Looking for a new Gun

[442js]

I finally decided to get my CCW, and went to the range to get qualified yesterday. I had no problem qualifying with my Five-Seven, but couldn't hit the target at 15 yards (and not consistent at 7 yards) with my 442. I had to rent a Ruger to qualify. I already got some very useful ideas from the nice people in the concealed weapons forum here.

I am thinking that perhaps I should look into a better range revolver, and if I can use it for CCW, great. I was thinking of a .22 since the ammo is cheap, but I would prefer not to stock a third caliber ammo. I don't reload, ammo is sometimes hard to get, and unfortunately prices are higher.

Can anyone recommend a good gun that would be a good range gun, and perhaps could be a good CCW gun? I saw posts about a 3" 686. I can use my 38 special ammo in the 442, and have a better range gun as well as use .357 magnum if I wanted. I have issues with the 442 sights, how good are the 686 sights? Anyone else have any other ideas?

Thank you all.

 

[okie john]

The 442 normally is a pretty solid piece. I'd try different ammo before I went to a different gun.


Okie John

 

[442js]

The 442 normally is a pretty solid piece. I'd try different ammo before I went to a different gun.


Okie John

The +P ammo at home is good at short range for me since I have a hard time with the recoil. I used lead-free non +P wadcutters at the range (range provides the ammo) which was better for me. I still couldn't hit long distance. I suspect it is more me than the ammo or the gun, though the sights are an issue for me with the 442. I will probably try the crimson trace next.

 

[New 2 the J]

442Js, I have a 442 as well. The front sight is hard to pick up in a not well lit range, that's for sure! But with a little practice it shouldnt be too hard...

For a 7 yard range shot, you shouldnt really need to look at the sights too much for the purpose of aiming. If you can correct your hand position so the gun naturally "points" better, this will help your close range shooting.

I took my 442 to the range and for fun ran the target to about the 20 yard mark and took my time and squeezed off 5 rounds. Getting the sight picture correct at that range was a bit rough but my first and third shots were in the 10 circle, the other 3 were in the 9. I'd consider that a long range shot out of a 1 7/8's barrel!

Changing the grip on my 442 from the wood stock boot grips to U/M's Combat Grips really helped my gun point more naturally. Now when I flop it out there, the sights are pretty much right there at my eyes. This is something you should practice alot if you intend to carry this gun as a CCW. I practice in my house when im bored with snap caps. Drawing, pointing, squeezing the trigger to roll the cylinder and click the hammer back into position, then the final squeeze to fire. Rinse and repeat about 1000 times and you should be getting pretty comfortable with the "pointing" process.

 

[murphydog]

I agree the first steps to try would be different stocks and lots of dry fire practice. Trying different ammunition from a rest will let you know if a particular round just doesn't shoot well in your gun. If all else fails, there are several target-sighted J frames in .38 Special, however most will be steel-framed and DA and not as convenient to carry as your 442.

 

[NFrameFred]

Nothing personal, but I have observed many times folks trying to "buy" improved performance or skill. Spend a little more, get a different model, etc., etc., whether it's a musical instrument, a gun, or a golf club.

Most of the time these folks would be better served by putting in more practice time than trying a new widget. In the case of a firearm, the money spent on going to a different model is, IMO, better spent on practice ammo.

Some guns fit some hands better than others and some are more recoil sensitive than others so the possibility always exists that the wrong model was indeed purchased to begin with. BUT, my observations lead me to believe that probably 95% of the time ( no, I have no scientific data to back that up ) the improvement from extra practice and increased rounds downrange ( and maybe a bit of proper instruction) leads to a lot of shooters "making friends" with the gun they have instead of the one they lust after in the pictures . By all means, try as many different models as possible that belong to other people before you spend good money after bad.

One of the reasons I say this is because I've known so many to get disillusioned with a handgun from initial poor range performance , sell it, and then find down the road they wish they really had kept it once their skills had improved. Grips that don't fit us can always be changed and we all can improve with practice. Just something to consider.

 

[Crazy K38]

well get a good holster and a 3 inch bbl 686. You even get to upgrade to 357 mag that way!

 

[DeadAye]

If you bought the 442 to carry because it's light weight - You probably won't carry the 686 very often (sort of defeats the purpose of a CC permit) - The sucker is HEAVY compared to a 442.
I would either keep practicing with the 442 or *upgrade* to an all steel J-Frame Snubby - Much less felt recoil and still concealable. You'd also probably have to be a pretty BIG guy to CC an L-Frame Smith...... I guess you could dress around it - I couldn't

 

[442js]

Nothing personal, but I have observed many times folks trying to "buy" improved performance or skill. Spend a little more, get a different model, etc., etc., whether it's a musical instrument, a gun, or a golf club.

Most of the time these folks would be better served by putting in more practice time than trying a new widget. In the case of a firearm, the money spent on going to a different model is, IMO, better spent on practice ammo.

Some guns fit some hands better than others and some are more recoil sensitive than others so the possibility always exists that the wrong model was indeed purchased to begin with. BUT, my observations lead me to believe that probably 95% of the time ( no, I have no scientific data to back that up ) the improvement from extra practice and increased rounds downrange ( and maybe a bit of proper instruction) leads to a lot of shooters "making friends" with the gun they have instead of the one they lust after in the pictures . By all means, try as many different models as possible that belong to other people before you spend good money after bad.

One of the reasons I say this is because I've known so many to get disillusioned with a handgun from initial poor range performance , sell it, and then find down the road they wish they really had kept it once their skills had improved. Grips that don't fit us can always be changed and we all can improve with practice. Just something to consider.

I don't think it is possible to buy my way into better performance, practice is the way to go. I think I am okay for short range with the 442 (can always do better) which is what the gun is designed for, but I have a problem using the sights for long distance shooting with that gun.

If I was going to fire nothing but +P ammo, I think the 442 is the wrong gun for me because the recoil is pretty brutal for me. Non +P ammo isn't bad at all. I have a pretty big hand so it is hard for me to get comfortable with the 442 because it is a small gun. But I bought it because it was a smaller gun, easier concealable, and a good gun.

I probably should look into different grips as that could help with the recoil. I was thinking of crimson trace which may help with recoil plus hopefully help my shooting a bit.

 

[442js]

If you bought the 442 to carry because it's light weight - You probably won't carry the 686 very often (sort of defeats the purpose of a CC permit) - The sucker is HEAVY compared to a 442.
I would either keep practicing with the 442 or *upgrade* to an all steel J-Frame Snubby - Much less felt recoil and still concealable. You'd also probably have to be a pretty BIG guy to CC an L-Frame Smith...... I guess you could dress around it - I couldn't

The 442 isn't going anywhere. I have the strong feeling I would regret giving up that gun. My other carry gun (when I get my permit) is a FsN which is a winter gun. Weighs more than the 442, but less than a 686. I am a larger guy, but not that big.

I think I am going to think about it. Definitely keep practicing with the 442 because that gun will be a carry gun. If I improve, that will be the end of it. Otherwise, I can revisit the 686 or another revolver that I can carry, and be a good range gun.

 

[Larry from Bend]

Isn't there anyone at your range qualified to help you with your practice? They may see the problem right away. At least do this:

1. Have someone load your 442 with some both live rounds and empties in the cylinder at the same time (you don't know where the empties are in the rotation) and then closely watch you shoot. You may be flinching (you mention the recoil as being brutal with +Ps).

2. If you ARE flinching, I'd vote for buying the .22. Start over, and learn how to control the weapon.

3. At the range, wear BOTH ear plugs and muffs. This sometimes helps a flinch.

4. To me, especially after buying a chronograph, +Ps are NOT that big a deal over non +Ps in a 1 7/8" barrel. If you shoot that much better with non +Ps, I'd use them.

I used to carry a 2 1/2" Model 19 in a Bianchi Pistol Pocket and, although I put up with it, I replaced it with an Airweight model 38 for most situations and am MUCH more apt to have it on me.

Best of Luck -- Remember this is supposed to be enjoyable!