Derry 1946
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+1 on mod 1917. For CC, Detective Special is a great balance of size and power, but there are many, many options in .38 sp.
Help me pick a Revolver for Self defense
- Thread starter BluedRevolver
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BluedRevolver
Member
I have shot my brother's Smith and Wesson 686 6" some time ago, he has since sold it. But from what I remember the recoil was pleasant and muzzle flip not too bad, but I could touch off rounds from his 9mm considerably faster.
Fishslayer
Member
Money no object I'd go for a 4" 625. Practice ammo is pretty cheap and a .45ACP +P JHP will leave a lasting mark...
Lawdawg45
Member
Your original post mentioned this was for self defense, but you didn't say whether this was a night stand gun or for concealed carry.......big difference! The .44 is an excellent round, but the N frame can be a challenge to carry and conceal effectively. The smaller framed S&W and the Charter Arms Bulldog are also good choices for a CCW, but let me also suggest the .357. The frames are larger which will dampen recoil, especially when using a hot .38. Mine in the picture is a Taurus 7 shot, ported .357, and I load it with Hornady 38 +P's.
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Stainz
Member
Below are my choices for CCW (bottom, 642) and home, car, woods protection (top, Governor):
The Governor will chamber and fire .45 ACP, .45 Schofield, .45 Colt, and 2.5" .410's:
The S&W Accessories .500 Magnum grips are a recoil improvement - the OEM grips are alongside. Also available from S&W Accessories - a DeSantis OWB holster.
Stainz
The Governor will chamber and fire .45 ACP, .45 Schofield, .45 Colt, and 2.5" .410's:
The S&W Accessories .500 Magnum grips are a recoil improvement - the OEM grips are alongside. Also available from S&W Accessories - a DeSantis OWB holster.
Stainz
BluedRevolver
Member
This gun will me mostly for home defense and outdoors, but bonus points go to a gun that can be concealed too
tightgroup tiger
Member
so yall think a .357 mag out of a 6" or so barrel would be a bit over my preferences?
No I don't think we do. I have two Model 28 S&W revolvers in 357mag. I think they are pussy cats as far as recoil goes in full house magnums. I've been shooting them for 30 Yrs and it's what a normal revolver should be.
You ask our opinions and this is one of them. Your wife may not like them though and she needs to protect herself to. You said this was for a home pretection gun among other things. You can't be home all the time.
I'm just saying their are other options other than 357 and 44s.
No I don't think we do. I have two Model 28 S&W revolvers in 357mag. I think they are pussy cats as far as recoil goes in full house magnums. I've been shooting them for 30 Yrs and it's what a normal revolver should be.
You ask our opinions and this is one of them. Your wife may not like them though and she needs to protect herself to. You said this was for a home pretection gun among other things. You can't be home all the time.
I'm just saying their are other options other than 357 and 44s.
If you are tall enough a Bianchi X15 will carry a 6/6.5" L/N frame. I do that with a M686+ and it's target trigger is smoother than my Performance Center 327 TRR8. This time of year it's an easier draw than an IWB/OWB under heavy outer clothing IMO.
Some Years ago I worked with a felony squad detective who carried a sweet M27/6" with this setup. Lots of personal defense ammunition choices that have less muzzle flip than a G22. The 357 is still pretty much at the top of food chain for personal defense at home or on the trail.
Dirty Bob
Member
Some great suggestions!
If CCW is important, I have found the Ruger SP101 to be an outstanding compromise of size/weight/caliber/shootability. The 3" model gives good performance with Remington .38+P SWC HP ammo ("FBI Load"), without a lot of recoil. I use Hogue hard nylon stocks (cheap!), but a lot of people like the rubber Hogue stocks, especially if they shoot .357 from the SP101.
OK sights, decent trigger, small size (same width as a J-frame), and .357 power.
All my best,
Dirty Bob
If CCW is important, I have found the Ruger SP101 to be an outstanding compromise of size/weight/caliber/shootability. The 3" model gives good performance with Remington .38+P SWC HP ammo ("FBI Load"), without a lot of recoil. I use Hogue hard nylon stocks (cheap!), but a lot of people like the rubber Hogue stocks, especially if they shoot .357 from the SP101.
OK sights, decent trigger, small size (same width as a J-frame), and .357 power.
