I finally got to shoot some guns...

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miss lead

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Every person who recommended I shoot several guns before deciding on what I want was right. I had a lot of ideas about what I thought I might want but a lot of those fell out of the running last night.

But what a blast!! I see why you guys love target shooting, and I never saw the attraction until I did it myself.

Let's see... I shot these guns:
S&W Model 60 3" bbl with three different loads - wad cutters, .38 and .357

S&W Model 60 2" bbl with .38 loads.

Colt 45

S&W Model 15

S&W Model 29, 5" barrel (this was just for fun)

There was also a Sig something-or-other floating around but I opted not to shoot it. After shooting the Colt, I decided that I am not comfortable with a semi-automatic and the Sig just looked so... wicked.

By far the most comfortable gun was the Model 60 with 3" barrel. I thought for sure the K frame gun (Model 15) would feel fine but it really was too long of a reach for me to the trigger. And I'm tall so I'm not sure why that would be the case. It was outfitted with target grips so maybe that made the diff but the whole thing just didn't feel right.

The little J frame was sweet though. My first five rounds (ever) formed a little cloverleaf very near to the center of the target. Okay granted we weren't set up very far away, but still my comrades were blinking at the target when I finished.

Shooting the .357 loads in that gun was a hoot! I couldn't help but let out a whoop every time I fired - it was just such a gas. It's not something I'd do regularly, but I could see it as a fun little side diversion every once in a while.

So I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it down to a M60 or 36, but I still have one gun to shoot (Detective Special) before I make up my mind. Not sure I'll find one to shoot, but I'm going to try.

Sorry for the long post but if you remember your first trip to the range I'm sure you can understand my wanting to babble. :) If you've made it this far, thank you for listening.
 
congratulations on discovering revolvers ! :)

(not better/worse but different than semi-auto, finding out whether you are "dog" people or "cat" people or "cat & dog" people is a critical step forward)


PS
if you get a chance, you might try out a 3" Ruger SP101 also
 
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Congrats on finding a new indulgence :)

It was outfitted with target grips so maybe that made the diff but the whole thing just didn't feel right.
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Probably. The K-frames with target or the big wood combat grips of later years feel bulky. I'm bettin one with a Hogue monogrip would fit you better.

But if you plan to carry, the model 60 will be easier to do so with.

The Detective special (D-frame) has a similar feel to the S&W J-frame, though slightly more vertical, IMO. I never cared for the cylinder release on Colts, but otherwise, fine guns. Just make sure, if you go for one, that the lock-up is tight and timing is on. There's a sticky in this sub forum for inspecting revolvers that covers what to look for.

The Ruger SP101 is a great revolver. Especially if you want to burn some 357 rounds now and again.
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It wouldn't be a bad option at all, though the M60 has no trouble with a healthy dose of .357's either. The SP-101 falls between a J and K frame S&W, size-wise. The action of the little Ruger is not as smooth as the S&W or Colt, though it can be cleaned up. However, with the size and weight of the SP-101, the accomodations required for carry make the step up to a 6-shot K-frame more practical, IMO.
 
Warm welcome & congratulations !

It's always a pleasure to get to know a new revolverlover.! (I love that word)

Pity about the K-frames being too big for you, though, I'm a big fan of them. & I can't shoot them with their factory-issued wood "target" grips either.

Maybe a different set of grips would make a diifefrence ?
It sure can't hurt to try, does it ?
There's a great variety of styles available for K-frames and they do vary quite a lot from one another.
To "shorten" trigger reach, you may want to try some that leave the backstrap uncovered : Pachmayr Gripper Pro's (my favorite) or Hogue's for instance.

Anyway, keep it up & stay safe !
 
Thank you guys. (Where's the hug icon?)

Yes, the model 15 grips had the backstrap covered, so that would make a difference. I do think it's worth trying the gun again with different grips. Size-wise it was okay (can't quite say that about the model 29) so maybe I should put that back on my list ... that and the Ruger I guess.

I need to get to our local gun shop where they have more models to try.

What do you all like about the Ruger SP 101? Seems that model keeps popping up when people are making recommendations to me.
 
