The Down Range Forum
Flying Dragon Productions ( Michael Bane ) => The Best Defense on My Outdoor TV => Topic started by: dsawi52695 on March 19, 2009, 06:13:20 PM
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Hi Everyone:
I am disabled and use a motorized wheelchair to get around. I would like to get a pistol for Conceal Carry and Home Defense once I get my CCW permit.
What is the difference between the S&W 642 and the S&W 686? Can .38 caliber ammo be useed in both? What does the +P designation specify? What barrel lenth would be best for concealed carry and way? I would think a longer barrel would reduce recoil and make the weapon easier to manage/shoot
Any and all ideas would be appreciated. I am sure there will be several different opinions.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and cooperation. I hope to hear from you soon,
David
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The 642 is a j frame snubnosed revolver that shoots .38 Special up to +P. The 686 is a full size revolver in .357 magnum. The 686 can also shoot .38 specials. The 686 will weigh considerably more than the 642. Approximately 41 oz vs. 15 oz for the 642. Try both and see which you like. The 642 will be easier to conceal but harder to shoot.
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There are too many old firearms around that can't handle increased case pressures of todays ammunition. So SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) uses the +P designation to separate the new pressure limit for these old cartridges from the old lower standard.
Both of the guns you mention can handle +P ammunition and most people agree that .38 special is sufficient for defensive carry. I think that if the gun can handle the higher pressure, the increased velocity would be an advantage as it also increases the impact energy on the target.
The heavier revolver is designed around the .357 Magnum cartridge which is very capable ammo for defensive carry but may be a handfull for a new shooter. Both guns do come in short barrel versions. I don't think short barrel guns are difficult to shoot, but may take some practice getting used to. Again, center mass hits from 10-15 feet are not difficult to accomplish with even shortest of barrels. Considering your situation, training with an experienced instructor would be helpful.
Good luck...be safe.
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If I was wheelchair active, I would choose the 686, as you have more opportunity to hide the revolver, in your rig, than I have on the street... Plus, you can get the 686 plus, and have 7 rounds versus 5, I carry a 5 shot everyday, but would take more if I could hide it. The wheel chair gives a better method of hiding a firearm than standing up, and using clothes. If you have the money, you could get a performance center 8 shot revolver, N frame, The short revolvers have been a lot less than a long barrel, still expensive, about 800 or so.
Best of luck.
M25
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Lots of good info here already...
I carry a 642... an older one that is not marked with a "+p" rating...
You should try to get to a range and rent/shoot both types before you decide.
-RJP
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Hi everyone:
I know that the S&W 642 are available in three distinct hammer styles – the "Chiefs Special" with exposed hammer, the "Centennial" frame with fully enclosed hammer and the "Bodyguard" frame (.38 S&W Special +P only) shrouded hammer. My next question might sound less than intelligent. If that is the case, that is not my intent.
Besides the obvious differences in hammer styles, why would someone pick one over the other? I know that the hammerless model would be pretty much snag proof, right? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Would this be the best choice for concealed carry or self defense? I expect opinions to vary somewat.
Thank you again,
David
P.S. All of the responses so far are appreciated, thank you.
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David,
All three guns are small lightweight revolvers using the same basic frame geometry. All three can shoot either .38 Special or .38 Special +P ammunition. When they say "+P only" I think they mean "don't use .357 magnum". All three can be loaded with the high power ammo but it would create a dangerous situation as the frame material is not strong enough for .357 mag. load
That being said, as the other fellas have suggested, all three are great for concealed carry. The hammerless and bobbed hammer styles will fit in a pocket so they are "snagless" designs for that reason. In your situation, any of the three could be suitable. I doubt you would need a "pocket pistol" because your sitting down. The actions of the hammerless are different in that one needs only to point the gun and squeeze the trigger. Pretty simple....the gun with a hammer exposed can be cocked and fired single action as well...
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Also the shrouded hammer style can be fired from inside a jacket pocket, if necessary (Like Pincus did on TBD Wednesday).
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On top of what Tim just said if it says "+P only" .357 will not fit (yes, it will go into the chamber but the cylinder will not close) and .38 (regular) is same size as +P just less powerful so it will shoot that just fine.
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On top of what Tim just said if it says "+P only" .357 will not fit (yes, it will go into the chamber but the cylinder will not close) and .38 (regular) is same size as +P just less powerful so it will shoot that just fine.
