A hole in the S&W Revolver line?

[Kevinch]

On another post I indicated I was looking to buy my 24 y.o. daughter a revolver. Thanks to some member input, I'm re-thinking my choice of a 642 & believe that a revolver with these characteristics would be ideal to be employed as a nightstand and sometimes CCW piece (purse and glovebox carry):

• 3" barrel
• small SS (preferred) or alloy frame
• DA/SA action
• 5 shot cylinder
• 38SPL +P (or .357MAG) caliber
• fixed sights

I know that Ruger manufactures the SP101 in a 3" barrel. I won't go that route; the Ruger is a little too bulky. Taurus carries this gun in the M85 & M60. But unless I've missed something in the S&W catalog, the only J frame I can find in 3" is the M60, & it has an adjustable rear sight with the tall front sight that goes with it. But - they do offer a fixed sight K frame in a 3" barrel With a 6 shot cylinder & 10 ounces more in weight, it's getting big for this application.

Can that be possible? Am I off in thinking that a fixed sight, 5 shot, 3" barreled revolver is a good compromise in a CCW/HD piece, and would be easy to handle?

I've had good luck with Taurus & have no problem buying another, but I'm a little dissapointed in S&W. I was hoping to have more to choose from, & with about 2 dozen J frames cataloged I thought S&W would have something for sure.

Is Taurus my only choice?

 

[made2cut]

oops, nevermind. I should have read your post more carefully. I do like my 60-15 though.

 

[Old Fuff]

In times past, Smith & Wesson made the models 36 and 60 with fixed sights and a 3" barrel. I would suggest that you do what I did and seek one out. They are exactly what you're looking for, and an excellent configuration for the purpose intended.

 

[perpster]

Look for a used Model 65 Ladysmith with 3" barrel. That seems to be exactly whay you're looking for. Any posts I've seen about 'em have been very positive.

 

[ugaarguy]

Well it aint alloy or stainless and it aint a J frame, but they ain't that big either, so what about a 3" model 10? They're well proven and used ones are everywhere at great prices. Maybe I'm just hard headed.

 

[Kevinch]

In times past, Smith & Wesson made the models 36 and 60 with fixed sights and a 3" barrel. I would suggest that you do what I did and seek one out.

Look for a used Model 65 Ladysmith with 3" barrel. That seems to be exactly whay you're looking for.

Yep - although, unfortunately the next large gun show around here isn't for another 2 months. I believe denfoote here at THR recently picked up a 3" LS. I certainly don't mind buying used - in fact, with S&W I prefer used - & I did see one advertised not too far from here so I may go have a look this weekend.

The thing is; I think I'm in the market for 2 guns. I mentioned to my wife what I was thinking about for my step-daughter (her daughter), and she's in agreement. However, I get the sense that my wife might feel a little "left out". That surprises me a little; because while there isn't any "anti" in her blood she's never expressed any real interest in gun ownership, let alone training. I'd love to give both of them identical revolvers at the same time.

Although thinking about it while I write this, I believe my daughter would be more inclined to CCW than my wife, who by her comments is more concerned about HD. So...maybe a 3" for my daughter & a 4" for my wife....

 

[RON in PA]

Three inch K-frame Smiths are definitly belt guns because of their size and weight, but IMHO they are almost a universal gun because of ease of shooting (much better grip and added weight to soak-up recoil compared to J-frames), decent sight radius and barrel length that gives good velocity with +P ammo. They also work fine as an HD gun.

There are many choices, models 13/65/LS65 in .357 and models 10/64 in .38 special. Prior to the adoption of semi-autos the model 13 was the FBI gun.

 

[Jim PHL]

If your daughter is more likely to carry, and you will be getting two, then maybe something a little better suited to carry for her with something a little more practical at the range for your wife - but still a "match". Something along the lines of a 4" or 6" model 15/67 for your wife and a 2" Model 10 or 64for your daughter. They would have the same guns, only different!
Rather than identical guns, get them identical grips. That way, they'd have the general appeal of matching guns with the added advantage of good practice with the larger gun that will, in a sense, translate to the smaller gun. (Keep in mind, the "smaller" gun will have the same frame, grip, trigger and operating system and general "feel" with just the shorter barrel and fixed sites.)

 

[ezypikns]

Amen......

to the Model 10.
Also I've got a Model 36 (J Frame, 5 shot) with a 3" barrel that's just a dandy. My wife's a little gal and she just loves it. Check GunBroker.

 

[denfoote]

The hole is caused by the demise of the "K" frame!!

