Telecaster
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The 856 Defender? The 856 snubbie is pretty decent. Nice trigger. I might check this new one out.
Ideal revolvers to replace Shield?
- Thread starter Ranger17
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The 856 Defender? The 856 snubbie is pretty decent. Nice trigger. I might check this new one out.
You'll have to shoot a snub a bit to get up to speed, but the practicality is great. Love my 637, but since no one has mentioned it I'll put in a plug for the Ruger SP101. Convenient size, all steel, shoots 357's comfortably, and affordable. With 38's it should be a *****cat.
Any revolver, limited capacity and slow to reload.
Any revolver, limited capacity and slow to reload.
Rammer Jammer
Member
I'd take a look at the LCR series from Ruger. The triggers on them are far superior to those found on J frames.
I've got to join in on the Ruger LCR recommendations. Like stated above, the .327 Federal Magnum Model gives you six rounds and multiple choices on ammo selection. There are some very effective .32 H&R Magnum defense rounds available. Hoping Ruger decides to make a 3 inch barrel version at some point. Good luck!
HOUSTON RICK
Member
Another vote for S&W J-Frame. 5 rounds really is enough for civilian use. You do not have to worry about a safety, cycling or magazines "in the heat of battle". They also carry VERY easy in a pocket holster, especially the "Airlite" weighted ones. My specific recommendation is the Model 340 PD. Pretty crisp recoil with 357 magnum, but 38 is just fine depending on which you want to use.
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max503
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The OP said he likes to shoot. I would think this would be a better range/carry gun than a J frame.
When's the last time you shot a box of ammo or three out of your J frame? Especially if you have Arthur-itis. Ouch-chihuahua
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Telecaster
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The OP said he likes to shoot. I would think this would be a better range/carry gun than a J frame.
When's the last time you shot a box of ammo or three out of your J frame? Especially if you have Arthur-itis. Ouch-chihuahua
Pretty often. My 640 is a joy to shoot, and accurate. No arhritis, though, so I can't vouch for that aspect.
OP
Ranger17
Member
Hey all, just a note of thanks again in all the suggestions and feedback. From racking form to EZ's to the various revolver options, its all been appreciated.
In general, my issues are support (left) hand, pain when gripping or under pressure anywhere in thumb to wrist area. Wearing a brace to help minimize that also affects movement, grip etc when shooting. Sucks if I'm getting this and i'm still in my 50's; cant wait to see how it goes as I get older lol. Also hoping this doesn't bother my bow-fishing in summer but thats for another discussion.
So I'll still work with my semi autos; as I do enjoy shooting them. This is a hobby for me so range-time isn't just for practice but for fun as well. I wont bother owning something that I don't enjoy shooting.
Whether i get a revolver this year or hold out, at least I have some direction to start with. After all, even if my thumb/wrist was fine, I'd still like to add a revolver at some point.
Thx all!
In general, my issues are support (left) hand, pain when gripping or under pressure anywhere in thumb to wrist area. Wearing a brace to help minimize that also affects movement, grip etc when shooting. Sucks if I'm getting this and i'm still in my 50's; cant wait to see how it goes as I get older lol. Also hoping this doesn't bother my bow-fishing in summer but thats for another discussion.
So I'll still work with my semi autos; as I do enjoy shooting them. This is a hobby for me so range-time isn't just for practice but for fun as well. I wont bother owning something that I don't enjoy shooting.
Whether i get a revolver this year or hold out, at least I have some direction to start with. After all, even if my thumb/wrist was fine, I'd still like to add a revolver at some point.
Thx all!
31FordA
Member
Given the arthritis issue maybe an alloy frame gun would be unpleasant. My choices in a new all steel revolver would be the SP-101 or the new production Colt Cobra. I own both, and have carried the SP-101 for over ten years. The SP-101 is probably the better range gun, but the Colt holds six rounds instead of the Rugers five. Both can be had with bobbed hammers if you want something snag free.
If you don't mind used guns a 2" K frame (Model 10 or 64) or old Colt Detective Special are also good choices.
If you don't mind used guns a 2" K frame (Model 10 or 64) or old Colt Detective Special are also good choices.
I too have arthritis in my left thumb (and the right one). Racking slides is difficult but I've found that I can rack my Sig P365 without problems. So, I bought a second one.
I sold my Shield 9mm 1.0 because of arthritis issues. I got a Colt
Cobra 38 for around $400. It is a 6 rounder with the best trigger I've shot
in many years. Accurate and a gun you can put a box of ammo through
and enjoy and carry all day. ( have owned 8 S&W revolvers over the years).
Also as mentioned, the Kimber would be my second choice ($200+ over Colt).
If you want a range gun or carry OWB, then there are many S&W's or Rugers to choose from.
I just picked up a S&W 9mm EZ. It will replace my old Shield for concealed
carry (AIWB). I have NO problems racking the slide or loading the magazines. JMO
A lot of great suggestions posted! Good hunting!
Be SAFE and Shoot Often!
