Trying to build the "perfect" nightstand gun for the wife
- Thread starter kenneu
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kenneu
You originally asked if you were missing anything with the Model 67. Sounds perfect for what your wife needs and wants. Fine for bedside - just don't have to use the sights, point and shoot - and can't be beat for the front porch range. If the square butt grips fit her hands, you are good to go. Since this is a somewhat resuscitated thread, you've probably already moved on and ignored most of the advice for a J frame, shotgun, 357, etc. Good for you. Let us know how it worked out.
You originally asked if you were missing anything with the Model 67. Sounds perfect for what your wife needs and wants. Fine for bedside - just don't have to use the sights, point and shoot - and can't be beat for the front porch range. If the square butt grips fit her hands, you are good to go. Since this is a somewhat resuscitated thread, you've probably already moved on and ignored most of the advice for a J frame, shotgun, 357, etc. Good for you. Let us know how it worked out.
My wife has a M&P .22. It has a crimson trace light on it with pressure switch on the front of the grip. It shoots 13 rounds down a 12 foot hallway, the longest shot in our home between entries and our bedroom door. She shoots it with confidence. Most burglars don't carry guns. But for the one that does it will be hard to miss in the hallway. Those that don't will haul out of the house if possible when shot at.
I agree with the model 10......
Model 10s aren't tactical or cool or even modern. But they are very easy to handle and dependable. I'd like a 4" over a snub. Even a standard velocity load of a good design would be adequate at least.
As far as carbines go, for some reason I take to them very easily and it would be good for me to use one for home defense. My 9mm Kel tec sub2000 isn't a gun I'd depend on with my life, but that configuration would be great for me and they do work in 'urban' fighting. The gun they used on Bin Laden in that house was an HK 416 with a 10" barrel. There are several other carbines in their 'favorite weapons' list.
As much as a I like them for control, the maneuverability of a pistol would probably be better for doors and corners etc. inside a house in more situations.
My middle name should be 'Carbine' like ''Carbine" Williams.
Model 10s aren't tactical or cool or even modern. But they are very easy to handle and dependable. I'd like a 4" over a snub. Even a standard velocity load of a good design would be adequate at least.
As far as carbines go, for some reason I take to them very easily and it would be good for me to use one for home defense. My 9mm Kel tec sub2000 isn't a gun I'd depend on with my life, but that configuration would be great for me and they do work in 'urban' fighting. The gun they used on Bin Laden in that house was an HK 416 with a 10" barrel. There are several other carbines in their 'favorite weapons' list.
As much as a I like them for control, the maneuverability of a pistol would probably be better for doors and corners etc. inside a house in more situations.
My middle name should be 'Carbine' like ''Carbine" Williams.
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You also should have seen several nods for a model 60 with a 3" barrel.
If your wife has small hands the J frame round butt, has historically for me, proven quite popular and comfortable for small women.
Just picked up a 60-15 for my daughter who is small framed.
The 3" J frame is comfortable to shoot with +P loads. I shoot 357 out of my 60-10 every time I take it out. Usually 2-3 cylinders mixed in with 38's. Not everyone would find it acceptable to shoot 357, but have never had a complaint when loaded with 38 +P.
If your wife has small hands the J frame round butt, has historically for me, proven quite popular and comfortable for small women.
Just picked up a 60-15 for my daughter who is small framed.
The 3" J frame is comfortable to shoot with +P loads. I shoot 357 out of my 60-10 every time I take it out. Usually 2-3 cylinders mixed in with 38's. Not everyone would find it acceptable to shoot 357, but have never had a complaint when loaded with 38 +P.
I have both the 66 3" and the 67 4.25". She prefers the 67 mainly because I've put some smaller grips on it. I am trying to find a 60 pro for a good deal but the best buys online are out of stock. I'll keep looking and when a 60 pro 3" shows up, I'll get that one, too. I'll let her pick the one she likes (I like 'em all!) and leave that in the nightstand when I'm out of town overnight.
amazingflapjack
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A Judge, or what ever S&W calls theirs'.
white cloud
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My wife's nightstand gun is a Model 67. She also has a number of good flashlights parked nearby. She is 5'-5" and weights in at 113. It took a while to get grips that suited her. I would not want to be "down range" when she starts shooting.
Honestly, I think the need for glow in the dark sights and such is pretty over blown. As pointed out, it is nice to have the revolver zeroed for the ammo in gun and that is easy for her to do.
My nightstand gun is a SIG P series. There are days when I think my wife is better armed.
Honestly, I think the need for glow in the dark sights and such is pretty over blown. As pointed out, it is nice to have the revolver zeroed for the ammo in gun and that is easy for her to do.
My nightstand gun is a SIG P series. There are days when I think my wife is better armed.
Lobster Picnic
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I think the Model 63 could work well as a ladies' nightstand gun. The J-frame fits smaller hands, the 26-oz weight is solid enough to inspire confidence but not too heavy for extended practice sessions. 3" barrel is perfect for tight spaces. 8 shots of .22lr, minimal recoil, quick follow-up shots, and she will enjoy practicing with it. .22lr is not ideal against a determined attacker but that is partly offset by the potential for quicker shots and better placement. Plus, on 70 acres the nighttime disturbance may not be human, could be a smaller predator better dispatched or scared off with a .22.
There's a wide range of ammo choices. I would probably forego the hyper-velocity stuff and consider the 60-gr SSS "sniper" ammo from Aguila. Subsonic with a mild report, so it would be very easy on unprotected ears, but that 60-gr slug hits with a pretty good wallop.
There's a wide range of ammo choices. I would probably forego the hyper-velocity stuff and consider the 60-gr SSS "sniper" ammo from Aguila. Subsonic with a mild report, so it would be very easy on unprotected ears, but that 60-gr slug hits with a pretty good wallop.
crstrode
Member
Yup - in spades!
My wife is slightly built, and just loves to sling lead with a Ruger Redhawk hunter or a 1911. She is as good or better shot than I am with either of those manly guns. Her carry gun is a pink-handled LCP. The myth about women being gun-shy is just that - a myth.
johnnywitt
Member
Ok, so I want to say something that is very important from a safety perspective. YOU NEED A LIGHT & IT NEEDS TO BE ATTACHED TO YOUR HOME DEFENSE WEAPON!!! Your Carry Gun you don't really need a light although it can be useful to blind your assailant and also to make good hits on Bad Guys (usually more than one these days).
Also, and this is coming from a Confirmed & Ordained J Frame Man that carries (in low threat environments) a 317 (I have two pre locks) & a 63-5 & in high threat environments a 342Ti as a BUG in various carry methods.
Please, do not carry a .22 semi auto for defense because of rimlock and lack of a fast second strike capability & the fact that it is a Rimmed Cartridge designed in the mid 1800's for revolvers, so use it in a revolver like it was designed for (except, of course, for recreational shooting, or that's all you have to defend yourself with). Let's face it, the RF Ignition system is obsolescent, at best, and is also very susceptible to failure from oil and solvents penetrating and deactivating your ignition system, so I watch for that and change out my ammo more often, like every mo. I use this rotated ammo for practice & recreational use.
Secondly, I want to make everyone using the POTENTIALLY fantastic Aquila SSS 60gr Sniper Subsonic aware of a few details:
1) You need a special barrel on your .22LR gun that has at least 1/9 twist rate to stabilize this specialty ammo. It works fantastic in a AR .22 Conversion Kit like a CMMG because most modern AR-15 Barrels have at least a 1/9 twist rate these days & are designed to shoot a 60'ish grain pill. I have a Ray Brandes Bully Barrel 1/9 twist on my S&W Model 41 that shoots dime sized 12 shot groups off of a rest at 20yrd. with this ammo as well. It even is primed with Eley Primers. I very rarely have a primer related misfire from this ammo & the quality of the ammo, despite what some have said, has been my very good in my personal observation (besides being a bit on the dirty side powder wise).
2) If you shoot it through a REGULAR TWIST RATE .22LR Barrel suppressed you're going to get baffle strikes!
3) It is ineffective through a pistol length barrel for self defense. For short barrels in .22LR you can go to the YouTube 2 part series and watch that Dude "Shooting the Bull" & watch the series called "Ammo Quest .22 LR: North American Arms NAA mini revolver extensive ammo mega test review Part I" and then watch Part II of the same Series. It says NAA mini revolver, but he uses a mini revolver & a 3.5" barrel semi and a 16" barrel semi as well all with different results &with different ammo recommendations.
I discovered the barrel twist thing by accident by buying a couple hundred rounds and shooting it through quite a few .22's and then finding woeful inaccuracy and keyholing. I was ignorant to the terrible ballistics from a short barrel with regard to velocity at that time.
So, I get a Bully Barrel and it says 1/9 twist and I think to myself, well I will give this ammo a go without my suppressor, just to see if it will cycle, after all, we are talking about a M41 here, but will it be accurate. Well, I found out 2 things: one, it WILL cycle (Hallelujah) and it is very accurate & one other thing was- just shooting at old propane tanks that the SSS would go through one side and not even hardly ding the other side of the tank, where 40gr standard velocity CCI would bust through both sides of the tanks no problem and remember, this is a barrel that will 100% stabilize this round, so it's not keyholing, which would affect penetration. This is a round that reminds me ballistically of a Cowboy Action loaded .45 Colt. It has the trajectory of a football punt out of a pistol.
Also, and this is coming from a Confirmed & Ordained J Frame Man that carries (in low threat environments) a 317 (I have two pre locks) & a 63-5 & in high threat environments a 342Ti as a BUG in various carry methods.
Please, do not carry a .22 semi auto for defense because of rimlock and lack of a fast second strike capability & the fact that it is a Rimmed Cartridge designed in the mid 1800's for revolvers, so use it in a revolver like it was designed for (except, of course, for recreational shooting, or that's all you have to defend yourself with). Let's face it, the RF Ignition system is obsolescent, at best, and is also very susceptible to failure from oil and solvents penetrating and deactivating your ignition system, so I watch for that and change out my ammo more often, like every mo. I use this rotated ammo for practice & recreational use.
Secondly, I want to make everyone using the POTENTIALLY fantastic Aquila SSS 60gr Sniper Subsonic aware of a few details:
1) You need a special barrel on your .22LR gun that has at least 1/9 twist rate to stabilize this specialty ammo. It works fantastic in a AR .22 Conversion Kit like a CMMG because most modern AR-15 Barrels have at least a 1/9 twist rate these days & are designed to shoot a 60'ish grain pill. I have a Ray Brandes Bully Barrel 1/9 twist on my S&W Model 41 that shoots dime sized 12 shot groups off of a rest at 20yrd. with this ammo as well. It even is primed with Eley Primers. I very rarely have a primer related misfire from this ammo & the quality of the ammo, despite what some have said, has been my very good in my personal observation (besides being a bit on the dirty side powder wise).
2) If you shoot it through a REGULAR TWIST RATE .22LR Barrel suppressed you're going to get baffle strikes!
3) It is ineffective through a pistol length barrel for self defense. For short barrels in .22LR you can go to the YouTube 2 part series and watch that Dude "Shooting the Bull" & watch the series called "Ammo Quest .22 LR: North American Arms NAA mini revolver extensive ammo mega test review Part I" and then watch Part II of the same Series. It says NAA mini revolver, but he uses a mini revolver & a 3.5" barrel semi and a 16" barrel semi as well all with different results &with different ammo recommendations.
I discovered the barrel twist thing by accident by buying a couple hundred rounds and shooting it through quite a few .22's and then finding woeful inaccuracy and keyholing. I was ignorant to the terrible ballistics from a short barrel with regard to velocity at that time.
So, I get a Bully Barrel and it says 1/9 twist and I think to myself, well I will give this ammo a go without my suppressor, just to see if it will cycle, after all, we are talking about a M41 here, but will it be accurate. Well, I found out 2 things: one, it WILL cycle (Hallelujah) and it is very accurate & one other thing was- just shooting at old propane tanks that the SSS would go through one side and not even hardly ding the other side of the tank, where 40gr standard velocity CCI would bust through both sides of the tanks no problem and remember, this is a barrel that will 100% stabilize this round, so it's not keyholing, which would affect penetration. This is a round that reminds me ballistically of a Cowboy Action loaded .45 Colt. It has the trajectory of a football punt out of a pistol.
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Steph in post #19 and Ridge from post #47 hit the nail on the head for a compact but all steel .38/357 option. The underlugged 3 inch model 60 in fixed or adjustable sights with FBI loads would be a great gun.
one eye joe
US Veteran
I MUST DISAGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT, EMPHATICALLY ! ! !
