I'm in the market for 3-4 inch revolver I presently have a 4 inch 22lr J-frame Smith and a 6 inch 44 mag in a Smith Classic. My desire is to have a carry gun on farm and home. I am leaning towards a older service revolver like a Smith 65/66 (357) or a 44? Defense gun mostly for only 2 legged type or maybe a deranged bull (unlikely). Weight and recoil are issues because of arth. in hands, wrist, and back I reload so can match recoil to my pain threshold but weight is a problem when it comes to carry. Smith 329 is to costly, that leads me to think J frame 3-4 inch. Thanks for your impute.
Which one to get?
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ColtPythonElite
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Ruger SP101 .357
silvermane_1
Member
well i was going to say Ruger Security-Six or GP-100 4", but you mentioned a issue about weight, a K-frame S&W might be the ticket, but i would go easy on the "light and fast" 357 Mag loads with the K-frame because of the reported forcing cone issues with K-frame.
Lost Sheep
Member
Welcome to the forum and thanks for asking our advice.
Weight is helpful at reducing pain from recoil.
Weight is a pain when it comes to carrying.
Carrying is made a LOT easier if you use a decent holster. A shoulder holster almost completely negates the weight factor on medium weight guns.
The Ruger SP101 in 327 Magnum is said to be more comfortable to shoot than the same gun in 357 Magnum. But I would opt for a Ruger Security Six/Speed Six or Service Six.
I own SP101s, Security Sixes and GP100s. The SP101 in 357 is brutal, with the lighter weight and smaller grips. The Security Six is much more manageable, especially if you install aftermarket grips (target grips or rubber grips like Hogue or Pachmayr, etc). The GP100, with its greater weight is a little more comfortable to shoot. But here is my of-the-cuff rating of (dis)comfort levels, SP pain rating is 80. Sec.Six rating is 50, GP rating is 45.
Carrying comfort levels in a belt holster are SP 80, Sec.Six is 70, GP is 50 and in a shoulder holster, SP 90, Sec Six 85, GP 80.
Sorry that I don't have ratings (opinions, all, of course) for other makes (Smiths, Colts or Taurus, etc.)
If you like Smiths only, consider an L-Frame or K-Frame paired with a really good holster. Easier to shoot than a J-frame and a good holster can work wonders.
Lost Sheep
Weight is helpful at reducing pain from recoil.
Weight is a pain when it comes to carrying.
Carrying is made a LOT easier if you use a decent holster. A shoulder holster almost completely negates the weight factor on medium weight guns.
The Ruger SP101 in 327 Magnum is said to be more comfortable to shoot than the same gun in 357 Magnum. But I would opt for a Ruger Security Six/Speed Six or Service Six.
I own SP101s, Security Sixes and GP100s. The SP101 in 357 is brutal, with the lighter weight and smaller grips. The Security Six is much more manageable, especially if you install aftermarket grips (target grips or rubber grips like Hogue or Pachmayr, etc). The GP100, with its greater weight is a little more comfortable to shoot. But here is my of-the-cuff rating of (dis)comfort levels, SP pain rating is 80. Sec.Six rating is 50, GP rating is 45.
Carrying comfort levels in a belt holster are SP 80, Sec.Six is 70, GP is 50 and in a shoulder holster, SP 90, Sec Six 85, GP 80.
Sorry that I don't have ratings (opinions, all, of course) for other makes (Smiths, Colts or Taurus, etc.)
If you like Smiths only, consider an L-Frame or K-Frame paired with a really good holster. Easier to shoot than a J-frame and a good holster can work wonders.
Lost Sheep
farm23
Member
I have 357's and 44's and both would do but I carry one of the 44. For me I much prefer bigger holes and the difference in weight is not a problem. The one I carry almost every day is a S&W 629 3" and it weights 45oz loaded. You will have more choices with 38/357 and ammo is easier to find and less expensive but I still prefer the 44.
Claude Clay
Member
arthritis had me to pass my 642 along to my daughter,
i replaced it with a S & W M 60 3" PRO. it weighs 5 ounces more
and though it will handle 357's my carry ammo is silvertips.
pleasant surprise is how accurate it is with home made 158gr swc'ers
i replaced it with a S & W M 60 3" PRO. it weighs 5 ounces more
and though it will handle 357's my carry ammo is silvertips.
pleasant surprise is how accurate it is with home made 158gr swc'ers
farm23
Member
Arthritis is a bit--. Not to hijack this tread but I have found silvertips to effective and easier on the hands.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
The .44Spl is perfect for such purposes. A 4" 24/624 or 629 Mountain Gun sounds like it would do what you need a sixgun to do and it won't make your ears bleed like the .357.
boricua9mm
Member
I'd say either the S&W 65/66 in a 3" barrel loaded with 158gr would be ideal.
If you haven't been paying attention to pre-lock S&W prices in the past few years, you may want to pour yourself a drink and have a seat first...
If you haven't been paying attention to pre-lock S&W prices in the past few years, you may want to pour yourself a drink and have a seat first...
tomrkba
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I went through this, though I do not have arthritis, I do have problems with heavy recoil.
The S&W Model 19 (same as 65/66) with 2 1/2" barrel had too much recoil for me with full 357 Magnum. It was mildly painful. A four inch barrel may make them tolerable. I am not a fan of the Ruger SP101 because it recoils like the 19/66. I find full 357 Magnum in a Ruger GP100 with 4" barrel to be somewhat stout but tolerable. The downside is rapid fire is more difficult. The equivalent gun is the S&W 686. I really hate the J-Frame with anything larger than 38 Special. It's too small and the 1 7/8" or 2" barrels are too short. The alloy frame guns will have too much recoil with 357 Magnum.
If you're carrying on the farm, carry the S&W Model 629 with 6" barrel. It should be reasonably pleasant to shoot with heavier loads. Carry it in a holster with a flap to protect it while you are working.
Just buy a used S&W 629 with round butt frame and you should be done. You can load 44 Specials for defensive use and moderate 44 Magnum for farm work.
David E
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3" or 4" K-frame like the 13/65 would be a solid choice. Or maybe a Mountain Revolver in .357 (seven shot) or .44 or .45 Colt.
I prefer a big bullet going slower over a smaller, lighter bullet going faster, especially if recoil tolerance is an issue.
I prefer a big bullet going slower over a smaller, lighter bullet going faster, especially if recoil tolerance is an issue.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
"63" First, welcome to the forum...
For your stated purpose I would suggest a S&W K frame in .357 Magnum. On those days your hands hurt most you can always carry .38 Special ammo which will deliver less felt recoil to your hand. I say this because you said it's really for 2 legged critters and the 38/357 is well proven for that work... Nothing wrong with a M65 or M66 although I like the Blue versions better. (M13 or M19)
Good luck finding something you like. Keep an eye on the Classified forums on this forum.
For your stated purpose I would suggest a S&W K frame in .357 Magnum. On those days your hands hurt most you can always carry .38 Special ammo which will deliver less felt recoil to your hand. I say this because you said it's really for 2 legged critters and the 38/357 is well proven for that work... Nothing wrong with a M65 or M66 although I like the Blue versions better. (M13 or M19)
Good luck finding something you like. Keep an eye on the Classified forums on this forum.
Hoppes Love Potion
Member
I think a 3" 686 would do it. It's a nice size and weight and with a good holster shouldn't get in your way. Gives you a wide variety of ammo choices. No issues about hot Magnums. No worries about the history of the gun, like you might have with a used K-frame.
gamestalker
member
Full tilt 38's out of my snubby K frames are super comfortable to shoot, and they'll definitely take care of business when necessary. But full all out magnum loads are very painful on my old wrists, and they will make your ears bleed too.
GS
GS
Hondo 60
Member
63 - you mentioned a S&W 65/66, those are both excellent guns.
I have a 65 & a model 10 (38 spl).
I very much like both of 'em.
I have a 65 & a model 10 (38 spl).
I very much like both of 'em.
I have carried a S&W Mdl. 13 for years (3"-.357) but in the last few years my choice has changed to either a S&W .44mag Mtn. Gun or a S&W .45 Colt Mtn Gun. I too have arthritis in my hands and I have found a comfortable solution, S&W grips called the TAMER. I think they are made by Hogue for S&W. I think they are incredible and really soak up the recoil on the Mtn. Guns. since they cover the backstrap. They work on most S&W round butt grips for the K or N frame. Try some I think you will like them. Check the S&W Webb site.
^^^This^^^
Cycletroll
Member
63,
As much as I am a fan of big bore revolvers (I own several 44's) I would advise staying with your thought of a 3" .357. A S&W 19, 66,13,65 etc is perfect. I have both a 3" L-frame and a 2.5" 66. I would have to say a 2.5-3" k-frame is the ultimate balance of weight, comfort, and power and will carry at least a pound lighter than a small .44 Mag.
