ideal small home defense revolver?

[Kestrel]

I've got a 60 in .357 and an Airweight Ti in .38, but my bedside gun is (again), a somewhat larger K-Frame 64 in .38 Spl. A perfect setup.

Edit: A great thread on the 64's as a home defense gun is here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/198498-s-w-model-64-a.html

 

[44 Mag Fan]

I agree with Mc5aw,Coach gun in 20 ga is an excellent choice. But my sister loves my 870 in 410 ga. Now if I could just get it back.

 

[Macinaw]

I suggest putting the S&Ws on the back burner, and getting her a Coach Gun in 20 gauge with a Limb Saver recoil pad. Short barrel, easy target acquisition, various types of shot shells to use, and all without the recoil of a 12 gauge.

If I had a dime for every time I've heard a Cowboy shooter think this!


A downloaded 12 gauge (featherlights) has less recoil than most 20 gauge shot shells.


Most Cowboys that start with 20 gauge quickly switch to a 12 gauge. Less recoil and more available selection of shot shells.

 

[Bello]

Get hr a Glock 26

 

[S&WForty]

I appreciate all of the replies! I'll do some studying next time I fire up my PC rather than squint while phone surfing.

My mom last shot a cheap .22 revolver 30 years ago.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[vito]

My first handgun of any significance was a Model 19, 4 inch, back in 1986. Since then I have bought many handguns, but that Model 19, loaded with 38+p is my home defense gun. I know it is absolutely reliable, and I shoot it more accurately than any of my semi-autos or even my other revolvers (other than my 617 loaded with 22LR). I added Crimson Trace laser grips, and while nearly as pretty or comfortable as the original wood grips, the laser gives me an extra measure of accuracy especially in low light situations. I don't think you can go wrong with a quality 4-inch barrel revolver loaded with 38 Special or 38+p ammo.

 

[Infidel_319]

Ok, Lets Be Honest Here, A Revolver Its A Poor Home Defense Weapon, Period. Get A Mossberg 590A1 12 Gauge With The 8 Round Tube. I Use #4 Buck To Reduce The Chance Of Over Penetration And Its A Man Stopper, No Handgun Is.

 

[kozmic]

All of the above replies have merit for HD; wheel guns, bottom feeders, pumps, semi-auto shotguns, sxs, etc.... That is something you have to work out.
I would only be concerned about the long, heavy trigger pull of a double acting revolver. My wife who is a fit 50+ and has been shooting for quite a while still complains about shooting DA in both my Ruger SP101 and my S&W 28-2. Also, she is not very accurate shooting DA with them especially on quick follow up shots.

They can certainly be shot single action but I wouldn't want to add that extra step of cocking in a defensive situation. Both are fine guns but just what I have observed from her prospective. In any case, I would load them with a defensive .38s (+p if you want) and not necessarily a .357.

My defensive rigs are a Mossy 500 Persuader with a 8 round tube, Limbsaver recoil pad and a light and a FN P9 with a rail light. I think I grab the bedside 9mm and spare mags first and then make my way to the shotgun.

 

[DCWilson]

I was an NRA certified instructor for many years in the 70's and 80's. I used to routinely take housewives with no firearms experience and have them shooting Mod 10/64/65 double-action with 38 Specials in one day. Your mom needs some range time, preferrably with a self-defense instructor, to be able to make the best choice for her. Without the experience, all revolvers will seem too big and too loud for her.

My recommendations of where to start would be a good ol' 4" Model 10. I also like the Model 640 because of its double-action only action. The Model 642 Airweight is a handful even for someone with years of experience; the lighter weight is only valuable when you are carrying your sidearm on your hip all day.

First post from sac-gunslinger, howdy gang!

Exactly on point. The gun is not the question here: the shooter's physical and psychological comfort level is. Mom needs some range time and a self-defense course. Until she has done that, no one has any idea what the proper HD handgun for her is. Never train to the gun. Train to the need, then get the gun that best fits the trained individual's capabilities.

Sac-gunslinger, welcome to the forum. It's always fun to talk about the nuts and bolts of particular firearms, but every so often somebody should mix in a dollop of common sense. Thanks for doing so here. (And thanks also to the others who said pretty much the same thing.)

I know: kind of preachy this morning. I'm over-caffeinated. My BP and heart rate will be back to normal later.

 

[Stainz]

Let's indeed be honest here! This is a revolver forum - the OP's concerned revolvers.

