I've been collecting S&W semi autos for years but I don't have a lot of experience with revolvers. I would like to have a couple of revolvers to put into my EDC rotation. I will explain what I am looking for and would appreciate any advice from revolver guys.
I owned a Colt detective special in the 90's. I am looking for something like that, small 2" and 6 shot, 38 +p, exposed spurred hammer. and $500 or less(preferably less). Not interested in polymer revolvers. Used guns are ok, I just need to know what to look for at gun shows, LGS, etc. When I look at the S&W website, all the J frames seem to be 5 shot and expensive. Taurus 856 is 6 shot and inexpensive. I am leaning towards getting a Taurus but would prefer something of better quality. I have heard that Taurus quality has improved greatly in the last couple years. Colt King Cobra looks good but too expensive. I guess what I am asking, is there a J frame 6 shot 38 +p model that I should be looking for on the used market that would be under $500? Or something else that fits what I am looking for?
I am also looking for a 3" 357 the size of a SP101, but prefer 6 shot. Preferably $700 or less but could spend more if necessary. There is a 6 shot SP101 in 327 Fed. What do you guys think of the 327 Fed? Would you rather have 5 shots of 357, or 6 shots of 327 Fed? Also, which S&W 357 would be this size, I am guessing a K frame?
Thank you in advance for your help.
First you need to decide on just how you plan to carry. A sub-2" snubbie at 14 ounces carries a lot differently than an all-steel Ruger at 24-26 ounces!
WEIGHT is the true enemy of concealed carry - not size. I've concealed both a 72 ounce Desert Eagle .44 magnum and the FN Five-Seven 23 ounces. They are very similar in dimensions, but one is a boat anchor and the other so light if feels like carrying an airsoft! I've carried a FiveSeven in a front pocket of cargo pants. Can't do that with a massive Dessert Eagle.
So the FIRST thing you need to do is decide on how much WEIGHT you want to carry!
S&W's average line comes in around 14.4 ounces, and the uber-expensive S&W models come in around 11.5 ounces.
Charter Arms has models as light as 12 ounces, for like $350.
Don't LOOK for a freaking 24+ ounce, all-steel revolver if you really want a gun 10 ounces lighter!
Also, don't make your purchase decision on a bunch of internet yahoos and gun snobs! Charter Arms and Taurus make FINE revolvers that work well and hold up well, but the gun snob is EVER READY to tell you all the reasons you MUST buy a $1,000 Smith over a $300 Taurus or Charter!
My recommendation is you consider the Charter Arms Ultralight 12 ounce first. If you just can't tear yourself away from S&W marketeering, go with a 642 at 14.5 ounces and buy an aftermarket Titanium cylinder to reduce it to 12.5 ounces....wait, you could have gotten the CHARTER at 12 ounces for far less scratch!
FIRST establish your WEIGHT limit, then shop in that aisle ONLY!
p.s. A little off-topic, but I've got a Charter Arms Bulldog - all steel that barely breaks 19 ounces empty on the postal scale. It was "cheap" and looks cheap. The barrel to frame fit is irregular, and the muzzle looks a little wonky, BUT, the cylinder rotates the "right" way making it lock up bank vault tight, and pins holding everything in run through the steel frame walls. The action is adequate for a defensive gun, and single-action has this weird "hitch" where the hammer sear goes past the trigger sear - essentially TWO points of being fully cocked! WT..? Anyway, that gun has never had a single mechanical problem - not even after being completely disassembled many times. The gun has NEVER fired a factory .44 special load, only maximum power handloads - 350 fpe from a 2.5" barrel, and it has held up fabulously for over a decade. Like it's namesake "Bulldog" it's so "yugly" it's cute, but even then I seldom bring out out to spend time with my S&W family because they make it feel bad about itself - what with their clean lines, precise fitment, top-tier finishes and S&W logos! I generally keep it with a Taurus PT111 - also friendless, and I think the two have bonded.
But the point is, "cheap guns" are still "tools" as the hoity-toity like to point out and being blasted by a "cheap gun" leaves no one any less "deader!"
