Suggest a .38 home gun for older gentleman

I put in a vote for a 686+ with a 4 in barrel or a 6 in.

If there is no need to carry, then I think the slightly heavier gun would be easier to shoot.

Also, you get 7 rnds.

Most people find a 686 shooting 38 special or +p easy to master.

Dave
 
:) Love the L frame. WELL J K and N too.

Cal44 said:
I put in a vote for a 686+ with a 4 in barrel or a 6 in.

If there is no need to carry, then I think the slightly heavier gun would be easier to shoot.

Also, you get 7 rnds.

Most people find a 686 shooting 38 special or +p easy to master.

Dave
Click to expand...

I just have to want them all.
I have a 4 inch and 3 in the 686 P
The 3 inch balances better for me. Plus packs fine concealed in a Simply Rugged pancake. I was lucky enough to get it from a forum member a while back.
There are plenty of options and all will work.
Money is a big factor for us all with the crazy prices today.
I hate to sell something and replace it in 5 years with 2 x the price.
 
He said home protection

5Wire said:
I can't see a 4-inch barreled revolver as a pocket gun.

maybe a 642,

163810_01_lg.jpg


or 638

163070_01_lg.jpg


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

He said 'home protection'.
 
I would go to a local gun store/show and handle as many 38's as possible from sw/ruger and let him decide what feels best in his hands.

Might consider getting laser grips with it or as a add-on.
 
Thanks for the replies. I'd like to offer him two options (snubby and 4" barrel) and let him decide. I'm sticking with the .38 because that's what he wants.

For the 4" barrel I think the Model 10/64 would be ideal. Fixed sights are brilliant and stainless would be a big plus since he will treat it like a tool.

When we spoke about his intended use he didn't really expect to be carrying it in his pocket. But, I want to honor his son in laws suggestion of a pocket gun.

What is the classic, steel, S&W snub nose revolver (model 10/64 of the small guns)?

Thanks,
Dave
 
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I would suggest a 4 inch 686. Stainless steel so it has a higher level of tolerance for humid conditions. In addition you have the availability of the 7 shooter and in a house gun an extra round or two would be a bit comforting. Finally that full underlug barrel will reduce muzzle flip and it's weight will reduce recoil, both of which are likely to be critical to an older person.

Fact is that I can't think of a worse suggestion for someone in their 70's that one of the J frames suggested by others. What you can shoot with relative comfort at 20 or 30 is something that can feel like a wrist breaker when you get older. I also just don't understand the appeal of pocket carry. If you are in your own home use a belt holster and you'll have your weapon at hand in a holster that is vastly faster to draw from than any pocket.

Go ahead and call me "ageist". I don't know of one single 70 year old with the wrist strength they had when they were 30 or the ability to drive a golf ball as far as they could when they were younger. When you age your body changes in ways that usually mean you have limitations. I'm only 58 and I've already discovered that heavier handguns are a whole lot more comfortable to shoot and far less likely to lead to pain the day after a range outing.
 
I 'liked' the 4" 10 idea. But, living on an island in the Pacific may just make a SS version of the 10, a 4" 64, a better choice. Here is one I picked up five years ago brand new in the box as a security guard unissued trade-in:

IMG_3434.jpg


Those are the old 'FBI load', Remington R38S12 158gr LHPSWC .38 Special +P, proven stoppers, if sometimes a bit difficult to find. If you want a snubby, a 2" 64 may be ideal. See my 2" 10 below, which is actually my wife's bedside & car protector. I opted for a 2 5/8" PC627 UDR for my bedside gun - an eight-shooter .357M that I keep moonclips of eight of those 'FBI loads' (above) in and at the ready. It's big orange front ramp is easy to pickup in dim light yet doesn't rely on a battery, like a laser does. Below is the 2" 10 and 2 5/8" PC627 UDR, often called the "Blood Work" gun as Clint Eastwood carried one in the movie with the same name, is admittedly a bit pricey at over $900. Of course, it is a Performance Center revolver - and holds eight rounds...

036-1.jpg


Since the years of shooting loudenboomers have caught up with me - I'll hit sixty-five in days and have worsening CTS and arthritis in my wrists/hands - I shoot .38's a lot - and .22 rimfire even more! I do feel properly protected with 'just' a .38, however. I keep moonclips and speedloaders at the ready loaded with those same 'FBI loads' for all of my .38 capable, including the .357 magnum chambered, revolvers, whether in the safe or in the nightstand. Good luck!

Stainz
 
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4 inch model 10 or if he wants adjustable sights a 4 inch Model 15. If he wants adjustable sights and a 6 inch barrel a model 14.
 
Snubs, for sure!

If he needs something that is easy to carry, I'd recommend the 442 or 642. These Centennial models really make great pocket guns. While other revolvers/pistols might offer more fire power, a person is more likely to have the snub on them when they need it. I've got other, larger revolvers - but a snub is always nearby, or on me, around the place. :)
XAVMECH
 
We are all making these great suggestions, what does he shoot the best and what does he like.
 
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