Thanks for the correction Haz...it's been a while since my revolver days...
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Taurus also sells a large variety of very nice pistols, considerably less expensive than S&W, and without that stupid lock. Also, in side by side comparison, including shooting them, quality is the same, leaning toward the Taurus because they don't charge $150 for the trade mark.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/products-revolvers.cfm
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&categoryId=15701&top=Y
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Thank you for the suggestion about Taurus. I did notice that they do have a large selection of nice revolers to choose from. That being the case, would it be possible for you or someone else to help me narrow down my chioces? Is there one model that you might recommend over another, and why?
You also said that the Taurus. pistols/revolers are considerably less expensive than S&W. If I went with a Taurus model, could you give me an idea what the price range might be?
I was advised to maybe stay away from the Ruger SP101 chambered in .327 Federal, due to ammunition limitations. Is that still the recommendation?
Thank you again,
David
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If I had to specifically have a revolver, I would go for a .357 and then practice with .38 specials. But that's just me.
It all depends on how you plan to carry (on your person or hidden on the wheelchair) and deploy the gun.
A good thing to do is try to find a range or individual that can let you test drive a varying selection if possible to get a better idea of what to do. A hundred people can give you a hundred different ideas and you could end up just as confused as when you started.
I would look at the Taurus 617. It is a small 7-shot .357 in stainless.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=260&category=Revolver
The 627 has a longer 4" barrel, but is ported and would have a heck of a blast.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=265&category=Revolver
The model 605 is a 5-shot .357.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=247&category=Revolver
If you have to have a .38, then there's this jewel...a 7-shot .38 rated for +P ammo, the model 817 Ultra Lite.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=287&category=Revolver
It's also hard to beat the standard Model 85...I had one and wish I'd never traded it...
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=319&category=Revolver
Taurus has 5 pages of CCW revolvers.....and it can get confusing......
http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?page=1
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All great suggestions from PegLeg....and all of these guns MSRP is under 500 bucks, expect to pay about 15-20% less retail.
All of these recommendations are dependant on where you live and you don't mention it. I don't believe that any of these revolvers are allowed in MA.
Just called my FFL and I was correct, not available to MA residents.
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If I had to specifically have a revolver, I would go for a .357 and then practice with .38 specials. But that's just me.
It all depends on how you plan to carry (on your person or hidden on the wheelchair) and deploy the gun.
A good thing to do is try to find a range or individual that can let you test drive a varying selection if possible to get a better idea of what to do. A hundred people can give you a hundred different ideas and you could end up just as confused as when you started.
I would look at the Taurus 617. It is a small 7-shot .357 in stainless.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=260&category=Revolver
The 627 has a longer 4" barrel, but is ported and would have a heck of a blast.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=265&category=Revolver
The model 605 is a 5-shot .357.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=247&category=Revolver
If you have to have a .38, then there's this jewel...a 7-shot .38 rated for +P ammo, the model 817 Ultra Lite.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=287&category=Revolver
It's also hard to beat the standard Model 85...I had one and wish I'd never traded it...
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=319&category=Revolver
Taurus has 5 pages of CCW revolvers.....and it can get confusing......
http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?page=1
Nothing says I have to have a .38, I just thought that would be easier to handle. I do not think I want anything less than a .38.
David
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Nothing says I have to have a .38, I just thought that would be easier to handle. I do not think I want anything less than a .38.
David
A .38 should definitely be fairly easy to handle. Not knowing your physical capabilities makes it hard to get too deep into specifics. I was confined to a wheelchair for a while once and had pins in my left hand and not much strength in my right. Anything bigger than a snub-nosed .38 would have been pushing it. I didn't have the dexterity or strength to manipulate a slide on a semi-auto. Once I got my strength back, I went with a Glock 27 sub-compact.
That being said, my opinion (which, when added to a dollar might buy you a piece of gum) is that you should go with as large a caliber as you are both comfortable and competent with. Could be a .44 special, .357. or .38 or whatever.
There are several general rules of thumb (there may be exceptions) to remember when choosing a CCW gun:
1. Smaller guns conceal easier, but as a general rule, are harder to shoot well in larger calibers.
2. Larger guns tame felt recoil better but are harder to conceal well.
3. Pick a caliber/gun combo that you can shoot accurately. A powerful gun that you can't hit with is no better than a rock.
