What to buy?

[Eris]

As I wrote in my introduction, I'm a 70 year old woman who had not touched a firearm from the time I retired from the US Army until last year. Now I'm looking to buy one for home defense and recreational shooting at the range.

I've been going to the range about once a month since November of last year. I've tried various handguns, and have pretty much settled on getting a 4" barrel .357 magnum/.38 special.

I've tried various makes of 9mm semi-automatic pistols, but they kept jamming on me because of weak wrists. I've tried shorter barrels (I'm not accurate enough with them.) and longer barrels (too unwieldy), but the 4" barrel seems just right.

So now the decision is what to buy, and that's pretty much what size cylinder to get, 6, 7, or 8 rounds. That one or two rounds may not seem like much, but they may make all the difference in a home defense situation, especially if there are two or three home invaders. I'm sure that I'm not a good enough shot to win any target-shooting competitions, but at the range, my body shots and head shots do hit the zones where I'm aiming.

I plan to use .38 ammo at the range, but have the revolver loaded with .357 ammo at home, for self defense. I shot .357 at the range once to see whether I could handle that load, and I can, but why spend the extra money for target practice.

So, with those criteria in mind, what revolvers do you recommend? And oh, yes, price is an object, but not the overriding concern; if it were, I'd get the least expensive of the bunch.

Thanks,

-- Michelle

 

[Zebulon]

Good for you Michele.....I like to keep things simple. My Wife is nearly 60 and he prefers a shorter barreled .38 Special that she has grown quite fond of and still has the option of very mild to Hot .38 ammunition. I've had her work through countless .38/,357 revolvers over the years and she recommends either a S&W 4" 686 (added weight for control as well as the 586... Blued Version, same gun) or its lighter brother, the 4" 66 or Model 19. If the budget allows for it, I doubt you will improve on quality, but there are other, less expensive options like the Ruger GP100 Series. That's where I would settle as well....I know you will get more options from wise and caring Forum Members here....Best, Zebulon

 

[Engineer1911]

^^^^^^^ I like what he said. My wife has expressed the same opinions at age 55. I'm the dinosaur at 64. For the money S&W 586/686 or M19/66 have better trigger pulls than Rugers. Either brand is more affordable than Colt.

 

[P&R Fan]

Welcome to the Forum, Michelle.
If you are considering a .357 Magnum revolver the various K and L Frame S&W models are best. In a K-Frame the M13 is a blued revolver with a 3 or 4 inch barrel and fixed sights. It's stainless twin is the M65 in the same lengths. Unfortunately K-Frame .357 Magnums are no longer made, but there are lots of used ones out there. The 3" models are pretty pricey right now, but a good 4" one can be had for about $400.
The M19 (blued) and M66 (stainless) are adjustable sighted K-Frames. They are available with 2 1/2, 3, 4 and 6 inch barrels. Again, they are no longer made, but a good 4 inch of either can be had for about another $400.
In the slightly beefier L-Frame the M581 and M681 are blued and stainless fixed sight guns. The M586 and M686 are blued and stainless adjustables. These are still made, and if you check S&Ws catalog you can see prices. Once again, a good used one can be found anywhere at reasonable prices.
There are a lot of options available, and I feel a revolver is a very good self-defense tool. I'm glad to see you take this seriously. Unfortunately many women do not. We call them statistics.
Stay safe, and let us know what you choose.
Jim

 

[Eris]

Thanks everyone. I'm adverse to buying a used weapon, but then again I'm adverse to buying used anything. I've not had much luck with used cars, computers, furniture, etc. I'll check out the other models you all have recommended.

 

[gr7070]

I'm adverse to buying a used weapon, but then again I'm adverse to buying used anything.

That being the case there's no overwhelming reason to buy used. Just buy a new 686+.

Don't bother with the 8-shot revolvers. They're a little bigger and heavier; so I suspect you'd do better with the slightly smaller 686.

Normally I highly recommend against 7-shot revolvers, but for your specific situation that's probably the best route to go. The 6-shot would do just fine, though, so I wouldn't pass a good deal up on one instead.

The 7-shot S&W 686+ is the gun for you.

Personally, I'd suggest 38 Spl +P ammo for you instead of the .357 magnum. It's still plenty of stopping power, but much more manageable, and possibly better suited to indoor use.

 

[fyimo]

It sounds like you are well up on what you want and the 686 is a very good choice and it comes with a lot of barrel length choices to fit your needs. It does weigh more than the K frames but it also handles the recoil better.

I'd go hold a few different 686 in different barrel lengths and choose the one you like. Personally at 68 I wouldn't go below a 4 inch because of the recoil and muzzle blast. I can't really comment on 7 or 8 rounds as I'm very old school and it's 6 for me in a revolver.

For personal carry I carry a Sig P228 9mm and for home defense I have a Sig P226 in 40 S&W and a P226 in 9mm. I've never had a malfunction with any of my Sig's and having been a combat vet in Vietnam for personal defense large capacity always wins with me.

