I've had my old WWII M1911 in my desk for years, but at 85 I've become too frail to be comfortable with it so I gave it to my son. Having had a handgun so many years, I now feel naked without one. I sort of envision something like a 38 special w/a 2" barrel. I live in damp FL and don't want to be married to constant oiling and attendant labors. I wonder if there are non-rust alloys that will spare the worry. I was reading about the Taurus 32 magnum in SS — sounded like my speed. Cost is a big factor for me, but I'm afraid to buy a used gun because I don't feel competent to judge one. I would appreciate some knowledgeable opinions.
Savvy opinions solicited
- Thread starter Deepsix
- Start date
- Status
ScratchnDent
Member
I have a Taurus Model 85 in 38 special that has held up very well in the Florida humidity and salt air.
With cost being a factor, you might still be able to find a used stainless steel Smith & Wesson j-frame. Any one of those that you find affordable will suffice, based upon your description of your needs.
Other than that, I'd love to learn a bit about how and where you carried your 1911 in WWII.
And thank you for your service.
Other than that, I'd love to learn a bit about how and where you carried your 1911 in WWII.
And thank you for your service.
Many years ago my father, who was getting on towards 70, wanted a handgun for the house. He specified a 2" .38 Special, so I found him a stainless M60 S&W. It did duty for him for another 20 plus years until he moved into assisted living. Other than my occasional checking on it when I visited him, it got very little attention for all those years and looked the same (practically new) when we gave it to my daughter. Although the climate there wasn't nearly as humid as where you are, I think it would have stood up just about as well there.
I would recommend another Model 60, perhaps in 3" barrel with the load of your choice; or a Ruger SP-101, which can also be gotten in the 3" length. The Ruger might benefit from a little action work or a Wolff spring kit, but otherwise it's a fine choice. Either way, they are perfect for your situation.
Alternatively, police trade-in Model 64 S&Ws can be found for somewhat less, and should be very serviceable for all practical purposes. You might check with dealers, etc.
I am not a Taurus fan.
Good luck. If you have further questions, ask away.
I would recommend another Model 60, perhaps in 3" barrel with the load of your choice; or a Ruger SP-101, which can also be gotten in the 3" length. The Ruger might benefit from a little action work or a Wolff spring kit, but otherwise it's a fine choice. Either way, they are perfect for your situation.
Alternatively, police trade-in Model 64 S&Ws can be found for somewhat less, and should be very serviceable for all practical purposes. You might check with dealers, etc.
I am not a Taurus fan.
Good luck. If you have further questions, ask away.
Thernlund
Member
If you buy a used revolver, Jim March's Revolver Check Out will be of great help.
http://www.thefiringline.com/Misc/library/Revolver-check.html
-T.
http://www.thefiringline.com/Misc/library/Revolver-check.html
-T.
BikerRN
member
It sounds like you are wanting a gun for Home Defense and not concealed carry.
If that is the case I'd look at Ruger, and not be afraid of buying used. I personally like the GP100 with a 3" Barrel. Most likely it will be stainless steel, unless you get one of the more uncommon blued ones. Personally I'd go stainless.
The 3" Gun allows you a better sight picture, makes use of more barrel for better ballistics and can fire either 38 Special or .357 Magnum. You may want to shoot a good 38 Special load, and there is nothing wrong with that.
If you want a gun for concealed carry I'd look at the same gun, or if you want something smaller, the SP101. The SP101 comes in a 2.25" Barrel or a 3" Barrel. It has enough weight to it to dampen recoil, and is too heavy for most pockets IMHO. It needs to be carried on the belt. I like Inside The Waistband Holsters myself, but you may not.
Off Duty I prefer to carry a Revolver, as that is what I started with. I frequently carry my GP100 3" in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II on my strongside and a SP101 2.25" on my weakside in an Outside The Waistband Holster. An untucked shirt works very well to hide both guns.
Take care and stay safe.
BikerRN
If that is the case I'd look at Ruger, and not be afraid of buying used. I personally like the GP100 with a 3" Barrel. Most likely it will be stainless steel, unless you get one of the more uncommon blued ones. Personally I'd go stainless.
The 3" Gun allows you a better sight picture, makes use of more barrel for better ballistics and can fire either 38 Special or .357 Magnum. You may want to shoot a good 38 Special load, and there is nothing wrong with that.
