24hourcampfire.com
24hourcampfire.com
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Hop To
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15,457
N
Campfire Ranger
Online Content
Campfire Ranger
N
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15,457
M-60 Smith 357, 3”” barrel. Carries great, shoots great.


NRA Life,Endowment,Patron or Benefactor since '72.
BP-B2

Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,387
L
Campfire Regular
Offline
Campfire Regular
L
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
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,510
Campfire Outfitter
Offline
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,510
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.

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,726
C
Campfire Ranger
Offline
Campfire Ranger
C
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,726
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
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 10,991
pal Offline
Campfire Outfitter
Offline
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 10,991
Smith & Wesson Airweight 642.

[Linked Image from hinterlandoutfitters.com]


"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

IC B2

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,416
B
Campfire Regular
Offline
Campfire Regular
B
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,416
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.html

If 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-Loads

In 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."
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,755
D
Campfire Tracker
Offline
Campfire Tracker
D
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
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 9,839
B
Campfire Outfitter
Offline
Campfire Outfitter
B
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 9,839
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

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 79,321
B
Campfire Oracle
Offline
Campfire Oracle
B
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 79,321
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.

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,331
Campfire Tracker
Offline
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,331
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
IC B3

Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,458
S
Campfire Tracker
Online Content
Campfire Tracker
S
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,458
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

Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,288
M
Campfire Regular
Offline
Campfire Regular
M
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,288
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.

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,558
Campfire Kahuna
Offline
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,558
In cooler weather, when I can wear a light jacket, this Ruger Vaquero in .45 Colt packs real easy
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


Sam......

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,558
Campfire Kahuna
Offline
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,558
for the more practical, these two S&W revolvers, Model 60 and Model 65, both .357 Magnum, are fine CCW revolvers.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


Sam......

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,558
Campfire Kahuna
Offline
Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 67,558
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.
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


Sam......

Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 43,510
Campfire 'Bwana
Online Content
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 43,510
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.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


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
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,530
E
EdM Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
Offline
Campfire 'Bwana
E
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,530
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.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]


Conduct is the best proof of character.
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,446
D
Campfire Tracker
Offline
Campfire Tracker
D
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,446
Originally Posted by navlav8r
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.

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,133
K
Campfire Tracker
Online Content
Campfire Tracker
K
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,133
[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
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.

Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 9,839
B
Campfire Outfitter
Offline
Campfire Outfitter
B
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 9,839
Originally Posted by Windfall
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

Page 2 of 3 1 2 3

Moderated by  RickBin 

Link Copied to Clipboard
YB23

Who's Online Now
715 members (12308300, 160user, 11point, 10gaugemag, 10Glocks, 12344mag, 90 invisible), 2,715 guests, and 1,283 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums81
Topics1,187,695
Posts18,399,890
Members73,820
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023


 







Fish & Game Departments | Solunar Tables | Mission Statement | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | DMCA
Hunting | Fishing | Camping | Backpacking | Reloading | Campfire Forums | Gear Shop
Copyright © 2000-2024 24hourcampfire.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5
(Release build 20201027)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 7.3.33 Page Time: 0.151s Queries: 15 (0.006s) Memory: 0.9014 MB (Peak: 1.0553 MB) Data Comp: Zlib Server Time: 2024-03-28 23:26:21 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS