I Gave It A Good Shot

[beaucoup ammo]

But, after a year and about 250 rounds I've decided to get rid of my KAHR P9 and get a S&W "J" frame. Nothing against the 9mm, I just can't wrap my mind around a semi, period. I'm a Wheelman at heart.

With the box and Everything it came with, I'm hoping to trade the KAHR (with some cash?) for a NIB S&W Model 60 or 66. I've researched both and really like them. I've never purchased anything on line. I do have my Texas CHL.

Any opinions on which I should go for, and the internet buying process in general? Something I've yet to do. Moderators, please feel free to move if you think another forum is more appropriate.

 

[miko]

66 is a K-frame rather than J.

miko

 

[mnrivrat]

I switched ,after about a year, from carrying a semi auto and went to a wheel gun also.

Which one will be the best for you will be determined mostly by your carry method. I pocket carry ,so weight was a significant factor for me. My choice was a 13 oz Titanium small frame Taurus.

If you pocket carry then the AirLite series J frames from S&W will fill your needs and perhaps a centenial frame (enclosed hammer) model in .38 Spl would work out just fine. .357 Mag is a bit stout for the lighter guns in my opinion, but one can always load them with .38 Spl's .

If you belt carry then it is easier to go to the steel frame models as well as the .357 mag . The weight isn't as much as a factor on the belt and will help tame the recoil of the j-frame .357 mag. Also the exposed hammer models would be less likely to snag in a belt carry roll.

Both Smith & Wesson and Taurus have a wide varity of small frame guns to look at.

 

[beaucoup ammo]

Thank you both for the info. It will help me very much in the decision.

 

[TangSafetyM77]

J-frame

I too am in the South Texas heat. I carried a full size 1911 until then end of May when I couldn't take the sweating anymore and bought a J-frame Centennial. I bought it used at the SAXET gunshow for cheap. The Powder Horn gun shop on the West Side had several used ones in their case when was shopping for one a couple of months ago. I belt carry this gun and frequently forget it's there. Accurate as well. If you go the internet route, I'd use Wetmore Shooting Sports. He will do transfers for $20 and order any new gun you want for cost plus 10%. He's also an all-around good guy to deal with.

 

[JNewell]

I am a firm believer in J-frames in general and Centennials in particular, but you should consider:

1. There isn't a whole lot to hold onto - short and thin grip relative to larger revolvers (which, on the other hand, contributes to its concealability), which can become challenging as the weight of the gun goes down and/or cartridge choice goes up

2. The sights are kinda minimal and some have the front sight machined integrally with the barrel, making replacement difficult without some professional-level machinework

 

[TonyB]

While I'm not saying that the north east is as hot as Texas...we are humid and I am a big fat guy who sweats alot.....I pocket carry a j frame(642)and use a Desantis Nemesis holster and have had no sweat/finish issues as of yet.The Nemesis is made from some kind of rubber stuff and repells moisture.As for the small size and shootability of a snubbie...practice alot and you'll be fine.At reasonable self defense distances(although from what I gather,you guys in Texas can pretty much shoot ANYONE at ANY DISTANCE,so long as they"need shootin'" ) they are plenty accurate.

 

[MCgunner]

I sort of think of my P11 Kel Tec as a 14 ounce square J frame that holds 11 rounds (actually it pockets easier than a J frame, shorter) of +P 9mm pushing a 115 grain Hornady XTP JHP to 1260 fps. It has a DAO trigger and no hammer to snag.

I started on revolvers, like revolvers a lot, but I am more comfortable carrying more firepower and a more powerful cartridge to boot. That +P load rivals .357 magnum from a 2" gun without NEAR the flash/bang or recoil.

If you carry a .38 revolver, though, you are FAR from being unarmed. I carry one now and then, too. Just have to be sure to make every shot count. I ain't givin' up my pocket 9, like it too much.

 

[aguyindallas]

S&W 642 and give Becky at www.sportingarms.com a call.

I got mine for $339 plus tax from them, NIB of course.

 

[dairycreek]

I carry a S&W Mod. 60 with a 3" barrel. I carry it with a Clip Draw and, for me, it has tourned out to be a stellar combination. The pic is the Mod. 60 with the Clip Draw. Good luck.

 

[10-Ring]

Yeah I know a few guys that are truly wheelgunners. Something about the semi auto just not feeling natural To each his own. Like I always say, there is so much variety out there that no one should settle. Congrats on your decision!

 

[beaucoup ammo]

Thanks

Great pic, Dairycreek. Yup, I agree! Tang, Jnewell, everyone..thank you for the time to help me out. Bottom line for me is you've got to like, and be compfortable with, your carry waeapon. As mentioned, if I had the body for it, I'd carry my .357 65-3..but it's too much in the summer months in South Texas.

At 60, and use crutches all the time, I'm considered an easy mark by the scum that's out there. They got me once..but not again.

I'm dead on at 7 yards and fair enough at 10 to 15 yards..and will make every shot count!

 

[MCgunner]

See, that's the part of the equation the antis always overlook. They say learn karate, carry pepper gas, learn to use your keys.... The older I get, the less capable I am with physical force, tooth and nail, edged weapons, whatever. You have to be deft of foot to defend yourself that way. A good man, even on crutches, with a revolver is no push over! Funny that AARP can't see this, either. I'm 54 and already feelin' it. But, I still shoot straight. I might not do too well one on one with a knife, but I give myself better than even chances with any crook in a gun fight, especially if the BG brings a knife to it.

I loved that clip of the grandma shootin' the home intruder that was going around on the news networks a while back.

 

[beaucoup ammo]

Hate to drag up old biz..But, I'd like to ask for additional advise. My KAHR P9 is in the box, darn good shape (no scratches,etc.) no more than 125 rounds through her, all papers, pamphlets, etc..the whole show.

Question is, at 1 year old, what do you think I could get in cash..or trade(like a good S&W model 60 w/2-1/8th in.)?

Is there an online "blue book" for firearms? The 2 shops I've been to left me with a "car lot" feeling! Don't want to get taken. I'll check out Wetmore, Tang..family health probs have slowed my efforts. Appreciate everyone's input.

Many Thanks!

 

[Ichiro]

While I wouldn't mind having a P-9, I am unwilling to pay what they're worth.

I'm a snubby guy myself. I initially purchased a snubby for a CCW piece and after all the second-guessing and renting/shooting compact 9mm autos, I'm still a firm believer in the snubby for CCW.

Full-sized, high-capacity 9mm autos are a thing of beauty, however...to dispatch the zombies.

 

[fiVe]

IMHO, a S&W 642 in a Robert Mika Pocket holster is the best CCW configuration