4. Whatever you choose, practice, practice, practice.......(note: .38 ammo is probably cheapest to do so with).
5. If you can afford it, get quality training.
6. Understand the CCW laws of your state.
7. Practice, practice, practice.
I've CCW'ed for twenty years but I'm by no means an expert, and I'll never claim to be. There are others here considerably more learned than I.
As a side note:
My personal first choice is a full size all steel 1911 in .45 ACP, and I carried one for many years. I never had a problem with concealment with a good IWB holster. But nowadays, with bad hips, knees, and such I have scaled back to the previously mentioned G27 in .40 caliber. It is smaller, lighter, and I shoot it very well. I wish I had popped the money for one of the light weight sub-sized 1911's when I had the money and the chance.
I'd trade my Glock in a New York minute for an EMP or a Warthog....but don't tell Ericire. ;)
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98% good info so far, your original request, 642 vs 686 I think has been answered, maybe the next best question, is what is best for my condition, regardless of caliber and pistol?? By condition, I mean the condition it will be carried and employed, how do you hide it, and how do you get it out and make it work for you. I'm not a big Ruger fan, but the 327 is a good revolver and I would not tell you no, ammo availability is hard across the board, you might find it easier to get .327 than .38 or .357. Demand I would think would be lower, but production may be just as low.
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Nothing says I have to have a .38, I just thought that would be easier to handle. I do not think I want anything less than a .38.
David
Hi Everyone:
How would you say the Taurus CIA Model 850 .38 Spl. Revelver would compare to the models mentioned below by PegLeg45 and why?
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=298&category=Revolver
I would look at the Taurus 617. It is a small 7-shot .357 in stainless.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=260&category=Revolver
The 627 has a longer 4" barrel, but is ported and would have a heck of a blast.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=265&category=Revolver
The model 605 is a 5-shot .357.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=247&category=Revolver
If you have to have a .38, then there's this jewel...a 7-shot .38 rated for +P ammo, the model 817 Ultra Lite.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=287&category=Revolver
It's also hard to beat the standard Model 85...I had one and wish I'd never traded it...
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=319&category=Revolver
Taurus has 5 pages of CCW revolvers.....and it can get confusing......
http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?page=1
Also, as sugested by m25operator, let me pose the question. What is best for my condition, regardless of caliber and pistol?? By condition, I mean the condition it will be carried and employed, how do I hide it, and how do I get it out and make it work for me.
Again, any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
David
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Your life style will play some role in how you conceal your weapon, for example I'm a factory worker, I live in Sweat shirts and golf shirts, untucked I have no problem concealing or drawing a 1911 or full size (4"barrel) revolver on my 160 pound frame. Others on here however work in environments where an untucked shirt is simply not an option, they have to come up with other things such as pocket holsters
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David,
Looking back at my post for reference, my original listings were more based on gun size and caliber options than for concealment alone.
The 850 is roughly the same size as the ones on the original list, with the exception of the 617 and 627, which are both larger. The main difference between the 850 and the others is that the 850 has a shrouded hammer, thus making it double action only to fire it. It is probably the best option of the group for pocket carry and all around concealment because there is no exposed hammer to snag when drawn.
As to carry options, sitting in a wheelchair or even a motorized cart or scooter would limit carry options to, in my opinion:
1. Cross draw
2. Shoulder holster
3. Hiding the gun on/in the chair with something like a DeSantis bag:
http://www.desantisholster.com/storefrontB2CWEB/browse.do?action=refresh_browse&ctg_id=4927
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If I had to specifically have a revolver, I would go for a .357 and then practice with .38 specials. But that's just me.
It all depends on how you plan to carry (on your person or hidden on the wheelchair) and deploy the gun.
A good thing to do is try to find a range or individual that can let you test drive a varying selection if possible to get a better idea of what to do. A hundred people can give you a hundred different ideas and you could end up just as confused as when you started.
I would look at the Taurus 617. It is a small 7-shot .357 in stainless.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=260&category=Revolver
The 627 has a longer 4" barrel, but is ported and would have a heck of a blast.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=265&category=Revolver
The model 605 is a 5-shot .357.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=247&category=Revolver
If you have to have a .38, then there's this jewel...a 7-shot .38 rated for +P ammo, the model 817 Ultra Lite.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=287&category=Revolver
It's also hard to beat the standard Model 85...I had one and wish I'd never traded it...
