The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: seeker_two on April 04, 2010, 07:51:59 PM
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I'm getting an itch to buy a snub revolver. At first, I'd planned to get one chambered in .38SPL...leaning toward a LCR or S&W or Charter Arms "hammerless airweights". But then Taurus came out with the Public Defender in .410 shotshell....and the decision got harder. Since this will be a gun that will be expected to do triple-duty (CCW, truck-cab pistol, and anti-snake gun), the extra payload in a .410 shell looks appealing. That, and the stats for Brenneke .410 slug loads (similar to .38SPL+P loads), just put the PD in the running.
So, what do YOU, the audience at home, think? Stick with the .38?....or take the .410 plunge?
Thanks in advance..... ;D
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Personally, I carry an M&P340 in my front pocket. I'm not sure that you could do that with a Public Defender so I would consider how you plan on carrying it as a factor in your decision.
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Even the current issue of G&A has snubs (j-frames) in a variety of flavors. I chose the Taurus M85 Ultra-Lite 38+P, for a couple of reasons I posted when I got it.
They are all well suited for their purpose. The .410 is a Loooooonnnnggggg shell, truck & cab, home defense, easily can fulfill that application.
Carrying? a snub .410? If there is a rig I am unaware of, shoulder type, I'd love to see it. Seems kinda big if it is Judge sized.
Open carry is one thing, truck-cab is another. Seems you got 2 out of 3. CCW, might be tough.
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Get the 38. Just get some snake shot for when you're in the boonies.
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If you get a .38 you can load it with CCI shotshells for snakes and it fills all 3 needs. The Judge seems like it would be hard to CC.
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You will always have the .38 on you! I like the judge but I wouldn't wanna haul it around in my pocket all the time.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i24/seffnersfinest/100_4610.jpg)
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out of a pistol, the 410 is not that impressive. It does have its use, but 38 is a much better all around choice.
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For a snake gun, The Judge has the edge, with more volume of shot per shell. For a console, there's not any advantage to the 38 vs. the 410, unless you have a small console, or keep a lot of junk in the console. For CCW, the .38 has an edge; a big one. The length of the judge limits how you can carry. It's the same overall size as a lot of the bigger automatics. Unless wearing 5.11 Tactical pants everyday, in the pocket is out. And 5.11 pockets are actually cut a bit low for the .38/.357 snubs (The grip can show from the top back corner of the pocket if you ain't careful.). You would pretty well have to carry the Judge IWB or OWB to conceal it effectively. Also, i believe there are more holsters available for your .38/.357 snubs (though most holster makers have gotten on the Judge train.). If you just like the idea of a Judge for a snake gun (And I DO, personally. But I don't camp much anymore.), I'd say get one. But if you're wanting the more utilitarian gun for carry, the 38/357 snub has the edge.
*This message has been typed by a man with a .357 Snubbie in his pocket. ;D
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The PD is 7.5" long overall, kinda big to be in the same class as a snubbie as far as CCW goes. That said, I regularly CCW with an 8" double stack .45, and the judge isn't significantly wider than that pistol. It's all what you are used to, I guess. You'll not pocket carry this, so IWB, OWB (example here) (http://www.texasleathercompany.com/Taurus-Judge-PD-Thumb-Strap.html) or fanny pack it.
If you don't care about the larger size, I'd pick the Judge.
Here's a site with some interesting loads designed for the Judge, check the railed slug, and the larger 4/0 sized buck. ;) (http://www.paraklesetechnologies.com/products.asp?cat=13)
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My vote is for the .38..... Like mentioned earlier, The Judge is a BIG gun and IMO would be hard to carry concealed.
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My vote is for the .38. The Judge is a BIG gun and IMO would be hard to carry concealed.
Very good point. I like "The Judge". It's a good, reliable, innovative handgun. It's just for concealed carry it is a bit bulky. Another factor is there are not very many holsters designed specifically for concealed carry being manufactured for the gun at this moment. I'm sure in time this will rectify itself, but it may take a while with the present economy.