Look for a used Model 65 Ladysmith with 3" barrel. That seems to be exactly whay you're looking for. Any posts I've seen about 'em have been very positive.

It sounds to me like that's exactly what you are looking for!!

Haunt the pawn and gun shops in your area. There's bound to be one somewhere!!

 

[Richard.Howe]

A hole in the current S&W line?

Yes, and I hate it. It's the one right above the cylinder release....

In all seriousness, you've received good advice. Find yourself a 3" model 65 LS. This is the kind of thing you're looking for, but clearly not with this engraving or big grips:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=46045050

You should be able to find one in the $275 to $375 range.

 

[Kevinch]

In all seriousness, you've received good advice.

On that I would agree & I do appreciate it!

Concerning my wife whom I believe would rarely CCW, a 3" or 4" M64, or even the 4" M67 would probably be OK as the over 2Lb weight wouldn't be an issue and might just be an asset. The 3" M60 might also work as the size & sharp edges of the adjustable sights aren't a problem on a night stand. A lot more choices for her, and even the blue M10 might be OK - but I would still prefer SS or Al alloy.

The gun for my daughter has to fit a more narrow set of characteristics. I'll have to start cruising my local gun shops more often for what might be found in the used gun cases. I really would like to stay with a barrel of clsoe to 3", a 5 shot cylinder, SS or Al alloy, and 1.5Lbs or less.

Along with being surprised at a lack of offerings by S&W, I'm also a little surprised by the lack of responses from Taurus fans to this post. Taurus has a broad range of options in the small revolver category. Back in the early 90's, I owned a 2" M85 that had 2 issues out of the box - light primer strikes & the barrel was machined so that when it was threaded into the frame the front site wasn't exactly at 12:00. It didn't shoot anywhere near POA! A trip back to Taurus for about 3 or 4 weeks & it was returned completely fixed. I sold it to a friend to fund the purchase of a Colt Mustang a few years later & he still has it. Since then, I've bought a PT940 which I shoot as accurate as I do a 1911. From what I read Taurus quality has continued to improve & I know they have their fans here, but no comments on this thread. Maybe the thread title has something to do with it.....

 

[Bob79]

Personally I think if you get her a K-frame it will be too big/heavy for her to want to lug it around anywhere. Don't even the lightest K-frames weigh like 33ozs?

Like others have mentioned, if you want a 3" barrel I would look for the 36/60 in the used market. I bought a 60-3 Ladysmith with the 3" barrel .38 special (not +P rated) for my better half and she loves it. Shes only 5'1" 105 lbs and with the Uncle Mike's 3-finger grip/covered back strap and Winchester 110 grain Silver Tips which do about 900 FPS shes good to go.

She likes how the J-frame fits her hand much better than the K-frame (M66) she tried.

EDITED TO ADD:

On http://www.gunbroker.com there are two 3" model 36's I found

This one looks better, item #46012017 for $275, no reserve, excellent shape, 5 days left.

The other, item #45930447 for $345, good shape, 4 days left.

If I were you, I'd buy the first one listed at $275, GOOD LUCK.

 

[rtl]

...like others, 36/60 would be my first recommendation, the LS 65-5 my second. A little surprised you feel the SP101 is too bulky, mine seems to be very comparable to those listed above. My wife loves hers. My GP100 IS a bit bulky for IWB, but the SP101 hides quite well.

 

[lanceman193]

My wife can not handle a K frame nearly as well as a j Frame,her hands are too small and she needs a smaller gun.The Pre-lock J frame or J magnum frame in stainless steel, loaded with standard 38 special 110 HP or standard wadcutters is perfect for her.It usually gets left in the car,is a delight to shoot, with a "veritable plethora" of pretty grips available and let her choose,of course,from your list of options.She likes it!Makes life much easier.....Lance
[email protected]

 

[Sunray]

Take 'em shopping. A handgun has to fit the shooter not the buyer and the best way to find out what does fit is to try it on. You might get a bulk price too.

 

[Jim K]

For years as a deputy sheriff I carried a 3" barrel, square butt Model 36. Though I never had to fire it on duty, I never felt unarmed and it was (and is) quite accurate SA and DA. I highly recommend that size as being light enough for carry and long enough to have a decent sight radius. Further, for serious purposes, I recommend a steel frame. The light and super-light guns just have too much recoil for a fast second or third shot at other than belly range.

