Hello, thinking of picking up a 317 8-shot for wife for home protection. Her hands ca not take the recoil of a 38. So I figured something is better than nothing. I have never handled a 317. I was wanting to know if anybody has had any problems with them? Thinking of the 2" model so she could also put it in her purse. I would rather have her shot 8 rounds of 22lr than nothing at all. Thanks for the help
using 317 22lr for protection
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Tupperware
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I don't think the 317 is a good choice in this application. In my experience, the 317 has a very heavy trigger pull. Somebody who cannot handle the recoil of a .38 spl might lack the strength to pull the trigger on the 317. As an instructor, I have seen this problem numerous times with centerfire J frames and once with a 317.
If you have a chance, have her try a k-frame .38 spl and load it with wadcutter target ammo. Recoil will be very light but it will still have more energy than a .22 LR
Since it's for protection "in the home" have you considered a light gauge shotgun in .410 or 20 ga.?
Finally, purse carry is something I rarely recommend. Think about what most bad guys would want from your wife. Probably her purse. If she cannot handle the recoil of a .38, it's very likely she would lose a battle for control of her purse and the gun inside it. What better thing than for her to freely "give up" her purse while drawing her firearm from strong-side hip?
If you have a chance, have her try a k-frame .38 spl and load it with wadcutter target ammo. Recoil will be very light but it will still have more energy than a .22 LR
Since it's for protection "in the home" have you considered a light gauge shotgun in .410 or 20 ga.?
Finally, purse carry is something I rarely recommend. Think about what most bad guys would want from your wife. Probably her purse. If she cannot handle the recoil of a .38, it's very likely she would lose a battle for control of her purse and the gun inside it. What better thing than for her to freely "give up" her purse while drawing her firearm from strong-side hip?
RichCapeCod
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Cire, I urge you to take Tupperware's advice. A handgun in a purse would put your wife in a terrible tactical situation in the face of a mugging.
A 148 grain wadcutter in an old police service revolver would be a far better combination then a 317 for your wife. I have a S&W 317, like it very much, but the trigger can be a bit stiff. Remember, they've crammed eight rounds into that cylinder, it does make a difference in trigger feel.
Best of luck,
Rich
A 148 grain wadcutter in an old police service revolver would be a far better combination then a 317 for your wife. I have a S&W 317, like it very much, but the trigger can be a bit stiff. Remember, they've crammed eight rounds into that cylinder, it does make a difference in trigger feel.
Best of luck,
Rich
jhvaughan2
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32 long is often overlooked
For the recoil sensitive, I would also take a look at the 32 Long. It worked as a police round for a good part of the 20th century.
The round is much more powerful than .22. and much Less recoil than .38.
An older model 31 or 30 will cost you less than any .22 smith model. Other's may say get a 32 mag or .327 mag and practice with .32 long. However that greater power and flexibility will come at a much greater expense.
The down side of the .32 is that the ammo will cost more (than 22 or 38) and be harder to find, but I'm assuming this is not going to get shot a great deal.
For the recoil sensitive, I would also take a look at the 32 Long. It worked as a police round for a good part of the 20th century.
The round is much more powerful than .22. and much Less recoil than .38.
An older model 31 or 30 will cost you less than any .22 smith model. Other's may say get a 32 mag or .327 mag and practice with .32 long. However that greater power and flexibility will come at a much greater expense.
The down side of the .32 is that the ammo will cost more (than 22 or 38) and be harder to find, but I'm assuming this is not going to get shot a great deal.
this scenario was the same with my wife..She wanted something without the recoil of a 38 and she really didn't like a semi auto but for an unusual reason...she thought they littered with all the brass flying everywhere..Must be a gender thing...What turned her off of the 317 was the price for such a small gun...She ended up with a Walther P22 and loves it..41 years together and a surprise a minute...
1aafan
Member
I have a 317 with crimson trace grips as a truck gun while out hunting. I also use it on my CCW due to it's light weight when it gets too hot to conceal my Kahrs. Trigger is very stiff but had good action job to smooth it out.