 

[murphydog]

Agree with all the above comments. If you happen to find a used 4" .357 and know anyone who is familiar with revolvers, you can often save hundreds of dollars compared to a new one. Many guns are very lightly used and have very few rounds put through them. It's similar to used cars, except very few people have dozens (or hundreds) of cars and use them all heavily.

 

[Mike McLellan]

I think a used model 19 with a 4" barrell and comfortable grips would be worth looking at. Personally, I'd stick to .38s for both the range, as well as that moment of panic that none of us hope will happen. Even an old model 10 might be allright.

 

[everReady Rob]

I like your thinking Michelle and think the 8-shot is very good for home defense.

 

[riverrat38]

Michelle
I had a 3 in 686 plus (7 shot) and I think it would be ideal, if you want .357 mag. About the same weight as a 4 in M67 with very nice balance.
With the good ammo available today, I use .38 spec in home defense guns. I sold the 686 and am getting a M67, as I like shooting the ammo the gun was designed for, and I have decided that I just don't need magnum ammo. Buffalo Bore has plus P ammo that is faster than some .357 mag, like Speer's 135 gr mag. short barrel, if I need it. I usually recommend a police trade in, like a M10 or 64, for home defense, but that doesn't work if you want new. Cost is usually under $300, and most of these guns are reported to be in good mechanical condition, with holster wear. Another option, for about $200 less than a M686 would be a Ruger SP101 or a GP100. Very good guns mechanically.

Rick

 

[Florida Guy]

Welcome to the forum Michelle.

Depending on where you live, you may find it difficult trying to find a variety of guns that may suit your needs in your area.
It's always nice to handle a future purchase at the local shop, but there may not be many shops nearby, and therefore not many examples for you to fondle.
I've bought many of my guns on Gunbroker (online auction site) via mail order, just because they cannot be found locally.
You're doing the right thing by asking your questions here and building you knowledge base.
Good luck.

 

[DeeBee]

I would go with a model 60 in 3". You will appreciate the weight difference, between the j frame, and a k or l frame. Especially at 70.

 

[lhump1961]

I am impressed with the thought you are putting into your decision...many do not. I, like many others here, have a variety of guns in many calibers and barrels, autos and revolvers. But for the home it is a .357 revolver based on ease of use, dependability, and it is also what my wife is most comfortable with. A 4" 66 or 686 will fit your bill very well, also take a look at the 3" 686 (you might be pleasantly surprised!)

My only comment would be to practice (at least some) with the round you intend to load at home and don't be too quick to dismiss a used gun. Many, many, good, lightly used guns are available. Good luck in your search and post when you make a decision.

 

[peterinwa]

Hi Michelle, By now you know that you've come to a good place for thoughtful recommendations. I can't add to them except to say that I have the j frame model 60-14 (yes, the one with a lock) that is my carry choice, and a 65-2 for home defense. For fun, I'll shoot the 65 or my 13-2, but just love the 60 for carry. I shoot nothing but 38 special and +p ammo. I'm pretty tight with the pennies.

Thanks for your question. We all benefitted from it. And welcome to the forum.

 

[rotty]

Hello Michelle.

It seems to be a general view that .357 magnum for home defense is a bit much due to a few factors.

The ones I recall are:

Overpenetration: the projectile can go clean through walls endangering people in adjacent rooms or even neighbouring houses.

Noise: the magnum round is considerably noisier than the 38spl and 38spl+ which can potentially be a handicap for the shooter in a home defense situation.

Flash: The magnum round tends to produce a bigger muzzle flash than the rounds I mentioned before which can also cause the shooter to have troubles with follow ups specially if shot in dimmed light.

Recoil: as before it may be difficult to realign the sights because of the stronger recoil. This can be minimised using a heavier framed revolver, but depending on how strong you are a heavier revolver may also make it more difficult for you to hold for longer periods of time. You mentioned having weak wrists.

Also, you could consider a laser sight for a home defense gun, it may help you aiming faster than if you have to concentrate on the sights.

Here in Australia we don't have laws allowing home defense or conceal carry, so what I am referring above is what I have read and understood in this and other forums and sources. Maybe someone can confirm or dispel what I said.

 

[vytoland]

welcome to S&W. glad you are here.

"rotty" has posted excellant advice on .357 magnum loads and home defense. over penetration, flash and noise are all very real factors when shooting .357 magnums indoors. when we are at the firing range we have ear and eye protection. but in a real life HD situation they may not be available or time will not permit .

if you enjoy shooting .357 magnums at the range, any of the above mentioned models are fine. but a .38 special revolver will provide fun at the range and home protection. S&W model 64 are readily available in very good used condition. their exterior may not have that "new car" shine, but they will perform flawlessly.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

Only because it's been mentioned more than once.

 

[tops]

Only because it's been mentioned more than once.

I'll bet a dollar to a hole in a doughnut that that thing can kick like Simom Slick. Larry

 

[youngda9]

4" model 10.

 

[NFrameFred]

You've asked for advice and everyone means well, but having been an instructor for years I know that it comes down to the individual as to what is "big enough" verses "too heavy" when it comes to folks your age.

I unfortunately had to turn a little lady down for a permit class one time years ago when it became very apparent she just did not have the hand strength and coordination to handle even a small rimfire revolver.

