Suggest a .38 home gun for older gentleman

[Super Dave]

Hi Guys,

My hunting partner wants to get a .38 caliber revolver for home protection. This will be his only handgun in his house. He retired from the Army and in his early 70's. A great guy.

This photo was from an Axis deer hunt last summer on Molokai.

His son in law is in the Marines (Force Recon) so his opinion carries weight. What he suggested is a lightweight, hammerless, snubby. His point was that it could be put in your pocket easily and even fired from a pocket if necessary.

My question for you folks is: If you had to pick one .38 caliber revolver for your bedside...what would it be? (Note: this would only be a house gun...it's not legal to carry in Hawaii.)

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Iggy]

4" Model 10.

 

[jinx]

What Iggy said.

 

[rwsmith]

Definitely

4" Model 10.

4" model 10, definitely

 

[5Wire]

I can't see a 4-inch barreled revolver as a pocket gun.

maybe a 642,

or 638

In any case, I'd go along with his son with one of the concealed or shrouded hammer J-Frames.

 

[canvsbk]

4" model 10, like they said.

 

[RichCapeCod]

The requirement was for a handgun FOR THE HOME. Not a concealable handgun. The only logical choice (as pointed out by so many before me), is a four inch barrel K-frame revolver. S&W 10 or 64. I'd go stainless, just because it'd be easier to maintain.

Rich

 

[smithman 10]

House gun for retired gentleman

Nice 3 or 4 inch Model 64 or 65 would also work good. Here's a 3" Model 65.

 

[BJoe]

I would recommend a 686. At 70 recoil will be a bit of an issue and the extra weight of the 686 will really help. For a home gun, can't be beat. Few bucks more than a 10 but well worth it.

 

[69HEMI-R/T]

Any 4" K frame (specifically all-steel, blued or stainless) would do just fine!

 

[TAROMAN]

Of my plentiful supply of S&W revolvers, this one does the HD mission:

As stated above, any of the Model 10/64 brethren will make an excellent choice.
Happily, I don't need to CC in my own home - YET!

 

[smithfelty]

I can't see a 4-inch barreled revolver as a pocket gun.

maybe a 642,

or 638

In any case, I'd go along with his son with one of the concealed or shrouded hammer J-Frames.

I am with five wire +1 I would add a 438 if you can find one.

 

[smithman 10]

House gun for a retired gentleman

I am with five wire +1 I would add a 438 if you can find one.

I like the J-frame snubbies but for a house gun get a six shooter! He could try one like this Model 67.

 

[Rufus]

If the issue of conceal carry is not an issue, I would suggest a 4" model. Don't forget that you can shoot 38 sp. from any of the 357s. He might find that having adjustable sights would be of benefit, so in addition to the Model 10, he might want to also consider a Model 19 or Model 66. Hey, you can't go wrong with any of the Models that have been mentioned. The 4" barrel will add some mass to the gun, which will make it much more comfortable to shoot.

 

[Naples22]

Any 3 or 4 inch K or L frame, especially stainless. Pachmayer, or Hogue grips.

 

[5Wire]

You can use a snubbie at home. Answer the door with your hand in your pocket No problem? Don't show the gun. It's a better overall tactical solution, IMO.

 

[shouldazagged]

I'm 75 and my house gun, the one in the shelf in the head of my bed, is a four-inch Model 10. I'd say a 10, 15, 64 or 67 would all be fine choices. Speaking for me, with severely arthritic hands I don't shoot .357 stuff anymore; but .38 Special +P is very comfortable for me to shoot in the M10 or the 640 I carry concealed. The K-frame fits my hand nicely and balances well, and I have Pachmayr grips on both guns which further enhance comfort and secure hold.

 

[snubbyfan]

If it's gotta be a J frame snubby you're lookin' for. I'd say to go with the Pro Series Model 640. It has tritium night sights, a slightly longer barrel at 2.125", weighs 23 ounces, has an enclosed hammer and is capable of shooting .357 magnum.

 

[sw1834]

Model 10, 4 inch
I'm with Iggy on this one. The OP said it's a house gun. You don't need a snubby j-frame in a pocket when you can carry a gun from room to room and have it next to you on a side table or in your lap.
Putting a snubby in your pocket and sitting down in the living room, still leaves you defenseless if someone barges in the front door.
A comfortable easy to shoot 4 inch that can easily be carried around the house is preferred. Especially with someone as old as Iggy.(Jokes)
SWCA #1834

 

[ibewbull]

See what feels better in his hand.
Both J and k frame will do the job.
The 642 is going for less than $400 here in WI. NIB plus BG and tax.
I haven't seen a M 10 at a local shop in a long time.
Next is choosing the proper round.
From the 158 GR wad cutter to the +p LSWC see what he can handle.
Good luck.