Maybe it's time I got back to the basics . . .
- Thread starter Erich
- Start date
Groo here
The reason for the sp101 is weight and strength.
My carry load is 125 rem sjhp express [the
barrel crackers].
I also carry a special 180 to 200gr mag load
that JD Jones should me how to make.
My friends call the " Markey Monster Maller"
The reason for the sp101 is weight and strength.
My carry load is 125 rem sjhp express [the
barrel crackers].
I also carry a special 180 to 200gr mag load
that JD Jones should me how to make.
My friends call the " Markey Monster Maller"
BobK
Member
I have always felt that I was aedequately armed with a .38 spl.!
My usual carry, is an old M-36.....it works just fine. At times, I carry a 2" M-10 in a belt slide holster
(Don Hume), when I can wear a good cover garmet.
Any "perceived" need for a better, more powerful revolver, is handled by a
M-66-1 2 1/2" in a 3 slot Bianchi holster.
I never felt that I should have multiple guns, in multiple calibers, for carry. Knowing how to use one type of revolver, would seem to be an advantage to me! I was never one to date more than one girl at a time.
Bob
(Don Hume), when I can wear a good cover garmet.
Any "perceived" need for a better, more powerful revolver, is handled by a
M-66-1 2 1/2" in a 3 slot Bianchi holster.
I never felt that I should have multiple guns, in multiple calibers, for carry. Knowing how to use one type of revolver, would seem to be an advantage to me! I was never one to date more than one girl at a time.
Erich,
You and I are on the same wave length, although I favor stainless guns for the sweat/rust resistance. I will typically be found with a 640 or 940 loaded with the old FBI load, 158 gr. SWCHP +P, or one step up, a Model 66 2.5" loaded with standard 158 gr SWC .357s.
As I get older, I appreciate the beautiful simplicity of a handy revolver. Point. Pull Trigger. Nothing much else to learn or remember. Those 3 guns should get me out of any foreseeable trouble, city or country. They pack well and will be effective.
Now honestly, if there's a chance of Griz on the trail, I will pack a .45 Colt Mountain Gun or a 4" 629, but mostly the chances are few and far between.
BTW, we used to live in the NE Heights up on Holiday. Loved to tramp in the Sandias, and miss the beautiful view of those mountains from our front window. Also miss the snow, but not as much...
You and I are on the same wave length, although I favor stainless guns for the sweat/rust resistance. I will typically be found with a 640 or 940 loaded with the old FBI load, 158 gr. SWCHP +P, or one step up, a Model 66 2.5" loaded with standard 158 gr SWC .357s.
As I get older, I appreciate the beautiful simplicity of a handy revolver. Point. Pull Trigger. Nothing much else to learn or remember. Those 3 guns should get me out of any foreseeable trouble, city or country. They pack well and will be effective.
Now honestly, if there's a chance of Griz on the trail, I will pack a .45 Colt Mountain Gun or a 4" 629, but mostly the chances are few and far between.
BTW, we used to live in the NE Heights up on Holiday. Loved to tramp in the Sandias, and miss the beautiful view of those mountains from our front window. Also miss the snow, but not as much...
Erich,
This was a great thead.
It's a month into 2008.
How did you do ??
xfuzz
This was a great thead.
It's a month into 2008.
How did you do ??
xfuzz
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Erich
Member
You know, on January First I ran around carrying my new-in-November S&W Sigma (a good gun) for a week. Then I went back to carrying the Model 38-2 for the rest of the month (except for a couple days when I carried the 3" 36-1) - it's just so convenient.
I'm more convinced than ever that a five-shot aluminum-framed .38 Special is the ideal defensive gun for most purposes. It's small and light enough to always have along, in any public style of dress. It is lethal. It is capable of adequate accuracy. It is simple to use. It allows an instant draw with a "firm final firing" grip. The capacity is very unlikely to be an issue. It's easy to handload for.
I have done a couple of things to make my life easier carrying the J-38s:
I had Srigs make me up a dual speed strip pouch for my pocket. This keeps the speed strips where I want them and allows me to carry cast bullets for reloads. It has made carrying the .38s a much more reasonable prospect and was $20 well spent.
