I am mostly an autoloader shooter, but recently have gotten interested in a snubby revolver. In particular I'm thinking about the various "Centennial" Smith & Wesson J-frames.
For those knowledgeable about these guns, can I ask a couple questions?
1. I understand the ejector isn't full stroke i.e. it won't fully remove the empties unless gravity or momentum help. How much of a problem is this, really? Did gunsmiths ever lengthen the ejector rod and shorten the shroud, to get a full stroke ejector?
2. I see that the older ones have a grip safety. What are the downsides of having this feature? Is the grip safety reliable? Why was it discontinued?
3. How bad is the recoil and controllability, using standard .38 Spl loads? Right now I'm shooting a mini-1911 (Detonics Combat Master) in .45 cal, and I find that no problem. Will the little J-frame be okay then?
4. If you stick to standard .38 Spl loads, how long will the old aluminium "Airweight" models last? How about the current scandium "Airweight" ones?
5. Can you practice with standard .38 Spl, but carry +P's? Or are +P's going to jam up the gun?
For those knowledgeable about these guns, can I ask a couple questions?
1. I understand the ejector isn't full stroke i.e. it won't fully remove the empties unless gravity or momentum help. How much of a problem is this, really? Did gunsmiths ever lengthen the ejector rod and shorten the shroud, to get a full stroke ejector?
2. I see that the older ones have a grip safety. What are the downsides of having this feature? Is the grip safety reliable? Why was it discontinued?
3. How bad is the recoil and controllability, using standard .38 Spl loads? Right now I'm shooting a mini-1911 (Detonics Combat Master) in .45 cal, and I find that no problem. Will the little J-frame be okay then?
4. If you stick to standard .38 Spl loads, how long will the old aluminium "Airweight" models last? How about the current scandium "Airweight" ones?
5. Can you practice with standard .38 Spl, but carry +P's? Or are +P's going to jam up the gun?