MachIVshooter
Member
Nobody is making any assumptions about her capacity; The OP stated that he was leaning toward revolvers because HE had experience with them and HE felt that they are easier to use (and they are, no disputing that one).
Revolver for home defense
- Thread starter jereece
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Nobody is making any assumptions about her capacity; The OP stated that he was leaning toward revolvers because HE had experience with them and HE felt that they are easier to use (and they are, no disputing that one).
The .357 magnum is a fine choice. Both the Smith 686, and the Ruger GP100 are great revolvers. Smith makes the 686 in a 2.5" barrel, and you can get the Ruger in a 3". I prefer a 4" barrel myself, but that is just a matter of personal choice. Good luck, and have fun shopping for your sixgun!
My HD weapons are revolvers. I have two here and two in my little cabin out in the boondocks. In both places, I have a S&W Model 13 plus a S&W Model 10. Even though the 13s are chambered for 357, I keep them stoked with 38+P FBI loads. I prefer the 4" barrel since I can shoot it more accurately.
Works for me.
If it has not already been suggested, and you are able, go to a range and rent a few that you are interested in. Would hate to drop a bunch of cash on some gun that just doesn't fit right.
I think some here would disagree, but that S&W governor for an HD gun looks attractive to me. Has the advantages of a revolver that others have already discussed, plus with some good SD ammo made especially for it, I would think it easier to hit an intruder in a stressful situation. Better to hit your target with a less capable round than to miss completely.
On Monday I watched a program on the Sportsman Channel and there was a piece on using an AR type gun indoors. The point of it, and my point, is the noise level in a confined space. Someone here mentioned already that magnum rounds could be incapacitating because of the noise level. Probably a good point to remember. However, it could also change an intruders mind as well in the event you missed your target.
I think some here would disagree, but that S&W governor for an HD gun looks attractive to me. Has the advantages of a revolver that others have already discussed, plus with some good SD ammo made especially for it, I would think it easier to hit an intruder in a stressful situation. Better to hit your target with a less capable round than to miss completely.
On Monday I watched a program on the Sportsman Channel and there was a piece on using an AR type gun indoors. The point of it, and my point, is the noise level in a confined space. Someone here mentioned already that magnum rounds could be incapacitating because of the noise level. Probably a good point to remember. However, it could also change an intruders mind as well in the event you missed your target.
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Dirty Bob
Member
Good advice from lots of posters!
Haven't seen it mentioned except in passing, but the Ruger SP101 is available used and is compatible with small hands. My wife finds the GP100 too big, but the SP101 fits. The stock grip is very good, and it's a nice looking revolver. The post-type grip frame means that almost any size of grip can be used with it. Heavier than the Smith J-frames, it has less recoil and is easier to shoot well. The 3" version might work for you. If she's recoil shy, combine a 3" SP101 with wadcutter target ammo for very light recoil, at least until she's ready for something like the Speer JHP for snubbies.
I would not rule out the polymer semiautos, if your wife is willing to learn the manual of arms. IMHO, they're easier to shoot well than a DA revolver. The trigger tends to be lighter, and recoil isn't bad with a standard-velocity 9mm.
I think that your thinking is sound, and I'm sure you'll find something that fits your needs.
BTW: do you have Jim March's superb revolver checkout? It's a sticky at the top of the revolver forum here at THR. I went through the steps (observing safety and telling the seller what I was going to do before each step). The seller asked where he could find the instructions!
All my best,
Dirty Bob
Haven't seen it mentioned except in passing, but the Ruger SP101 is available used and is compatible with small hands. My wife finds the GP100 too big, but the SP101 fits. The stock grip is very good, and it's a nice looking revolver. The post-type grip frame means that almost any size of grip can be used with it. Heavier than the Smith J-frames, it has less recoil and is easier to shoot well. The 3" version might work for you. If she's recoil shy, combine a 3" SP101 with wadcutter target ammo for very light recoil, at least until she's ready for something like the Speer JHP for snubbies.
I would not rule out the polymer semiautos, if your wife is willing to learn the manual of arms. IMHO, they're easier to shoot well than a DA revolver. The trigger tends to be lighter, and recoil isn't bad with a standard-velocity 9mm.
I think that your thinking is sound, and I'm sure you'll find something that fits your needs.
BTW: do you have Jim March's superb revolver checkout? It's a sticky at the top of the revolver forum here at THR. I went through the steps (observing safety and telling the seller what I was going to do before each step). The seller asked where he could find the instructions!
All my best,
Dirty Bob
viper7342
Member
Buds has Smith & Wesson Model 10 Police Trade Ins for $269.00 and they ship free. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Used+Model+10+police&x=16&y=8
welcome to the board
youre reasoning is sound just a couple quick thoughts from experiance. i have a model 65 s&w i saw somebody suggest above, my wife doesnt like shooting 357s out of it. if you find this to be the case you will need to keep it loaded with 38s because it may be her that needs the gun and has to use it. relying on adrenaline to tame the recoil as ive heard suggested (not on here) is a very bad idea.
best bet is to find a way for her to be able to shoot one first. even if she prefers to shoot 38s i would still buy a 357 for that little bit of extra weight (shaving ounces isnt important for home defense) and because at least in my area the 357 holds its value better and can be sold faster should you decide you want something different later on.
i hope you find something you both enjoy shooting. its a great way to spend time together.
youre reasoning is sound just a couple quick thoughts from experiance. i have a model 65 s&w i saw somebody suggest above, my wife doesnt like shooting 357s out of it. if you find this to be the case you will need to keep it loaded with 38s because it may be her that needs the gun and has to use it. relying on adrenaline to tame the recoil as ive heard suggested (not on here) is a very bad idea.
best bet is to find a way for her to be able to shoot one first. even if she prefers to shoot 38s i would still buy a 357 for that little bit of extra weight (shaving ounces isnt important for home defense) and because at least in my area the 357 holds its value better and can be sold faster should you decide you want something different later on.
i hope you find something you both enjoy shooting. its a great way to spend time together.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
4" medium frame .38Spl or .357Mag revolver. Feed it .38 +P's. Overall, I prefer older S&W's for DA's but in a new gun, I'd rather have a Ruger. Though I'd suggest finding a good used K-frame, L-frame, Security Six or GP-100. You have received some very good advice.
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