I have a Tomcat. I don't know if Beretta recommends it but it can be carried cocked and locked. The newer ones have a larger safety thats easier to get on/off. I carry mine loaded with silvertips and the recoil is not bad but then I don't have RA
Carry problems!!! Need suggestions.
- Thread starter red14
- Start date
Carry Problems!! Need Help
Hi:
I have had a shoulder joint replacement, carpal tunnel surgery, and still have nerve and muscle damage all in my "shooting hand".
I was on "limited duty" for quite awhile.
Firing a revolver "double action" was unsuccessful. My Agency did not allow Model 1911 style pistols (cocked and locked) weapons.
I used a Browning BDA .380acp in "condition one" (13 rd. magazine) until a "Citizen" complaint on the "Cocked Hammer" and I ended up using a Glock Model 27 with the 3.5# trigger.
I believe the Browning BDA (tip up barrel) or a Glock would meet your need.
However a Gunsmith could modify a revolver that would have a light and smooth action. A Master Gunsmith modified a Model 28 with an unbelievable smooth and light action that I would have bet my paycheck that mis-fires would have occurred. Never a mis-fire and good primer strikes.
For what my opinion is worth, I would chose a center fire over a rim fire as the center fire has more dependable ignition.
Jimmy
Hi:
I have had a shoulder joint replacement, carpal tunnel surgery, and still have nerve and muscle damage all in my "shooting hand".
I was on "limited duty" for quite awhile.
Firing a revolver "double action" was unsuccessful. My Agency did not allow Model 1911 style pistols (cocked and locked) weapons.
I used a Browning BDA .380acp in "condition one" (13 rd. magazine) until a "Citizen" complaint on the "Cocked Hammer" and I ended up using a Glock Model 27 with the 3.5# trigger.
I believe the Browning BDA (tip up barrel) or a Glock would meet your need.
However a Gunsmith could modify a revolver that would have a light and smooth action. A Master Gunsmith modified a Model 28 with an unbelievable smooth and light action that I would have bet my paycheck that mis-fires would have occurred. Never a mis-fire and good primer strikes.
For what my opinion is worth, I would chose a center fire over a rim fire as the center fire has more dependable ignition.
Jimmy
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GatorFarmer
Member
Sounds like what might work for you is a Model 31 or Model 30. These were J frame (originally I frame) revolvers in .32 S&W Long with either 2 or 3" barrels. I have a 31-1 3" SB. They're about the same weight as a Model 36, maybe a tad lighter, but I don't have a postal scale handy. Certainly lighter than the beefy Ruger by, I'd say, around 6 to 8 ounces if memory serves.
You can get decent penetrating .32 S&W Long ammo from a number of sources, even the old factory RNL will poke a hole, but Georgia Arms sells light JHPs and a heavier flat point. You can also fire .32 S&W (not long) ammo in one. You can also use light kicking wadcutter ammo. These guns - and the cartridge itself - tend to be extremely accurate.
These guns sell for less than comparable .38s, and you should be able to get one for under 400.
I'd take one of these over a .22 LR gun any day of the week - bigger hole and you have more reliable centerfire ammo and not buggy rimfire ignition.
Try the Classifieds, Gunbroker, Auction Arms, etc.
Older Colt D frames in .32 can also be had, though in some cases you'd have to get the barrel cut from 4" down to 2".
If you get one of the J frames, Crimson Trace grips are of course an option.
You can get decent penetrating .32 S&W Long ammo from a number of sources, even the old factory RNL will poke a hole, but Georgia Arms sells light JHPs and a heavier flat point. You can also fire .32 S&W (not long) ammo in one. You can also use light kicking wadcutter ammo. These guns - and the cartridge itself - tend to be extremely accurate.
These guns sell for less than comparable .38s, and you should be able to get one for under 400.
I'd take one of these over a .22 LR gun any day of the week - bigger hole and you have more reliable centerfire ammo and not buggy rimfire ignition.
Try the Classifieds, Gunbroker, Auction Arms, etc.
