if you like revolvers more.

 

[animl]

Gentlemen, Thanks for the ideas. (Maybe it's more like you're all psychologists.)
'peyton'- the budget isn't a real problem and 'buford'- I guess I really was trying to indulge. (You guys read me like a book.)
shep and kjm- I understand the comments about the toy gun.
pc and bananaman- I've started a search for a really nice 64 +p.
I have a 1911 that I test fired and it stays in the box, along with my 32safety hammerless (born June 1911) which I shoot about 1x year.
I already mentioned my LCP for daily carry and my CZ 82, well... it's just plain fun.
I think I was really trying to see what everyone thought of the knockdown power of the 45acp/governor VS. the 38+p. (I know, I should've asked that first.) I imagine the results between the two are fairly similar.
I appreciate the time you guys took in your replies. All of your comments were welcome.
I forwarded your replies to my wife so I could justify the purchase.
Thanks!