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=319&category=Revolver
Taurus has 5 pages of CCW revolvers.....and it can get confusing......
http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?page=1
Hi PegLeg45:
I was looking over you post again. It looks to me that if you were in my situation, you would either go with the Taurus 617, the model 817 Ultra Lite, or the standard Model 85. If you had to pick from the three, which one would you pick. If you would please give you reasons why you would pick one over another.
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon,
David
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Hi PegLeg45:
I was looking over you post again. It looks to me that if you were in my situation, you would either go with the Taurus 617, the model 817 Ultra Lite, or the standard Model 85. If you had to pick from the three, which one would you pick. If you would please give you reasons why you would pick one over another.
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon,
David
David,
Of the three you mentioned specifically above, it would still depend on the mode of carry. If using a belt holster (crossdraw) or gun-bag type holster, I would probably go for the 617 because of the seven rounds of .357 and the ability to practice with .38 specials.
But, the caveat is that it is a little thicker gun to conceal due to the extra round (but not too much thicker) and it's longer and heavier than the 817. Of course the extra weight will help somewhat with the recoil control.
The 817 is .38 only, but there are some great +P loads for self defense and you can practice with mild loads.
If weight of the gun is not an issue, then between the 617 and 817 I would still go with the 617 for the .357 advantage.
But that's just me....everyone's different.
If deep concealment (pocket) carry is the most likely method of carry it would be the 85. The model 85's are nice little guns, and I wish I had never traded mine. I carried a stainless model 85 for years in my front left pocket as a back-up. I never got around to bobbing the hammer and I was always conscious of the possibility of a snag if I had to draw.
One thing to think of, and you mentioned it in an earlier post, the CIA 850 would be a much better choice for pocket carry or deep concealment due to the shrouded hammer (snag resistant....I don't like the word 'proof').
For what it's worth, I hope that helps.
Peg
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Hi Everyone:
A while back, I was advised to maybe stay away from the Ruger SP101 chambered in .327 Federal, due to ammunition limitations. Is that still the recommendation? How would the Taurus 4410 "The Judge" work for me and my needs?
Thank you again,
David
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david....I've carried concealed a long time....remember if you have a moment of truth,whatever your level of training you will lose 50% when it happens......you using a revolver could come face to face with someone with a semi-auto......how good are you at reloading under pressure......have you practiced drawing from concealment?....WHAT IF YOU HAVE A MALFUNCTION?
talk to someone who has had a moment of truth(cop or military)then get some training(FRONT SIGHT____GUNSITE___ETC
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david....I've carried concealed a long time....remember if you have a moment of truth,whatever your level of training you will lose 50% when it happens......you using a revolver could come face to face with someone with a semi-auto......how good are you at reloading under pressure......have you practiced drawing from concealment?....WHAT IF YOU HAVE A MALFUNCTION?
talk to someone who has had a moment of truth(cop or military)then get some training(FRONT SIGHT____GUNSITE___ETC
Drummerboy, did you read the rest of the thread ?
A couple of comments on your post, 1) revolvers are FAR less likely to malfunction than semi autos, 2) real world statistics show that nearly ALL self defense shootings are resolved with fewer than 5 rounds, most only 1 or 2, for this even a derringer is enough.
Dsawi, for your situation I would avoid the Judge, stick to a pistol dedicated to a real caliber. If you are concerned about concealing the to S&W's you listed do yoou want to try to conceal something with a cylinder almost as long as some of the snubbies suggested ?
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I agree with what Tom said. I do agree with Drummer boy on one thing, and that's to seek information from intelligent professionals.
The Ruger gun is a solid, strong weapon that is hard to beat for strength and reliability.
As for the .327, my personal opinion (which combined with a buck fifty might buy you a cup of bad coffee) is that it may be a decent cartridge, but the .38/.357 is still more versatile as far as cartridge load combos.
The best thing you could do is look around at places that sell ammo and see what the selections are and compare what (if anything) is on the shelves. In my general area, 9mm and .38 special is easier to come by than many other calibers.
I'm just saying that you need to investigate the ammo availability and variations on loadings before buying something you can't readily get ammo for, because you'll need to shoot a lot of ammo to get familiar and comfortable with any new gun or load.
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Hi Everyone:
I still have not decided on a CCW gun/weapon. I like the Taurus 617 because it holds seven(7) rounds and is chambered in .357. On the other hand, I like the Taurus 850 because it is hammerless. The only drawback is it is chambered in .38 only, as far as I know. Does anyone know if Taurus has a hammerless version of the 617?
