Retirement Gun

[Bullet Bob]

"I want good sights. I want to be able to get a good D.A. trigger pull. I used to shoot NRA Bullseye so I want to be able to hit at 50 yards."

Sounds like you need three different guns to me, unless you want to carry a heavier gun, like a K frame. I've read about triggers on J frames that have been worked on to be as good as a K frame for over 50 years, but I've never seen one in person. They can certainly be okay, and I have seen some people shoot what I consider fantastic groups with them at 50 yards. I personally would need an eye transplant to do so.

I think at least two guns would be in my future if I were you.

 

[hkcavalier]

Little confused by the 50yd requirement, not many (legal) defensive encounters at that range.

I really like the 637 Wyatt Deep Cover, 60PC and the 640 Pro.

 

[nachogrande]

FIRST AND FOREMOST

Congrats on your retirement & joints. I too, think 50 yards is a lot to ask from a pocket S/D gun. Hammers & adjustable sights don't compute for a pocket/S/D gun, for me. If "way down south" & plan on wearing the retired guy uniform, a sleeveless T shirt/ underwear/ sneakers, & cargo shorts if leaving home. For me that would be a steel centennial or humpback for pocket & MAYBE a 3" K frame/adj sights/hammer (mdl 19???) for the belt.

 

[les.b]

As others have said, the 640 Pro Series is the only one which meets your requirements. Best sights on a J frame that I have ever seen. Stainless steel. Great to shoot with 38s, but can easily handle the 357s as well.

Have a great retirement!!

 

[Old cop]

I agree that the Model 60 snub fits your requirements but I find it pulls my pants down when I pocket carry. My 340PD no-lock has been rock solid since I got it last year. Very light and not too bad to shoot w/+P but full magnum loads are another thing.

 

[CH4]

Another vote for the 640-1 Pro. You only retire once and you don't want to cap off a career with plastic.

 

[cmansguns]

don't forget the Model 637

My EDC for a decade +, the Model 637-2, meets all your requirements except sights. This gun is both smooth, and accurate, DA/SA, + P ammo no problem.

I carry IWB and OWB depending on weather and dress, and since my employer has no firearms in office or Shop, this gun resides in my truck console and suffers nothing from weather extremes.

Ready to go at all times, the grips were a factory option (for $75 additional) in 2002. I believe they are Altamont Combats, but the best of all.......used prices on these 637 are in the $350 range around here.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I think were are quite a few options available for your criteria until you mentioned pocket carry. In my experience, anything much over J frame size and weight is going to pocket carry like a pocket full of lead fishing sinkers. Even within the J frame world, I vote the alloy framed models carry much easier than full steel. (FWIW, I pocket carry an 11oz bobbed 360PD) Your tolerance /dedication may vary though.
Congrats on your retirement! I went just about a year ago. It is all that you could hope for!

 

[oddshooter]

Well I have that 360PD as well for backcountry carry. Nothing better. I love it, 13 oz. With 357 mag, it kicks harder than my 44 mag. Great short range. Horrible at 50 yards.

I have lots of J frames. Like the man said above, I've heard about but never seen a J frame with a sweet DA trigger. By the time you get there, you're getting light strikes. I know magic, I don't know miracles. K frames are easy to get a sweet DA trigger. They weigh too much for me to carry.

Light for pocket carry, but in SS; nice DA trigger pull, 50 yard target ?
THERE IS NO SUCH ANIMAL. I've looked.
If you find it, buy 2. Sell 1 to me.


Prescut

 

[jeeps]

The Colt Cobra is nice to,6 shots and no lock. I have both the new Cobra and new 640 pro,both are made about the same in finish and fit,but the action is better on the Colt and fiber optic front sight to.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

... The 640 Pro looks like it has really nice sights and would fit most of my pockets. Do you folks think the 640 would survive 5000 rounds of .38 wadcutter ammo? I would like the snub revolver's advantages with a gun that I could hit with at a distance.

I'm no expert, but I don't think you'll live long enough to wear out a 640 Pro with .38 WCs.

 

[Hasbeen1945]

Well I see most of you folks are better shots than me. When the OP said 50 yards.well that eliminated me and any of my 5 J frames. But say 50 yards and my K frames would work. I have a 4inch 66-3 that fills the bill. But recently shot a friends 66 2 1/2 in that would also work.

 

[326MOD10]

Agree with two-bit cowboy.

I put about 850 RN rounds through mine in 2 days at a training event and didn't have a hick-up.

It was very easy on the hands and enjoyable to shoot.

 

[wood714]

You should probably carry three.

The first one meets your needs for pocket carry, the second one, I doubt you'll ever wear it out shooting 38's. The third one should work out for 50 yard shooting.

 

[bronco45]

640 Pro is the defensive pkg to carry. Night sights, are Novak Sights. When I had mine I filled it with Buffalo Bore 38 Special 158 grain LSWCHP +Ps and they were whistling along at 1,067fps out of the 640.
Recoil very manageable and the 38 case no problem ejecting with the short ejector rod. Accurate round and shot to POA.

 

[ken158]

Taking into all your requirements, a snub 66 is about the only option. Stainless, good sights, good trigger and leather holster. Find an older 2 1/2 or try out one of the newer 2 3/4 models.

 

[jimmyj]

.38 Special, Stainless Stainless Steel, good sights, and accurate at 50 yards ? CCW in cargo shorts ?

You should consider changing your dress mode. K frame 4" barrel in a OWB holster.

 

[nachogrande]

NOTHING SAYS....

"GET OFF MY LAWN" like a shotgun. Clothing is optional.

 

[Camster]

My vote is for a Model 66.

 

[Old_Cop]

A 3" Chiefs special should meet your requirements.