I've practiced a lot more with them. I've been loading and shooting more .38 Special ammo than usual. I've also gotten a lot more aware of the abilities of my Airweight to shoot really hot .38 ammo, should I ever want to do so. I have modified my old defensive wadcutter carry ammo to use Tennessee Valley hardcast bullets, which give me even more velocity (955 fps from the 1 7/8" Airweight) and which are very unlikely to deform on a meat target. I've shot a mess of them through the 38-2 and know how to handle them and how they group (well!).
After thinking about shooting these guns and shooting and dry-firing them a good deal, I realized that my hand was able to point them very accurately with just the factory wood stocks on the grip frame. However, for actual shooting purposes, the gripframe was so small that too much of my trigger finger was going through the triggerguard, which was resulting in the gun being moved off target by my triggerstroke. To address this, I ordered a Tyler T-grip from the Tyler company. Turns out they're incontrovertably messed up, and I STILL don't have the adapter that they promised would be delivered the second week in November. Okay, fine: I went and found out where the last of the Pachmayr grip adapters were hiding (remember these?
) and bought some of them (for two of my J-38s and for my Model 15). They fix the problem mentioned and also make the guns more controllable in recoil - a good thing with the hot rounds I've been carrying.
Anyway, that's the report. This experiment has made me more willing to carry the .38 Special and, frankly, more adept at using it.
I'm more convinced than ever that a five-shot aluminum-framed .38 Special is the ideal defensive gun for most purposes. It's small and light enough to always have along, in any public style of dress. It is lethal. It is capable of adequate accuracy. It is simple to use. It allows an instant draw with a "firm final firing" grip. The capacity is very unlikely to be an issue. It's easy to handload for.
I have done a couple of things to make my life easier carrying the J-38s:
I had Srigs make me up a dual speed strip pouch for my pocket. This keeps the speed strips where I want them and allows me to carry cast bullets for reloads. It has made carrying the .38s a much more reasonable prospect and was $20 well spent.
I've practiced a lot more with them. I've been loading and shooting more .38 Special ammo than usual. I've also gotten a lot more aware of the abilities of my Airweight to shoot really hot .38 ammo, should I ever want to do so. I have modified my old defensive wadcutter carry ammo to use Tennessee Valley hardcast bullets, which give me even more velocity (955 fps from the 1 7/8" Airweight) and which are very unlikely to deform on a meat target. I've shot a mess of them through the 38-2 and know how to handle them and how they group (well!).
After thinking about shooting these guns and shooting and dry-firing them a good deal, I realized that my hand was able to point them very accurately with just the factory wood stocks on the grip frame. However, for actual shooting purposes, the gripframe was so small that too much of my trigger finger was going through the triggerguard, which was resulting in the gun being moved off target by my triggerstroke. To address this, I ordered a Tyler T-grip from the Tyler company. Turns out they're incontrovertably messed up, and I STILL don't have the adapter that they promised would be delivered the second week in November. Okay, fine: I went and found out where the last of the Pachmayr grip adapters were hiding (remember these?
Anyway, that's the report. This experiment has made me more willing to carry the .38 Special and, frankly, more adept at using it.
Erich,
My thought processes have paralleled yours. For on-the-body carry, it will be a hot-loaded .38 special (in a 640 or 649), or if I want to feel really extra-specially armed for whatever reason, it will be a 2.5" Model 66 in .357, stuffed with normal 158-gr hollow point loads. The J-frames fit in my right front pocket using Barami Hip-grips and Tyler T-grip adapters, and the 66 fits in an inside-the-waistband FIST holster made of very thin Kydex, with leather belt loops. The 66 wears compact Ahrends grips; the combination doesn't "print" at all and is quite comfortable.
I think there is a lot to be said for using one system, and under the stress of danger, simpler is better. With the revolver, it's aim, pull trigger; no states of readiness to worry about, and you have 5 or 6 for sure.
I've been a 1911 man forever, and if I knew I was going into mortal combat with multiple assailants, I'd probably opt for that. But the odds of that scenario happening are slim, and I'd still feel well-armed with a revolver and some spare ammo. Plus, the revolver leaves no brass on the ground...
