Alternatives to Colt DS??

[rWt]

I have decided to sell my Colt Detective Special. I'm just not happy with the trigger pull given the amount of stacking it has. I really like its size, weight and 6-round capacity. It has been my field gun when I go bird hunting or take long walks in the woods with my hunting dog. Figure it's good to have for coyotes or other predators I may encounter. I wear it in a owb field style holster and it's easily concealed under a light jacket or hunting vest. I like the exposed hammer and large front sight for more sighted shots. I prefer fixed sights. I don't need .357 capability.

So, what options are out there that I should consider? I know nothing about the S&W 36-Chief's Special.It seems a likely candidate albeit with a 5 round capacity.

I have a S&W 649 that I sometimes carry with a Barami hip grip appendix style for CC. I also throw it in a jacket pocket. I will likely buy a S&W 642 for front pocket carry-I like the lighter weight versus the 649 for that application.

I had, and foolishly sold, a S&W 65 with 3" barrel. Sold it to a friend who "needed" it to round out his collection and keep his 3" Model 13 company. Yep, you guessed-he sold the 13. Grrrrr. It's a very fine revolver, but a bit larger and heavier than I need.

I hear very good things about the Ruger SP101, but know nothing about them.

Or should I just carry my Glock 26 or Colt Ltwt Commander IWB and call it a
day?

All thoughts will be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Coyote3855]

I've had good luck with Ruger revolvers, but mostly single actions and the Six series. Just my opinion, but if you're open carrying in the woods, I don't think five instead of six is much of a handicap. For me, not as much as the short barrel on both the DS and the J frames.

DO NOT call it a day with the 26 or the Commander. NEVER pass up an excuse to buy another gun.

 

[.455_Hunter]

... I'm just not happy with the trigger pull given the amount of stacking it has...

I own Colts, Smiths and Rugers and have yet to figure out what "stacking" is or how it negatively affects shootability.

Keep the Colt.

 

[rbernie]

I moved from the Colt DS to S&W Model 12's - six shot, lightweight snubbies chambered in 38 Special - for holstered use and to the S&W 638 for pocket use.

 

[Sarge7402]

Charter arms made a police bull dog in 38 6 shot some years ago

 

[Old Fuff]

Remove the stocks on your Detective Special, and watch the mainspring while you cock the hammer. You may find that the two leafs of the "V" spring come together before the hammer reaches full cock. This is what causes the stacking. DO NOT TRY TO REFORM OR BEND THE SPRING! Instead return it to Colt and they will likely be able to correct it, and possibly on their dime.

Nowhere is it written that you can't have your cake and eat it.

 

[rWt]

Yes-it starts touching along the bottom third very quickly and then increases to over half the length of the V spring before the hammer falls.

 

[ThomasT]

For a holster carry field gun a 3" ruger sp-101 might be just the ticket. I have an S&W model 36-6 IIRC with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights that fits just right in that role. I have read that S&W only made 615 of this model. So its sorta rare but its still just a tool to me.

 

[Panzerschwein]

The Rock Island M206 is directly based of the Colt Detectives Special, and has an excellent reputation for it's price. It's certainly worth a look.

 

[Zendude]

Charter arms made a police bull dog in 38 6 shot some years ago

The Police Bulldog (38 special, 6 shot) is still a current model from Charter Arms.

 

[BSA1]

Give Frank Glenn a call at 602-978-9089 and discuss the stacking problem with your gun. He is a top notch gunsmith for Colt revolvers.

 

[Zendude]

S&W 686 Plus w/ 2.5 inch barrel?

 

[Derry 1946]

Colt DS is a very high quality firearm with an excellent balance of size, weight, ergonomics, capacity, and caliber. It's pretty hard to beat. I wouldn't lightly substitute something else. I'll echo the suggestion to keep it.

 

[Panzerschwein]

S&W 686 Plus w/ 2.5 inch barrel?

No.

The 686 frame is much too large. It's an excellent gun, but not nearly the same size as a Colt DS.

 

[HB]

Ive been looking for a 3" jframe for basically the same use. I had 4" sp101 which was extremely accurate but had to go back to the factory because the gun locked up. Trigger sucked so I sold it after it was fixed. Would have been the perfect woods gun.

People say jframe triggers suck but my 642 has a way better da trigger. If I find a 3" with exposed hammer and aluminum frame it'll be coming home with me.

Hb

Edit: jframe should be plenty accurate for a rabbit at 10 yards too. I love shooting revolvers, I think a jframe with loads tailored to the sights is about perfect for field use.

 

[bannockburn]

rWt

I have been carrying a S&W J frame in pretty much the same situations as you described. Had a Detective Special and an Agent but always preferred the slightly smaller J frame. Currently I alternate between a Model 638 and a Model 649. Both have fairly decent trigger pulls and are very easy to carry concealed. If I decide to go with a semi-auto then my Kahr CM9 gets the call.

 

[ECVMatt]

How about the Ruger LCRx 3"? It's a five shot, but light and accurate. I use my Glock 26 for the same reasons and it works quite well.

 

[rWt]

Thanks, everyone! Lots of options to consider.

I have a Glock 26 and an older Colt Commander that I will also consider using. Need to find owb field holsters for them.

I have a 649-shoot it just fine at short distances. I want to be consistently accurate at about 15-20 yards, which I am not with the 649. I need better sights.

Don't want to carry my 5" N frame 45 Colts for these jaunts-more difficult to conceal-at least with the owb field holsters I have. Same for my 4 5/8" USFA 45 Colt.

I'll have to check out the rental guns at my local range.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I ve got a old charter arms 44 spl 3" on hip at present Loaded weights about same as a S&W 36 I have with a 3" barrel . I carry it more than my 36's or 49 I just like the big old slug

 

[ECVMatt]

I have found the Glock Sport/Combat holster to work great for hiking and ATVing. I have had one for over 20 years and it still works great. Not as nice as leather, but weather proof and thus far indestructible.

http://www.amazon.com/Glock-Sport-Combat-Holster-9mm/dp/B015ZPIE7K

 

[Markus]

The Ruger lcr in .327 is a 6 shooter. The LCRX 3" is what I carry on walks in the woods.

 

[Deaf Smith]

If a revolver to replace it then find a S&W M-10, say 10-3, 2 inch .38 round butt or the stainless version, the S&W 64.

If an auto.. Glock 43 9mm.

Deaf