If you want a gun for concealed carry I'd look at the same gun, or if you want something smaller, the SP101. The SP101 comes in a 2.25" Barrel or a 3" Barrel. It has enough weight to it to dampen recoil, and is too heavy for most pockets IMHO. It needs to be carried on the belt. I like Inside The Waistband Holsters myself, but you may not.
Off Duty I prefer to carry a Revolver, as that is what I started with. I frequently carry my GP100 3" in a Milt Sparks Summer Special II on my strongside and a SP101 2.25" on my weakside in an Outside The Waistband Holster. An untucked shirt works very well to hide both guns.
Take care and stay safe.
BikerRN
The most rust resistant guns are made of titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum alloy with some being a combination of aluminum frame and with steel or titanium parts.
The Taurus you speak of is being made still as the model 731 with an alloy frame and stainless steel barrel and cylinder in the .32 H&R mag. chambering.
They generaly sell in the area of $350
I have one of the model 731's in total titanium -these are no long made but perhaps someone has an old stock one or lightly used one. They are very corrosion resistant and weight only 13 oz. Yet recoil is very managable even for hands with arthritis or degenerative joint desease.
It is my carry gun and my HD gun as well . There are a lot of good choices in rust resistant guns these days so perhaps looking around in the local shops and asking to see their selection of stainless, titanium, or other cobination alloy guns will allow you to find something you are comfortable with.
The Taurus you speak of is being made still as the model 731 with an alloy frame and stainless steel barrel and cylinder in the .32 H&R mag. chambering.
They generaly sell in the area of $350
I have one of the model 731's in total titanium -these are no long made but perhaps someone has an old stock one or lightly used one. They are very corrosion resistant and weight only 13 oz. Yet recoil is very managable even for hands with arthritis or degenerative joint desease.
It is my carry gun and my HD gun as well . There are a lot of good choices in rust resistant guns these days so perhaps looking around in the local shops and asking to see their selection of stainless, titanium, or other cobination alloy guns will allow you to find something you are comfortable with.
sm
member
Smith & Wesson Model 64 , 3" barrel, .38spl .
This is a all stainless gun, in a K frame size, six shot, with fixed sights, that is just like the Model 10 which is blue.
This 3" has point ability, a longer ejection stroke over a snub nose version, while still affording one the ability to conceal, whether as a CCW, or home gun.
Johnson's Paste Wax, yes that little yellow can you have, will assist in keeping it safe from environment.
All guns rust, stainless will rust hence the name "stain" "less".
Many folks do use a blue gun in your setting such as the Model 10
Recently these Model 64s were available again at a good price, and might still be.
Used Police trade ins are another source.
Loading - standard pressure of 158 LSWC, or LSWC HP is what folks like yourself, actually use in my neck of the woods.
Sending best...
Steve
This is a all stainless gun, in a K frame size, six shot, with fixed sights, that is just like the Model 10 which is blue.
This 3" has point ability, a longer ejection stroke over a snub nose version, while still affording one the ability to conceal, whether as a CCW, or home gun.
Johnson's Paste Wax, yes that little yellow can you have, will assist in keeping it safe from environment.
All guns rust, stainless will rust hence the name "stain" "less".
Many folks do use a blue gun in your setting such as the Model 10
Recently these Model 64s were available again at a good price, and might still be.
Used Police trade ins are another source.
Loading - standard pressure of 158 LSWC, or LSWC HP is what folks like yourself, actually use in my neck of the woods.
Sending best...
Steve
ArchAngelCD
Member.
winless,
Welcome to the forum....
The current crop of Stainless revolvers will hold up well in Florida. Since you are getting on in years I would suggest one of the light Aluminum revolver because the recoil will be hard to handle.
S&W makes a few Stainless J frame revolver you might like. The Model 60 is a Chief's Special, the Model 640 is a Centennial frame and the Model 649 is a Bodyguard frame. All are heavy enough to absorb the recoil from a .38 Special round and all are .357 Magnum revolvers. They are a little high on price so you might not want to buy one of them. S&W also has a 3" K frame .38 Special still in their inventory. Their 3" Model 64 is a great revolver which you might like. I think it might be your best choice.