I would suggest a .38 Special revolver, like a SS K-frame, such as a 4" 64. Many of these in good condition, from security guard companies, have hit the trade-in/used market and represent decent values. Some have bobbed hammers and/or are DAO models - like a 'hammerless' J-frame, that is no problem. The great attribute of a DA revolver is that all it takes is a trigger pull to go bang - very intuitive in an emergency - so 'DAO' isn't a problem. If recoil is a problem, and even the added mass of a SS K-frame doesn't tame the 'FBI load, a +P 158gr LHPSWC, doesn't fully tame the beast, there is always the milder recoil of 148gr lead full wadcutters, generally used as a target round, but it's always .357" size cuts a consistent hole - and is effective. It is a viable alternative to the FBI load for the recoil sensitive. Be sure and put a comfortable grip on it for her. Best of luck!

Stainz

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

All you need is a double barrel shotgun. If you hear someone breaking in, just fire both barrels out the window.

Then wait for the cops to come arrest you.

 

[turnejm]

Model 32 Terrier

May not be the most popular idea that has been suggested, but the less powerful 38 S&W round (not to be confused with the 38 Special) can still be found in quantity for the occasional use. The Model 32 "Terrier" is a steel frame revolver that will be easy to shoot and enjoyable for the range. Your "shooting buddy" will appreciate the thought and consideration, and maybe (sadly) when the time is to pass the inheritable firearm, there will be good times associated with it! Good Luck in your search! John

 

[OLDSTER]

defensive revolver

If it's to be a home defense gun, why does it need to be small?

I would not recommend a J-frame, especially an Airweight. Recoil is very snappy in one of the alloy-framed guns with +P .38 Special, and most people find it downright painful with .357 Magnum. The J's are more difficult to shoot accurately.

A K-frame revolver or compact autoloader would seem to be a better choice. I'm 75 and carry a J-frame concealed, but my home defense gun is a Model 10 loaded with +P.

Ideally, your mom should try a number of guns and decide what she likes and can shoot with reasonable comfort and accuracy.

Agree. My home defense gun is a 4" 686 with two speed loaders loaded with .38+P

 

[hotrod150]

Unless she needs to pack it around in her bathrobe pocket, I would advise against an airlite or airweight j-frame. A steel framed j such as the model 36 would be better, or even better yet a k-frame. A 3 or 4 inch model 10 loaded with wadcutters would probably be ideal. Revolvers are easier to handle than pistols in a stress situation and are probably the ideal home defense weapon, esp for low-time shooters: load & close the cylinder, and pull the trigger. No forcing rounds into clips, slide racking, etc. Shotguns are more effective but much less handy-- more likely to get hung up in narrow hallways etc, and much more likely to be stored in an inaccessable manner such as in the closet, gun safe, or garage. A handgun can go from room to room in a low-profile manner with mom while she watches TV, cooks dinner, goes to bed, etc-- even out to the garden in one of those little garden-tool totes.

 

[andrewstorm]

The 38 saftey hammerless,or new departure, made 1880 thru 1940 is fool proof,child proof and usually less than 300.00 used,the recoil is non issue,easy to aim for someone who rarely shoots,all the above and classic styling,grannie will love it

 

[S&WForty]

I like your points hotrod150. . I appreciate the continued feedback everyone.

 

[Old cop]

While I CCW a J frame my home defense (HD) gun is a 4" Model 13 .357 loaded w/the FBI +P .38. As others have indicated the K frame is the perfect HD solution.

 

[DaGOOSExyz]

38 S&W?

<<May not be the most popular idea that has been suggested, but the less powerful 38 S&W round (not to be confused with the 38 Special) can still be found in quantity for the occasional use. The Model 32 "Terrier" is a steel frame revolver that will be easy to shoot and enjoyable for the range. Your "shooting buddy" will appreciate the thought and consideration, and maybe (sadly) when the time is to pass the inheritable firearm, there will be good times associated with it! Good Luck in your search! John>>

Buffalo Bore on the internet is coming out with some defense ammo for the old 38 S&W. It is going to hit the market by
the end of the month or so I've been told. It will work in
most guns chambered for it EXCEPT FOR TOP LOADS. I have
a 32-1 ( the later made in the J frame instead of the I frame)
Terrier and plan to use it as a defense gun.

 

[M3Stuart]

+1 on the 4" K frame or a 3" J. Especially the 10, 64, etc.

ANY K frame would do fine for what you describe.

 

[STCM(SW)]

For my wife of 70++ years I have an old I frame Regulation Police in 38 S&W loaded with the Brit 200 gr bullets. The Brit commando's did in a lot of Germans & Japanizes with that round.

In her night stand is a old Colt Woodsman, same gun the OSS used in WW II on the same Enemies.....