Also bear in mind that .357/.38 special ammo is very available and pretty affordable. You really should factor in the price/availability of practice ammo as your proficiency in shot placement is much more important than caliber.
Most people cannot afford nor tolerate the recoil of large volume practice with a .44
A good .357 will handle anything short of Grizzley.
As much as I am a fan of big bore revolvers (I own several 44's) I would advise staying with your thought of a 3" .357. A S&W 19, 66,13,65 etc is perfect. I have both a 3" L-frame and a 2.5" 66. I would have to say a 2.5-3" k-frame is the ultimate balance of weight, comfort, and power and will carry at least a pound lighter than a small .44 Mag.
Also bear in mind that .357/.38 special ammo is very available and pretty affordable. You really should factor in the price/availability of practice ammo as your proficiency in shot placement is much more important than caliber.
Most people cannot afford nor tolerate the recoil of large volume practice with a .44
A good .357 will handle anything short of Grizzley.
Lost Sheep
Member
Welcome to the forum and thanks for asking our advice.
$400 for a 44 Special? It is a fair price (depending on the exact configuration and condition - is it stainless, what is the barrel length, does it have box and papers and, most important of all, what is its condition). The 44 Special Rugers are highly prized for accuracy and ease of shooting. I wouldn't simply because I already have 44 Magnum and I handload to whatever power level I want, so 44 Special would only complicate my inventory (right now, I own not a single piece of 44 Special brass). But the 44 Special is no slouch in social situations and home defense is simpler than carrying, so single action vs double action or semi-auto is not quite as vital.
Using a single action for self defense is not a problem conceptually. Some people will consider that defending oneself with a gun that you 1) have to thumb-cock for each round fired is putting yourself at a disadvantage or 2) using a gun that is so easy to fire once it is cocked (rather than having a longer, more deliberate trigger pull) is an invitation to an unintended discharge. To both objections, practice is the answer.
What Cycletroll said about ammo availability is true. But he seems to have missed that you are talking 44 special, not 44 magnum. 44 Special is much gentler than 44 Mag. But (and this is a BIG BUT) availability of 44 Special could be even worse.
I advise you contemplate spending about $200-$350 on a decent reloading setup (or as little as $80 if you go really economical). This applies, no matter what (centerfire) caliber you choose. For the price of 20 boxes of ammunition you can load those same 20 boxes (the loading equipment and components) and after that, your ammo costs are less than half of retail. Good for practice, practice, practice.
Good luck. Thanks for reading.
Lost Sheep
$400 for a 44 Special? It is a fair price (depending on the exact configuration and condition - is it stainless, what is the barrel length, does it have box and papers and, most important of all, what is its condition). The 44 Special Rugers are highly prized for accuracy and ease of shooting. I wouldn't simply because I already have 44 Magnum and I handload to whatever power level I want, so 44 Special would only complicate my inventory (right now, I own not a single piece of 44 Special brass). But the 44 Special is no slouch in social situations and home defense is simpler than carrying, so single action vs double action or semi-auto is not quite as vital.
Using a single action for self defense is not a problem conceptually. Some people will consider that defending oneself with a gun that you 1) have to thumb-cock for each round fired is putting yourself at a disadvantage or 2) using a gun that is so easy to fire once it is cocked (rather than having a longer, more deliberate trigger pull) is an invitation to an unintended discharge. To both objections, practice is the answer.
What Cycletroll said about ammo availability is true. But he seems to have missed that you are talking 44 special, not 44 magnum. 44 Special is much gentler than 44 Mag. But (and this is a BIG BUT) availability of 44 Special could be even worse.
I advise you contemplate spending about $200-$350 on a decent reloading setup (or as little as $80 if you go really economical). This applies, no matter what (centerfire) caliber you choose. For the price of 20 boxes of ammunition you can load those same 20 boxes (the loading equipment and components) and after that, your ammo costs are less than half of retail. Good for practice, practice, practice.
Good luck. Thanks for reading.
Lost Sheep
Every centerfire handgun I shoot or shot in past ten+ years I handloaded it. I have 44 dies and bullet mold. It appears to be new though marked used. It's a 4 5/8 blued flattop see if there when I return. But think a da 357 would be better if can find one.
Hoppes Love Potion
Member
I think a 3" Model 60 would fit the bill. With the ability to custom load to your recoil limit, the smaller and lighter gun will be easy to carry.
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