IMHO---THE EASIEST WAY TO ATTRACT DEADLY FIRE, ON YOUR PERSON, IS BY SCANNING A DARK ENVIRONMENT, WITH A FLASHLIGHT, ATTACHED TO YOUR HANDGUN,. USING YOUR LIGHT AS AN AIMING / REFERENCE POINT, AN INTRUDER COULD EASILY PUT YOUR LIGHTS OUT---FOR GOOD......
A TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT IS A VERY USEFUL TOOL, BUT YOU MUST LEARN TO USE IT PROPERLY. THERE ARE SEVERAL METHODS TO USE IT, WITHOUT MAKING IT A BEACON, FOR YOUR POSITION. ONE SIMPLE WAY, IS TO HOLD IT IN THE HAND OF AN OUTSTRETCHED ARM, AWAY FROM YOUR SIDE. THERE ARE OTHERS.....
AS YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH YOUTUBE, I'M SURE THAT YOU COULD FIND A FEW TUTORIALS, ON THE USE OF A TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT, BY EXPERTS......
Groo01
Member
Groo here
A house gun does not need to be light or small.
The grip needs to fit her hand and she needs to be able to work it.
Revolvers are easy , a 325 thunder ranch 45acp with a light / laser combo or a 327 TRR8 with a light laser and or reddot.
Replace grips with ones that fit and your cool.
If CCW is also included , a mid size auto that fits with a rail.
The light / laser can be added at home and removed to carry.
Also some new compacts come cut for reddot.
A house gun does not need to be light or small.
The grip needs to fit her hand and she needs to be able to work it.
Revolvers are easy , a 325 thunder ranch 45acp with a light / laser combo or a 327 TRR8 with a light laser and or reddot.
Replace grips with ones that fit and your cool.
If CCW is also included , a mid size auto that fits with a rail.
The light / laser can be added at home and removed to carry.
Also some new compacts come cut for reddot.
hostler
Member
My wife and I settled on a model 66 (K frame) with 4" barrel. I put a laser grip on it and will probably get Mepro sights for it. I keep it loaded with 38+P (she's not a big fan of full strength 357 loads, even in 4" mid sized frame). She shoots much better and more confidently using the laser and it's easier for me to shoot with the laser without my glasses on in the dark (which is most likely going to be the case where a nightstand gun is involved). I already owned the 66 but if I were buying a revolver today to use as a nightstand gun it would most likely be a Judge with a rail, light and laser.
Lobster Picnic
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The 4" K-frame .38 has been the correct answer for 100+ years. Very reliable and simple to operate under stress.
johnnywitt, I appreciate your input. I think the 60-gr ammo was fired out of a short barreled LCR at about 5 yards and didn't tumble much at that distance. I will try it from longer distances in the 3" Model 63 and 6" Model 17 on my next range outing.
johnnywitt, I appreciate your input. I think the 60-gr ammo was fired out of a short barreled LCR at about 5 yards and didn't tumble much at that distance. I will try it from longer distances in the 3" Model 63 and 6" Model 17 on my next range outing.
Lobster Picnic
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OK, I tried the 60gr ammo in the 3" Model 63 and 6" Model 17.
In the 8-shot J-frame 63 the holes were clean at 5 yards, clean at 7 yards and had evidence of slight tumbling at 10 yards. I was putting most of the shots in the small (3"?) Shoot-N-See targets at those distances.
In the 6" Model 17 I got tumbling at 5 yards and keyholing at 7 yards. Accuracy was decent but not nearly as good as with standard 40gr ammo.
Extraction was sticky after 24 rounds through the 63. I liked how quiet the 60gr ammo was.
In the 8-shot J-frame 63 the holes were clean at 5 yards, clean at 7 yards and had evidence of slight tumbling at 10 yards. I was putting most of the shots in the small (3"?) Shoot-N-See targets at those distances.
In the 6" Model 17 I got tumbling at 5 yards and keyholing at 7 yards. Accuracy was decent but not nearly as good as with standard 40gr ammo.
Extraction was sticky after 24 rounds through the 63. I liked how quiet the 60gr ammo was.
sdb321
Member
Gripgrabber
US Veteran
I think my better half has tried every gun available, and ended up with a ruger lcr 38spl as her nightstand gun with a lite near by.
Btw her edc is a m&p 22 compact (go figure)
Semper paratus
Btw her edc is a m&p 22 compact (go figure)
Semper paratus
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