[1911packer]

For some reason, I have the urge to get a revolver. Specifically, a .38 or .357 snub.

I have a perfectly good .380 ACP.

I'm probably not the only one on this site who wants a firearm they can't justify. Is there any rational reason to get a snubby? :?

 

[Jmark]

Excellent reliability with a good bit of power out of a short barrel. My discrete carry piece is a 38 S&W 442 with Speer 135grn +P Gold Dots made for the short barrels.

 

[gunsmoker]

shorter

a small-frame revolver is shorter than most autos. The grip is normally much smaller than an auto, since you're not using it to store your ammo. That tends to make it easier to conceal, although obviously you have an uncomfortable bulge where the cylinder is.

Also, a revolver will be more reliable with a greater variety of ammo, especially exotic ammo that has unusual bullet weights and profiles. For example, if you wanted a reduced-power defensive load for a person who is really sensitive to recoil, you can carry those without worrying about cycling the action. I've heard that a standard 148-grain wadcutter, loaded backwards with the hollow base pointing forward, over a moderate powder charge that pushes it out the muzzle at about 800 f.p.s., makes a really good defensive round that will open up like crazy but doesn't kick bad.

 

[Jmark]

I got mine for $350 from Kyle at Ballistic Sounds Tactical Supply in Athens.

He's great to deal with.

http://www.ballisticsounds.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=111

He also has a smoking deal on stripped stag lowers right now. $100

 

[zookeper]

i have several 38 smiths, a s8spl and a 38s&w, the problem i have with them as carry weapons is that you cant pull off the rounds as fast as an auto and both of mine are limited to 5. the 38spl i just had a trigger job done on and it is way improved, i will again carry it on occasion as it's light and hides well but i still prefer my p232 as my daily carry.

i think we all have gun purchases that'd we'd like be able to justify. every time i buy one i tell myself "i'm done for a long while" then i read more of this forum and see your toys........ you people are bad influences.

 

[AV8R]

i have several 38 smiths, a s8spl and a 38s&w, the problem i have with them as carry weapons is that you cant pull off the rounds as fast as an auto and both of mine are limited to 5. the 38spl i just had a trigger job done on and it is way improved, i will again carry it on occasion as it's light and hides well but i still prefer my p232 as my daily carry.

i think we all have gun purchases that'd we'd like be able to justify. every time i buy one i tell myself "i'm done for a long while" then i read more of this forum and see your toys........ you people are bad influences.

Where did you get your trigger job? I was thinking that my wife's new S&W could stand to be a little better.

 

[AeroShooter]

For some reason, I have the urge to get a revolver. Specifically, a .38 or .357 snub.

I have a perfectly good .380 ACP.

I'm probably not the only one on this site who wants a firearm they can't justify. Is there any rational reason to get a snubby? :?

almost immediately after I bought my Glock last year, I was consumed with the desire for a wheel gun... stop denying your desire and just buy one... I recommend the Taurus 605 in stainless...

Wheelguns are fun!

 

[zookeper]

Sullivan's Classic Arms in cumming. he's not very fast (1 month turnaround on the s&w) but i also needed work done on and old mauser whose safety was not working right due to a botched trigger job done before i was borne and it's scope had a broken recticle, he specializes in that sorta work and i was pleased with the results.

try the gunsmith at bigwoods, definitely bigger on personality there, those guys are really nice in that store.

 

[1911packer]

Excellent answers, all. I don't need to be convinced of the advantages of a revolver, they make good defense weapons.

My specific situation is I don't have a rational reason for scratching this itch as I have a perfectly good PPK/S for a BUG/summer carry.

AeroShooter gave some of the best advice - "stop denying your desire and just buy one."

Taurus is a consideration. What say ye on Charter Arms?

Also .38 v. .357 mag? I'm thinking ankle carry BUG.

 

[AeroShooter]

Excellent answers, all. I don't need to be convinced of the advantages of a revolver, they make good defense weapons.

My specific situation is I don't have a rational reason for scratching this itch as I have a perfectly good PPK/S for a BUG/summer carry.

AeroShooter gave some of the best advice - "stop denying your desire and just buy one."

Taurus is a consideration. What say ye on Charter Arms?

Also .38 v. .357 mag? I'm thinking ankle carry BUG.

Oooh, if you have the cash to burn, consider a Mateba

I've got the bug for one something fierce... available in .357 .44 mag .454 casull.

 

[1911packer]

Excellent answers, all. I don't need to be convinced of the advantages of a revolver, they make good defense weapons.

My specific situation is I don't have a rational reason for scratching this itch as I have a perfectly good PPK/S for a BUG/summer carry.

AeroShooter gave some of the best advice - "stop denying your desire and just buy one."

Taurus is a consideration. What say ye on Charter Arms?

Also .38 v. .357 mag? I'm thinking ankle carry BUG.

Oooh, if you have the cash to burn, consider a Mateba

I've got the bug for one something fierce... available in .357 .44 mag .454 casull.

