[outfieldjack]

Normally I'm in the auto-loader or shotgun sections..... maybe I have seen the light, I don't know, but here is my question.....

I recently have come into some money ~$500.... and am looking for a new gun. I was wondering if there were any relvolvers out there that would function well as my CWP. Currently I carry a Kel-tec P32. I don't think I'll find anything that small.... but was looking for suggestions from the "wheel gunners" out there....

Thanks in advance,
Jack

[P95Carry]

My current carry is the Taurus M85 snub .. 38spl. Soon to go away as soon as shirt is daily and I can resume my P series once more.

This gun can be got at a good price ... used maybe $150 to $175 ... new . not sure right now but not expensive.

Many may favor the super lightweight scandiums etc and even in .357 ...... for me tho a no-no ... too much oomph for too little weight.

Many do carry wheel guns .... and there are some good holsters out there.

For $500 you could find something used and also have cash spare for a good holster. Probably many other suggestions are possible here.

[10-Ring]

Lately, I've really liked the S&W 640 & its light weight kin :) Nothing like 5-shots of 357magnum! :cool:

[MikeJ]

I second the 640 .357 Centennial. I've owned one for a couple of years now and love it. I would also recommend the S&W 642 in .38+P if you want a lighter gun. The 640 weighs in at about 23 oz. and the 642 at 15 oz. Both of these are concealed hammer models and in my opinion the absolute best in concealed carry revolver options. Mike

[C.R.Sam]

500 bucks should get you a nice pair of Model 36 Smiths in .38 Special or a nice pair of 2.5" Model 19s in .357 Mag.

Or one of either and enough ammo to get pretty proficient.

I carry both. Small enough, punchy enough and nice to shoot.

Sam

[Jim March]

There's a lot to be said for snubby wheelguns as a close-range personal defensive weapon if the threat is criminal attack.

There's no safety or other control necessary past the trigger, it's difficult to grapple away from you, and it can't go out of battery on hard muzzle contact. It's also seriously jam-resistant (with the exception of super-light Scandium and similar guns yanking rounds of their shells) and reliable.

They're immune to "limp wristing" problems, which can happen either in the heat of a fight or when you're fighting back while wounded.

In the infamous Miami 1986 FBI shootout, the gun that ended the fight was a lowly 5-shot 38Spl backup gun fired by a severely wounded agent staggering forward and firing one-handed in a daze.

Downsides: they take practice, which most people don't spend on them. Five shots can be marginal. (Although even 38+P delivers more wounding than the ballistics would otherwise indicate if your ammo is well-chosen - the nosecone design doesn't have to compromise for feedramps and the bullet weight is way up past the otherwise ballistically similar 380 from a 4" tube.)

Upshot: I have a very good 38Spl snubby that I'll never part with. The moment I score CCW, that'll be the "always gun", always carried in the same place. If needs warrant, I may add a second gun to that, but the snub is the "first at bat" in a close-range mess.

[jar]

Lots of good advice already. You probably should also hold as many examples, and if possible shoot them. I find that the Smith J frame grip is simply too small for adequate control. The Colt D framed guns, Detective Special, Agent, etc, are easier for me to control and just as concealable. The snubby K framed Smiths come in a close second but are bigger than pocketable. I've carried K and N frame Smiths with 4" barrels concealed and with the right rig, it can be very comfortable.

Just as with semis, fondle as many different models as you can.

[Brian Williams]

If you are an Auto guy and like 9mm look at the S&W 940, the same as a 640 but in 9mm with moon clips. otherwise ditto Sam and MikeJ

[Johnny Guest]

Jim March - - -
Re: Your statement that the gun that ended the fight was a lowly 5-shot 38Spl backup gun . . . . I understand there IS at least one report that a Chiefs Special was shot dry during the encounter. Per other sources, however, Agent Mirales emptied his 870 and then advanced with a six-shot magnum, though it was loaded with .38 Spl ammo.

References:
An article on The Gun Zone site, http://gunzone.sccltd.net/11april86.html
indicates - - - Mireles, however, was determined to assure that this was not an option. With great difficulty, he levitated himself from the ground and, discarding his Remington 12-gauge, walked stiff-legged toward the Buick as he withdrew his own S&W revolver and fired two 158-grain +P lead hollow points at Platt, three at Matix curled in a vain attempt to avoid the deadly fire, and a final one at Platt.

W. French Anderson, MD - - - Analysis of the Miami firefight.
http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs7.htm Mireles then drew his .357 Magnum revolver, got to his feet, moved laterally about 15 feet parallel with the street, clear of McNeill’s car, and then began walking directly towards Platt and Matix, who were sitting in Grogan/Dove’s car. Mireles fired six rounds of .38 Special +P from his revolver. Mireles revolver shots 1 and 2 were fired at Platt, shots 3, 4 and 5 at Matix, and shot 6 at Platt. Five of the six bullets hit Platt or Matix. In any case, I agree, a two-inch .38 lightweight is a comfort to have aboard, regardless of any additional armament. :)

Best,
Johnny

[SnWnMe]

Airweight Smith ~ $350 to $400. Get IWB and pocket holsters and ammo with the balance.

I also have a Dick Special. I like it alot too. Not much bigger than a J Smith and 6 shots. Colts may cost more though.

[Airboss]

I Carry a 296 .44 Spec light(19 oz) fits in my front jeans pocket,or on a Kramer Belt slide 200 gr Gold Dot's.no Hammer,to snag,No sights to snag,simple and easy point and click and bang.It works first time every time.
It works for me,YMMV

[feedthehogs]

I always for some reason feel a little safer when I carry either an early model 29 or 19 than one of my auto loaders.

[chaim]

$500 for your first revolver and you may want one smallish to carry (in competition with your Kel-tec P32)? Buy two, a used Taurus 85 and a used K-frame .38 or .357 with your $500. If you must go new, a J-frame (or equivelent), like the S&W 60 or Taurus 85, would be easier to carry (it is the most versatile since it can work in pocket or on the ankle as well as OWB or IWB), a K-frame carries one more round, is a bit stronger, and with a 4" or 3" (even better) barrel is carriable (OWB, easy IWB). Taurus is a bit cheaper and still good (though fit and finish isn't quite as good), S&W is pretty classic. Ruger isn't quite as nice but virtually indestructable. Most new .38 and .357 small and medium framed revolvers can be had for $500 or less.

[sm]

Sam nailed it.
Older :made like they should , prices, proven.
Carry cash, be patient, don't show enthusiasm, when spotting a gem.

[Jim March]

Oh, and use the checkout to pick a good'un :).

(First post, this forum, stickied)