Bought my first gun a couple of weeks ago, a new model 67 revolver. A .38 special with a 4" barrell and about 36 ounces. Shoots really well, but a little heavy for me. I'm only 5'9" and about 145 lbs. What might be a better revolver for me to repalce it with? I handled the recoil quite well, but with small hands, it is a bit much to feel comfortable with. Thanks. Bud
What revolver may be a better fit for me than my new model 67?
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otis24
Member
One thing that might fit better is a 3" K frame with a round butt. What type of grips do you have on the 67? Another option may be a 3" J frame. I have small hands also and know what you are dealing with. If you are looking for a stout revolver, sized right, that can handle the job of concealed carry/trail gun, then consider a Ruger SP101. The Ruger is sized somewhat in between a J frame and K frame. They are a little heavy and the trigger pull not as smooth as a S&W, but are a nice fit for smallish hands.
Broker50
Member
Have you considered smaller grips? The rubber grips that came on your gun are kinda' large.
What is the purpose of the gun? Concealed carry, home defense, truck gun, range gun? Grips on a revolver are a very personal thing. I'm smaller than you are, but prefer N frames for a lot of uses. I have average size hands. A K frame can feel larger than an N frame with the wrong grips.
Not sure what grips came with it. But, the gun is quite heavy.
Smaller grips may help, but still a pretty heavy gun.
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BUFF
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
As 6 shot S&W .38 Special revolvers go, I don't think that anything else with a 4 inch barrel will make much difference to you, unless you go to a .38 M&P Airweight/Model 12, which has an aluminum frame and fixed sights. And being lighter, it will recoil harder with the same ammunition.
Don't expect to be able to hold any handgun perfectly still while shooting it. People just can't do that.
Don't expect to be able to hold any handgun perfectly still while shooting it. People just can't do that.
GyMac
US Veteran
My wife's gun is a 4 inch Model 10 and she's considerably smaller than you. A change in grips might be the answer.
A major advantage with revolvers is the ability to fit stocks of almost any size and type to them to suit a wide range of hands--unlike most semiautos. K frames fit the average person's hand pretty well and also have a lot of options available. Weight per se is not often thought to be a problem with M15/67s. The common "Goodyear" rubber grips are notorious for being on the big side, particularly if they cover the backstrap. I have a boxfull of them.
I too have fairly small hands, and use a modified Spegel design (no finger grooves) with minimum bulk that seems to suit everyone who tries them. I also have good luck with Hogue nylon monogrips, even though I don't care for the finger grooves.
The next logical step downwards for me is a Model 60 3" which is almost the perfect compact revolver--smaller and lighter but with enough heft to shoot well and a good DA. Mine still has the original Uncle Mikes' compact banana stocks, and fits me well.
I too have fairly small hands, and use a modified Spegel design (no finger grooves) with minimum bulk that seems to suit everyone who tries them. I also have good luck with Hogue nylon monogrips, even though I don't care for the finger grooves.
The next logical step downwards for me is a Model 60 3" which is almost the perfect compact revolver--smaller and lighter but with enough heft to shoot well and a good DA. Mine still has the original Uncle Mikes' compact banana stocks, and fits me well.
scooter123
Member
If you think a 2 lbs revolver is heavy, try renting a 1 lbs 442 next time your at a range that offers rentals. In short order you'll come to understand that there is a distinct advantage to having a gun with a bit of mass.
Will check out the 60, as it looks about 10-11 ounces lighter.
Stu454
Member
As noted earlier, resist the urge to go too light. The same loads that are pleasant out of a 36oz K frame can be uncomfortable to fire in a lighter gun such as a J frame or a K frame Airweight.
If you don't need a 4 inch barrel but like the 6 shot K frame in .38 Special, you may also consider a 315 Night Guard. It has a 2 1/2 barrel with a lighter weight frame. It is still a 6 shot .38 Spl. K frame with fixed C&S sights. I don't have weight right off hand but if you do a search you'll come up with a picture and other information. They are unfortunately no longer produced and I don't know if they were ever approved in CA.
photoman
Member
Next step down weight-wise would be a steel J frame (not counting the "exotic$" with lightweight frames like the 3xx series guns).
A three inch barrel, square butt Model 36 or Model 60 might be something to look for.
A three inch barrel, square butt Model 36 or Model 60 might be something to look for.
Instead of looking for another gun, you can address the basic problem and it will help you in the future. You're new to shooting. Which means you're probably new to holding 34 oz out at arms length. Get a 5lb weight and practice holding that up. I guarantee you, within a week you'll have no problem holding up the 67. Follow the others advice and change grips if they don't fit your hand properly. Most would consider a 4" K frame just about perfect for your intended uses.
nawilson
US Veteran
They stopped making the 315 NG? I just saw one at last week at the LGS. It must have been old stock. Those Night Guards are tempting revolvers!
This is good advice, which is another way of saying I strongly agree with it. IMO, a 4" K-frame is about perfect, but RB may be much better than SB for you. However, you need to try your SB with better (smaller) grips before abandoning it. Years ago, I would have recommended service (not Magna) grips and a Tyler, but that may not be practical this week, or maybe even next year. Rogers/Safariland grips (plastic) are also very good for those for whom K-squares are marginal. You might even try Pachmayr Presentations (small). If all else fails, go to RB, but you'll still have to get the right grips. Pachmayr Compac or (more likely) Pachmayr Compac Pro are very likely to work out for you.
This is where it is to your advantage to visit a brick-and-mortar gun store, sometimes referred to on this forum as a LGS, where you can try a pair of grips to see how they feel. It only takes one wasted internet purchase to wipe out any advantage of shopping thus, rather than visiting your local gun store.
Good luck!
I'll show my lack of gun knowledge by asking - what is RB and SB? Bud
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