Older Colt D frames in .32 can also be had, though in some cases you'd have to get the barrel cut from 4" down to 2".
If you get one of the J frames, Crimson Trace grips are of course an option.
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
Red14,
I have arthritis in both hands also, as well as bilateral wrist damage. Some days are better than others, but what works well for me is the S&W Model 432PD in .32H&R Magnum with LaserMax grips - generally, front pant's pocket carry in an Uncle Mike's #3 pocket holster. I don't keep anyone awake at night worrying about my rapid reloading ability, so the Seecamp in .32ACP is in the opposite side front pocket in a Galco horsehide holster. While the 432 is an Air Weight revolver, they also made it in a stainless steel version (Model 632) that I still see for sale on Gunbroker on occasion. For a night stand gun, I rely on a Model 625 in .45ACP with fiber optic front sights and Crimson Trace laser grips. The N frame is easy to grip, and the full moon clips make ammo handling very easy - especially with those big, fat, .45ACP slugs.
Best of luck to you,
Dave
I have arthritis in both hands also, as well as bilateral wrist damage. Some days are better than others, but what works well for me is the S&W Model 432PD in .32H&R Magnum with LaserMax grips - generally, front pant's pocket carry in an Uncle Mike's #3 pocket holster. I don't keep anyone awake at night worrying about my rapid reloading ability, so the Seecamp in .32ACP is in the opposite side front pocket in a Galco horsehide holster. While the 432 is an Air Weight revolver, they also made it in a stainless steel version (Model 632) that I still see for sale on Gunbroker on occasion. For a night stand gun, I rely on a Model 625 in .45ACP with fiber optic front sights and Crimson Trace laser grips. The N frame is easy to grip, and the full moon clips make ammo handling very easy - especially with those big, fat, .45ACP slugs.
Best of luck to you,
Dave
Attachments
tom turner
US Veteran
Hi,
1. I'd recommend a S&W Model 37 aluminum framed Airweight with a THREE INCH barrel.
The revolver is quite light but the extra 1 1/8" of barrel REALLY takes the kick out of it.
My wife wasn't wild about shooting my steel framed Model 36 snubbie but loves her 3" M37 Airweight, and the gun is very accurate.
Ditto on the 148 grain wadcutter ammo already recommended for the .38 Special.
Just like a good ol' lead flatnose hunting bullet in .44 or 45, the wadcutter bullet truly slices a great wound channel . . . whereas a lot of round nose HP bullets in the light, slow speed category never open up . . . and end up basically as round nose bullets.
Round nose, non-expanding bullets are notorious in smaller calibers for wound channels closing right back up behind the bullet. Amazingly, the .38 Special wadcutters are pretty darn effective on the streets. I've got 'em RIGHT NOW as I type in my M37 snubbie. That's what I carry in that gun.
If the .38 Spl. is a little daunting in the 3" airweight . . .
2. Try to test a steel framed version of the M37 (Model 36) with a 3" barrel . . . or . . .
3. A 3" S&W steel J-frame Model 30 or 31 in .32 S&W Long. Those 3" barreled M30-31 revolvers are a pure joy to shoot. I don't know ANYONE who would want to be shot by one!!! Conversely, I don't know ANYONE who doesn't totally enjoy shooting the very light recoiling 32 S&W Long revolvers!!!
Best of all . . . these are all fine vintage revolvers of great quality that shouldn't break the bank to own.
Best wishes,
Tom
PS: Try to find ROUND BUTT versions of the models listed above, for Hogue makes some great rubber grips for soaking up the recoil for the round butt version, but NOT the square butt revolvers.
I surely hope you can find something you can still enjoy shooting, for both your enjoyment and protection. God Bless . . .
1. I'd recommend a S&W Model 37 aluminum framed Airweight with a THREE INCH barrel.
The revolver is quite light but the extra 1 1/8" of barrel REALLY takes the kick out of it.
My wife wasn't wild about shooting my steel framed Model 36 snubbie but loves her 3" M37 Airweight, and the gun is very accurate.
Ditto on the 148 grain wadcutter ammo already recommended for the .38 Special.