All my best,
Dirty Bob
230therapy
Member
Read Ed Lovette's book: The Snubby Revolver. Honestly, at this point, the book will do you much good in helping you make a decision.
Lovette suggests six shot revolvers with barrels 2.5" or less for a variety of reasons. It makes more sense in your situation and the slightly larger frame lets you shoot heavier loads.
This would be my choice (but with night sights, chamferred cylinder, different stocks, and cut for moonclips):
Lovette suggests six shot revolvers with barrels 2.5" or less for a variety of reasons. It makes more sense in your situation and the slightly larger frame lets you shoot heavier loads.
This would be my choice (but with night sights, chamferred cylinder, different stocks, and cut for moonclips):
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I love SP 101's, small enough to carry discretely, big enough to shot well. I have a 2.25" but think the 3" version would be a little better all around gun. I also hold out hope that Ruger will build a tidy adjustable sighted carry gun in .357 using the just introduced frame of the new 22LR version SP. I think that would be the best kit gun of all time.
Edited to add that +P .38's or low end .357 loads meant for short barrels give very nice performance with reasonable recoil and muzzle blast.
Edited to add that +P .38's or low end .357 loads meant for short barrels give very nice performance with reasonable recoil and muzzle blast.
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sixgunner455
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- 3,052
There is a reason why the .38 Special and its daughter, the .357 Magnum, have been going on for so long: They work, the guns for them work for a variety of people, and they are reasonable in recoil.
You have a K Frame S&W. I second the suggestions to get something similar. Personally, I think the K Frame .357 or .38 Special with a round butt, 3" barrel and fixed sights are the absolute most perfect packing and fighting revolvers there are.
The 3" Ruger SP101 and GP100 will certainly do fine as substitutes, if you cannot locate a good K Frame.
You may well be able to crank off shots more quickly with the 9mm. If you can do it as, or more, accurately, then it wouldn't be a bad choice.
A 6" revolver is more than most want to try to carry every day, but it can be done. If you like the gun, then go for it. The 686 is available with shorter tubes, though, so don't be afraid to give one of them a try before you spend your money.
For a home-defense, outdoor carry, concealed carry gun, I really think the 3" tube is the optimal compromise, especially on a K Frame. The 686 is a bit bigger, but is a great revolver. If you get a .357, then shoot mostly .38 Specials. A .357 gives you flexibility. My .357 gets carried with Magnums in the woods, and .38 Specials almost exclusively other than that.
If you need a smaller gun as a day-to-day concealed weapon, throw a 642 in your pocket and keep the big gun for your serious business and range fun gun.
You have a K Frame S&W. I second the suggestions to get something similar. Personally, I think the K Frame .357 or .38 Special with a round butt, 3" barrel and fixed sights are the absolute most perfect packing and fighting revolvers there are.
The 3" Ruger SP101 and GP100 will certainly do fine as substitutes, if you cannot locate a good K Frame.
You may well be able to crank off shots more quickly with the 9mm. If you can do it as, or more, accurately, then it wouldn't be a bad choice.
A 6" revolver is more than most want to try to carry every day, but it can be done. If you like the gun, then go for it. The 686 is available with shorter tubes, though, so don't be afraid to give one of them a try before you spend your money.
For a home-defense, outdoor carry, concealed carry gun, I really think the 3" tube is the optimal compromise, especially on a K Frame. The 686 is a bit bigger, but is a great revolver. If you get a .357, then shoot mostly .38 Specials. A .357 gives you flexibility. My .357 gets carried with Magnums in the woods, and .38 Specials almost exclusively other than that.
If you need a smaller gun as a day-to-day concealed weapon, throw a 642 in your pocket and keep the big gun for your serious business and range fun gun.
Dr_B
member
.357 muzzle flash is not blinding at night unless the gun's barrel is of a certain length. I've shot 6", 4", and 3" .357 revolvers at night. Only the 3" had a muzzle flash like a camera strobe. With the longer barrels the flash was basically like the .38 snubbie, the 9mm, or the .45 ACP.
I own a SP101 and if I had some extra money to burn right now I would go out and get one of the 44Special revolvers that have been shown in this thread.
Here's my impression of the two different style pistols.
I know that my SP101 is the sort of pistol you yank out of the holster, hold at arms length and blast the threat with. It is loud, snappy and a good grip is advised.