It depends on the health and strength of the individual and a lot of good advice has been proffered but only you can know what you can handle and what you can't - an L frame may be just fine, may be too big and heavy.

 

[Invictus357]

I highly recommend for you a 3" 686+ (7 rounds).

It is a fabulous revolver. That 1 inch lopped off the front makes a big difference in carrying...or maybe fit better in your handbag

That 1 inch smaller barrel makes no difference in shooting accuracy. The gun feels quite mild with 125gr 357. 158gr is stouter though so you may want to go for a hot 38 special or stick with 125gr 357s.

The 3 inch model also has the full sized ejector rod as the 4 inch model so 357 casings come out very easily.

I purchased the Talo 686+. I removed the wood grips to keep them safe from dings and I fitted the new style rubber grips from S&W.

I will also say that it is pure joy to shoot. I have never before had so much fun shooting a revolver.

Sorry for the over enthusiasm but I can't help it. The 3 inch 686+ is something quite special. Whoever made my gun that day obviously loves their guncraft.

With Talo grips

With the new style grips

 

[M3Stuart]

Welcome to the forum!

You've come to the right place.

I don't think it has been said yet; but shooting a .357 without hearing protection in an enclosed space is like dropping a 'flash-bang' grenade in front of your face. It will deafen, and if at night, blind you for some period of time.

I can shoot whatever I want, and it would NEVER occur to me to touch off a .357 in my house, especially in the dark. I would sooner fire a 20 gauge. The concussion from that .357 is ear-splitting without hearing protection.

Just sayin'.

 

[Jayhawkhuntclub]

4" model 10.

That is EXACTLY what I was going to suggest. I would recommend the version with the bull barrel. If you have weak wrists, you don't want a 357. And you don't need one for home defense or range fun. Last I checked Sportsmans Outdoor Super Store still had used ones for $230!

I also think a good 3" or 4" 686 would be ideal if loaded with 38+Ps.

 

[old bear]

Michelle welcome to the forum, and thank you for your service to the country. Now you asked about a new .357 magnum revolver and as others have suggested I would suggest either a 3" or 4" barrel M-686. these are not to heavy but have enough bulk to help absorb the recoil of either 38 Special +P or .357 Magnum ammo.

As vytoland suggested the .357 magnum round can be a handful anytime but specially if fired indoors, I would suggest you load a hot 38 special +p or +P+ round.

As nice as the eight round M-627's are I don't think it is necessary to spend the extra money for what you want a revolver for.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

As others have stated, I think .38 Special works much better for home defense. I have much better control and accuracy with .38 Special, and that is reason enough. It doesn't matter how devastating the projectile is if I can't get it on the target. Plus, I don't have legal protection like the spray-and-pray NYC cops - if I miss and injure someone else, I probably lose everything I own.

I agree with the others that a 3" or 4" K-frame or L-frame is the ticket. The thing is, most of the good .38 K-frames will be found used, One reason for this is because there are fewer .38-only new models made. Most new models are .357/.38.

If you are uncomfortable finding a used specimen (even though I'm sure there are many fine gentlemen here who will help you locate a good one), then a new S&W 686+ would be a good choice. 7 rounds, very sturdy frame to handle recoil, excellent trigger, etc. The only issue is that it may be too heavy for you. Probably not too heavy to put 7 rounds into some bad guys, but it might wear you out shooting 50 or 100 rounds at the range, and you do need to practice regularly if possible. The 4" 686+ is 39-oz. The 3" 686+ is 37-oz. It does take its toll when all that weight is at the end of your arm. Accuracy can go downhill fast if your arm is tired.

S&W does still make a couple of 4" K-frame models in .38 Special, the fixed sight M64 at 35-oz and the adjustable sight M67 at 36-oz. One good thing about these is they are $100 - $150 cheaper than the 686+. They are 6-shooters, though.

If a lighter model is required, it's tough to find a compact revolver with a barrel longer than 3". The S&W Model 60 is a 5-shot .357 with 3" barrel, and weighs about 25-oz. Ruger makes a 3" SP-101 that runs about 28-oz I think.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

 

[dwpmusic]

Again, welcome to the forum Michelle. No lack of advice, hah? I won't add any more but may I ask that you tell us what you finally decide purchasing? Good luck.

 

[Sprefix]

This might be out in left field, but have you considered a .45 Colt cartridge in a 25 or 625 Smith and Wesson or even a mountain gun? Cowboy loads are gentle and still have a 250-255 grain hunk of lead to "persuade" an invader. These kick less than a .357 in most factory loads, but the down-side is the frame size goes from K or L to an N-frame. These are considerably larger for the hands. Just a left-field thought. Welcome and best of luck in your choice.

 

[M3Stuart]

I thought of something else;

You could buy 2 (maybe 3?) perfectly good model 10's for the price of a new 686+. That would give you 12 shots!

 

[strbrinky]

All of the above is excellent advice, and I would add that you'll probably be much happier in the long run with a stainless steel or nickel gun over a blued gun, due to the easier job cleaning it and the rust resistance.
My first (and only) revolver is a 629-2 with a 3" barrel.