Ruger also makes very good revolvers. The 2 1/4"" SP-101 like mentioned above is a consideration as well as the 3" GP-100.
The S&W M60 also comes in a 3" barrel and the Ruger SP-101 is available in a 3 1/16" barrel model too.
Good luck finding something you like.
Welcome to the forum....
The current crop of Stainless revolvers will hold up well in Florida. Since you are getting on in years I would suggest one of the light Aluminum revolver because the recoil will be hard to handle.
S&W makes a few Stainless J frame revolver you might like. The Model 60 is a Chief's Special, the Model 640 is a Centennial frame and the Model 649 is a Bodyguard frame. All are heavy enough to absorb the recoil from a .38 Special round and all are .357 Magnum revolvers. They are a little high on price so you might not want to buy one of them. S&W also has a 3" K frame .38 Special still in their inventory. Their 3" Model 64 is a great revolver which you might like. I think it might be your best choice.
Ruger also makes very good revolvers. The 2 1/4"" SP-101 like mentioned above is a consideration as well as the 3" GP-100.
The S&W M60 also comes in a 3" barrel and the Ruger SP-101 is available in a 3 1/16" barrel model too.
Good luck finding something you like.
"Other than that, I'd love to learn a bit about how and where you carried your 1911 in WWII."
This is a quick reply to Murdock in the fewest words:
Checkout: http://36thair3ad.homestead.com/OriginalPhotos36thAIR.html — I am in the top row between the windows smoking a cigarette. If you look carefully, you'll see my 1911 in a shoulder holster. After a bad day at Altenkirchen, Germany, I went back looking for it the next day. I found it in tank tracks in mud. I pulled it out of the mush, wiped it off on my pants, and pulled the trigger to try it out — it's a good thing you weren't standing in front of it.
Yes, it was loose and rattled. Yes, it wasn't built like a Swiss watch or a Luger. Yes, it's ugly as sin. No, I wouldn't have carried anything else. My MI was ugly as sin too, but if I had the other guy one on one with his beautiful Mauser — he was dead. My rifle never jammed from St. Lo to Dessau.
This is a quick reply to Murdock in the fewest words:
Checkout: http://36thair3ad.homestead.com/OriginalPhotos36thAIR.html — I am in the top row between the windows smoking a cigarette. If you look carefully, you'll see my 1911 in a shoulder holster. After a bad day at Altenkirchen, Germany, I went back looking for it the next day. I found it in tank tracks in mud. I pulled it out of the mush, wiped it off on my pants, and pulled the trigger to try it out — it's a good thing you weren't standing in front of it.
Yes, it was loose and rattled. Yes, it wasn't built like a Swiss watch or a Luger. Yes, it's ugly as sin. No, I wouldn't have carried anything else. My MI was ugly as sin too, but if I had the other guy one on one with his beautiful Mauser — he was dead. My rifle never jammed from St. Lo to Dessau.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Winless,
Sir, you have done yourself proud serving your country. My father wasn't on the ground but he did serve in the US Navy during WWII.
Thank you....
Sir, you have done yourself proud serving your country. My father wasn't on the ground but he did serve in the US Navy during WWII.
Thank you....
moph759fl
Member
I IWB or pocket carry a Taurus, .357MAG, all Titanium, snub-nose, Model 605. I conceal carry it loaded w/.38SPL+P. Very lite weight, almost maintenance free and easy to operate with my Arthritis in every joint from head to toe. I've changed over to all revolver and only own one semi-auto. If you want to spend big go for S&W, if you want a lite-weight and lower cost look at Taurus.
Holy mackerel, had I known I'd be receiving such kind plaudits from total strangers just for riding around on the rear deck of a Sherman tank in Europe when I was a kid, I might have enjoyed the ride more. I felt choked up reading those nice words — many thanks.
Regarding the business at hand, all the great advice I received induced me to do some heavy lifting in our library (which I prefer on occasion over the Internet on some subjects) to evaluate the advice I received. Believe it or not I did reach some conclusions. While I'm not arthritic or anything like that, I'm not a bull of a kid anymore either — I've concluded the heavy duty 357/38 Ruger SP101 is not my cup of tea. While I deplore the S&W retail prices, I read so many negative views of the Taurus that I'm hesitant to go that way, but I must say the Taurus M85 ultra-lite is attractive at around $300 new.