My thought processes have paralleled yours. For on-the-body carry, it will be a hot-loaded .38 special (in a 640 or 649), or if I want to feel really extra-specially armed for whatever reason, it will be a 2.5" Model 66 in .357, stuffed with normal 158-gr hollow point loads. The J-frames fit in my right front pocket using Barami Hip-grips and Tyler T-grip adapters, and the 66 fits in an inside-the-waistband FIST holster made of very thin Kydex, with leather belt loops. The 66 wears compact Ahrends grips; the combination doesn't "print" at all and is quite comfortable.
I think there is a lot to be said for using one system, and under the stress of danger, simpler is better. With the revolver, it's aim, pull trigger; no states of readiness to worry about, and you have 5 or 6 for sure.
I've been a 1911 man forever, and if I knew I was going into mortal combat with multiple assailants, I'd probably opt for that. But the odds of that scenario happening are slim, and I'd still feel well-armed with a revolver and some spare ammo. Plus, the revolver leaves no brass on the ground...
OP
Erich
Member
CelticSire
US Veteran
Erich,
About your dual strip pouch - any problems with the strips getting tangled together? I like the design, but I'd consider a seperator or divider between the two strips, maybe another piece of leather sewn in to make two pockets? Curious as to how well the strips come out when needed in a hurry. I carry the same basic setup on a daily basis as a BUG, but right now I'm carrying two speed loaders and want to reduce the bulk in my offside pocket.
About your dual strip pouch - any problems with the strips getting tangled together? I like the design, but I'd consider a seperator or divider between the two strips, maybe another piece of leather sewn in to make two pockets? Curious as to how well the strips come out when needed in a hurry. I carry the same basic setup on a daily basis as a BUG, but right now I'm carrying two speed loaders and want to reduce the bulk in my offside pocket.
OP
Erich
Member
CS, the basic design of the pouch was my idea, but Srigs engineered it just right. There is enough clearance that the two loaded strips do not entangle. The strips draw from the pouch somewhat faster than they do from a pocket without the pouch - less friction due to the semi-hard pouch holding the pocket material away from sliding up against the cases on the way out, I suppose. Of course, another very important thing is that the strips are always held in the proper position for drawing them out.
I've been carrying the Srigs speedloader rough pouch for some weeks now and have not so much as nicked a hardcast bullet (this from the guy who managed to dent jacketed bullets in speed strips in his pocket).
I've been carrying the Srigs speedloader rough pouch for some weeks now and have not so much as nicked a hardcast bullet (this from the guy who managed to dent jacketed bullets in speed strips in his pocket).
tom turner
US Veteran
Hi Erich,
Like you, on pg. 4 or 5, I stated that I had also taken to carrying only S&W wheelguns for the remainder of the year . . . putting my Kimber Ultra CDP compact 1911 away.
How'd I do?
I didn't miss the Kimber at all . . . even as light as it is! The M-36 has found a nice, comfortable spot in my pants pocket holster and goes almost everywhere with me (off the job that is).
It is backed with my trusty, chopped 25-2 . . . now sporting some nice stags from The Executioner. Now I just need to get a Tyler T-grip for the N frame . . . and another set of stags from Patrick for the little J frame!
Strangely, last week I strapped on the Kimber one night. It felt familiar and comfortable . . . but I'm back to the J-frame I must confess! Mine's a tackdriver and I feel quite well armed with the tiny J.
T.
Like you, on pg. 4 or 5, I stated that I had also taken to carrying only S&W wheelguns for the remainder of the year . . . putting my Kimber Ultra CDP compact 1911 away.
How'd I do?
I didn't miss the Kimber at all . . . even as light as it is! The M-36 has found a nice, comfortable spot in my pants pocket holster and goes almost everywhere with me (off the job that is).
It is backed with my trusty, chopped 25-2 . . . now sporting some nice stags from The Executioner. Now I just need to get a Tyler T-grip for the N frame . . . and another set of stags from Patrick for the little J frame!
Strangely, last week I strapped on the Kimber one night. It felt familiar and comfortable . . . but I'm back to the J-frame I must confess! Mine's a tackdriver and I feel quite well armed with the tiny J.
T.
Spotteddog
Member
Erich,
Thanks for the report! And especially on the hard cast upgrade (nudge,nudge,wink wink).