Size-wise it was okay (can't quite say that about the model 29)
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N-frames are fairly large, so no surprise there.

What do you all like about the Ruger SP 101?
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Due to size and weight, it's a better range gun with full loads than the S&W J-frame or D-frame Colt. The downside to that is that it won't carry as nice, which I kinda touched on in my post above. They're also a bit less expensive. I have one in .32 H&R, it's a great take along in the field for small game and varmints close in (under 50 yards), since the .32 H&R has .357 trajectory without the recoil and animal destruction. But when it comes to CCW, I grab my S&W M37 or one of my smaller auto's for Inside waistband carry. If I'm gonna carry something that requires an outside the waistband belt holster, it's gonna be more substantial than the SP-101. The SP101 is just kind of an awkward size for carry, IMO. Too big for comfort in a casual rig, too small to justify a dedicated set-up. YMMV.
 
I'm no big fan of the Ruger. It's heavier and to me somewhat clunky compared to a small S&W, not nearly so elegant and aesthetically no contest. But that's completely subjective. I like the older S&Ws over the new ones too.

It may be the best choice if you want the smallest gun available to shoot a lot of full power .357. I don't.

Size and weight do matter, if you plan to carry the gun. The more you carry it the more it matters.

If you won't carry it much then the 3" may be the best choice. If you do carry it alot, that extra inch, weight, and adjustable sights (?) will just get in the way.

I once saw a 2" S&W 36 or 60 , I don't know if it was polished stainless or nickel plated. It had imitation ivory boot-type grips with color scrimshaw work. A really pretty gun, if there is such a thing.
 
A really pretty gun, if there is such a thing.
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I think there is such a thing. A couple of months ago I didn't, but I do now.

As I mentioned in my other thread, I don't plan to carry this gun. It's for bedside and to take along when camping. But even so, I don't want something big and ungainly to shoot.
 
I don't plan to carry this gun. It's for bedside and to take along when camping.
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In that case, I'd look more closely at K and L frame (586/686) guns with appropriate grips. L frame is a better option if you plan to shoot lots of full loads. They have the same grip dimensions as a K, but a beefier cylinder and cylinder frame to handle top .357 loads with more authority. IMO, a 4" L-frame is about a perfect do-all gun. The 686 can also be had in a 7-shot model (686 plus). The 686 4" is about 4 ounces heavier than a 4" K frame.

My sister's favorite handgun is her 3" M65LS (K-frame) with Hogue Monogrips. Regrettably, that model is no longer available.
 
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If you enjoyed the .38s and could handle a few .357's in the Model 60, you have probably found just the gun for you.

As you mentioned, you still like the Model 36. Either will be a great choice, especially if you can find one with a 3" barrel.

Glad you got to try some different guns out..
 
My personal opinion is that you'd be better served by a 3" SP101, but the 60 is okay. I hate the Hillary hole, though, and don't trust it. The SP101 is a much stronger gun, a little heavier, and has a better grip system to better fit you with a custom grip. No problems with reach to the trigger. I'd install a Hogue on it, very comfortable. I don't have finger reach problems, but have found that I prefer the open backstrap style grips on my K frames. I also like a thin, well fitting grip, I guess what I like about Hogue so much. I've got a Hogue on my Smith K frame and my 3" carry Taurus M66.
 
What do you all like about the Ruger SP 101?
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If you do go camping once in a while (like you mentioned in your other thread), and you are near a real wilderness area, and you want a handgun that could double as protection from humans and large dangerous animals (black bears, cougars, wolves), .38 Special, even with the nastiest loads made on Earth, just can't do what hardcast heavy .357 Magnum rounds can do. Considering this, let's talk about why the SP101 is a great choice when compared to a similar S&W or Colt .357 revolver:

The Ruger SP101 is what some people call, "over-built". While this is a downside when it comes to actually carrying the gun concealed on your body all the time, it makes a big difference in shooting comfort, recoil reduction, and a lifetime of shooting powerful .357 rounds, etc.

