Compact revolver advice please

[CB900F]

Ak-kev;

I had a Ruger SP101 2.25" barreled .357 for some years. At one time it was my primary carry gun, stoked with 125 gr JHP .357 factory ammunition. I did indeed practice with it. Stock grips too.

As 19-3Ben indicated, it's not a plinker fun gun, but it's certainly doable. Getting used to the recoil was just a matter of practice, not masochism.

900F

 

[ak-kev]

Man...........you guys have given me alot to think about. I think the waters are more muddy than ever now:banghead: Im glad I have till next weekend's show to decide. I've been doing ALOT of searching the web for info on the older Colts. I already have several, and would like to stay with them IF I CAN. But I dont know how available these are. After searching the web, I think the old Agent would be killer also. Its the light-weight version of the DS. Anyway, theres lots to think about. Thanks for all your input. Kevin.

 

[craig_o]

I'd buy a 642/442 OR, if I wanted a hammer, a Smith 637.

There is no incentive you could possibly offer to convince me that a Taurus was a good deal. There are horror stories galore on Tauri and their customer (dis)service... just passing along what I've read and heard all over the 'net.

Back to the Smiths: I've been a Ruger-or-bust guy, but I just like how Smith's shoot better. If I wanted a .357 snub, might look a little harder at the Sp101 for durability. I'm sold on .38 +p in subs due to the strikingly similar performance out of the short-by-definition-barrel and much quicker follow up shot potential.

 

[BoneDigger]

Smith 642

My favorite by far has been the Smith 642. It is easy to carry, and very manageable, even with stout +P loads in it. Plus I shoot it very well. I have alos owned a Taurus 605, which was a good shooting gun as well. Never aproblem with it, but it became trade fodder at sometime in my past (I go through a LOT of guns).

Any of the guns you listed would work well for you, but I don't think you can do any BETTER than the 442/642. These are just simply awesome carry guns.

Todd

 

[Gunmeister]

Nobody made mention of the S&W Model 60-14 in .357Magnum. At 22oz it handles recoil far better than it's 12oz cousin. With it's 2-1/8" barrel, it's only 1/4" longer than the mini Smith but a lot more accurate and quicker to return to point of aim, much more comfortable to shoot, the stainless finish is far more durable and scratch resistant than the PD finish, not to mention it's about $250 bux cheaper than the 12oz wrist busters.
Love mine and wouldn't trade it even up for one of the mini beasts. But that's just me--to each his own.

 

[mec]

My smallest handgun right now is a 2 1/4" sp101. It works for me-though it weighs 24 ounces empty.
For a true lightweight/small package, I would go for a pre-lock jframe of whatever frame/hammer configuration. the speer 135 grain "snub" loads get full expansion in water.

 

[S&Wfan]

Hi,

I have an old type Agent that I inherited . . . but I'm a S&W guy through and through I guess.

I just picked up a new (for me) 1964 S&W Model 36 J-frame in factory nickle. The new lock guns ain't a problem for me at all . . . I let others buy those!

Like all my Smiths . . . it shoots really well, even for a snubbie. I got to run about three cylinders of ammo through it today at lunch, two double action and one single action at 10 yards.

Here's the 10 yard single action group, shot standing, unsupported. It was the first cylinder I shot too! The sights were regulated at the factory VERY WELL . . . if I say so myself!!! I print my own targets, and my 10 yard targets are 1" black squares. I find that black squares equally one inch for each 10 yards of distance make great targets over a handgun's sight picture.

A Probation officer and spouse, out to do some pre-qualification practice, were mighty impressed vs. what they were getting from a full size Glock in .40S&W. My Colt Agent won't shoot like this either, sadly!

Whatever you find, good luck on a successful "hunt!"

T.