I had issues finding a suitable carry holster for my Glock 21's. I finally purchased a Galco F.L.E.T.C.H for them, but I had to order it from Natchez Shooting Supplies because no one, not even Cabela's had them in stock. For less mass then the Judge, you could go with a 686 S&W .357 snubbie like this one:
(http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/8854/sw6860ml.th.jpg) (http://img120.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sw6860ml.jpg)
Click On Thumbnail To Enlarge
I believe the newer models come with a 7 shot cylinder. The .357 will greatly increase the effective range of the weapon far beyond the short distance shotshells are effective. The gun comes with excellent adjustable sights, and is quite easy to shoot well. As always, your mileage may vary. Bill T.
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38 for me also. If you think you need to pepper the 2 or 4 legged animal with shot CCI provides you with that for your Jframe also.
I think the ability to conceal the 38 in just about any attire is the reason of choice every time.
tex
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I think Judges are cool and the new purpose-made ammo brings them wy up in performance. But they ain't a pocket gun.
If I can IWB, I will have a doublestack auto. The titanium judges would make a fine IWB gun, but if I can carry 14+ ready to go instead of 5 I am going to.
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The .410 vs. 38 is kind of like the .45 vs. 9mm debate. Who needs to shoot someone a second time with a .410 at close range.
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The .410 vs. 38 is kind of like the .45 vs. 9mm debate. Who needs to shoot someone a second time with a .410 at close range.
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Maybe it's me.....but I'm getting the vibe that I should get the .38...... ???
I was leaning that direction, anyway. Only downside I saw was that the only factory .38 shotshells use #12 shot....guess I can break out the reloading gear & make my own #6's....
Thanks for the guidance.... ;D
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CCI uses #9 shot in their .38s.
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Hands down, 38spl j-frame or LCR. Make sure the one you get can utilize 38 +P on a regular basis. I think I recall that Taurus makes a small j-frame like revolver that shoots .357mag. I can't recall the model number.
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Maybe it's me.....but I'm getting the vibe that I should get the .38...... ???
I was leaning that direction, anyway. Only downside I saw was that the only factory .38 shotshells use #12 shot....guess I can break out the reloading gear & make my own #6's....
Thanks for the guidance.... ;D
This may come in handy, then. 8)
http://www.gunblast.com/Snake_Stopper.htm
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.38 the .410 is too big for CCW work!
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I'll throw my vote behind the snubbie, but in .357 just to have a more powerful option. Da Judge is awfully big for CCW, plus, when you load it up with .410, the sucker is heavy. You'll be carrying it around, and the extra weight can be an annoyance even if it is not a major factor.
Keep us posted.
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I had some time this morning and looked up a couple of j-frame .357mag...
Smith & Wesson
Small Frame (J) - Model 60 Revolver - 2 1/8"
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&langId=-1&productId=14754&tabselected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=15704
Taurus
Small Frame - MODEL 605 .357 MAG. REVOLVER IN STAINLESS STEEL
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=247&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=SF2
Other models are available, too.
Good Luck!
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I'll throw my vote behind the snubbie, but in .357 just to have a more powerful option......
+1
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http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Mag_Pug_13520.html
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This may come in handy, then. 8)
http://www.gunblast.com/Snake_Stopper.htm
Good 'ol Cousin Melvin ;D
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....I think I recall that Taurus makes a small j-frame like revolver that shoots .357mag. I can't recall the model number.
So does S&W. Taurus's small .357's are the 605 (Traditional Hammer), 651 (Shrouded Hammer), and 650 (Hammerless).
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How about the Charter Arms 44 Bullldog? Easy to carry and gives you the big bore 44 special.
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I've seen the Gunblast shotshell load before, and I'm impressed. Only thing that concerns me is that .36 caliber ball & the possibility of ricochet perforating something I don't want perforated. I may experiment with using a plastic or rubber ball in place of the lead one.
Didn't think about the Bulldog. And the .44SPL case can hold a lot more shot. But then that means getting into a new (& more expensive) caliber......
Decisions......decisions..... ;D
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I believe CCI sells their shot cups for handgun rounds as reloading components.
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I carry the Taurus 85 SS Ultralite, It shoots very good and I like it. I like the S&W Airweight .38 with the shrouded hammer also, I wouldn't mind having one of those somewhere down the line. If not for the fact I got such a fantastic deal on the Taurus, I would have got the S&W. I checked out the Public defender @ a gun show recently, If they could somehow find a way to make it .45 ACP\.410 I would grab one since I already shoot .45 ACP also.
I am going to try some of the shot loads for the .38 myself for using while fishing from the shore.