Cobra 38 for around $400. It is a 6 rounder with the best trigger I've shot
in many years. Accurate and a gun you can put a box of ammo through
and enjoy and carry all day. ( have owned 8 S&W revolvers over the years).
Also as mentioned, the Kimber would be my second choice ($200+ over Colt).
If you want a range gun or carry OWB, then there are many S&W's or Rugers to choose from.
I just picked up a S&W 9mm EZ. It will replace my old Shield for concealed
carry (AIWB). I have NO problems racking the slide or loading the magazines. JMO
A lot of great suggestions posted! Good hunting!
Be SAFE and Shoot Often!
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Jim Watson
Member
Unless you are shooting in USPSA or IDPA competition, you don't have to rack the slide very often at all.
At the range, grit your teeth and pull or bring the Vice grips and get the gun loaded to start. After that, you will either be shooting, paused with safety on (if any) or the gun empty with the slide back. Reload, close the slide and keep shooting.
Practice with the defensive weapon by exchanging the ammo in the magazine for econoball. Just shoot the hollowpoint in the chamber and carry on. You shouldn't cycle a round in and out of the chamber many times anyhow.
Field stripping for cleaning might be a challenge, but you can have tools for the purpose and no time limit.
At the range, grit your teeth and pull or bring the Vice grips and get the gun loaded to start. After that, you will either be shooting, paused with safety on (if any) or the gun empty with the slide back. Reload, close the slide and keep shooting.
Practice with the defensive weapon by exchanging the ammo in the magazine for econoball. Just shoot the hollowpoint in the chamber and carry on. You shouldn't cycle a round in and out of the chamber many times anyhow.
Field stripping for cleaning might be a challenge, but you can have tools for the purpose and no time limit.
Well, I am sure you have gotten a lot of good suggestions, but if I were going t a revolver( not being a J frame lover) I would get a 2" model 15-3. second choice would be a nice 2" RB model M10-5
jimbo728
Member
My best advise, although all mentioned is good, is to go to local shops and your range and ask to handle what ever catches your eye and see how it feels to you. Also, if you are considering your first revolver, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. If you find one that you feel comfortable with you may wonder what took you so long to buy one.
Jim
Jim
I have arthritis in every knuckle in every finger and both thumbs along with both wrist. At the age of 57 I had thumb replacement surgery on my left hand because of it.
My edc until selling it last October was a 2 1/2" 66ND with a Shield 9mm for times when I knew I would be getting lots of hugs.
The 66 is a k frame 6 shot that is much easier to shoot that any j frame and heavy enough when you use rubber grips to take the sting out of .357 magnums.
I had no problems carrying it all day iwb.
My edc until selling it last October was a 2 1/2" 66ND with a Shield 9mm for times when I knew I would be getting lots of hugs.
The 66 is a k frame 6 shot that is much easier to shoot that any j frame and heavy enough when you use rubber grips to take the sting out of .357 magnums.
I had no problems carrying it all day iwb.
Ziggy2525
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IMO, shooting 200+ rounds in one range session through a j-frame, even a steel one, isn't a lot of fun.
See if you can rent some different types and sizes of revolvers and put some rounds through them to see how your hands hold up.
There are some other semi-auto options too. The already mentioned S&W EZ's. The SIG P250 gen2 subcompact has a very easy to rack slide. So does the Sig P238.
See if you can rent some different types and sizes of revolvers and put some rounds through them to see how your hands hold up.
There are some other semi-auto options too. The already mentioned S&W EZ's. The SIG P250 gen2 subcompact has a very easy to rack slide. So does the Sig P238.
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Black Knight
Member
While a J frame is easier to carry I'm for the 6 shot K frame with a 2 - 3 inch barrel. They are slightly bulkier than the J frame but the trigger pulls are much better. The J frames I have tried in the last 20 years were terrible to say the least.
bowzette
Member
I have a LCR .357. I shoot .38 at the range and carry SGD 135gr Short Barrel in .357. This is around 70 ft lbs more than the .38+P SGD load. Very manageable and the LCR has a great trigger pull. However the reset has to be all the way forward-long and light. I have to train to fully release the trigger and not short stroke. Much easier to do when actually firing the gun due to recoil than in dry fire practice. I also have a LCR in .22lr as a trainer. Heavier trigger pull which makes it even better for practice especially dry firing. I recently bought a Kimber K6s. First time I took it to the range with the LCR my impressions were-"what a great gun the LCR is"-at 2/3 the price :-( The Kimber went back to the factory for trigger work and sight regulation. It is hitting where I aim but Kimber didn't do anything to the overly heavy and nochie trigger. So the Kimber is at my gunsmith getting a descent trigger job on a $700 gun. The upside to the Kimber is it appears to be very accurate even at 15 yds. I have no regrets about buying the LCR .357 and LCR .22lr. Love for the Kimber is still an open question. I also have a Smith model 65 three inch bull barrel and round butt. This was worked over by the Smith Custom Shop and sold as a Custom Shop gun. Hammer bobbed and double action to die for. But it is a heavy lump for me to carry and more of Safe Queen.
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