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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15,780 Likes: 5
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15,780 Likes: 5 |
M-60 Smith 357, 3”” barrel. Carries great, shoots great.
NRA Life,Endowment,Patron or Benefactor since '72.
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,387
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,387 |
Ruger LCR or Ruger 101 with a 3" barrel. The 101 is also available in a 4.2". The so called FBI load in 38 +p Special 158 SWC HP has the best street results of any 38 loads. 357 magnums best street results have been with 125 grain JHP. Handguns and Stopping Power by Sannow and Evans is a must read for selection of handgun loads.
Last edited by Lennie; 07/23/20.
In training to be an obedient master to my two labs
Shooting, fishing and hunting
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,528
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,528 |
If I only had one good hand I think I'd stick with a semiauto with a big magazine, and hopefully that would minimize if not eliminate the need for any manipulations.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,737 Likes: 1
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,737 Likes: 1 |
There are more guns out there for that, than you can imagine. Some of the ones I use are Charter Arms Bulldog, Ruger Speed Six 2-3/4", any of the six series are available in the same barrel length. Ruger SP101, Ruger LCR, I carry one in 357 mag. Take your pick with mags or +P. S&W 10, 15, 19, 13, 60, 64, 66, all good. Taurus 605, 856, 431, 441, 85, Some are 5 shot, some are 6. Colt Detective Special is nice to carry, but spendy, I like the 686 3" Plus which is a 7 shot. All of them perform the same function. Pick one and run it. If you have serious business I'd stick with a semi auto with one already up the tube. Just don't let it run dry. before changing mags.
Many of these guns are spendy. For price effective the Taurus or Charter Arms Bulldog.
NRA LIFE MEMBER GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS ESPECIALLY THE SNIPERS! "Suppose you were an idiot And suppose you were a member of Congress... But I repeat myself." -Mark Twain
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11,063
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 11,063 |
Smith & Wesson Airweight 642.
"There's more to optics than meets the eye."--anon
"...most of us would be better off losing half a pound around the waist than half a pound on our rifle."--dhg
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,428
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,428 |
Nothing wrong with a +p 38 Special load. Full charge, solid base 148 grain wadcutters have great penetration. This is NOT the hollow base target wadcutter load. I am referring to SOLID BASE , hard cast wadcutters, loaded hot ( "full charge"). Then, get a S&W 649-2 snubnose ( stainless "humpback" Bodyguard) in 38 Special. The "dash 2 " version is +P rated . It is heat-treated for higher pressure ( strength). The 649-3 is chambered in 357 mag. The S&W 49/649 have a hammer shroud which makes it "snagless" coming out of pocket), Or, if you like exposed hammer, consider the S&W 60-4 or 60-7 . http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/470327-s-w-60-7-best-steel-j-ever.htmlIf you want "more wallop" than a +P 38 Special, find a 649 / 60 in 357 mag. Warning, they can be a handful to shoot with hot 357 mag loads. https://www.grantcunningham.com/2011/11/ed-harris-revisiting-the-full-charge-wadcutter/http://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...l-Charge-quot-38-Special-Wadcutter-LoadsIn have a S&W 649-2 (1. 7/8" bbl) and a 3" S&W 60-4 ( both 38 Special, loaded with 148 grain hard-cast, solid-base "full-charge" wadcutters. With 3.5 grains Bullseye). They are fantastic pistols..
"Behavior accepted is behavior repeated."
"Strive to be underestimated."
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,755
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,755 |
Smith model 49 would be tough to beat for a concealed carry revolver. Basically a chief special with a snag free hammer.
He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice.
- Albert Einstein
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,046 Likes: 4
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,046 Likes: 4 |
I bought my wife a 3" sp101 in 357 years ago to carry hiking and fishing. I load 158 xtps fairly hot in it fir an all around load.
A few years ago I picked up a slightly used lcrx 38 for her too for something lighter around town and walking the dog. I put factory loaded 130 hst's in it because they expand well at the low velocity. The lcrx is light and easy to shoot.
I bought a bunch of speer swaged 158 hpwc bullets I'm going to load lighter for her to practice. Just trying to decide what powder to use. I was thinking titegroup but some say it burns too hot for softer lead. I'll give it a try and see.
Bb
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 79,321 Likes: 2
Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 79,321 Likes: 2 |
There's many propellants that work very well in the .38. Lately I've been using AA#5 just because it meters so well. It's somewhere between Unique and Blue Dot in burning rate.