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon,
David
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I googled and could not find any. .38 is an OK round for self defense, a lot of people were killed with them over the years.
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I agree with Tom.
A .357 is a handful to shoot in a small, light gun. Your going to have to shoot enough to get comfortable with the recoil and muzzle blast and that's more expensive than the same amount of rounds in .38.
You can practice with .38 in a .357 but it defeats the point of the practice. I always shot .357 out of my Ruger Security Six and Dan Wesson.
I carry a S&W 642 as a BUG and I bought one for the wife with Crimson Trace Grips. Use top quality ammo, get some training and practice and your be in great shape. I'm not a huge Tauras fan but they, like Ruger, make a dependable revolver.
My $0.02 and not worth a penny more.
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Hi Everyone:
I still have not decided on a CCW gun/weapon. I like the Taurus 617 because it holds seven(7) rounds and is chambered in .357. On the other hand, I like the Taurus 850 because it is hammerless. The only drawback is it is chambered in .38 only, as far as I know. Does anyone know if Taurus has a hammerless version of the 617?
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon,
David
Taurus does have a .357Mag version of the 850....
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http://www.taurus-handguns.com/item/9832_Taurus_Hand_Guns_Pistols_TAU_650CIA_357MAG_2_FS_DA.aspx
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Hi PegLeg45:
I was looking over you post again. It looks to me that if you were in my situation, you would either go with the Taurus 617, the model 817 Ultra Lite, or the standard Model 85. If you had to pick from the three, which one would you pick. If you would please give you reasons why you would pick one over another.
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon,
David
I have a Taurus 617, and I gotta tell you I'm a HUGE fan of it. If I didnt have to tuck my shirt in at work, I'd STILL be carrying it everyday. 7 shots of .357 Magnum, which means you can shoot .38 Special rounds in it, or use .357 Magnums if you want even more power; 2 inch barrel and fairly compact grips to lend well to concealability. This gun absolutely disappears when carried in my waistband with a t-shirt over it. Taurus makes a bobbed hammer version of the 617. It has the external hammer but the spur is cut off, and the hammer itself is ground flush with the back of the frame for a smooth profile. If you want the hammerless 5 shot 357, the model 650 is the one you want. My personal preference is the 651, 357 with the shrouded hammer so it's no snag, but you can still cock the hammer and fire single action. I dont have a 651 yet, but I hope to get one soon.
{Link with Pics soon to follow as soon as I find one}
Side note. There used to be a member of my church who was in a wheelchair from Spina Bifida, and he carried a Smith & Wesson 629 in .44 Magnum. He told me he carried it by just simply sitting on it.
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This topic was started 6 months ago and you still don't have a gun David? Just buy something and try it. Having something, anything is more important than having nothing at all. Once you purchase a gun and carry it for a while you will realize what works for you and what doesn't. No amount of advice from any of use is as useful as real world experience.
I have found in my case that no single firearm can fill all my needs and I carry what works for me depending on the situation. I first thought it would be great to carry a GP100 .357, but that was too much gun to carry so I changed to a 9mm, then moved up to a 1911 .45 thinking that would be the ticket, then I down sized to a Walther .380 PPK/s, then I decided I felt more comfortable with a .357 but wanted something lighter than the GP100 so I'm now back to carrying a 13 oz M&P 340. I also have a NAA 22LR for those times that don't allow something else to be concealed.
I hope you are able to find something that suits your needs and I wish you all the best.
Hi Everyone:
I still have not decided on a CCW gun/weapon. I like the Taurus 617 because it holds seven(7) rounds and is chambered in .357. On the other hand, I like the Taurus 850 because it is hammerless. The only drawback is it is chambered in .38 only, as far as I know. Does anyone know if Taurus has a hammerless version of the 617?
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon,
David
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How about one of those older beretta 380s that had the tip up bbl and could be carried cocked and locked? The tip up bbl would nullify the need to have to pull back the slide to jack a round into the chamber and it has 7+1 rounds in the gun.
I know they no longer make this model but there have to be lots of them in the used gun market. I knew a guy with very bad arthritis who could handle this particular model quite easily but couldnt pull the double action trigger of any revolver.
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Hi Everyone:
I was looking on the Taurus USA Web Site and I saw that the 617 has been discontinued. I also contacted a local dealer to get a price on the 617. This dealer has been in business for years told me that they no longer carry the Taurus line of firearms due to the numerous quality and warranty issues associated with them.
