[Blueduck]

With all the "What if" post figured may as well get personal with it. Through a weird space time warp your now Blueduck and likely find yourself with less disposable income and hair than you ever imagined:what:

Gun related part is that your now a Parole Officer who supervises high risk caseloads in two very rural counties. Duties include lots of paperwork, time in court, and boring stuff. Good thing is you get to spend a lot of time doing surprise home visits on felons during all hours of the day and night, normally on your lonesome. You've also got to tell a lot of felons over the years that your sending them to prison :uhoh:

By policey on duty carry is limited to: S/W, Ruger or Colt 38 or 357 revolvers, 5 or 6 shot only. BBL length no longer than 4". No frame larger than L. For some odd reason your also limited to either steel or titanium models (i.e. no s/w 642's) Have to carry outside waistband. Duty load is either 38 125+P silvertip or Federal 147 grain 38 +P+ Hydra-shok your choice.

Be fun for me to see what some of you guys I "know" would choose.

Best, Blueduck

PS can't qualify with two guns but due to the timing of qualifications it's not that hard to work out a Winter/Summer combo if you like that route...

[10-Ring]

I like the S&W 4" 686 or 66. The 686 would have be a bit more inimidating to look at because of its full length lug, but the 66 would be faster to point (IMHO,YMMV) As a back up, I'd go w/ a 640...I just dig dem steel revo's! :cool:

[Marko Kloos]

If I was in that person's shoes, I'd feel happy with a snubbie K-frame, like a 2 1/2" Model 19 or 3" Model 13 or 65. The three-inch models in particular are the baddest CCW revolvers ever made, IMHO, and I'd feel very well armed with one.

Alternatively, the Colt Detective Special is a handy little gun...barely bigger than a J-frame, but with six shots in the wheel. I'd stick to a K-frame or Colt D-frame because they offer six rounds and are easier to shoot than J-frames.

The Ruger SP101 is almost as big as a K-frame, and only has the capacity of a J-frame, so I'd pass on it. A Security Six or GP-100 would not be a bad thing, though. If I had my druthers, I'd stick with a K, tho.

[Hutch]

I'm with 10-ring on this one. I think a big, flashy stainless revolver would be more of an attention getter and situation-defuser than a li'l snubbie. If I could afford a nickel Python, that'd be the one. If not, an S&W 66 or 686. No backup? Rural? I'd carry AT LEAST 2 revos, strong side hip, weak side pocket, and maybe an ankle biter. Good luck, 'Duck. Hope you never need it.

[DeltaElite]

I agree with what lendringser said.
I just put a Smith 13 3" on layaway, since it is the perfect ccw revolver, IMHO.

The Ruger SP-101 is great as is the Ruger Speed/Security Six series. The Ruger GP-100 is now available in a fixed sight version, that makes it an excellent ccw gun.

Colts are a little pricey, so you should probably look at the Smiths and Rugers. You can get them used for under $300 in good shape. I just did. :D

FWIW, I prefer fixed sights on my combat weapons, typically they are lower profile and I like the looks of them better too.

Best of luck to you.

[Brian Williams]

I would go with a S&W mod 13 or 65 3" HB Round butt with nice grips that fit your hand. Since you go OWB I would get some Uncle mikes Rubber grips for the grippyness, I like my Ajax finger groove grips but like rubber in a clench situation. I would also go with a Customs Service 3" 686 with moon clip conversion.
Lendringsers' 4" mod 19 with Round butt grips frame would be nice.

[Nick96]

My vote would go to the Ruger SP101, 2.25" barrel, bobbed hammer & Hogue rubber grips. Either of the stated loads would do - with a slight edge to the 147 grain Hydo-Shock (my SP tends to be more accurate with heavier loads). Holster - paddel type.

Why?
Weapon retention - The situations cited will likely involve a lot of close contact encounters. The least amount of barrel to grab the better. This is also why I would prefer Hogue rubber grips (more to hang onto + better control when shooting). For close range encounters, the 2.25" barrel is plenty accurate. If you are concerned about getting ambushed in the boonies - carry a carbine in the car where you can get to it.

Bobbed hammer - If the bad guy does get hold of the barrel, a quick up tilt of the barrel and forceful down thrust could result in a nasty gash from the hammer spur. Ditto for any other sharp edges - like adjustable sights.

Paddle holster - "Have to carry outside the waistband". "Duties include lots of paperwork, time in court, and boring stuff". It sounds like the weapon will be off body more than on. Quick on and off the belt should prove real convenient.

Ruger SP101 - Sized between a S&W J & K frame (closer to J frame). Heaver than the S&W J frames (you'll want that with higher power loads) - but lighter than the K frames. If buying new, the SP is likely going to be $100 to $200 cheaper than a S&W. The SP's durability is K frame + (much more durable than any J frame).

