Help me choose gun #2.

[hamourkiller]

Since you are already infected with 44 magnumitis, get a N Framed S&W .357 mag. 4 to 6 inch bbl, pinned bbl and recessed cylinders. Mod. 27 if you want pretty quality or mod 28 if you want quality.

Then when you have to feed the 44 mag monster growing inside of you the next logical step is to get that Mod 29 which has the same frame as the other. (The wife might not even notice the difference!)

The N frame .357's are the best revolvers for house and car since you dont have to tote them around, i love mine.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

So I think the guns I will be looking for/trying are from Smith and Wesson:

686/586
28
66
620
19

And from Ruger:

GP100
Service Six

I will keep an eye out for Colt, but I rarely see any used Colts and the ones I do are really, really old and worn.

The last 3 on my S&W list are K frames. People have said something about them having problems with 357 loads? Does anyone know where I can find out more about this? Is it a problem with all K frames or just certain models? Are the 66, the 620 and the 19 all basically the same gun? Just different years?

bdjansen,
You are wrong about the S&W M620 being a K frame, it's not. The M620 is a 7 round L frame and was produced to replace the M66 K frame. I own a Model 619 which is the fixed sight L frame replacement for the Model 65 K frame. You said you weren't willing to buy a current model with a lock or I would have suggested either the M619 or M620. I really enjoy shooting the M619 and would not want to do without it.

The Model 619 and Model 620 are the same revolver except for the sights.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=26806&isFirearm=Y
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...angId=-1&parent_category_rn=26806&isFirearm=Y

 

[glassman]

"The last 3 on my S&W list are K frames. People have said something about them having problems with 357 loads? Does anyone know where I can find out more about this? Is it a problem with all K frames or just certain models?

I'm pretty sure I'm on target here but if not, someone please correct me. The 'K' frame was born out of the combat.38. Look at the forcing cone on a mod19. Instead of being round, it is flat at the 6 o'clock position to allow for the crane when the cylinder is closed.
When this gun was first built, the only available .357 round was a 158gr which worked fine. As time went on, the 125gr was developed but has higher pressures than the previous rounds. Those higher pressures led to cracking of the forcing cone.

 

[Jim March]

The 125s aren't actually higher pressure. The problem is that being lighter they accelerate faster and hit that K-frame weak point at the back of the barrel harder than the 158s did even when net horsepower (energy in the bullet) and pressures were similar.

 

[greener]

Pretty revolvers, Stoney. The problem with M&P's is that after 75 or so years the finish begins to have problems, they don't put all the rounds in the same hole (must be the revolver, can't be the shooter) and you have to fight your wife and son to get to shoot it. There seem to be a bunch around at pretty reasonable prices.

Gezzer and Springmom are right on self-defense. I'd just add a pump 12 ga. Something unique in the sound of the slide that really gets your attention.

Based on the criteria, the GP100 4" is the best fit. Have one and it is a great revolver to shoot.

 

[glassman]

So it's velocity rather than pressure. thanks Jim.

 

[bdjansen]

As far as a shotgun, I only have a handgun safe. I have a small child and I'm just going to stick with what I can keep in the safe. Plus we are renters in an apartment and a larger safe gets to be a bit much.

Today I went to the range and shot a bunch of the guns we were talking about. The winner.....

S&W 28.

Frankly, they are all great guns. I also shot the 686 very well. I love those S&W triggers. The GP100's trigger is not the same of course. It's not bad at all. Just not as smooth as the Smiths. I think when people talk about it on here it sounds worse then it is. Then again, the one I shot was not out of the box.

But the 28. I love that N frame. I loved the 629 too. But 44 mag is a bit overkill for what I need and I wouldn't be able to afford to shoot it as much. First time I shot the 28 all 18 shots were through a single 3 inch hole in the center of the target. So I will be able to pick it up on the 11th after my "cooling off" period is done. Good news is though, I can shoot it anytime I go to the range untill then.

Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[Black Adder LXX]

Another one for the GP100 mine is one of my favorites

 

[22-rimfire]

Model 28; good choice. The larger frame tames the 357 even more. Shooting 38's feel like almost nothing at all. You'll enjoy it for a long time. Next one I guess will be a 44 mag when the time comes.

 

[def4pos8]

An old Border Patrol officer named Jordan had some of the largest hands to be found on a human. He "designed" the Smith Model 19 but equipped it with a grip style now provided by Ahrends.

I prefer the Hogue Monogrip myself but the Ahrends stocks on my Model 21 feel good too.

These options may make a Smith a more viable alternative for you than the Rugers. As a Ruger stockholder, that's not something I like to admit. Of course, there are a bewildering array of K-frame Smiths available. I believe the Models 66 & 67 remain in the catalogue. Failing those, I'd opt for a 3- or 4-inch 686.

Good luck!

 

[wheelgunslinger]

I have really big hands too.
I use a Dan Wesson .357 wheelie for the chores you've listed.
Why?
1. you can interchange barrels in a few seconds from 2" all the way to 12" (I believe...) This makes tailoring it for certain tasks like self defense and wild boar hunting easy. And cheaper than owning a plethora of revolvers in the same caliber.

2. It's easily concealed on the average person. It's not a huge revolver. Even with custom finger grooved walnut grips, it's small enough to pack around concealed.

3. For a self defense piece, it has a lot of good features. The trigger pull is shorter so it takes less time to get the trigger from neutral to fire and it resets quickly as well. Also, the cylinder release button is on the frame by the front of the cylinder so as you drill with it you learn to release the cylinder and hang on to the weapon. In addition to that, it has a great deal of inherent accuracy from revolver to revolver. You'll seldom see one that doesn't shoot well.

A used Dan Wesson can be had for a song. Usually with interchangeable barrels, tools, and a case for what a smith can be had for sans goodies.

I wouldn't take anything away from the other choices that have risen to the top of your list. Just make sure to add the DW to your list and test drive one if you can. For a SD/Disaster gun, it's a pretty good option.

Oh, and if you want a weapon that doesn't have the ability to change barrels, check out the ballistics on the 38 and 357 full house loads. Usually a 6" barrel is needed to get a good burn out of the magnum powders so that the 357's projectile can get up to speed. If you're going to settle on a 4" barrel, this is a significant factor that may effect your end choice.

Bon Chance

 

[Mr. Magnum]

hello bdjansen..

you might wana try something like my S&W model 627-5 by the Performance Center.

it has an internal lock all right but it doesnt bother me at all, i just ignore it.

mine is an 8-shooter with a 5" barrel, N-Frame...and I got small hands.

Perfect for home defense and the size of the cylinder was not sacrificed because of the metallurgy used by the Performance Center. I bring it to the range for shooting practice every week.

Its a real good shot! very accurate. expensive? hell yeah. i got it for Php95,000.00 (around USD$1,850.00 - with all the taxes, etc.) i know i know its too much a price to pay for a revolver but that was my dream wheelgun and a man just gotta do what a man just gotta do.

since you've got Ruger for a start...try Smith for a second.

you might also wanna try visiting this site if you've got a few minutes.
http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/smith_0605/

hope this helps!

here's a simple photo of my little smokewagon.

Happy & Safe Shooting!