I have seen on other web sites where other people have said they have owned the Taurus 617 and would not own another one. Having said that, is this something that I should be concerned with before making my purchase? If so, which brand or model should I look at next? Keeping in mind I would like to stay within the same price if possible. I might also be interested in something with a longer barrel (to help with recoil) and hammerless.
Your thoughts and opinions would be appreciated. Thank you again for your time, consideration, and cooperation. I hope to hear from you soon,
David
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You can find a good used S&W model 13 or 19 .357 in the same price range or a little less.
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Old Charter Arms snubbies can be had for about $150-$200. They are not as refined as Smith wheel guns, but they are dependable enough to bet your life on.
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Old Charter Arms snubbies can be had for about $150-$200. They are not as refined as Smith wheel guns, but they are dependable enough to bet your life on.
Hi ericire12:
Thank you for the information. Which old or new Charter Arms model or any other model for that matter, would you suggest? Do you carry a revolver?
Thank you again and I hope to hear from you soon,
David
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http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Undercover_13811.html
Should be able find this new for about 300-325.....
I'd buy one if I could, sitting I would consider a crossdraw, shoulder rig or a fanny pack sitting in your lap....just gotta practice and watch the muzzle and try not to cross your body or hands when you draw. It's gonna take practice, more than if you were upright and mobile...
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MB has the 44 bulldog and likes it.
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Hi ericire12:
Thank you for the information. Which old or new Charter Arms model or any other model for that matter, would you suggest? Do you carry a revolver?
Thank you again and I hope to hear from you soon,
David
This one is very much over priced..... They usually go for $150-$200 ($100 pre-Obama):
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=146409871
My buddy has one and it is his CCW. It is a very dependable revolver. Nothing pretty to look at, and its not as smooth as a Smith or a Colt, but it is definitely something you can bet your life on. He and I shoot it every time we go to the range, and it has never had a problem. I have given him a standing offer of $100 if he ever wants to get rid of it, but I just cant get him to bite.
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Hi ericire12:
Thank you for the information. Which old or new Charter Arms model or any other model for that matter, would you suggest? Do you carry a revolver?
Thank you again and I hope to hear from you soon,
David
I have a new Charter Arms Undercover. the stainless steel version. It was still around $300, but that's about 2 for the price of 1 S&W. Smiths are great, but this Undercover is a sweet carry gun. I trust it and I'm getting another.
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Hi Everyone:
Does anyone have an opinion either way about the Rossi Model 461?
Thank you again and I hope to hear from you soon,
David
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Hi Everyone:
Can someone tell me what the trigger pull would be like be for the Ruger SP101CT, 2 1/4" SS .357mag? Also if either .38 Special or .38 Special + P ammo was used. What would the recoil be like?
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon,
David
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Hi Everyone:
Can someone tell me what the trigger pull would be like be for the Ruger SP101CT, 2 1/4" SS .357mag? Also if either .38 Special or .38 Special + P ammo was used. What would the recoil be like?
Stock trigger main spring is a 14 pounder, pretty stout. I've changed my springs to 10 main and a stock trigger return spring and it helped a bunch. Shooting .38's is no problem, very manageable recoil for practice. Because of the heft of the gun at 25 ounces, .357 mags aren't too bad but can be pretty tough recoil to practice with so if you're concerned, go with the .38 +P loads. They won't be that much tougher than std .38's. Take care when changing springs in these guns to make sure that you get good primer hits on magnum loads. Whenever I play with the gun, I don't use if for carry until I've run som SD ammo through it to make sure it fires. It's a work in progress...
Great little revolver but the Charter in .38 is smaller and lighter and would handle +P loads too, at least the current model does.
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He is right about charter arms, and they are pretty decent, also some taurus .38s are pretty good at a good price.
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The 642 is a j frame snubnosed revolver that shoots .38 Special up to +P. The 686 is a full size revolver in .357 magnum. The 686 can also shoot .38 specials. The 686 will weigh considerably more than the 642. Approximately 41 oz vs. 15 oz for the 642. Try both and see which you like. The 642 will be easier to conceal but harder to shoot.
David
Could I ask if you have any trouble with heavy, long trigger pulls? My 642 has about an 8lb trigger pull.
If a stout pull is a problem for you, maybe you should consider a single action auto, like a commander sized 1911 in 45 acp or 9mm? Or that da/sa beretta 380 single stack that they used to make.
There are still lots of them on the used market.