[telomerase]

1. Are 2" Model 63s common at gun shows, or do I need to find one online? Are they all worn out from too much plinking (the problem with .22s; people actually shoot them)?

2. How hard is it to put better front sights on model 63s (or 2" 317s)? Anyone have experience with Firesights or such? (Or should I just paint the stock sight black with a white dot?)

3. Can 317's triggers be made anywhere near as good as 63's? How bad are 317 triggers new? Is the 317 trigger really a subversive sabotage device to prevent females from taking up shooting, as has been suggested?

4. Do all the standard J grips fit the 317?

5. Is an SP101 any kind of substitute for a 63, or would I just kick myself every time I look at it (as with, say, Taurus or H&R)?

6. Would I be better off financially in the long term getting a .475 Linebaugh (five rounds a year vs. 5000)?

[Brian Williams]

I have 3 J frames, MOD 60-4, 940-1, 35-1, and they all needed to be dry fired a bunch before the trigger felt good. I would like to put in a weaker trigger rebound spring in my 60 and the others are still strong but workable. Get a 63 and have fun.

All of the round butt J frame grips fit the 317.

If you are going to use this a more of a range gun get the longer barrel which is 3" I think.

[John Ross]

1. Not around here. I'd go online. No. I don't think you can wear out a steel J-frame in any caliber weaker than .357. The smoothest one I ever handled was a .38 with 35,000 rounds through it. They just get better with use.

2. Not sure.

3. Define "anywhere near." Airlite triggers have to be heavier to get reliable ignition with the light frame. When the hammer falls, the frame wants to move, like a dragster wants to wheelie on launch. The lighter the gun (or car,) the worse this tendency, which cushions the FP blow. And all the guns have coil springs, which make triggers worse. Women (and kids, and maybe everyone) should start with a Model 18.

4. Round butt ones, yes.

5. The latter, probably.

6. It depends on the relative benefit you get from shooting vs looking/handling. If you buy a Freedom Arms or have John Linebaugh build you a gun, you might derive as much or more pleasure from looking at it and holding it as from shooting a .22. If you buy a factory Ruger or Taurus .475, I doubt it. Get a 63 or an 18 and a few cases of ammo.

JR

[telomerase]

Thanks for all the info, guys. I didn't know that the frame weight affected the hammer strike (though now that you explain it, it makes sense). I had heard the the Model 18 was good (and out of production). I'll keep that in mind when I'm wealthy...