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.

 

[Cal44]

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

 

[ibewbull]

Love the L frame. WELL J K and N too.

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

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.

 

[rwsmith]

He said home protection

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.

He said 'home protection'.

 

[Yarddog1]

What I carry around my house is 64 with a 3" HB wearing pachmyrs.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I'm with everyone who says a M10/64 4".
Buds has a 4" M10 for $279 shipped, can't get better then that....

 

[5Wire]

He said 'home protection'.

So, you can't protect your home with a snubbie? What rule book is that in?

What kind of attack is better repelled with a four or six inch revolver than with a J-Frame snubbie?

 

[Breechloader]

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.

 

[Super Dave]

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

 

[RussellD]

Stainless K frame with laser grips.

 

[scooter123]

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.