Revolver to replace my auto

While fine for CC, a J frame would not be my first choice as a bedside gun. Its disadvantages for that role are poor sights and low capacity. A larger frame revolver will have a better sight radius, should have better sights, and greater capacity. The one advantage the J frame has is that it would be harder to disarm you in the unfortunate event of a really close encounter. A longer barrel will reduce muzzle flash.

If you want the bedside gun to do double duty as a CC gun, then a J frame is not a bad compromise. In any case, relatively inexpensive, high quality revolvers are plentiful.

There are plenty of used Smith/Wesson K-frames in 38spl that can be had for not a lot of money. They have easy triggers and are very reliable.
If you want new and more capacity, Taurus makes several 7 or 8 shot revolvers that will also do the job at a reasonable price. I prefer a revolver in the nightstand myself.

let me put on my prognosticator hat.
go ahead and get a 442/642 for your intended use and when you find the smith in your pocket 90% of the time take the kel tec and trade for a k or l frame smith for HD

Get a 4-inch full size revolver.

If the cost is not an issue, go with a 7-rd S&W 686.

If you want cheaper alternative, get a used 4-inch 38 Special 6-rounder like S&W Model 10.

If it's a home-defence and range gun only, consider going with 6 inch. You would get good power out of 38 Special round, very mild flash and bang.


For J-frame, I would go with a 3-inch all-steel model 60 and load it with 357 or at least 38 +P. That doubles qute nicely as a carry gun.

miko

Greetings
Revolvers to consider are the Smith and Wesson 13 or 65 with a 3 inch round butt or 4 inch barrel square butt a blue steel 19 or 66 with 2 1/2 inch barrel or 4 inch barrel.
Dan Wesson has a unique interchangeable barrel system with a small grip stub so custom grips can be any size.
Rugers are damned good for the money I am especially fond of the older Speed Six or Security Six in stainless with either a 2 3/4 inch barrel or 4 inch barrel.
With a proper top quality holster barrel length is not as bad as grip bulk and size.
A .357 can also be sued with any .38 loads but a .38 is always a .38 special one day for whatever use or reason you may want more power than a .38 special can provide.
In a smaller package any of the S & W J frames would serve you well as would any Colt Agent or Detective special.
I tend to avoid Taurus or lesser quality brands (Rossi, Charter Arms etc.) better to buy a good used top quality pistol that has been properly checked out than a cheaper built new one as even with a warrany its not worth the frustration of having to send it back one or more times, Buy quality and spend the money once and you will never look back.
Rent at a local range any pistol you are considering if possible.
Good luck on your quest.

Why not just go with a Glock semi?

Nothing against revolvers, just curious....

davidd,
Since you said you don't practice much a J frame might not be right for you. You also said you wife will be using the gun for HD. J frame revolvers are considered to have a high felt recoil when using SD rounds. If she is recoil sensitive and isn't going to practice a J frame is definitely not for her.

A 4" S&W Model 619, 620, 686 or a 4" Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum will serve your needs a lot better than a J frame. The site radius will help in accuracy and the heavier gun will tame the recoil. You have the option to load it with .38 Special rounds for HD so that if you need to touch off a round in a inclosed dark room at night you won't end up blind and deaf for a while. Hard to make a follow up shot if you can't see!! LOL

Of course there are a lot of good revolvers in the used market so I’m sure you can find something to fill your needs.

what are your thoughts? I am thinking the SW 642 J frame is the answer.

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I think you're lookign in the right direction.

I would go for

A 4" GP100 for your purposes. You can find them pretty inexpensive used and they are rugged and dependable.

For HD get a used 4" revolver. .357 for choice, but a plain .38 will work too.

A HD gun doesn't have any of the limitations of a CC gun... no need to hide it or carry it around all day. This is one of the reasons a shotgun is so popular for HD.