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Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,379
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,379 |
My own stainless S&W m60 weighed in at 22 ounces and got replaced by a pre-lock 12 ounce loaded little known +P rated Scandium S&W m337PD. That model was only made for two years and two more with the lock. No fun to shoot being that light, but near nothing to carry. I suppose the exposed hammer could snag, but I shoot those better. A possible alternative might be the newer scandium S&W m340PD hammerless or m360PD. They are slightly heavier and 357 Magnum, but guys report that they are too much of a good thing and shoot +P .38 Specials in those anyway.
My other auto is a .45
The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,514
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,514 |
To carry a handgun well concealed, I find the clothing is more important than the gun. It's hot here now, with temps going in the high 90s and some days topping 100, so a small gun is about all I can get by with if I am actually concerned with concealment.
Much of the year here, about 7-8 months, I have no trouble concealing my 4" N frame S&Ws and even sometimes my 6-1/2" 357s or 44s too. But when the dress of the day is jeans and a tank-top, concealment gets harder for a larger gun. My "summer city gun" is a Kahr PM in 45ACP and even sometimes a Ruger LCP in 380. But when I can I carry larger 44s and 45s and sometimes 6.5" 357s
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,295 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,295 Likes: 1 |
For concealed, depending on your body type and typical style of dress, there are probably better/smaller option, but I like a 3” 686 +, in a high rise pancake. I don’t like any shorter, and can’t stand non-full length ejector rods. I have a medium to thin frame and generally wear loose fitting, longish shirts and/or fleeces or sweatshirts over them. The L-frame, while not small, disappears on me under these. Ahrend’s Retro Banana grips I think help with printing too, if you can find some, The full lug and weight will def help in mitigating recoil shooting one handed.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,786 Likes: 7
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,786 Likes: 7 |
In cooler weather, when I can wear a light jacket, this Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt packs real easy
Sam......
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,786 Likes: 7
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,786 Likes: 7 |
for the more practical, these two S&W revolvers, Model 60 and Model 65, both .357 Magnum, are fine CCW revolvers.
Sam......
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,786 Likes: 7
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,786 Likes: 7 |
This old Smith 442 gets a lot of carry time in a Sam Andrews front pocket holster. The speed strips ride in a leather pouch in the other front pocket.
Sam......
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 44,578 Likes: 13
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 44,578 Likes: 13 |
My friend's Model 13. 2 of my S&W Model 66's. A no dash and a -1. All 3 are excellent carry revolvers, IMO.
Slaves get what they need. Free men get what they want. Rehabilitation is way overrated. Orwell wasn't wrong. GOA member disappointed NRA member 24HCF SEARCH
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,770 Likes: 7
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,770 Likes: 7 |
Ben, If you can wait until end of September, I am in Idaho now, I would be happy to send you a recently acquired 44 Special Bulldog.
Conduct is the best proof of character.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,460
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,460 |
M-60 Smith 357, 3”” barrel. Carries great, shoots great. I agree. I have a M60 with the 3" barrel and carry it quite a bit in a OWB Kramer holster.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,237 Likes: 2
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,237 Likes: 2 |
I like the idea of the Charter Arms bulldog. I bought one a few years ago, and its been very handy for pocket carry or holster carry. The report from a short barreled 357 is not very pleasant w/o ear protection. The 44 special not as bad to me. My only complaint was the Bulldog had some sharp edges,(sight, barrel rib and lug,etc) But was easily taken care of with a whetstone.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,046 Likes: 4
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,046 Likes: 4 |
My own stainless S&W m60 weighed in at 22 ounces and got replaced by a pre-lock 12 ounce loaded little known +P rated Scandium S&W m337PD. That model was only made for two years and two more with the lock. No fun to shoot being that light, but near nothing to carry. I suppose the exposed hammer could snag, but I shoot those better. A possible alternative might be the newer scandium S&W m340PD hammerless or m360PD. They are slightly heavier and 357 Magnum, but guys report that they are too much of a good thing and shoot +P .38 Specials in those anyway. I have a 360 pd and with full house 357 158g loads it is brutal. I've shot 5 in a row and my hand went numb. Its much worse than my 329 pd 44 with 310g hard cast at 1200 fps. I carry the rem 125 golden Saber in the 360pd. Its a bit of a reduced load, more than a 38+p but less then most 357. Its manageable with 38s and not too bad but I like the option and flexibility to run 357 in a pinch. I've let friends fire 158g American eagle jsp 357 in the 360 pd but no one else has ever fired more then 1 in it. One friend is still pissed about the 1 round i had him fire. Bb
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