The Ruger has a strong 3-point lock up for the cylinder, no removable side plate, thick cylinder walls, and a beefy top strap and underlug, making it able to withstand a steady diet of the nastiest .357 Magnum rounds you can find.

The stock grips on the Ruger SP101 are actually quite good, especially for small hands. They completely cover the backstrap with rubber (reducing felt recoil where it counts), yet still leave a relatively short length of pull to the trigger.

The Ruger is maybe not as sleek, refined, or "pretty" as a comparable S&W or Colt. But it is without a doubt stronger.

If you're only going to shoot .38 Special, and you like the S&W revolvers, by all means, you should choose that. If you want to shoot heavy-duty .357 Magnum on a regular basis, and want to kind of enjoy it, I strongly suggest you at least try the SP101.
 
posted by Miss Lead;

Sorry for the long post but if you remember your first trip to the range I'm sure you can understand my wanting to babble.:) If you've made it this far, thank you for listening.
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I'm new enough that I still remember the big grins from each new shooting experience. So no need to apoligise.

One aspect that you have now thanks to your range session is that you can hold a gun in a store and know right away if it fits you or not and if you like the balance. It's great that you found guns that both fit and didn't fit so you know what the factors and charactaristics are that you need for your eventual choice.

Also as you've seen there are a wide variety of grips for S&W guns. If you see some K frames in the stores with smaller looking grips by all means check them out. In particular see if you can find round butt models and see how well they fit your hand.

PS: If you think target shooting is fun get yourself set up with a holster and belt for your new gun and enter into your area's IDPA matches. I'd suggest IPSC as well but the usual IPSC stage designs are just no where near as revolver friendly. If you don't want to get into it fully then just enter the local club level matches for now. It's not only great fun but it will aid you in becomeing a better shooter while under stress. Granted the stress of having a clock timing you is very small indeed compared to an actual defensive situation but it's all we've got and it'll reinforce how you move, seek and use cover and reload under at least some pressure. And of course practice makes the actions more automatic and ingrained. And that's never a bad thing. But mostly it's just WAY more fun than poking holes in paper from one standing position.

With you being a girl and possibly wanting to carry the gun in your handbag I'm not sure if IDPA allows for concealment and draw from a handbag. Hmmmm.... I'll have to check the rule book again.
 
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Thanks for those insights. I will definitely look at the Ruger when I go to the shop.

With regard to this...
you want a handgun that could double as protection from humans and large dangerous animals (black bears, cougars, wolves)
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I just want to say that the animals, I'm not worried about. I have spent - no exaggeration - thousands of hours hiking and camping in wilderness areas like the BWCA in northern Minnesota and remote places in Canada that you can't get to by car, and in the Adirondacks, and I have never been threatened by a wild animal. And I have had some fairly up close and personal encounters with bears and moose and even a wolf or two. One morning a curious baby moose wanted to come see what was going on in my tent and I had to shoo him away before his mom found out, but otherwise the animals always seem plenty happy to leave me and my stuff alone. Could there be a rogue critter out there that could harm me? You betcha. But I am way more concerned about a rogue human.

If you see some K frames in the stores with smaller looking grips by all means check them out.
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I am definitely going to do that. Would it be bad gun-shop etiquette if I asked the person at the store to swap out the grips on a used gun so I could try them out?
 
Hey the IDPA sounds like fun. I will google it and find out what's in my area.
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Check to see if you have ICORE matches locally as well. It's revolver-only and lots of fun.

If you're in NC and interested, someone typically brings a complete extra rig for anyone interested in trying it out. That's a gun (I believe it's a 4" k-frame M66), ammo, holster, speedloaders - the works. I hope to have an extra complete rig at some point I'd be able to bring as well.
 
Miss Lead,

You are doing fine in your gun selection so far. None of the guns you have tried or seem to like is a "stinker."

You do want to try a K-frame six-shot with different grips. The grips make a huge difference and, in general, the K-frame guns have better triggers then the smaller J-frame guns. That's because the larger size of the K-frame frame allows for better leverage points in the trigger geometry. There just isn't as much room inside the smaller J-frame guns.