Do you think I could hang one in an Uncle Mikes ankle holster? :wink:

 

[AeroShooter]

<shrug>

 

[MLS 4506]

the charter's are not as good today as they use to be,i found myself in a similar situation earlier this year,ran accross a taurus 450 in titanium,19.5 oz 45 long colt, :mrgreen:

 

[Firearmz]

The j-frame in my opinion is a great back up gun. Holds five rounds of ammo and very easily carried in deep concealment along the center line of the body. Can be used to make contact shots without the malfunctions that a slide can have at that distance.

I carry mine in what is called a Werner Set Up, S&W 442 +P rated, XS Big Dot front sight, Barami Hip grip with a Tyler T-Grip and a Houge Junior Slip on grip over them upside down. This offers a secure way of toting it in the appendix position, so that I can get to it regardless of what position I may be in, standing, walking, grabbed from behind, grounded or someone mounted on me.

As for ammo, I like to find a standard pressure 147 grain copper jacketed wad cutter. The light weight j-frames only have a life expectancy of some where between 2000 to 3000 rounds. This adds a little life expectancy to my light weight. The velocities out of the j-frame are not fast enough to deliver reliable expansion, the oval profile of the slow moving bullet has a tendency to force its way through tissue, the jacketed wad cutter delivers a cookie cutter effect that provides a wider permanent wound channel.

As for spare ammo I do not usually carry any but if I do it is in a speed strip.

Just my opinion.

 

[budder]

The j-frame in my opinion is a great back up gun. Holds five rounds of ammo and very easily carried in deep concealment along the center line of the body. Can be used to make contact shots without the malfunctions that a slide can have at that distance.

I carry mine in what is called a Werner Set Up, S&W 442 +P rated, XS Big Dot front sight, Barami Hip grip with a Tyler T-Grip and a Houge Junior Slip on grip over them upside down. This offers a secure way of toting it in the appendix position, so that I can get to it regardless of what position I may be in, standing, walking, grabbed from behind, grounded or someone mounted on me.

As for ammo, I like to find a standard pressure 147 grain copper jacketed wad cutter. The light weight j-frames only have a life expectancy of some where between 2000 to 3000 rounds. This adds a little life expectancy to my light weight. The velocities out of the j-frame are not fast enough to deliver reliable expansion, the oval profile of the slow moving bullet has a tendency to force its way through tissue, the jacketed wad cutter delivers a cookie cutter effect that provides a wider permanent wound channel.

As for spare ammo I do not usually carry any but if I do it is in a speed strip.

Just my opinion.

Your revolver is more tricked out than Bulldawg's AR! Do you have any pictures of it? I'm considering getting a revolver for a BUG, but I haven't decided on anything yet.

 

[AV8R]

As for ammo, I like to find a standard pressure 147 grain copper jacketed wad cutter. The light weight j-frames only have a life expectancy of some where between 2000 to 3000 rounds. This adds a little life expectancy to my light weight. The velocities out of the j-frame are not fast enough to deliver reliable expansion, the oval profile of the slow moving bullet has a tendency to force its way through tissue, the jacketed wad cutter delivers a cookie cutter effect that provides a wider permanent wound channel.

Interesting stuff right there. This got me thinking a bit more, especially since my wife will be carrying a snubbie.

http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammunition/pocket_dynomite/

http://glocktalk.com/sitemap/topic/400092-1.html

I'm going to let her put a lot of rounds through her new 642 at the range while she waits for her GFL. Should be enough time to see if that's the gun for her. Naturally, I want her to practice with the ammo that she will carry with, and I want that to be the best performing ammo possible for an airweight J frame snub. I'm thinking either Winchester +P 130-grain SXT Personal Protection (if she's ok with the recoil), or the Hornady 125-grain XTP. The search continues...

 

[Firearmz]

Note that the trigger has been smoothed and polished, the chambers have been chamfered as much as possible, just not a lot of wall there to bevel. naturally a trigger job to make it nice and smooth, not light.

 

[budder]

So what does the T-grip do? Just give you more gripping surface? Or help it point at a better angle? Something else or a combination of all of those?

 

[Macktee]

Go for it!

One should never have to justify the purchase of a gun...

See it! Want it! Buy it! An easy three-step process.

My carry weapon is a S&W model 60LS (LadySmith) snubbie in .357 loaded with Gold Dots. Nice little gun. I love the looks, it's easy to carry, fits my hand just about perfectly and shoots quite reliably and nicely with bullets going pretty much where the gun is aimed.

Actually, it's not much fun shooting .357s thru it, so most of my practice is with .38 special ammo. Much easier on the hand...! I shoot just enough .357 to feel comfortable carrying them.

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to shoot my gun and a Taurus .357 snubbie back-to-back using the same ammo. There's a noticeable difference in the actions. The action on mine was far smoother while the Taurus seemed "notchy" (if that's a word). It was almost as though the various parts were catching on each other and then releasing abruptly compared to the S&W where the internal working felt almost slick. It was as though mine was well lubricated while his was in need of it, eventhough both were clean and well oiled.

What's interesting is I wouldn't have noticed any problem with the Taurus if I didn't have my gun to compare it with. However, the other guy said he immediately realized why the S&W cost so much more...

:-k

 

[Rammstein]

meh.

I'd take a revolver as a last resort.