Eight rounds of Stinger or Velocitor IS better then nothing. Check into Gunsmithing from either a Local or S&W Performance Center. I do know S&W is reluctant to do action jobs on a .22 due to concerns about reliable ignition...
Eight rounds of Stinger or Velocitor IS better then nothing. Check into Gunsmithing from either a Local or S&W Performance Center. I do know S&W is reluctant to do action jobs on a .22 due to concerns about reliable ignition...
Mrs. Cire should have a 20ga shotgun for home defense. She should carry the largest caliber handgun that she can shoot well and comfortably conceal and a .22 L.R. is inadequate (but it's better than a rock). Id try to transition her up to a more appropriate caliber. A 3" Model 36-something with appropriate grips and mild loads is a much better choice for social work. I've seen tiny women successfully shoot 12ga shotguns and .45acp autoloaders and the right attitude seems to play a big role.
The 2" 317 has a heavy double action trigger pull and is a challenging gun to shoot well. I consider it an excellent snake gun and training tool. Some members reported marked improvement by replacing the springs or hammer, but I haven't changed mine. The hammer on the 2" version is from the Bodyguard and has a short spur with less mass than a standard hammer, so more force is needed for reliable ignition. The 3" 317 with adjustable sights isn't that much bigger, has a traditional hammer with lighter springs and is much easier to shoot well.
My 3" 317-1 went back to S&W for a new yoke after about 6000 rounds (severe end shake). It was covered under the lifetime warranty, but you shouldn't expect these to hold up like a steel frame gun.
The 2" 317 has a heavy double action trigger pull and is a challenging gun to shoot well. I consider it an excellent snake gun and training tool. Some members reported marked improvement by replacing the springs or hammer, but I haven't changed mine. The hammer on the 2" version is from the Bodyguard and has a short spur with less mass than a standard hammer, so more force is needed for reliable ignition. The 3" 317 with adjustable sights isn't that much bigger, has a traditional hammer with lighter springs and is much easier to shoot well.
My 3" 317-1 went back to S&W for a new yoke after about 6000 rounds (severe end shake). It was covered under the lifetime warranty, but you shouldn't expect these to hold up like a steel frame gun.
Had the same problem --- Wife did NOT like the recoil of my Model 10 (38), so I bought her a 3913-LS -- Same problem with the 9 (I need to trade that pistol for something that I like 
)
We went to the range for our 28th anniversary, and for a gift I got her a box of 50 S&B 148gr Wad Cutters. Now I don't have a Model 10 anymore - It's her's. So I got me a 686 to replace it
Try the Wad Cutters before you give up on the 38. Like some have said - A K frame also helps soak up the recoil, and they can be had in a snub nose.
A 22LR just isn't very good for self protection. Sure - You can definitely kill someone with a 22. But that is not the idea behind self defense... You want to stop the aggression as quickly as possible!
)We went to the range for our 28th anniversary, and for a gift I got her a box of 50 S&B 148gr Wad Cutters. Now I don't have a Model 10 anymore - It's her's. So I got me a 686 to replace it
Try the Wad Cutters before you give up on the 38. Like some have said - A K frame also helps soak up the recoil, and they can be had in a snub nose.
A 22LR just isn't very good for self protection. Sure - You can definitely kill someone with a 22. But that is not the idea behind self defense... You want to stop the aggression as quickly as possible!
I am another who says load a .38 special with target wadcutters. Much better than a sharp stick, a rock, or even a .22. Better than a .380, a .32, or a .25. I remember when many ladies around here carried little .25 autos in their purses.
I taught my daughter with a 4" Model 63. I recently bought her a 442-2 (no-lock). We have tried various loads in it. She can shoot my steel framed j-frame .38s with (so-called) +p, but she doesn't like the recoil of even standard .38s in the 442. I have loaded her some 148 grain wadcutters with just a little more oomph than the target loads. She can handle those fine. I hope to get her on up to full power loads with practice and familiarization.
HOWEVER, a six-shot j-frame kit gun with some hollowpoint stingers isn't something I would want to be shot with. I know they ain't a .45, but they would certainly be better than nothing. I am not familiar with the 317. In a defense situation, I don't think the extra two shots make much difference, and if there are trigger issues, then I would stay with the six shot guns.