Just like a good ol' lead flatnose hunting bullet in .44 or 45, the wadcutter bullet truly slices a great wound channel . . . whereas a lot of round nose HP bullets in the light, slow speed category never open up . . . and end up basically as round nose bullets.
Round nose, non-expanding bullets are notorious in smaller calibers for wound channels closing right back up behind the bullet. Amazingly, the .38 Special wadcutters are pretty darn effective on the streets. I've got 'em RIGHT NOW as I type in my M37 snubbie. That's what I carry in that gun.
If the .38 Spl. is a little daunting in the 3" airweight . . .
2. Try to test a steel framed version of the M37 (Model 36) with a 3" barrel . . . or . . .
3. A 3" S&W steel J-frame Model 30 or 31 in .32 S&W Long. Those 3" barreled M30-31 revolvers are a pure joy to shoot. I don't know ANYONE who would want to be shot by one!!! Conversely, I don't know ANYONE who doesn't totally enjoy shooting the very light recoiling 32 S&W Long revolvers!!!
Best of all . . . these are all fine vintage revolvers of great quality that shouldn't break the bank to own.
Best wishes,
Tom
PS: Try to find ROUND BUTT versions of the models listed above, for Hogue makes some great rubber grips for soaking up the recoil for the round butt version, but NOT the square butt revolvers.
I surely hope you can find something you can still enjoy shooting, for both your enjoyment and protection. God Bless . . .
432PD 32 H&R Mag
Hello red 14.....My wife has really bad Rheumatoid Arthritis in her hands and wrists the same as you. We searched several gun stores for something that she could fire without hurting her. We finally found the Smith & Wesson 432 PD. She has practiced and has become very good with the weapon. Using the Mag. rounds I feel that well placed shots will bring the BG down. Good size and weight make this weapon what you may want for your cc carry...
Hello red 14.....My wife has really bad Rheumatoid Arthritis in her hands and wrists the same as you. We searched several gun stores for something that she could fire without hurting her. We finally found the Smith & Wesson 432 PD. She has practiced and has become very good with the weapon. Using the Mag. rounds I feel that well placed shots will bring the BG down. Good size and weight make this weapon what you may want for your cc carry...
OP
red14
US Veteran
I greatly appreciate all your informed responses. I am following up on these ideas and actively looking. There seem to be some good options here. WHEN I find what I'm looking for, I'll let ya'll know.
OP
red14
US Veteran
I found a 31-1.
The serial # is 57xxx. It has a 3" barrel and a flat latch. Does anyone know how old it may be?
It seems to be a good shooter.
The serial # is 57xxx. It has a 3" barrel and a flat latch. Does anyone know how old it may be?
It seems to be a good shooter.
OP
red14
US Veteran
Correction, the number is 745xxx. Oops.
Grayfox
US Veteran
Red, my wife has similar problems. I found her a Model 30 in .32 long. Same as your 31 only its a round butt. Then I slicked up the trigger and put in some Wolff springs until I had the trigger as light as I could make it while still getting reliable ignition. She handles it just fine.
I load it up with Mag-Tech 98gr JHPs. Excellent ammo. Completely reliable and very accurate. As far as i know this is the only avalible JHP ammo in .32 long.
The .32 may not be a power house, but it sure beats harsh language.
BTW: your serial number falls in the range made from 1961 to 1970. Best guess would be about mid-60s. The thumbpiece was changed in 1966.
I load it up with Mag-Tech 98gr JHPs. Excellent ammo. Completely reliable and very accurate. As far as i know this is the only avalible JHP ammo in .32 long.
The .32 may not be a power house, but it sure beats harsh language.
BTW: your serial number falls in the range made from 1961 to 1970. Best guess would be about mid-60s. The thumbpiece was changed in 1966.
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OP
red14
US Veteran
"The .32 may not be a power house, but it sure beats harsh language."
Good point.
Single action works really good, very accurate, for me. I need a trigger job, I can't reliably shoot DA.
Good point.
Single action works really good, very accurate, for me. I need a trigger job, I can't reliably shoot DA.
