photoman
Member
I recommend a early, .38 Special only, Model 640 with Uncle Mike's combat grips. Ammo depends on issues light hand strength, medical issues, recoil tolerance, etc.
Suggest a .38 home gun for older gentleman
- Thread starter Super Dave
- Start date
The OP didn't.....
The OP didn't require a pocket gun, but you said, "I can't see a 4" barrel as a pocket gun." implying that a snub would make a better home defense gun than a mod 10 or similar.
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?
The OP didn't require a pocket gun, but you said, "I can't see a 4" barrel as a pocket gun." implying that a snub would make a better home defense gun than a mod 10 or similar.
5Wire
Member
No, rw, it does not imply that at all. That's an inference you made. At in house distances, IMO, a snubbie probably would be as sufficient as revolvers with 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8-1/2 inch barrels AND many snubbies can be pocketed. My point excludes no firearm.
I agree completely. This is a great thread as I can post a photo! Here is my bedside revolver in .38 Spl...a Model 67.
5Wire
Member
Model 64-2
Elliott41
Member
You can use a snubbie at home. Answer the door with your hand in your pocketNo problem? Don't show the gun. It's a better overall tactical solution, IMO.
I'm with 5Wire. It's hard to beat a 642 in your bathrobe pocket when answering the front door in the evening. I sent my 642 back to S&W for its "J frame action enhancement" package, the best $80 I ever spent. It really improved the DAO pull, and it maintained the lifetime factory warranty. I also put on CTC's LG-305 laser grips, a big help for indoor shooting. Plus, the 642 is small enough you could put it in a Bore-Stores silicone-treated storage case and keep it under your pillow at night. "Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get me." Just my two cents.
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I did this once....
I got a jam-up gun for HD, a 2" model 10 (BEAUTIFUL gun). After I had shot some for familiarity I realized that I also wanted it to be a range gun so I was compelled to trade it in eventually to get my dream gun (a 686). Man, how wish I could have kept that model 10.
I got a jam-up gun for HD, a 2" model 10 (BEAUTIFUL gun). After I had shot some for familiarity I realized that I also wanted it to be a range gun so I was compelled to trade it in eventually to get my dream gun (a 686). Man, how wish I could have kept that model 10.
I did this once....
I got a jam-up gun for HD, a 2" model 10 (BEAUTIFUL gun). After I had shot some for familiarity I realized that I also wanted it to be a range gun so I was compelled to trade it in to get my dream gun (a 686). Man, how wish I could have kept that model 10.
I got a jam-up gun for HD, a 2" model 10 (BEAUTIFUL gun). After I had shot some for familiarity I realized that I also wanted it to be a range gun so I was compelled to trade it in to get my dream gun (a 686). Man, how wish I could have kept that model 10.
bdsorcic
Member
Me, I think a Model 60 .38 special using +P Ammo would be just fine....
OP
Super Dave
Member
I spoke to my buddy. He said he looked at the first two on the list (642 and 10) and thought they would both be good. He didn't check out the model 36 yet.
Guess that's the difference between us and someone who isn't into guns. It would be like asking me to pick out a tennis racket or something that I have no interest in.
You can lead a man to some great revolvers but can't make him get all excited.
Have a good one,
Dave
Guess that's the difference between us and someone who isn't into guns. It would be like asking me to pick out a tennis racket or something that I have no interest in.
You can lead a man to some great revolvers but can't make him get all excited.
Have a good one,
Dave
flagman1776
Member
Without a doubt, I would choose a 3" .357, a M13 or M65. Then load it with 38s. The 3" balances better for me. Slightly heavier barrel than the 38 equiv. Fixed sites are all that's needed & less likely to hang up. Then go get some oversized grips to fit his hands. Periodically, used Police guns of this description come on the market.
If one couldn't find the 3", there are plenty of 4" 38s & 357s again reasonably priced good quality guns. You can't go wrong with any of them. I picked up a 4" ex-Australian Police trade in 66 for the bedroom & a lock box.
I wouldn't turn down an L frame if it came along but there are fewer. I am very fond of my 3" J frame Chief's with the banana grips but recoils more than any K frame. I couldn't recommend a J without seeing if the gent was happy with it.
If one couldn't find the 3", there are plenty of 4" 38s & 357s again reasonably priced good quality guns. You can't go wrong with any of them. I picked up a 4" ex-Australian Police trade in 66 for the bedroom & a lock box.
I wouldn't turn down an L frame if it came along but there are fewer. I am very fond of my 3" J frame Chief's with the banana grips but recoils more than any K frame. I couldn't recommend a J without seeing if the gent was happy with it.
hayman
Member
If it does not have a hammer, Why would you want a revolver?
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
4" Stainless K frame. If you get a better deal on a 65 or a 66 just load it with .38's. I think the only real decision to be made is round butt vs square butt.
mg357
Absent Comrade
S&W Model 10 4 inch heavy barrel.
S&W Model 64 4 inch heavy barrel.
S&W Model 686 6 shot cylinder 4 inch barrel.
S&W Model 64 4 inch heavy barrel.
S&W Model 686 6 shot cylinder 4 inch barrel.
bmcgilvray
Member
Of all the Smith & Wesson revolvers on hand, a Model 10-6 does duty as the bedside/home defense handgun. I add a vote to the 4-inch K-Frame .38 Special as the choice.
I've owned and shot a Model 642 for 15 years now but have come to the conclusion that the 5-shot Airweight snubs in any configuration represent one of the most overrated, oversold personal defense options out there and are the crummiest .38 Special revolvers for actual use that Smith & Wesson has ever produced.
Make mine of good steel. Better yet make it a K-Frame.
This is only one opinion.
I've owned and shot a Model 642 for 15 years now but have come to the conclusion that the 5-shot Airweight snubs in any configuration represent one of the most overrated, oversold personal defense options out there and are the crummiest .38 Special revolvers for actual use that Smith & Wesson has ever produced.
Make mine of good steel. Better yet make it a K-Frame.
This is only one opinion.
spad124
Member
I understood his son-in-law suggested a snubby. As far as a snubby, there are 3" K frames or any J frame.
However, I'm in the 4" model 10 and its variants camp. At HD range, inside 5 yards, there is nothing wrong with a .38+P. Less flash/blast/noise/recoil than from a .357 so follow up shots are faster.
The model 67 is a stainless K frame with target sights. Sometimes the target sights are easier on older eyes. Also, replacement night sights are available. Might be something to look for. (actually I am looking for one . . . .)
However, I'm in the 4" model 10 and its variants camp. At HD range, inside 5 yards, there is nothing wrong with a .38+P. Less flash/blast/noise/recoil than from a .357 so follow up shots are faster.
The model 67 is a stainless K frame with target sights. Sometimes the target sights are easier on older eyes. Also, replacement night sights are available. Might be something to look for. (actually I am looking for one . . . .)
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Ranger514
Member
Really? Is that why the J frame is one of the hottest selling revolvers in the S&W lineup? I never realized there were so many "experts" or wannabe experts out there. The J frame is like any other revolver--it requires frequent practice in order to use it effectively. I can agree with those who advocate a K or L frame. I have a 2.5 inch 66-3 next to our bed, but I carry a 642 virtually everywhere around our place, both indoors and outdoors. The J frame is plenty accurate for home protection or SD.
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