As things stand at the moment, I really like everything I see in the S&W J frame offerings, especially the M37 air weight (15 oz.) 38 special old style checkered grips, square butt, slightly used, $400.
Florida is a lenient state, I'll checkout private sellers. After reading Thernlund's advice about evaluating guns (the Jim March article on the subject) I don't feel as helpless on that score as I did.
I'm resolved to stick to a 2" barrel — the better "sight picture" provided by a longer barrel isn't important to me. I went through a whole war, fired that 1911 hundreds of times and never aimed it once. I think as a self defense weapon in my home — pointing a snubbie will work for me. Thanks again for all the help and kind words.
Regarding the business at hand, all the great advice I received induced me to do some heavy lifting in our library (which I prefer on occasion over the Internet on some subjects) to evaluate the advice I received. Believe it or not I did reach some conclusions. While I'm not arthritic or anything like that, I'm not a bull of a kid anymore either — I've concluded the heavy duty 357/38 Ruger SP101 is not my cup of tea. While I deplore the S&W retail prices, I read so many negative views of the Taurus that I'm hesitant to go that way, but I must say the Taurus M85 ultra-lite is attractive at around $300 new.
As things stand at the moment, I really like everything I see in the S&W J frame offerings, especially the M37 air weight (15 oz.) 38 special old style checkered grips, square butt, slightly used, $400.
Florida is a lenient state, I'll checkout private sellers. After reading Thernlund's advice about evaluating guns (the Jim March article on the subject) I don't feel as helpless on that score as I did.
I'm resolved to stick to a 2" barrel — the better "sight picture" provided by a longer barrel isn't important to me. I went through a whole war, fired that 1911 hundreds of times and never aimed it once. I think as a self defense weapon in my home — pointing a snubbie will work for me. Thanks again for all the help and kind words.
MikePGS
Member
If you search around a bit, you should be able to find a S&W 642 (or 442) for 400. Thats the price they retail around here. If you can't find one locally, I'd suggest Budsgunshop.com, they have them for 400 whcih includes shipping, but you'll have to pay a FFL fee. That being said, I would like to express my tremendous gratitude for your service. Though merely saying so seems rather insufficient, I can't thank you enough.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26498
(the price actually seems to have crept up an additional 7 dollars)
They also have the M37 for 411 http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26309
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26498
(the price actually seems to have crept up an additional 7 dollars)
They also have the M37 for 411 http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26309
Encoreman
Member
I salute you Winless, but you are a WINNER in my eyes. I look up to all vets, but for some reason more to the WWII vets a little more. Know several vets, 1 was a teenage tank driver on D-Day, 1 was a teenager in the Bataan death march and so on. I know that we wouldn't enjoy the freedom's we have here in America if it hadn't been for men and women like you. My boss's son was commissioned today as a 2nd Lieutenant and will likely see duty in Iraq, he told his dad that he knew what he wanted a long time ago. So the saga continues with another generation being faithful, unselfish, brave. Standing watch while we sleep. I pray that we will always have the freedom's we enjoy because of men like you. Have a blessed day, Bill
ArchAngelCD
Member.
winless,
I didn't know you were willing to use a 15oz J frame or I wouldn't have suggested those 3 Magnum J frame revolvers above with the big price tags. The .38 Special Airweights are more reasonable in price. I carry a S&W Model 638 daily, that's a 15oz .38 Special +P with a shrouded hammer. The Model 37 you mentioned would be a great choice if you can find one. Since your hands aren't hurt you will like a light J frame, I know I do.
If you can't find a Model 37 you could always buy a Model 637 which is the Aluminum Alloy version which isn't black. It's almost the same revolver and can still be found new in some shops for ~$400.
I didn't know you were willing to use a 15oz J frame or I wouldn't have suggested those 3 Magnum J frame revolvers above with the big price tags. The .38 Special Airweights are more reasonable in price. I carry a S&W Model 638 daily, that's a 15oz .38 Special +P with a shrouded hammer. The Model 37 you mentioned would be a great choice if you can find one. Since your hands aren't hurt you will like a light J frame, I know I do.
