For all those suggesting 5-shot J Frames, I appreciate your input, but is that really the gun you want for a gunfight? It's a serious question, not a criticism. Size and weight aren't going to be the deal breaker here for me (within reason--I'm probably not going to opt for an N Frame with a 8 3/8" barrel).
If somebody was waiting for me in the parking lot and the fight was on, I'm thinking I'd want a real rear sight--not just a notch, and bit more grip than the typical 2 finger. How much sight radius would you want? I'm talking in terms of fighting back against a determined attacker.
Thanks!
I would think that if he was that close, adequate sights would would not be the problem. There is a reason some call them "belly guns". I carry an S&W M60 and Pachmeyr makes nice set of stocks that allows me to use all the fingers of my hand. I do admit that my main cary piece is a Colt Combat Commander .45 ACP and the M60 is my bug. But sometimes the .45 has to stay at home and the M60 becomes my primary. As the weather here warms up, it becomes quite difficult to hide that .45 when mode of dress is a T-shirt and jeans. Paul B.
Our forefathers did not politely protest the British.They did not vote them out of office, nor did they impeach the king,march on the capitol or ask permission for their rights. ----------------They just shot them. MOLON LABE
The Smith&Wesson Model 19 Carry Comp seems like it would fit the bill pretty well. Night sights, 3" barrel and all that. Alternatively the new King Cobras also look pretty interesting.
Based on a sample of one I tried in a store those King Cobras have a very, very nice double action pull, plus they hold 20% more ammo than the 5 shooters. One of those would be a very viable option but if you go with one of the 4" adjustable sight versions be prepared to spend upwards of $1000. One of those is sitting at $1525 current bid on gunbroker with 9 hours left to go. It looks like Colt recently changed them to use a front night sight and Hogue grips instead of a fiber optic front and wooden grips and apparently the gunbroker market isn't as interested.
Gunnery, gunnery, gunnery. Hit the target, all else is twaddle!
I had the opportunity to shoot that Rhino revolver in 6 inch. Nice. Recoil is minimized.
Regurgitation is maximized however. That surpasses the High Point for ugly. I have a stainless S&W mountain gun in .41 magnum that I'd carry if I couldn't carry my Springfield EMP.