[Logan 5]

I have many handguns, but I don't have a .357. I have won the battle in the argument with the wife about why a semi-automatic might not be good for her in a self defense situation compared to a revolver. :)

I would like to pick up a quality S&W for roughly $400 or less.
I would like a K frame, but with the smallest grip possible (for her).
I would like a 4" barrel.
Finish does not matter to me. (Nickel is attractive though)
Six or Seven shot capacity is ideal.

Models and features plusses and minuses would be greatly appreciated.

TIA Logan

[Bill2e]

If it is truely "for her" let her pick it out, now if just an excuse to buy a new new :)...I like the 686, but the new "night Gaurd Series" introduced at SHOT Show look interesting.

Good luck

[glassman]

I would also go with the 686. It's heavy enough to absorb the recoil but not so heavy as to be bothersome. I'm assuming this gun will be for home defense and not for carry. I bought a dash 5 last year for $400. Smaller grips are easily found. Good luck with it.

[jameslovesjammie]

Sounds like a Model 64/65/67/620/686. Changing grips is easy.

[gunnerh]

I agree with Bill2e let her pick it out with guidance and support(read check book). She will be happier with the new gun and you. I speak from being married many decades and helping my wife and 4 daughters get guns.

[RobertFBurnett]

Allow me to point you in the direction of http://www.corneredcat.com a great site someone on the forum in a different post brought up. ALL kinds of good info there, but primarily by and for the Ladies.

RFB

[stormspotter]

She should be the one to pick out what she wants. My wife has taken a fancy to my Model 19 with 2 1/2" barrel and compact grips. The round butt and compact grips fit her hand real well.

The more she wants to shoot it, the more I am packing:rolleyes: my Ruger New Vaquero 45 Colt, with 4 5/8" barrel.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k10/ema567/100_3313.jpg

[Logan 5]

Thanks to all of you who responded and knows what it is like to be married for many years. From your posts, her involvement in the process is more important than whether it is an old k-19 or a Model 13. (I should have known that anyway.) I will look around and then give her a few choices (they always want choices)
:D


I will post the pics later when I get them regripped with something that matches the gunsafe color scheme :)

[moewadle]

in 38 Special. Used ones of course but they are out there. I think that is what the best idea would be and not get hung up on having a 357. Of course, letting her decide for herself is the best thing in my opinion.

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm glad you know this should be her decision. After all, would you like it is someone else picked out the handgun you will carry? You both might want to read a site authored by one of the Mods here. The site is Cornered Cat (http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx#HolsterSafety). You will find the whole site interesting and informative but in your case the section on "Choosing Firearms" will probably help you. Also, the page "What gun for a Woman" (http://www.corneredcat.com/Men/gunforwoman.aspx) that is probably a must read.

Good luck finding a gun your wife will want to carry and shoot well. Remember, if you had to "battle" with her to convince her to buy a revolver it's probably not what she really wants.

-EDIT- I see "RobertFBurnett" already posted the link in an above post.... Sorry to have repeated the link.

[SlipperyShooter]

Make certain she either shoots it or at least dry fires it.

My wife loved the feel of my S&W Model 60, but couldn't handle the 12 pound trigger pull. She has to use both index fingers or switch to single-action (which is not at all a good idea in stressful situations).

[BlindJustice]

If you get one of the newer with round butt you can get small grips
in the aftermarket - check Guy Hogue for F/L options. I got the K/L
Compac w/finger grooves & checkering in ROsewood for my 686P. The P
suffix indicates a 7 shot cylinder which is only avail. on the L-frame
platform. The 620 is also a 7 shooter.

[Logan 5]

Thanks for the continued responses. She already carries a chief's special (637 airweight) but I wanted something for the bedroom. I think that my 1911 is too much for her and don't want a light pull on that first round.

This is really an opportunity for me to get a decent .357 that she can shoot .:p 38's out of just in case a BG comes in.

I should have posted this before (but I thought it was obvious) that I am not expecting to buy a S&W new. I just want a quality 4" K or N frame .357 that I can change the grips out on that she will be comfortable with.

She already shoots her 637 and my Model 14 (6") just fine. I just wondered what that THR thought would be my best option for around $350-$400.
Thanks again.

[camsdaddy]

Not to say the best for your situation. I bought a Model 13-1 on Saturday and paid $250 with cosmetic blemishes. I shot it on Sunday and am more than pleased with my decision. It will be a woods/house gun.