If you can't find a Model 37 you could always buy a Model 637 which is the Aluminum Alloy version which isn't black. It's almost the same revolver and can still be found new in some shops for ~$400.
crebralfix
member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2004
- Messages
- 1,356
I am not sure what the actual problem is.
Is the problem the weight of the gun? Or recoil? Or convenience of carry? Are you having difficulty working the slide or other controls?
Some of those small revolvers have really brutal recoil. My Ruger SP101 with full 357 Magnum self-defense loads is difficult to control. Those same loads in an S&W N-Frame with 3.5" barrel were controllable and 38 SPL +P felt like LIGHT 9mm. Standard 38 SPL felt like hot 22 Long Rifle.
I recommend you get the 1911 back until you find something to replace it.
Is the problem the weight of the gun? Or recoil? Or convenience of carry? Are you having difficulty working the slide or other controls?
Some of those small revolvers have really brutal recoil. My Ruger SP101 with full 357 Magnum self-defense loads is difficult to control. Those same loads in an S&W N-Frame with 3.5" barrel were controllable and 38 SPL +P felt like LIGHT 9mm. Standard 38 SPL felt like hot 22 Long Rifle.
I recommend you get the 1911 back until you find something to replace it.
Glockman17366
Member
Don't bypass the Taurus 85's!
You do read alot of negativity about them...but most don't have a clue what they're talking about!
I've had 5 85's (3 stainless, 1 Aluminum/Titanium, 1 Titanium). All were very reliable working guns. I sold all the stainless models and kick my butt for not keeping one of them. I still have the aluminum and titanium guns and both are carried quite frequently (shot about once a month). These are working guns...not anything collectable.
Anyway, a little 85 would be a good house gun for you (probably in stainless, but my aluminum and titanium revolvers have worked every time too and are considerably lighter...something to think about). The stainless 85's go about 24 oz loaded. The light weight (aluminum/titanium) 85's weigh about 17 oz loaded.
I do suggest checking any revolver you buy with the guidelines in the sticky at the top of this forum.
BTW, the two house guns are a 357 Taurus Tracker and a Ruger SP101 (both stainless).
You do read alot of negativity about them...but most don't have a clue what they're talking about!
I've had 5 85's (3 stainless, 1 Aluminum/Titanium, 1 Titanium). All were very reliable working guns. I sold all the stainless models and kick my butt for not keeping one of them. I still have the aluminum and titanium guns and both are carried quite frequently (shot about once a month). These are working guns...not anything collectable.
Anyway, a little 85 would be a good house gun for you (probably in stainless, but my aluminum and titanium revolvers have worked every time too and are considerably lighter...something to think about). The stainless 85's go about 24 oz loaded. The light weight (aluminum/titanium) 85's weigh about 17 oz loaded.
I do suggest checking any revolver you buy with the guidelines in the sticky at the top of this forum.
BTW, the two house guns are a 357 Taurus Tracker and a Ruger SP101 (both stainless).
Encoreman
Member
I have bought 4 Taurus's 1 for my wife, daughter, son, and me. 2 are mod 65 3", 1 mod 85, 1 mod 605. That 605 ss .357 is my wife's she likes it. It's has a hammer with no spur, you won't hear it click only bang,bang,bang,bang,bang-reload!!
One more thank you for your service. My deceased father also served in The Great War and I am a firm believer that you represent the greatest generation post Founding-Fathers. Thank you.
I have another suggestion: An SP-101 in .327 Federal. .357 ballistics with less flash/bang and recoil. FWIW I find the SP-101 in my hands to be the most natural pointing handgun existant. From sitting or standing I can whip mine (empty of course) SP at any target as small as a door knob from the waste and hold it still... hunker down behind it and it will be pointing within an inch or two of where I am pointing it.
Whether the same is true for you, I don't know but it even if not, it is a superb gunh/caliber combo.
I have another suggestion: An SP-101 in .327 Federal. .357 ballistics with less flash/bang and recoil. FWIW I find the SP-101 in my hands to be the most natural pointing handgun existant. From sitting or standing I can whip mine (empty of course) SP at any target as small as a door knob from the waste and hold it still... hunker down behind it and it will be pointing within an inch or two of where I am pointing it.
Whether the same is true for you, I don't know but it even if not, it is a superb gunh/caliber combo.
- Status
