Many years ago I started off in handguns with a 4" GP100 and 2 1/4 " SP101. Then came the custom 4" Redhawk in .44 which got me into handloading. I bought and handloaded only the hottest rounds and loved the recoil (I still do!).
Over time I sold and traded off my revolvers for semi-auto pistols: Glock 21, SIG229, Hi-Power, 1911, SIG245, and recently a Glock 19 and 23. I was getting more interested in "modern" defense arms. Then last year I got a 3" GP100 and later a SW 642. Those were still mostly for ME as the .357 and the Airweight with .38 +P had nappy recoil.
Then this year as both of my daughters began moving out I took them to the range more to specifically work on handgun safety and try to find which pistol they would prefer. The idea was that I would send them off into the world with at least one handgun for personal defense.
I discovered that neither of them were physically comfortable operating the slide of any semi, with the Glock 19 and XD being almost OK, but not suitable for a high stress scenario. This was a big surprise as they are both physically fit and I assumed they woul d be OK with the Hi-Power or G19. I guess I had babied them on previous range sessions by racking the slide for them.
The GP was Ok but the trigger is fairly long and heavy. Single action of course would be very easy. So the first one got that. The second daughter out got the 642 and her new hubby the G19 (thinking they could share both). But this has turned out to be great for hubby but not optimal for my daughter. Back to the drawing board...
I started looking around for a good K or L frame .357. Mostly found 686 with long heavy DA trigger pulls, or more J frames. And then oday I found a used K frame Model 67 for about $325. Smooth, medium weight DA trigger, crisp SA, clean and very tight all around. Found out it seems to be from the late 1970s, early 1980s, sat in the box in a closet of an older gentleman, and saw very little use on the range. I snatchd it up and learned it had been on display for only an hour when I spied it.
I can hardly wait to get to the range and have my wife and someday my daughters try it out. I think every home should have a K frame .38. they are sweet. Not sure if the big difference in the trigger is that this one is likely older than most in the local shop displays, or if the K frames have lighter DA triggers by design or what. But I am ready to start buying these beauties in quantity and handing them out to every new family member I introduce to shooting. They seem ideal for the ladies, and they will make wonderful target shooting guns, and the .38 is still a versatile and effective round for home defense and taking afield camping, etc.
While I still enjoy the full magnums (planning to get a .44 Mountain Gun or similar) and my autos, especially the G23, I am rediscovering what many have known for so long. That is, a 4 inch, mid-size .38 revolver can be a great addition to a shooting FAMILY. what a wonderful way to inroduce someone to the sport and provide them a reasonable defensive arm.
I am a Glock and 1911 fanatic (with a SIG streak). I will rejoin the 642 Club shortly. But I am quickly falling for the Old Time Religion of the Model 10/67. Combat Masterpiece is a well earned title. The .38 rules!!
Over time I sold and traded off my revolvers for semi-auto pistols: Glock 21, SIG229, Hi-Power, 1911, SIG245, and recently a Glock 19 and 23. I was getting more interested in "modern" defense arms. Then last year I got a 3" GP100 and later a SW 642. Those were still mostly for ME as the .357 and the Airweight with .38 +P had nappy recoil.
Then this year as both of my daughters began moving out I took them to the range more to specifically work on handgun safety and try to find which pistol they would prefer. The idea was that I would send them off into the world with at least one handgun for personal defense.
I discovered that neither of them were physically comfortable operating the slide of any semi, with the Glock 19 and XD being almost OK, but not suitable for a high stress scenario. This was a big surprise as they are both physically fit and I assumed they woul d be OK with the Hi-Power or G19. I guess I had babied them on previous range sessions by racking the slide for them.
The GP was Ok but the trigger is fairly long and heavy. Single action of course would be very easy. So the first one got that. The second daughter out got the 642 and her new hubby the G19 (thinking they could share both). But this has turned out to be great for hubby but not optimal for my daughter. Back to the drawing board...
I started looking around for a good K or L frame .357. Mostly found 686 with long heavy DA trigger pulls, or more J frames. And then oday I found a used K frame Model 67 for about $325. Smooth, medium weight DA trigger, crisp SA, clean and very tight all around. Found out it seems to be from the late 1970s, early 1980s, sat in the box in a closet of an older gentleman, and saw very little use on the range. I snatchd it up and learned it had been on display for only an hour when I spied it.
I can hardly wait to get to the range and have my wife and someday my daughters try it out. I think every home should have a K frame .38. they are sweet. Not sure if the big difference in the trigger is that this one is likely older than most in the local shop displays, or if the K frames have lighter DA triggers by design or what. But I am ready to start buying these beauties in quantity and handing them out to every new family member I introduce to shooting. They seem ideal for the ladies, and they will make wonderful target shooting guns, and the .38 is still a versatile and effective round for home defense and taking afield camping, etc.
While I still enjoy the full magnums (planning to get a .44 Mountain Gun or similar) and my autos, especially the G23, I am rediscovering what many have known for so long. That is, a 4 inch, mid-size .38 revolver can be a great addition to a shooting FAMILY. what a wonderful way to inroduce someone to the sport and provide them a reasonable defensive arm.
I am a Glock and 1911 fanatic (with a SIG streak). I will rejoin the 642 Club shortly. But I am quickly falling for the Old Time Religion of the Model 10/67. Combat Masterpiece is a well earned title. The .38 rules!!