[Frenchy]

Well...This old Jailer likes his 686 Snubby. Considering all the car seat duty I have to endure, I find it a good balance of power & comfort.
My daughter's fiancé is with the P&P "Absconder Unit" out of Jeff. City, and he would prefer my piece rather than the state-issued Glock 22.
You don't need anything too intimidating Blueduck. remember...All the real dirt bags are up here around the "Lake", not down in the "Bootheel". :D

[MJRW]

I would say either a Smith & Wesson model 65LS, 686 2.5", or Ruger GP-100 with 3" heavy barrel. I say these because they are all 6 shot and if I'm in your situation, I want that 20% more rounds. The 65LS and the 3" GP-100 all are potent and scary enough to get the job done but with a barrel that helps with weapon retention. They both have fixed sights. The 686 in the 2.5" I would choose over any other snubby if you are forced to carry outside. The only downside is that it has adjustible sights.

[gumshoe4]

M10 or M64 2" with M649 2" backup.

Bob
TFL# 8032

[badgerrr]

Police trade-in S&W M-65 or M-13 with 3" barrel.

Perhaps a Ruger Security Six trade in with 2 1/2" barrel.....357 of course. :D

[sm]

Lendsringer makes a good point; snubby mod 19 , and the 3 " 15 and 65.

I did (sometimes still do) carry a model 64 3" HB and my carry load is the STHP 125 grainers...real nice combo, real nice.

I'd get a model 10 regardless, for a BUG--just darn hard to beat, handy to have. I tend to favor the fixed sights nowadays for carry, low profile, nothing gets bumped, broken at the wrong time.

[Kahr carrier]

A S&W 686 Plus 357 Magnum with a 3inch barrel ,The US Customs edition.:)

[Marko Kloos]

A S&W 686 Plus 357 Magnum with a 3inch barrel ,The US Customs edition.

The Customs Edition 686s were a standard six-shot 686 in 3" RB (CS-1), and 4" RB (CS-2), respectively. A 686+ in 3" RB would be so high on my buy list, it wouldn't even be funny. Alas, they never made one like that.

[Kahr carrier]

Are you sure I am looking at one right now 686-5 3inch 7shot matte stainless round butt.:D

[Tamara]

3" RB Model 65 w/bobbed hammer.

No-snag fixed sights and bobbed hammer (since it's much more likely to be needed to shoot someone off of you than to win a PPC match), stainless for that "big scary real gun" look, 3" tube and round butt to make it comfy to carry OWB all day.

[cratz2]

You don't say what S&W model but if they have a 3" or 4" barrel Smith, I'd take that, in 357 Magnum loaded with the SilverTips.

[Dave Williams]

Blueduck,

I'd carry one of the 6 shot models in 2, 2.5, or 3 inch, it doesn't really matter which, as it's the operator that really matters. If you already have one, it's just as good as something else.

I'd stick with the 147gr ammunition, to be sure to reach the vital organs of pumped up, muscle bound felons.

I'd carry it in a quality concealment security holster, like a Strong pancake, which requires knowledge of the holster to get the gun out. http://www.strong-holster.com/fchance.html

I'd also carry a back up gun, whether you're allowed to or not, somewhere easily accessible with either hand.

Take care,

Dave

[Mike Irwin]

S&W Model 19, 4", with the Federal +P+ loading.

[Johnny Guest]

- - -but, given the rules you have, I'd choose - -

S&W K frame, fixed sight. Since you're limited to .38 ammo, I don't guess it'd matter if it was a Model 10, but if I was buying one with my own funds, I'd want to have the off-duty versitility, and would want a M13 or M65. I truly like the 3" round butt, but could easily live with the 4" barrel.

OR - - -

Colt D frame - - The Detective Special is very compact but carries six shots. Usually quite accurate. Enough weight to be pleasant to shoot +P loads--This encourages practice, and, with the limitations, it would be nice if you are really proficient with the sidearm. Most DS are 2", but you see a 3" occasionally. I think this would be about ideal--The extra inch changes the LOOK of the piece, from pea-shooter to REAL gun, and the extra sight radius doesn't hurt. The shorter barrel is really a handicap to concealment, given that you have to carry outside waistband.

Same frame--Colt Police Positive Special. Like the DS 3" but an inch longer. Slightly more velocity, and sight radius. With proper stocks- - Even RB factory and grip adapter - - very comfortable to shoot and is fairly light to carry.

Blueduck, if this IS a real-life scenario, then - - -Good luck with all your bureaucratically-imposed limitations. Just remember, it's the craftsman, not the tools. A cool head and a good eye will make less-than-ideal weapons serve well.

