Looking to buy

[CW1027]

Currently have a kel-tec 9mm pistol. I'm really wanting either a .38 special or .357 revolver. Partial towards Smith and Wesson, but any suggestions are welcome. I would likely sell or trade my pistol and use this gun to carry. I have never owned a revolver, if anyone wants to give me some tips on what to look for I'd be delighted.

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[bigwheelzip]

If you want to comfortably target shoot 150 rounds or more of full power .357 in a session, a 3, 4, or 5 inch 686/686+ is a good place to start. The 3" can be carried without too much difficulty.

If you can be a bit more specific about the use you foresee for the revolver, the suggestions can be more targeted to your needs. "J" and "K" frames are smaller/lighter and easiest to carry but feel more recoil, "L" and "N" frames are larger/heavier, absorb more recoil, and thus are easier to shoot.

 

[sammynomas]

A 586(blued) or 686 (stainless) with a three or four inch barrel is a great start, but they are a bit heavy. Another possibility is a Model 66 k-frame, bit smaller and lighter to carry or conceal.

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[UncleEd]

You might consider a Model 10/13/64/65 as a starter.


And at first stick with .38 and shooting double action
only.

As for other tips:

Check out Grant Cunningham's books on revolver
carry and shooting. See Amazon.

Also look up the web site of the Lucky Gunner,
which currently features why revolver shooting
helps in shooting all kinds of handguns.

Also check out the RevolverGuy web site for reviews and
opinions on wheel guns.

 

[CW1027]

Look at the 637 and 638. Anyone have one?

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[UncleEd]

Look at the 637 and 638. Anyone have one?

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Uh oh, looks like you're already making up your mind.
OK, Smith's smallest framed .38s which are easy to
carry but depending on your experience heavy on the
recoil if you're not used to it. They also have the
heaviest factory triggers compared to the Smith
K and L frames.

Again, check out RevolverGuy, Grant Cunningham and
Lucky Gunner---all with plenty of commentary on the
"belly guns."

 

[Tex1001]

Rent or borrow all the revolvers that you can and shoot them. Check out the Ruger SP101 for a small magnum carry revolver.
Above all, don't let anyone tell you "You must buy this".
Make yourself happy and comfortable with your purchase.

_______________________
I don't have Alzheimer's- My wife had me tested.

 

[Flyingfool]

Hate to say it on this site. But also consider the LCR in 357. Can choose to shoot 38 or 38+p as well. Not as nice looking as a S&W but light and easy carry.

As far as older guns, may want to consider the ruger speed six or security six.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Hi CW1027!

I've got a 637. It's a nice little gun that weighs about a pound fully loaded. It's very easy to carry in a pocket, and in a holster you won't even know it's there. It's a very accurate gun also.

The downsides are that a small revolver like a 637 can be very difficult to shoot. Because it's so light a flinch can develop with +p rounds if a shooter is recoil sensitive.

Might I suggest either a Model 60, 640, or 649 if you are interested in j frames. They are all made of stainless steel, so they weigh about a half a pound more than the Airweights like the 637. The extra weight helps with the recoil. They are as accurate as the 637, still fit into a pocket, and are a very easy carry in a holster. They still have a short sight radius so shooting them can still be difficult, but at least the recoil won't be as bad. All three can be found chambered in both .38 special and .357. Hope this helps!

 

[CapnB]

While I have no experience with any of the newer three digit Smiths, I can say with certainty that any K frame model will be way more fun to shoot than a J frame, and someone a lot wiser than me once said "the best handgun for self defense is the one you shoot the most". I'm partial to the 2" Model 15, but the round-butted and stainless 64 is a good choice too, and nothing wrong with Model 10's either. I have (at least) one of each. At self defense distances they are far more accurate than most of the people shooting them, myself included. Again, I'm quoting here, but they don't call them Combat Masterpieces for nothing.��
Doug

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from Wyoming.

It's hard to beat a S&W J-frame Centennial models for carry. The Centennials have enclosed hammers so there's nothing to snag on clothing. Many disparage the small framed .357 Magnums as too tough to shoot, but it's really all about having the right grips.

Loaded weight of my M&P 340 is one pound, and my 640 Pro is one and a half pounds. I'm not a big fan of rubber grips, but the Hogue Tamer on my 340 is fantastic. The 640 wears a pair of Karl Nill grips. Both are hand filling and accommodate the magnums without a problem.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[RGVshooter]

Can't go wrong with a S&W model 642 snub nose 38 special for concealed carry. There are a lot of 4" barrel model 10's and 67's police trade ins on the market for around #300 bux. I have a 4" model 10 police trade that I carry on occasion. It was good enough to be on a police officer's belt 30 yrs ago, it's still good enough for civilian carry today.

 

[dr. mordo]

Hate to say it on this site. But also consider the LCR in 357. Can choose to shoot 38 or 38+p as well. Not as nice looking as a S&W but light and easy carry.

As far as older guns, may want to consider the ruger speed six or security six.

I agree. I have a 637 that I like very much, but the LCR is in my pocket pretty much every day. Stock LCRs have a lighter trigger than a J frame Smith, the proprietary grip is outstanding for absorbing recoil, and they come with better sights.

If you don't mind a brown camo pattern, CDNN has them for $329 plus shipping.

That said, if you are just going to own one revolver, I might look for a K frame like a model 10, 64, or even 13. Southern Ohio Gun has double action only police trade-in 64's for $250 right now. A four inch barrel is still very concealable - I frequently carry one as a concealed weapon.