If your willing to try a pair, the Hideout grips your currently running on your 3" M-65 (love that gun!) for the J frames, fills up all the places the stunt double Pachy product and the other Co., (who's name shall go unmentioned) products do. They're what my daily carry J has been wearing for about a year now. They come to the sights on the draw and have worn far better than the finish on the gun, anymore? They really are tough as Hell!
Thanks for the report! And especially on the hard cast upgrade (nudge,nudge,wink wink).
If your willing to try a pair, the Hideout grips your currently running on your 3" M-65 (love that gun!) for the J frames, fills up all the places the stunt double Pachy product and the other Co., (who's name shall go unmentioned) products do. They're what my daily carry J has been wearing for about a year now. They come to the sights on the draw and have worn far better than the finish on the gun, anymore? They really are tough as Hell!
gaucho1
Member
Tom Turner
E-mail sent
Thank You
E-mail sent
Thank You
Groo01
Member
EricOriginally posted by Erich:
You know, on January First I ran around carrying my new-in-November S&W Sigma (a good gun) for a week. Then I went back to carrying the Model 38-2 for the rest of the month (except for a couple days when I carried the 3" 36-1) - it's just so convenient.
I'm more convinced than ever that a five-shot aluminum-framed .38 Special is the ideal defensive gun for most purposes. It's small and light enough to always have along, in any public style of dress. It is lethal. It is capable of adequate accuracy. It is simple to use. It allows an instant draw with a "firm final firing" grip. The capacity is very unlikely to be an issue. It's easy to handload for.
I have done a couple of things to make my life easier carrying the J-38s:
I had Srigs make me up a dual speed strip pouch for my pocket. This keeps the speed strips where I want them and allows me to carry cast bullets for reloads. It has made carrying the .38s a much more reasonable prospect and was $20 well spent.
I've practiced a lot more with them. I've been loading and shooting more .38 Special ammo than usual. I've also gotten a lot more aware of the abilities of my Airweight to shoot really hot .38 ammo, should I ever want to do so. I have modified my old defensive wadcutter carry ammo to use Tennessee Valley hardcast bullets, which give me even more velocity (955 fps from the 1 7/8" Airweight) and which are very unlikely to deform on a meat target. I've shot a mess of them through the 38-2 and know how to handle them and how they group (well!).
After thinking about shooting these guns and shooting and dry-firing them a good deal, I realized that my hand was able to point them very accurately with just the factory wood stocks on the grip frame. However, for actual shooting purposes, the gripframe was so small that too much of my trigger finger was going through the triggerguard, which was resulting in the gun being moved off target by my triggerstroke. To address this, I ordered a Tyler T-grip from the Tyler company. Turns out they're incontrovertably messed up, and I STILL don't have the adapter that they promised would be delivered the second week in November. Okay, fine: I went and found out where the last of the Pachmayr grip adapters were hiding (remember these?) and bought some of them (for two of my J-38s and for my Model 15). They fix the problem mentioned and also make the guns more controllable in recoil - a good thing with the hot rounds I've been carrying.
Anyway, that's the report. This experiment has made me more willing to carry the .38 Special and, frankly, more adept at using it.
That speed strip holder???
Where how much and how about a strip of material in the middle to seperate the strips so when you pull one the other stays in??
Thanks Groo
PeterCartwright
Member
Whoa! I'm nearly two years late finding this thread, but what an interesting read. Thanks, Eric, for lots of helpful insights. (I also think the lowly .38 Spl. is vastly underrated toward the purposes for which it was designed.)
Any updates?
PC
Any updates?
PC
norfdet
Member
Peter don't feel bad I am in the same boat!
It's interesting to see just how popular j-frames have become, its as if old has become new again. I have been carrying a j-frame since 1991, mostly as a BUG for my duty gun which started out as a wheel gun. Over the years when my department transitioned to semi-autos I too switched to smaller versions for back up and off duty but for some reason I always found myself coming back to a j-frame. I work for a department that only allows one off-duty/back-up gun and the only thing that I have found that fits the bill 99.9% of the time is a j-frame. I admit that its probably not what I want to have with me if I were caught in the middle of a bank robbery but then again how many of us has that happened to and at least having a j-frame is better than the larger gun that has been left at home.
The j-frames are great choices and seem to be gaining in popularity across a broad range of people. They are reliable, powerful and concealable and there are not too many other guns out there that can accomplish that.
