Illini2A312 Posted February 26, 2019 at 06:51 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 06:51 PM Hi all, Looking to buy a backup handgun in case something happens with my S&W semi-auto/I need to take it in for service. Was thinking of possibly getting a .38/.357 revolver due to revolvers in general having less moving parts/less likelihood to jam. Does anyone have any recommendations into models to look into (don't know if I should look into double-action only or if ones with hammers are generally OK for carry)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papa Posted February 26, 2019 at 07:04 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 07:04 PM Hi all, Looking to buy a backup handgun in case something happens with my S&W semi-auto/I need to take it in for service. Was thinking of possibly getting a .38/.357 revolver due to revolvers in general having less moving parts/less likelihood to jam. Does anyone have any recommendations into models to look into (don't know if I should look into double-action only or if ones with hammers are generally OK for carry)? If you plan to pocket carry it , I would stick to a hammerless model. I recently bought a S&W model 36 but will only carry it on my belt. If your budget will allow , you might want to check out the Kimber K6s models. They have a very nice trigger and felt good in my hand. There are many S&W's to chose from also in the hammerless design. If not worried about pocket carry then the market is wide open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richp Posted February 26, 2019 at 07:10 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 07:10 PM Hi, Rather than chop the stock stainless hammer, I had my S&W Model 60 fitted with a replacement, bobbed, hammer for easier, safer concealment. Seems like any J frame could be made essentially hammerless this way. FWIW Rich Phillips Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted February 26, 2019 at 07:23 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 07:23 PM With a SW 638 you can have the best of hammerless and shrouded. JMHO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobS Posted February 26, 2019 at 07:36 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 07:36 PM Ruger SP101 MODEL NUMBER: 5720? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted February 26, 2019 at 07:58 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 07:58 PM I have a lovely Charter Arms Police Bulldog snubie that could serve as a temporary replacement for my primary carry gun - an AlloyFrame-DetectiveSlide High Power. I have other semi-autos in different sizes that could also be fine temporary replacements. My first choice would be to use another High Power as a temporary back up. I like keeping things the same. Being able to interchange parts in several guns seems wise, to me. I only need to stock one or two of each spare part (mostly springs) that may need replacing so I don't need to send it off for repair. When an extractor broke on one, I had a spare ready to go and the pistol was up and running fine the next day. Slides and frames an be swapped. All the frames work with the .22 slide kit, so I can practice shoot at a much lower cost while using the same trigger as the carry gun. Having an abundance of interchangeable magazines also seems to be good. It's a system.It's my favorite gun to shoot.I never feel compromised by my carry gun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry52 Posted February 26, 2019 at 08:55 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 08:55 PM get a 442 or 642 no lock J Frame s and w and a box or two of Federal micro HST 38 special Plus P and alot of practice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Posted February 26, 2019 at 09:20 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 09:20 PM 340PD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini2A312 Posted February 26, 2019 at 09:28 PM Author Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 09:28 PM Hi all,Looking to buy a backup handgun in case something happens with my S&W semi-auto/I need to take it in for service. Was thinking of possibly getting a .38/.357 revolver due to revolvers in general having less moving parts/less likelihood to jam. Does anyone have any recommendations into models to look into (don't know if I should look into double-action only or if ones with hammers are generally OK for carry)? If you plan to pocket carry it , I would stick to a hammerless model. I recently bought a S&W model 36 but will only carry it on my belt. If your budget will allow , you might want to check out the Kimber K6s models. They have a very nice trigger and felt good in my hand. There are many S&W's to chose from also in the hammerless design. If not worried about pocket carry then the market is wide open.Thanks, are the mechanics for IWB carry (what I'm planning on) similar to pocket carry? How much should I be concerned about the hammer catching on something? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckydawg13 Posted February 26, 2019 at 10:08 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 10:08 PM Love my Ruger Sp 101 3"barrel Works in back pocket but not to good in my front Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8x57 Posted February 26, 2019 at 11:15 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 11:15 PM My main carry gun is a 4" Smith 629. Everyone seems to think it's too big for carry, but it hides well and is super comfortable in a Bianchi shoulder rig. I find it way more comfortable than a compact 9mm stuffed in a IWB rig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherryriver Posted February 26, 2019 at 11:28 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 11:28 PM I'm going with the 642/442 recommendation also. The enclosed design is more resistant to pocket lint and debris, which is a real thing. It's far more snag-free than the exposed-hammer guns and the firing grip is higher on the frame as a result of the "humpback" design- a very desirable trait. The aftermarket and holster market for the gun is second to none (possibly excepting the 1911).All that said, yeah, my pocket gun's a (old-style) Cobra with the hammer spur removed. I just like having that extra round and it only weighs 2.7oz more than the 642, loaded.Let me add, describing a carry gun's weight as what it is unloaded is about the silliest thing imaginable. Who carries it unloaded?For the record the Cobra goes a shade under 20oz and the 642, a nick over 17oz.I prefer semis but there's nothing superior to the 642 for the pocket or backup use. Possibly the LCR comes close, but the handle doesn't seem good for normal pockets and the aftermarket there seems week. Good gun, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colt guy Posted February 26, 2019 at 11:46 PM Share Posted February 26, 2019 at 11:46 PM Also look at a Ruger LCR. Very light so a bit snappy but practice practice practice. Lots pf calibers to choose from. I was actually thinking of picking one up myself. The old Colt Cobra is a bit on the heavy side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InterestedBystander Posted February 27, 2019 at 12:00 AM Share Posted February 27, 2019 at 12:00 AM Its heavier but theres also the S&W 640. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckydawg13 Posted February 27, 2019 at 12:10 AM Share Posted February 27, 2019 at 12:10 AM this may help http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?377216-38spl-for-CCW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted February 27, 2019 at 12:47 AM Share Posted February 27, 2019 at 12:47 AM A reference book to consider:I bought a copy for a buddy but read most of it first. Might have to pick up my own copy. Delivery has been speedy. THE SHOOTER’S GUIDE TO THE AIRWEIGHT J-FRAMEStephen Camp This book is a user's manual and was written with a focus on understanding the little snub's characteristics as a self-defense tool. Both strong and weaker points of the design are covered. Detailed range evaluations are provided with 130 black-and-white photographs accompanying 138 pages of text. Other areas of concern include chapters on: Why Choose a Revolver? What About "Firepower"? Grips for Airweight J's .38 Special Airweights and +P Ammunition Standard Pressure .38 Special Ammunition Pro's and Con's of Pocket Carry Comparing Snub Ballistics of the .38 vs. .357 Stopping Power Practice When Ammo is in Short Supply Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyP Posted February 27, 2019 at 11:47 AM Share Posted February 27, 2019 at 11:47 AM For an economy buy for this emergency backup firearm I would not rule out Taurus. Yes, I know they have had issues in the past. A snubbie in .357 gives you the most options for ammo choice, but I also agree with the idea of keeping things the same or 'similar' for a backup carry gun and in that vein I would recommend my EDC the Taurus PT111 G2C. It can be had for under $300, is 9mm and provides 12+1 capacity. Super reliable and accurate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sctman800 Posted February 27, 2019 at 01:21 PM Share Posted February 27, 2019 at 01:21 PM I like my S&W model 65 and my S&W 625 in 45acp each of which has a 4" barrel. Carried IWB in a Cabo holster, the company went out of business shortly after I purchased them. I would carry both of them more often if I would loose some weight so they would fit inside more of my pants. Jim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RS1 Posted February 27, 2019 at 03:07 PM Share Posted February 27, 2019 at 03:07 PM I use a Bodyguard .380 auto as my BUG. But if I were to use a revolver for the job I'd probably get a Ruger LCR. It's not my first choice for a revolver but it would be my first choice for a backup carry revolver. Mostly because it's light, hammerless, and polymer. All things that make it great for carry although not so great for a collector. Would probably get the .357 and carry with .38 special +p. Hogue makes a variety of grips for the LCR. Worth a look. Crap, now my shopping list just grew by one more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jagt48 Posted February 27, 2019 at 03:57 PM Share Posted February 27, 2019 at 03:57 PM My vote goes to the LCR. With the boot grip and Nemesis pocket holster it slips in and out of my pockets, even while sitting in my car. My work has a "follow local laws" policy, so I can slip it in and out every day without issues. Even though it is bigger than my LCP, it doesn't print like the LCP does, even in jeans. I'm sure everything that I said can also be said about the S&W J-frames. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DD123 Posted February 27, 2019 at 10:40 PM Share Posted February 27, 2019 at 10:40 PM My buddy has an LCR. It's not a bad gun. It could use some work on the trigger, but overall it's nice for what it is. If you're planning on pocket carrying it, use a holster and don't be like this moron: http://www.gunssavelife.com/guy-illinois-ccwer-nearly-fatal-negligent-discharge-peoria-medical-center/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee n. field Posted March 1, 2019 at 12:50 AM Share Posted March 1, 2019 at 12:50 AM Hi all, Looking to buy a backup handgun in case something happens with my S&W semi-auto/I need to take it in for service. Was thinking of possibly getting a .38/.357 revolver due to revolvers in general having less moving parts/less likelihood to jam. Does anyone have any recommendations into models to look into (don't know if I should look into double-action only or if ones with hammers are generally OK for carry)? Depending on budget, I'd be looking into a S&W 442 or 642 or Ruger LCR. Both quite small enough to pocket carry. Or possibly Ruger SP101 (a bit bigger). Other guns. Low end: My first snubby was a steel Taurus 605. Mine has never had a problem, and I do carry it at times. I had a Charter Arms Undercover for a while. Did not have good luck with it. YMMV on the budget end. Go with "hammerless" (fully enclosed hammer) or spurless DAO hammer. "No your honor, I could not possibly have manually cocked my hammer for that premeditated deadly precision shot." As well has having nothing to snag coming out of a pocket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith44 Posted March 1, 2019 at 12:55 AM Share Posted March 1, 2019 at 12:55 AM My choice for a backup CCW revolver is the Charter Arms Pitbull in 9mm. -Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PPK Posted March 1, 2019 at 04:18 PM Share Posted March 1, 2019 at 04:18 PM Might as well carry in style Engraved S&W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chisailor Posted March 1, 2019 at 08:41 PM Share Posted March 1, 2019 at 08:41 PM I've got a S&W 640-1 as a backup, nice little revolver. I have an ankle rig and a IWB rig for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee n. field Posted March 1, 2019 at 09:12 PM Share Posted March 1, 2019 at 09:12 PM And, if I had money, I'd be looking at a S&W 640 Pro, or Kimber K6S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xrlke Posted March 1, 2019 at 10:32 PM Share Posted March 1, 2019 at 10:32 PM K6s is best, but most expensive. I love mine, absolutely great trigger, great night sights. Next up would be the lcr, nice trigger. The sp101 is smooth, but heavy. The 642 and 640 are decent stock trigger. I own and shoot all 4, except the 640. Budget wise, the lcr is unbeatable for a light carry gun. On the belt however, the k6s wins every time, especially with 6 rounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted March 4, 2019 at 10:21 PM Share Posted March 4, 2019 at 10:21 PM I like my S&W model 65 and my S&W 625 in 45acp each of which has a 4" barrel. Carried IWB in a Cabo holster, the company went out of business shortly after I purchased them. I would carry both of them more often if I would loose some weight so they would fit inside more of my pants. Jim.I have a model 22 and, although I don't carry it, I think .45 is great for concealed carry. I'd rather carry 2 moon clips than one speed loader. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted March 5, 2019 at 01:09 AM Share Posted March 5, 2019 at 01:09 AM For all you folks that are thinking of abandoning your semi autos for wheel guns because there might be a new law passed let me be of help to you. Ill take them off your hands before they lose all value. Just turn them in to me and you can get a prepaid Visa card just like Father Pfleger gives out. Hey $25 is better than nothing. Beat the rush before they pass some crazy laws. <Purple off now> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottFM Posted March 5, 2019 at 03:28 PM Share Posted March 5, 2019 at 03:28 PM No one mentioned the Chiappa Rhino? Interesting. I like that gun a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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