A twenty gauge shotgun would seem to fit the bill nicely for in-home protection. Again, a three-inch "mangel'um" buckshot load would be better, but a 7/8 ounce #8 shot dove load will end most confrontations at 10 to 12 yards.
I taught my daughter with a 4" Model 63. I recently bought her a 442-2 (no-lock). We have tried various loads in it. She can shoot my steel framed j-frame .38s with (so-called) +p, but she doesn't like the recoil of even standard .38s in the 442. I have loaded her some 148 grain wadcutters with just a little more oomph than the target loads. She can handle those fine. I hope to get her on up to full power loads with practice and familiarization.
HOWEVER, a six-shot j-frame kit gun with some hollowpoint stingers isn't something I would want to be shot with. I know they ain't a .45, but they would certainly be better than nothing. I am not familiar with the 317. In a defense situation, I don't think the extra two shots make much difference, and if there are trigger issues, then I would stay with the six shot guns.
A twenty gauge shotgun would seem to fit the bill nicely for in-home protection. Again, a three-inch "mangel'um" buckshot load would be better, but a 7/8 ounce #8 shot dove load will end most confrontations at 10 to 12 yards.
K1500
Member
If you do go .22, a .22 mag is better than a .22 lr, but I agree about the trigger and trying out the .38 WC loads.
I have a 317 2"at I bought as a complement/trainer to my 642. My thinking was that it has the same form factor and grips but is way less expensive to shoot frequently. My experience with it is limited so far but I find that the trigger pull is quite a bit heavier than the 642 so it's rather difficult to shoot well. No felt recoil at all, of course, so that's a plus. The 642 is snappy with pretty much any ammo. I'd agree that a short-barrel K-frame with light loads would be easier for your wife to shoot well.
I wouldn't bet my life on any RIMFIRE ignition weapon. I can count on one hand the # of centerfire duds I've had in my lifetime (all except 2 "commercial" reloads). I had 3 duds in just one Wallybox (550rd Federal). Centerfire only for defense. Sounds like a reason to get a .32 S&W long. Joe
44fanatic
Member
I agree with the 38WC fans. She can shoot them at the range and you could always put something a bit more stout with a similar point of aim as a carry round. Should she ever need them in a stress situation, she will never notice the added bit of recoil.
Wee Hooker
Member
My 2 cents
IMHO, a steel framed 32 or 38 is the hands down better choice if you pick light loads. The 32 is especially friendly if you reload for it. ( Heck I have 32 S&W wadcutter target loads that hardly kick at all.) I'd pick a traditional steel frame since the weight does absorb recoil. Put some nice rubber grips on there and she's good to go.
That said, if a .22 is your only caliber option, it's better than nothing. (The one time I ever needed a gun, just showing a .22 got me out of trouble. ) Load it with hyper velocity and hope for the best. FWIW, Under no circumstances would I give a women , who isn't COMMITED to learning and practicing with a semi auto (weekly) this type of gun. It's likely to get jammed floating in her purse and she'll be forced to deal with slides, safeties, mag releases etc while under stress if ever needed. i.even in .22 , the revolver is the way to go.
Also FWIW,, the 317 is WAY overpriced IMHO. I'd be looking to find her a mod 34 or 63 for 30% less. I'd even consider a Ruger SP101 or other brand if it were built well.
ALL that said, if she's particularly recoil shy and not liking to shoot. A good can of bear grade pepper spray isn't a bad alternative.
IMHO, a steel framed 32 or 38 is the hands down better choice if you pick light loads. The 32 is especially friendly if you reload for it. ( Heck I have 32 S&W wadcutter target loads that hardly kick at all.) I'd pick a traditional steel frame since the weight does absorb recoil. Put some nice rubber grips on there and she's good to go.
That said, if a .22 is your only caliber option, it's better than nothing. (The one time I ever needed a gun, just showing a .22 got me out of trouble. ) Load it with hyper velocity and hope for the best. FWIW, Under no circumstances would I give a women , who isn't COMMITED to learning and practicing with a semi auto (weekly) this type of gun. It's likely to get jammed floating in her purse and she'll be forced to deal with slides, safeties, mag releases etc while under stress if ever needed. i.even in .22 , the revolver is the way to go.