The K-Frames are great range guns, and are also great for home defense. The 4" barrel guns are a bit large for carry, but I do carry a 3" barrel K-frame (S&W Model 65) as my daily CCW gun. The 3" K-frames are a little harder to find, as 4" guns are the standard, but the 3" K-frames are nicely balanced and work well for carry or the range.

Where the smaller f-shot J-frame guns shine is concealed carry. They are smaller and ligther then the K-frames so they are easier to carry and easier to conceal. What you give up is one shot and a bit of the "shootability" due to smaller grips, smaller barrel, and not-quite-as-good trigger.

For a J-frame the 2" barrel is standard, as the gun is designed for carry. There are 3" J-frames available, and you gain a bit of velocity and better sight radious for the trade-off of a slighter larger gun to conceal and carry.

So much of gun selection though is personal preference. Once you find some guns you like just shoot them until you know which works best for you. All of the options you've listed are good, so there are really no "bad choices" on your list. Just different strengths and weaknesses for each gun.

Btw, no problem asking a shop to switch grips on a used gun. They may or may not do it, but it's OK to ask.
 
I forgot: For IDPA you really need a six-shot revolver and some speedloaders.

I don't believe a J-frame is normally allowed, except for special "back up gun" matches.

Just so yo know.
 
But I am way more concerned about a rogue human.
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Another reason to have a .357 over a .38! Although .38 Special is considered (by most) adequate for self-defense on human targets, .357 Magnum is even better. It's not just bears, cougars, and wolves that get hit harder by .357, but also 2-legged predators.

Another point I forgot to make regarding the SP101, is that it not only makes shooting .357 more enjoyable than with a S&W, but it makes shooting serious .38 Special more enjoyable, too.

I carry a S&W 642 (Airweight j-frame), loaded with Speer 135-grain +P hollow points. I love it. I'd recommend it to anyone for a coat pocket, pants pocket, or purse gun. But when I go target shooting, even with .38 Special, I reach for my SP101. It makes shooting for extended periods much more enjoyable. And I'll bet you can guess which of the two I carry when hiking and camping in black bear habitat (which is pretty much everywhere here in Oregon).
 
For your stated purposes, I'd go with the Model 60 in 3 or even 4" barrel. It's nice to have the .357 option and the extra mass forward makes them more comfortable to shoot accurately.

Later, if you decide to get a carry permit (and you will!), then you can go back and get a model 36 airweight snubby or the like.
 
I just want to say that the animals, I'm not worried about. I have spent - no exaggeration - thousands of hours hiking and camping in wilderness areas like the BWCA in northern Minnesota and remote places in Canada that you can't get to by car, and in the Adirondacks, and I have never been threatened by a wild animal. And I have had some fairly up close and personal encounters with bears and moose and even a wolf or two. One morning a curious baby moose wanted to come see what was going on in my tent and I had to shoo him away before his mom found out, but otherwise the animals always seem plenty happy to leave me and my stuff alone. Could there be a rogue critter out there that could harm me? You betcha. But I am way more concerned about a rogue human.
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You're right, but you gotta understand, these guys are sorta "into" their guns and love to make up excuses why they "need" a new big gun and why they need to carry it in the field. Me, I've hiked armed and unarmed. Hard to hike big bend armed when it wasn't legal...for instance. Lots of bear and lots and lots of lion up there. It's a heckuva lot safer place to be unarmed than in downtown Houston at night and i've been there, too. But, ya see these guys have to justify their toys.....:D

Now, you wanna read some funny stuff for gun justification, start getting into the "SHTF", BOB, TEOTWAWKI (use the search function) threads. Man, you talk about your paranoid conspiracy theorists! ROFL! I get a kick out of the "what caliber for my SHTF AR" or "is 250 30 round magazines enough for my BOB" or whatever. :rolleyes:

Hell, go to the hunting forum, there's a thread in there says "what caliber for SHARKS!" :rolleyes: Talk about the ridiculous. Only time I've ever shot a shark was to boat it and most people use a hatchet or a club for that. I just always have my CCW on me. :D
 
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