Jim

 

[caz223]

I can't see the downside with getting your wife and daughter matching 65LS models.
I know it's a K frame and it will prolly weight 33 ounces, but that is one sweet shooting gun.
S&W Model 10, 13, 15, 19, 64, 65, and 66 are all .38 or .357 'K' frames.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Handgun For Home Protection.htm

 

[Joseywales3]

Ruger SP101

I would highly recommend you have your daughter fire the SP101 if possible, before you rule it out. I have an early model with a shorter cylinder, which means it will handle the 38s, plus 357 up to 125 grain, which happens to be the number one cartridge in one-shot stops. Mine has the 3" barrel and used to ride nicely in the inside pocket of my denim jacket.

This gun is the most natural pointing guns I've ever owned and it recoils straight back, with little muzzle flip, allowing for quick follow up shots. I have tendonitits in my elbows, so if it were painful to shoot I'd know it.

Lastly, you'll notice I said it used to ride in my jacket. The gun now resides underneath my wife's side of the bed. At 15 feet, she can easily put rounds the size of my palm and she's no avid shooter. I've owned this gun for almost 15 years and it will never be sold. I love my 45, but I'll never sell that Ruger.

 

[BigEllis51]

649?

My 25 year old daughter has a 649 in her bedroom. While not 3 inches, the heavier weight, and the SA option, allow her to shoot it quite well. Although she does even better with her Glock 26.

The newer 2.25" barrel .357 model of the 649 may be a great compromise:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=46173048

Having said that, I have a 3" Model 36 that, IMO, is the best looking gun that I own. You can't go wrong getting one for someone, maybe even yourself.

 

[.41Dave]

3" S&W model 36-1. It's nickel, not stainless, but if you take care of it, nickel is pretty durable and corrosion resistant, not to mention it's sure prettier than stainless! My daughter loves this gun. (she has a weak spot for nickel S&Ws)

 

[TheEgg]

* 3" barrel
* small SS (preferred) or alloy frame
* DA/SA action
* 5 shot cylinder
* 38SPL +P (or .357MAG) caliber
* fixed sights

Except for bbl length, why not the 640?

2 1/8 " bbl.(It does not seem to me that the length diff. here realy matters).
SS (all steel -- this is the famous Chief's Special in modern form).
DA/SA
5 Shot Cylinder
.357 MAG
Fixed sights
Available in 3 models -- with exposed hammer, with totally enclosed hammer, and with shrouded hammer.

 

[stevekl]

A pretty big hole: S&W doesn't currently produce any revolver that is reliable and lives up to Ruger's standard.

/me jumps in ditch and covers head

 

[chaim]

Along with being surprised at a lack of offerings by S&W, I'm also a little surprised by the lack of responses from Taurus fans to this post.

Well, that's probably because just like S&W they don't really have anything that fits your criteria. Taurus officially carries (or recently carried) a 3" version of the 85, but I've never seen one or heard of more than one or two people who have. If you can get the 3" 85 it may be what you are looking for.

Otherwise, used is a good option. 3" S&W M36s and M60s with fixed sights aren't too uncommon. Also, if you are in a hurry, don't discount the newer M60 with adjustable sights. Several gunsmiths and manufacturers offer auto style fixed sights that can be added to adjustable sight revolvers. That may be a direction to consider (you can get anything from just basic sights, to 3-dots, to night sights).

 

[S&Wfan]

I second the suggestion to take the ladies with you when you shop for her gun.

Handguns are a highly personal matter and hand size, weight, recoil and length of trigger pull that you might like may not feel the same to them.

I love the FIXED SIGHT K-frame Smiths, both in .38spl. and .357 mag, with THREE INCH barrels for self defense revolvers. I prefer the Model 65 best, because of the easy to care for finish. The Ladysmith version is nice, with the full underlug barrel, but don't rule out the standard 65, for it weighs a little less, or the identical looking Model 64 that's a .38.

The trigger pulls on the K frame guns beat the heck out of the J-frame guns too . . . and don't kick so hard that they would discourage a woman who hasn't shot much from enjoying practice!

If you get a Ladysmith, TAKE OFF THE WOOD GRIPS! They look pretty but they don't absorb the recoil of a hot .357 round like the Hogue monogrips. If grip size is not a problem, go with the "conversion" grip for the round butted 65 . . . for it turns the grip into the square-butt shape that's a whole lot easier to shoot fast without the grip shifting!

If you insist on a alloy frame, look for the fairly rare Model 12 K-frame in .38 spl.

In the tiny alloy revolvers, the old Colt "Agent" (a Detective model that's got an aluminum frame) snubby is nice . . . its small like a J-frame but, since the Colt cylinder is stronger, they cram six rounds in the cylinder instead of five.

Don't dispair though . . . there are zillions of older S&W revolvers out there in great shape . . . so you'll eventually find the perfect one!

T