Also FWIW,, the 317 is WAY overpriced IMHO. I'd be looking to find her a mod 34 or 63 for 30% less. I'd even consider a Ruger SP101 or other brand if it were built well.
ALL that said, if she's particularly recoil shy and not liking to shoot. A good can of bear grade pepper spray isn't a bad alternative.
Stainz
Member
I was told by S&W last fall that the new 5" 63, a SS J-frame 8-shooter, I had bought could not be as slick or light as my tricked 617. Further, their 'trigger job' for the rimfires was only $85 as a result of their not changing the hammer spring, just easing the innards. I elected to go lighter with the 63's coil spring and polish the side surfaces - great improvement. Still no tricked out 617, but far better than it was - and better, too, than a box-stock 617.
I mention the 63 because S&W has a 3" 63 with HiViz sights due out by April or so - it may just be a lot better than a similar size 3" 317, DA wise. Okay, the 317 weighs 12 oz - the 63 will likely be twice that - maybe more. Pricewise, it should be ~$20 more, too, than the 3" 317.
I still think that a 642 - or a 442 - would make a great revolver. Larger grips may make it more comfortable - have her test the fit of a Crimson Laser equipped model - with a larger grip. If it fits well, all you have to do is find a mild round - like a 148gr full wadcutter - normally, a target round - but great protection for the recoil sensitive. Easy to find plinkers, too - the wadcutters are a little hard to find.
Good luck!
Stainz
I mention the 63 because S&W has a 3" 63 with HiViz sights due out by April or so - it may just be a lot better than a similar size 3" 317, DA wise. Okay, the 317 weighs 12 oz - the 63 will likely be twice that - maybe more. Pricewise, it should be ~$20 more, too, than the 3" 317.
I still think that a 642 - or a 442 - would make a great revolver. Larger grips may make it more comfortable - have her test the fit of a Crimson Laser equipped model - with a larger grip. If it fits well, all you have to do is find a mild round - like a 148gr full wadcutter - normally, a target round - but great protection for the recoil sensitive. Easy to find plinkers, too - the wadcutters are a little hard to find.
Good luck!
Stainz
dbarale
Member
While I also agree with the .38 wadcutter in a steel revolver here's an other option for you: FN five seven.
Whut? Well the recoil is really close to nothing, the frame is not too large, it seems reliable (at least the one I fired was) and, while it is still a.22, 20 or 30 rounds of what amounts to a hot .22 Mag out of a rifle should be enough to handle a "house call".
Downside? It's a semi so there is more training and the ammo is pricey.
Whut? Well the recoil is really close to nothing, the frame is not too large, it seems reliable (at least the one I fired was) and, while it is still a.22, 20 or 30 rounds of what amounts to a hot .22 Mag out of a rifle should be enough to handle a "house call".
Downside? It's a semi so there is more training and the ammo is pricey.
I bought the Mrs a Model 60 Ladysmith, which is heavier than a 642/442 and shoot wadcutters or lower grain ammo. The price of .32 ammo is more than .45 ACP.
AmmoEngine: .32 S&W Long / .32 Smith & Wesson Long, Instock For Sale Premium & Discount Ammunition, Ammo Deals
AmmoEngine: .32 S&W Long / .32 Smith & Wesson Long, Instock For Sale Premium & Discount Ammunition, Ammo Deals
bellevance
Member
I have found myself in a similar situation. The solution for my wife and me has been a Model 10 snub loaded with 148-grain wadcutters. She actually likes shooting that little revolver more than my heavy 617.
For HD, the wadcutter is a decent, effective cartridge. Low recoil, no over-penetration, no disorienting noise or flash to prevent quick follow-ups, and a good round for practice.
It has worked form me and my wife. I would much rather have her armed with a .38 than a 22 or a .22 mag.
For HD, the wadcutter is a decent, effective cartridge. Low recoil, no over-penetration, no disorienting noise or flash to prevent quick follow-ups, and a good round for practice.
It has worked form me and my wife. I would much rather have her armed with a .38 than a 22 or a .22 mag.