I'll never get rid of it, but it's kind of like a sawed off, pissed off, loud mouthed little Irishman that has one heck of a right hook.
I think the 44Special may be more of a John Wayne pistol.
Bigger framed, hits with a larger "fist", knocks 'em down just a hard, maybe
harder, but does not need to be soo loud and flashy about things.
Now, keep in mind that I am a reloader and the extra cost of 44Special is not as much of an issue for me.
Here's my impression of the two different style pistols.
I know that my SP101 is the sort of pistol you yank out of the holster, hold at arms length and blast the threat with. It is loud, snappy and a good grip is advised.
I'll never get rid of it, but it's kind of like a sawed off, pissed off, loud mouthed little Irishman that has one heck of a right hook.
I think the 44Special may be more of a John Wayne pistol.
Bigger framed, hits with a larger "fist", knocks 'em down just a hard, maybe
harder, but does not need to be soo loud and flashy about things.
Now, keep in mind that I am a reloader and the extra cost of 44Special is not as much of an issue for me.
BluedRevolver
Member
I'm thinking the 6" GP100 might be the way to go...
Stainz
Member
If you really want to carry a .38/.357 Magnum - and want a decent plinker - consider a S&W 60 - like my 3" 60 Pro below. It has a tritium Night Sight on front, adjustable rear sight to accomodate ammo choices, and some nice wood grips - all for just a few bucks over a basic snubnosed 60. If you want a larger platform - with eight round and moonclip capability - as well as an easily changed front sight - consider the 4" 627 Pro.
The 60 Pro came as shown; the 627 Pro has both an aftermarket front sight and grip.
Stainz
The 60 Pro came as shown; the 627 Pro has both an aftermarket front sight and grip.
Stainz
MachIVshooter
Member
Not the Charter Bulldog. Have another look at the picture I posted with it right next to my SP101. They cylinder is 1/10" wider, but they are otherwise the same size. And the Bulldog is lighter.
easyg
Member
For the money, it's hard to beat a 4" Ruger GP100 .357 magnum....
leadcounsel
member
Go someplace with a large selection like a gun show. Handle a lot of them. Set a price limit of like $500. Find one in .38 or .357 or .44 special or .44 magnum.
Look at the main makers like Ruger, S&W, Taurus, Rossi, etc.
Learn about lockup. There's a sticky here I beleive. It's not complicated, but it's very important.
Look for mechanical problems. Rare, but important. Ensure no stress wear cracks, etc.
Look at the main makers like Ruger, S&W, Taurus, Rossi, etc.
Learn about lockup. There's a sticky here I beleive. It's not complicated, but it's very important.
Look for mechanical problems. Rare, but important. Ensure no stress wear cracks, etc.
Waywatcher
Member
Blued Revolver, why are you leaning towards a 6"?
4" are still accurate with very respectable velocity, and can be holstered and carried on a belt easier.
If you intend to shoot any IDPA or USPSA, 6" would be off limits. 4.2" is the max length for IDPA and it is legal in USPSA too.
I think 4" is the ideal length, if you couldn't tell.
4" are still accurate with very respectable velocity, and can be holstered and carried on a belt easier.
If you intend to shoot any IDPA or USPSA, 6" would be off limits. 4.2" is the max length for IDPA and it is legal in USPSA too.
I think 4" is the ideal length, if you couldn't tell.
BluedRevolver
Member
I just figured the 6 inch might be more controllable and have less muzzle flip. Wouldn't it?Blued Revolver, why are you leaning towards a 6"?
4" are still accurate with very respectable velocity, and can be holstered and carried on a belt easier.
If you intend to shoot any IDPA or USPSA, 6" would be off limits. 4.2" is the max length for IDPA and it is legal in USPSA too.
I think 4" is the ideal length, if you couldn't tell.
Waywatcher
Member
It will be both of those things, however it is only 5oz more, or put into perspective, 13% heavier than a 4 incher.
I would rather have a revolver that is easily carried on a belt/holster and one that I could use for IDPA.
Don't get me wrong a 6" GP100 is good, great gun. It just that a 4" is even better.
I would rather have a revolver that is easily carried on a belt/holster and one that I could use for IDPA.
Don't get me wrong a 6" GP100 is good, great gun. It just that a 4" is even better.
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