recommend a revolver

garyz

garyz

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hi, i'm looking for a little guidance, my father just got his ltc after letting it expire. he wants to get a revolver, for home defense, and when he's walking the dog. however, theres a catch,
he has had both shoulders replaced, so he can't take that much recoil. he doesn't want a 22lr revolver.
he's located in mass,
any thoughts/ suggestions etc...

thx
garyz
 
Last edited:
I have a S&W 686. When shooting .357 loads it kicks. But with normal .38 loads there is very little kick. It is a heavy revolver and absorbs a lot of energy.

You Dad should stay away from the S&W Airweight series. I have a 442 and it is very uncomfortable to shoot. There is so little weight to it there is a kick.

I'm in metrowest if your Dad wants to try one out.

Best,

Rich
 
357

i was thinking the 357 shooting 38spcl but wasn't sure if there was a better option.
thx for the advice, i think he's coming to my area this wkend,
so we'll take a ride to a few shops
thx
gary
 
MassMark said:
Smith and Wesson 642CT with some Federal Low Recoil HydraShoks may be a good option...
Click to expand...

He specified not much recoil. IMHO, that rules out airweights.

I suggest you look at the all steel j-frames, e.g., S&W Model 60, Model 649. Ruger SP101 would be another alternative. Use .38 Spcl to reduce recoil and muzzle blast.
 
I must say I am pretty confident in my S&W 19 to bring enough power to table. I suggest you get him to the shooting range to let him try some different things or get into the next members shoot and you will get an answer as to what he likes.
 
garyz said:
i was thinking the 357 shooting 38spcl but wasn't sure if there was a better option.
thx for the advice, i think he's coming to my area this wkend,
so we'll take a ride to a few shops
thx
gary
Click to expand...
I have two .38 special revolvers. A snubnose Mod 60 and a 3" Mod 64-3. I live in W Bridgewater and just noticed you're in Brockton. If you and dad would like to shoot either (or both) so he can get an idea, just send a PM my way.
 
150505_large.jpg


150505_engrav.jpg


S&W 442 SAF commemorative.

Nothing says "Defend my rights" like a gun that quotes the SCOTUS. (^_^)
 
In this situation you want the heaviest possible revolver chambered for .357 Magnum and load it with .38 Special +P.

I nominate S&W's Highway Patrolman (aka Model 28) as the winner. Recoil with .38s will be very pleasant and if your dad later wants to up the ante, it doesn't get much better than a 125 grain hollow point bullet launched at nearly 1500 fps by a .357 Magnum.
 
Jose said:
In this situation you want the heaviest possible revolver chambered for .357 Magnum and load it with .38 Special +P.
Click to expand...
Provided, of course, that he has the shoulder strength to lift said revolver. Which he might not have.
 
small gun

a model 60 with defense loads won't be a problem for him. you have an
offer to shoot one, go do it. its better if it has packmyars on it, the wood
grips are pretty but did offer much of a grip.

i have one, but 'm in marlboro. glad to let him shoot it.

JimB
 
While not common, you could also look at the S&W 632.


Model: 632 Carry Comp
Caliber: .327MAG
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Action: Single/Double Action
Barrel Length: 3" Full Lug
Front Sight: Pinned Serrated Ramp
Rear Sight: S&W Adjustable
Overall Length: 7 1/2"
Weight Empty: 24.5 oz.
Grip: Synthetic
Material: Stainless Steel Frame and Cylinder
Finish: Matte Black


If my research is correct, you can also shoot .32 magnum and .32 S&W long out of this gun.
 
M1911 said:
Provided, of course, that he has the shoulder strength to lift said revolver. Which he might not have.
Click to expand...

A 4" N frame is about 40 - 42 ounces. A 4" K frame with a heavy barrel is about 36 - 38 ounces. If he can't pick up an N frame, 4 to 6 ounces give or take are not going to make that much difference.
 
Jose said:
A 4" N frame is about 40 - 42 ounces. A 4" K frame with a heavy barrel is about 36 - 38 ounces. If he can't pick up an N frame, 4 to 6 ounces give or take are not going to make that much difference.
Click to expand...

I've had students who had were able to handle a 24oz 3" J-frame easier than larger guns.
 
M1911 said:
I've had students who had were able to handle a 24oz 3" J-frame easier than larger guns.
Click to expand...

Was it because of the weight, the smaller size, or both?

There is a significant difference between 24 and 38 ounces, not to mention grip size.
 
M1911 said:
He specified not much recoil. IMHO, that rules out airweights.

I suggest you look at the all steel j-frames, e.g., S&W Model 60, Model 649. Ruger SP101 would be another alternative. Use .38 Spcl to reduce recoil and muzzle blast.
Click to expand...

+1 on the steel framed snubbies. My favorite concealed carry gun is a Model 60 with a shrouded hammer.
 
Jose said:
Was it because of the weight, the smaller size, or both?
Click to expand...
It seemed to be both, actually.

The students I'm thinking of were older women, with smaller, weaker hands and arms. The lighter weight seemed to help a lot. Also, with the smaller grip they were able to get a better purchase on the trigger.
 
Well the recoil can be a bit much for some on a 2" snubbie... but if that is his choice then I would go for S&W #642 w/ Crimson Trace
 
Dirtypacman said:
Well the recoil can be a bit much for some on a 2" snubbie... but if that is his choice then I would go for S&W #642 w/ Crimson Trace
Click to expand...
All steel snubbies (~25 oz) have a lot less felt recoil than aluminum frame (16 oz) or unobtanium frame (~12 oz?) snubbies.
 
Do people not even read posts? If the guy wants to avoid recoil, an airweight is a terrible idea. I'll second the model 60 or sp101. If he wants a bit more weight and less recoil, a 2" or 3" K frame would be perfect. Why doesn't Smith make those anymore?
 

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