Home Defense Wheelguns

[Gun Master]

HDW

S&W Model 469 opinions for CC & HD ? Thanks

 

[kvtcomdo]

I do not recommend the "L" or "N" frames for ladies. A whole lot of weight and not much else that can not be found in a lighter package. My recommendation ,and what has worked in the past, is a "K"frame S&W chambered for the 38 Special. M10, M12, M15, and all the stainless numbers give you a lot to choose from. Nothing to heavy and much easier to hold than any of the other frames sizes.

But it is all up to Mom.

i lean in this direction as well.

Gave my Mom a Colt DS in 38 special.

Bought that revolver a long time ago and the cost wasn't prohibitive as it is now.

My Mom is not a very strong person and hand strength is limited (why auto's not a good choice) and she has no difficulty with the Colt.

The above S&W will give her the same advantage and with 38+P's she will do well.

 

[Jaymo]

A model 10 is a good choice. Throw in a good action job and maybe a little lighter rebound spring and you have a great choice.
Perhaps a set of Pachmayr Compacs, too.

 

[kmrcstintn]

very infrequently I pull out my dad's S&W 686 PowerPort and load with .38 SPL +P's; Remington 158gr lead semiwadcutter hollow points or Remington 125gr semijacketed hollowpoints

 

[Gun Master]

Home Defense Wheelie

Good ole S&W Model 10 !

 

[Jaymo]

It's damned hard to make a logical argument against a .38 K frame.

 

[tomrkba]

It's damned hard to make a logical argument against a .38 K frame.

You can get some hot 38 Special +P from Buffalo Bore that moves a 158 grain semi-jacketed SWC JHP bullet around 1,150 FPS from a 4" barrel. For comparison, my Glock 19 gets 1,150 FPS from Speer Gold Dot JHP. Standard pressure 38 Special is too anemic for my tastes. BB standard pressure 38 Special JHP from a 4" barrel does 1,078 FPS (I'd chrony that to verify).

I prefer 357 Magnum because you can get some very high velocity, but it doesn't mean you have to load them so hot. Instead of trying for 1,500+, why not send 125's at 1,250 FPS? It matches or beats most hot 9x19mm and isn't as hot as 357 SIG.

 

[Gun Master]

Home Defense Wheelies

IMHO .38 Special +P is plenty enough power for home defense . With .357 Mag, 9mm FMJ, etc. there is a danger of "overkill" (in the home). More penetration could mean the bullets going where you don't want them (to other rooms, exiting outside the home, etc.). Also a revolver is preferable to autoloaders in instant (awakening from sleep, et al) situations . That is a good reason for the S&W Model 10, and similar wheelguns .