As far as CCW is concerned a J-frame doesn't really give you anything that the KelTec doesn't already, so don't limit your HD gun by trying to make it pull double duty in a position you already have filled with another gun.

I'd sell the FIE and if your wife prefers a revolver, then pick up a used Smith & Wesson model 10 .38 special for about $250 and put some grips on it that suits her - should be able to find an old police trade-in, probably a 4 inch heavy barrel model in real good condition......if she likes autos, then I'd go for a 9mm Glock - a new one will be in the $500 range...either one is simple and reliable and will be a pleasure to shoot.


I just saw that I had posted under your other thread about ammo for a 642...didn't realize that you were the same person that started this thread......But, you still may want to consider getting a larger revolver for home use to compliment your new carry gun - ammo compatibilty, same mode of operation and all that...

Why a revolver? There are hordes of semiauto's that are DA/SA with decocker that work the same way as a revolver...no safety. 3 times the capacity to boot.

Why a revolver?

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No buttons. Just point and click. For people who aren't enthusiasts or even mechanically inclined, this is the best. It's simpler to work than a fire extinquisher.

Davidd, I also think you are thinking correctly with the 642/442 model. I see in your other thread that you have already purchased a 642. I'd buy less expensive ammo for plinking and range time in 38spl, probably JHP's. Doesn't really matter. I choose 125gr jacketed hollow points (JHP) 38spl+P for home defense. Shoot them at the range too. A lot of people like the Gold Dots, but frankly I don't think it matters that much as you are not likely to shoot them except at the range. Shoot whatever you buy.

Personally I prefer a larger gun for home defense. Later on consider a 3" Ruger GP100 (357/38) or Glock 23 (40S&W) for home defense depending on action preferences. I did the whole thing entirely in reverse. I have all three and all three get shot.

Since you now have the 642, pick up a 3" Ruger sp101 357. Your speed loaders with .38's will fit both guns.

My friend ravencon makes some good points. If you can't trust a self-
loader then a 4" barrel revolver seems more logical as a "bedside firearm". One
that would "float most THR boats" is the S&W 325 (.45 ACP) PD model. While
costly ( scandium frame/ with a Ti cylinder), it is a perfectly balanced wheel
gun; and the .45 ACP has plenty of punch for use as a home D' handgun.

If this is truly a bedside gun and NOT intended for CCW, why not take a look at the new Taurus 4410 "The Judge" which was reviewed by Jeff Quinn - as well as others - and considered to be an excellent home and personal defense revolver. Shoots .45 LC AND .410 shotgun shells from the same cylinder. Reasonably priced and Taurus has a good warranty on their firearms. Not small enough to be concealed but if you're going to keep it at home, it may be a very practical solution.

Why not just go with a Glock semi?

Nothing against revolvers, just curious....

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Personal preference, that's all. I have an XD, I usually keep it as a backup nightstand gun to my S&W 686. If I'm suddenly awoken and am still half asleep, I don't trust myself not to grab the XD and depress the grip saftey and trigger. Instant ND with a round chambered. And I also don't want to have to rack the slide at o-dark-30, nor dissengage any manual safeties (if my XD had them). There may not be time for that anyway. In that regard, I prefer a revolver with a long DA pull that I can stick in the nightstand loaded up and ready.

Plus, I shoot my 686 better.

Again, its a matter of preference.

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davidd,

I personally prefer a 3 or 4" all steel (blue or stainless) revolver for HD. My 686 Plus is a 4" 7-shot model. If you think you will also CCW, a 3" revolver with fixed sights in 38 or 357 is the perfect carry/HD barrel length, IMHO. In that regard, a 3" S&W Model 10 38 special might be just the ticket. I think a might add one to my collection one day. They are simple, reliable, easy to carry (with a good holster), no adjustable sights to get broken or out of adjustment while carrying, and they have a well deserved reputation for stellar accuracy for not much $$$. I saw 99% condition 10-7 with a 2" barrel recently for $225.