Cosmoline
Member
After years and years of fussing around with various types of handguns for CCW, I've hit upon the best combination--for me anyway.
Ruger SP-101 loaded with 158 grain .357 JHSP Federal Classic slugs or similar mid-range .357 load. I find the 158 or 180 grain slugs kick with a lot less "snap" than the ultra high velocity 125 grain and lighter loads. Obviously .38 Special +P's recoil less, and I do like the SWCHP's, but with Hogue grips I find I can tolerate a lot more recoil than out of a "J" frame. It just kicks back and to the left, and I'm able to recover very quickly and flow right back into my next shot.
Beretta Model 21A, early US production model with high-gloss wood grips. Scarily accurate for such a tiny pistol. I've shot about 300 rounds through it using an array of .22LR brands and I've had a grand total of -0- failures to fire. The only problem is the magazine spring, which is too weak to lift the final cartridge from each batch into the chamber. The best loads are classic CCI high-velocity lead rounds and Federal's "Spitfire" truncated cone solids. Unlike some of the newer Beretta's, the DA trigger pull is smooth and the slide easy to cycle by hand. All the stiffness and sharp edges have been shot out of it.
The Ruger sits in a hybrid shoulder holster I've made combining a high-ride holster with the modified straps from a KL Null shoulder rig. I'm getting a new digital camera soon and will post pics. The SP-101 rides light in the shoulder rig, bit it's no pocket revolver. The 21A is my everywhere pistol.
Took both to the range today and set the target at 10 yards. Even in rapid fire, I was able to keep all my shots from both handguns in a 7" circle, and a majority of those within 3". By the end of the session there was just a big hole in the target
For down-and-dirty rapid fire in the heat of a Spenard summer, either would be fine.
Ruger SP-101 loaded with 158 grain .357 JHSP Federal Classic slugs or similar mid-range .357 load. I find the 158 or 180 grain slugs kick with a lot less "snap" than the ultra high velocity 125 grain and lighter loads. Obviously .38 Special +P's recoil less, and I do like the SWCHP's, but with Hogue grips I find I can tolerate a lot more recoil than out of a "J" frame. It just kicks back and to the left, and I'm able to recover very quickly and flow right back into my next shot.
Beretta Model 21A, early US production model with high-gloss wood grips. Scarily accurate for such a tiny pistol. I've shot about 300 rounds through it using an array of .22LR brands and I've had a grand total of -0- failures to fire. The only problem is the magazine spring, which is too weak to lift the final cartridge from each batch into the chamber. The best loads are classic CCI high-velocity lead rounds and Federal's "Spitfire" truncated cone solids. Unlike some of the newer Beretta's, the DA trigger pull is smooth and the slide easy to cycle by hand. All the stiffness and sharp edges have been shot out of it.
The Ruger sits in a hybrid shoulder holster I've made combining a high-ride holster with the modified straps from a KL Null shoulder rig. I'm getting a new digital camera soon and will post pics. The SP-101 rides light in the shoulder rig, bit it's no pocket revolver. The 21A is my everywhere pistol.
Took both to the range today and set the target at 10 yards. Even in rapid fire, I was able to keep all my shots from both handguns in a 7" circle, and a majority of those within 3". By the end of the session there was just a big hole in the target
For down-and-dirty rapid fire in the heat of a Spenard summer, either would be fine.
