scottishclaymore
Member
Hey there fellow wheelgunners,
I've been stuffing cash away like a squirrel hoardes nuts for the last two months, in preparation for my upcoming birthday. It's a fairly special birthday and I'd like to buy myself something fairly special for it. The problem is that there are more good wheelguns than there is money. So I'm specifically asking for your opinions on the following choices, given the following criteria:
Criteria:
1) Budget: Under $600
2) Caliber: .38 Special or .357 Magnum. I have three carry guns in .38 special already and don't necessarily feel the need for the magnum there, but the added versatility might be nice. I keep them all loaded with the very accurate and reliable "FBI" load and have plenty of confidence in this. Unless the gun in question had a 3-inch or longer barrel, I'd probably keep it loaded with the .38's for carry anyway.
3) Purpose: Concealed Carry. I occasionally hunt, but it's always with rifle or shotgun. I do not plan on using this gun as a dedicated hunting weapon. Also, it will get lots of range time.
4) Size: 3" bbl or less. Preferably a 3" because I own two snubs and a 4" already.
5) Make: I'm not a fanboy. Mainly it needs to be reliable and it would also help if it was easy on the eyes.
6) Modifications: Depending on the quality of the trigger it will be sent off for a trigger job. Also seriously considering having it cut for full moonclips.
Options:
1) 3" Ruger SP101. I really like the SP101, though I really can't stand the stock grips. I like the reputation that this gun has and I wouldn't feel like a butcher for having it cut for moon clips. The size makes it easy for carry.
2) 3" Ruger GP-100. I would absolutely love to have one of these if I can ever track one down - they're pretty rare in these parts. They are solid well-made guns and again, I'd definitely have it cut for full moon clips.
3) 3" or 2" S&W K-Frame. Picked up a 2" M64 earlier today that I really liked. I really feel the K-Frame is the ideal size for a handgun. My favorite handgun currently happens to be a 4" M64. Again, unless it was a particularly rare or valuable model, this one would be sent off for moonclipping.
4) Colt Diamondback. I ran across one of these today that had a fantastic trigger. The finish was kind of ugly and I think if I bought it I'd have to do something about that, but the trigger was butter smooth and I was impressed with the fit. I also love the concept of a 6-round snub that is slightly smaller than a K-frame. My main concern here would be that I don't really know anything about the quality of these. If anyone here is knowledgeable about the Colt Diamondback, its quality and durability, and the most accurate loadings (for instance, S&W J-Frames are dead-on with 158 gr. ammo from the factory), I'd seriously appreciate the input here. I'd probably feel like a heel for moonclipping it, so if I bought this particular model I probably wouldn't have any work done on it. Also, what about the finish? I generally like to see a little bit of shine on my wheelguns.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. If anybody has some helpful feedback I'd be much obliged. Ultimately, come January 1st (which is the next gun show in my area), I'll probably be going and bringing home whatever I happen to fall in love with.
I'll add as a side note that I don't mind buying used, when it's in good condition - in fact, all but one of my handguns were bought used. No regrets.
I've been stuffing cash away like a squirrel hoardes nuts for the last two months, in preparation for my upcoming birthday. It's a fairly special birthday and I'd like to buy myself something fairly special for it. The problem is that there are more good wheelguns than there is money. So I'm specifically asking for your opinions on the following choices, given the following criteria:
Criteria:
1) Budget: Under $600
2) Caliber: .38 Special or .357 Magnum. I have three carry guns in .38 special already and don't necessarily feel the need for the magnum there, but the added versatility might be nice. I keep them all loaded with the very accurate and reliable "FBI" load and have plenty of confidence in this. Unless the gun in question had a 3-inch or longer barrel, I'd probably keep it loaded with the .38's for carry anyway.
3) Purpose: Concealed Carry. I occasionally hunt, but it's always with rifle or shotgun. I do not plan on using this gun as a dedicated hunting weapon. Also, it will get lots of range time.
4) Size: 3" bbl or less. Preferably a 3" because I own two snubs and a 4" already.
5) Make: I'm not a fanboy. Mainly it needs to be reliable and it would also help if it was easy on the eyes.
6) Modifications: Depending on the quality of the trigger it will be sent off for a trigger job. Also seriously considering having it cut for full moonclips.
Options:
1) 3" Ruger SP101. I really like the SP101, though I really can't stand the stock grips. I like the reputation that this gun has and I wouldn't feel like a butcher for having it cut for moon clips. The size makes it easy for carry.
2) 3" Ruger GP-100. I would absolutely love to have one of these if I can ever track one down - they're pretty rare in these parts. They are solid well-made guns and again, I'd definitely have it cut for full moon clips.
3) 3" or 2" S&W K-Frame. Picked up a 2" M64 earlier today that I really liked. I really feel the K-Frame is the ideal size for a handgun. My favorite handgun currently happens to be a 4" M64. Again, unless it was a particularly rare or valuable model, this one would be sent off for moonclipping.
4) Colt Diamondback. I ran across one of these today that had a fantastic trigger. The finish was kind of ugly and I think if I bought it I'd have to do something about that, but the trigger was butter smooth and I was impressed with the fit. I also love the concept of a 6-round snub that is slightly smaller than a K-frame. My main concern here would be that I don't really know anything about the quality of these. If anyone here is knowledgeable about the Colt Diamondback, its quality and durability, and the most accurate loadings (for instance, S&W J-Frames are dead-on with 158 gr. ammo from the factory), I'd seriously appreciate the input here. I'd probably feel like a heel for moonclipping it, so if I bought this particular model I probably wouldn't have any work done on it. Also, what about the finish? I generally like to see a little bit of shine on my wheelguns.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. If anybody has some helpful feedback I'd be much obliged. Ultimately, come January 1st (which is the next gun show in my area), I'll probably be going and bringing home whatever I happen to fall in love with.
I'll add as a side note that I don't mind buying used, when it's in good condition - in fact, all but one of my handguns were bought used. No regrets.