Best,
Johnny

[Blueduck]

Thanks folks, and yep Johnny it's not hypothetical in the least it's what I do and the rules I've done it under for the past 5 years. Good job, sounds way more dangerous than it is. As "1950's" as the weapon requirments sound we have quality people and great training, and as Frenchy noted we don't grow'em real big around here. Not putting up with much means the worst of'em head up to the "lake area "where all the liberals reside ;)

If anyones curious as to my own picks I started off with a 640, great gun, I unfortuneatly sold off, it will be replaced someday. It's one you might not like the looks or specs of but really fall in love with carrying over time. I then went to a 3" 65 whose action I had smoothed up and chambers chamfered at S/W. Having the chambers done made a MUCH greater difference than I thought it would. Really nice carry gun.

I normally reccomend one of the above to new officers as the ultimate "functional" guns. I however am an avid (if not exceptional ;) ) shooter and reloader which means it's pretty much got to have good sights and a bit of class to keep me interested enough to make them my main range guns. Right now it's the 4" 19 in the winter and 2 1/2" 19 in warmer months. I buy my own approved 147 +p+'s rather than use the free if you want'em 125 Silvertips.

Best,
Blueduck

[BLiTzNicK]

My choice would probably have been a 3" Model 60.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/products/firearms/images/standard/60_162430.jpg

[BobK]

S&W M-65 or 66 SS, 2 1/2" or 3" bbl. (Love the K-frames!) Bob

[firestar]

A 4" 586/686 is a LOT of gun to be dragging around. They shoot very nice but I don't think I would choose one for discrete carry. I would end up carrying either a 3" SS K-frame S&W .357 (model 66) or one of these:


http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=7663612

[tone]

I too would have to say a S&W model 60 2 1/8 barrel.

[SPG]

SW 65 3" would be mine. You didn't give me a chance at my own K-Comp:( .... SPG

[Johnny Guest]

no doubt a judge of fine whiskey and horses.

Of course, it is only coincidental that your choice matches mine . . .

I don't suffer under such restrictions in my work, so I pack my .45 Commander and go on down the road.

But the M65 3", especially with your refinements, would probably be my FIRST pick if limited to a wheel gun. Compact, easily concealable, with the capablilty - and weight - - to handle Remington 158 JHPs - - I could easily live with it. Limited to .38 loads, I would vastly prefer the Rem 158 LSWCHP +P, but, hey, your HydraShok choice would probably serve right well.

Actually, I've never had exactly THAT revolver-- I know I'd like it, though--I had probably the first M65 I ever laid eyes on. It was a 4", of course. I bought a set of RB stocks and then modified the grip frame mywelf. Super little piece to pack while messing around on the river . . . .

I have a 3" RB Model 10--a former Postal Inspector gun, I'm told. Action slicked up, hammer bobbed, and mean as a cobra snake. Ought to carry it more.

Best,
Johnny

[sixgun_symphony]

I would go with a Colt Detective Special for such duty.

Do the regulations allow one to carry an asp baton or cosh? I would carry one of those too if I could.

[Mannlicher]

Smith Model 13 or 65, round butt. Three inch heavy barrel. Double action only, bobbed hammer. Black T finish. I would stick with the 147gr HS rounds. A good set of Hogue grips, good leather, and you are set.

Thats my choice........................

[Charles S]

I will have to agree with Nick96 on his choice.

If I was limitted to a revolver this is what I would carry. Ruger SP101 2 1/2 inch barrel bobbed hammer and a Tritium front sight.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=109092

If I was to choose a S&W. It would be a 3 inch S&W 65.

Charles

[charleym3]

Ruger GP 100 3 inch, no lug. I think that those are the perfect concealment guns. Stay safe.

[Dr.Rob]

SW model 13/65. Gotta agree with Tamara and Lendsringer. I'd go with 357 over 38. I wouldn't modify it much other than swapping grips and making sure your speedloaders work. I'd go stainless.

The DS is a good choice too, but a steady diet of +p will make your DS-II wear out. (CDNN had a sale on 3 inch DS-II's a while back, you never know when something like that might come up.)

[MR.G]

Lendringser,
I have a 686 PLUS round butt. S&W made 535 of them in 1999 for a distributer. Maby others also, I don't know. If you were in Florida I would show it to you. I am currently selling most of my guns, and this one will probably go.

[Marko Kloos]

If'n when you do, drop me a line. I'd be very interested.

[Poohgyrr]

Actually, I like that brace of M19's. They will do well.
Best.




"It's not the size of the dog in the fight. It's the size of the fight in the dog."- I forget who said this but think of it sometimes.

[BobK]

BTW, I have managed to get three S&W .38spl revolvers for
about $200 each......and they aren't dogs either! Two have been used,but not a lot. My m-10 2" was NIB. I put on a pair of rosewood,RB,Target Stocks, I picked up used with no wear for $10. It is one sharp looking revolver and it makes me happy :D
everytime I handle it.
So, the point is; don't let lack of $$$$ hold you back. 38spl
revolvers, in great condition, can be had for $200-$250 if
you invest some time and effort in your quest. Bob

[V-fib]

My choice would be the 3" Sp101 .357 and if ok'd by your department a set of CTC laser grips. :cool: