Which model???

[Stuart C.]

Hi,
Trying to decide on a carry revolver, but with all the different models new and old, I'm befuddled.  Here are some preferences.  What would you suggest???

- J frame just a bit on the small side for me, but not a deal breaker
- the sharp crack and recoil of the 357 is becoming bothersome
- prefer blued
- prefer exposed hammer
- prefer to buy used

What do you think?  This is for carry purposes now. Thanks!

[drdougrx]

Almost enough information.  You seem to know what you want and that seems to be a J frame in 38sp.  BUT....I suspect you are like the rest of us and would like some variety...so...the .357 with 38sp loads.  Blue is something I'm not sure about in a 357 though certainly doable in a 38. 

The next frame size is a K and the M10 or 19 is the way to go if you want blue though you can get scandium framed guns of the same size but much lighter.  Lots of choices.

[teamnelson]

By carry do you mean open or concealed. You might consider a 586+. I have one with a 4" barrel full underlug, adj sights, 7 shot cylinder, 357 - it's blued (5## series are blued). Rides really nice in a holster.

Or, and this is where you can find the bargains, is the M10 like drgougrx mentioned. I have one with a heavy 4" barrel; its in .38, but it's taken every load I've given it. LEO turn in. Accurate as all get out.

[Stuart C.]

I suspect you are like the rest of us and would like some variety...so...the .357 with 38sp loads. 

Yes, or should I go up - larger than 38+P

[Stuart C.]

By carry do you mean open or concealed. You might consider a 586+. I have one with a 4" barrel full underlug, adj sights, 7 shot cylinder, 357 - it's blued (5## series are blued). Rides really nice in a holster.

Or, and this is where you can find the bargains, is the M10 like drgougrx mentioned. I have one with a heavy 4" barrel; its in .38, but it's taken every load I've given it. LEO turn in. Accurate as all get out.

Concealed.

[mcwoodduck]

As far as the gun goes,
Do you want adjustable sights or fixed.
I think a K frame would be great
Even though the gun  is able to shoot 357mag,
No one says you need to carry 357 in it.
As far as the blue models.
38Special
M10 ( fixed Sights)
M14, M15 ( adjustable sights)
357 Mag
M13 (fixed sights)
M19 (adjustable
One other is the Stainless M65  It is a fixed sight gun that they made in 3" with a round butt.  Great CCW gun.  If you want it dark, They make spray paint.

[SHOOTALL]

Mod. 340 PD .
You can try bigger but when you start to tote every day weight is a pain. Size is a pain at times. Summer vs winter carry.
 What most find and if they ever draw their weapon in need really have it driven home is you need to carry the same way all the time if possible . A 12 oz. 340 PD in a front pocket will work most all the time. If you want add a second in a coat pocket in winter.
The 340 can be used with 38 spl. or 357 mag. It has no hammer to snag or more important let trash in the action .
Size and weight are the enemy in a carry gun . To small is a worst ! A j frame is a good blance . Adj sights are not needed or a good idea on a CC gun IMHO. You are picking a gun to carry not go to the range or show buddies. Mine looks like it was dragged behind the truck.
And it was a used gun. Its more black than blue also.

[45-70.gov]

why do you prefer blue?

stainless is much more practical
i know many  men that prefer blue guns
and women  looking for pink ones....[.sorry for that comparison]

you know what you want  but i prefer hammerless.....only one mode of operation to perfect

stay with the 357  but load with  38s
smith 640  is 20 oz...357.....what i carry
smith 642  is 14 oz.....but  only 38...what my kids carry
ruger  LCR....is 17 oz.....357......blue stainless and polymer....really liking this gun lately

[Bigeasy]

If you want something bigger bore without the muzzle blast of a .357 mag., a lot of guys like the Charter Arms Bulldog in .44spl. 

Larry

[Hammerdown]

Hi,
Trying to decide on a carry revolver, but with all the different models new and old, I'm befuddled.  Here are some preferences.  What would you suggest???

- J frame just a bit on the small side for me, but not a deal breaker
- the sharp crack and recoil of the 357 is becoming bothersome
- prefer blued
- prefer exposed hammer
- prefer to buy used

What do you think?  This is for carry purposes now. Thanks!

Hello Stuart
It sounds as though a S&W Model 431 PD is in order for you. They are chambered in the .32 H&R Magnum round and in this caliber you get Six rounds opposed to Five in a .38 Special or .357 Magnum. Recoil is Managable, report is sharp, but at 12 OZ. They are feather light for daily carry. Here is mine which is loaded down with my own handloads which consist of Hornady 85 Grain XTP Bullets and the velocity exceeds any Plus-P .38 Special out there. They are now discontinued but used ones pop up once in awhile... Hammerdown

[williamlayton]

I am new to revolver carry--well, not really. I have LW Smith snubby, but that resides under the matress-but has been carried.
I have always preferred big guns, heavy guns, guns that fill my hand.
I have several Commander sized pistols and a number of goverment sized and Sig P220---I like them a lot.
When I started this revolver thing about 6 mos. ago my first thought was a large frame Smith. I have owned a couple of Ruger Blackhawks in the past and they filled my hands well.
I found a model 28 which I soon had to cover with another 28 because of my daughters lust for it. Then a 586, with large target grips---i like the big grips---and a model 22 in .45.
In a revolver I carry a .45 and a .357---nothing in a smaller caliber.
I am a fan of blue.
Blessings

[Hammerdown]

I am new to revolver carry--well, not really. I have LW Smith snubby, but that resides under the matress-but has been carried.
I have always preferred big guns, heavy guns, guns that fill my hand.
I have several Commander sized pistols and a number of goverment sized and Sig P220---I like them a lot.
When I started this revolver thing about 6 mos. ago my first thought was a large frame Smith. I have owned a couple of Ruger Blackhawks in the past and they filled my hands well.
I found a model 28 which I soon had to cover with another 28 because of my daughters lust for it. Then a 586, with large target grips---i like the big grips---and a model 22 in .45.
In a revolver I carry a .45 and a .357---nothing in a smaller caliber.
I am a fan of blue. Blessings

Hello William
I started out carrying a Model 28 in 1978 with a 4" Barrel daily. it did not take me long to tire of it's Mass and weight. I then switched to the small J-Frame and some of those were stainless models that still dragged down a Pocket or shoulder rig. I have settled on an Air-Weight of 12 OZ in the Past 5 Year's and not looked Back. I like the .32 round due to it's accuracy and hand loaded I can almost get to .357 Magnum velocity out of the .32 H&R Magnum round. In a self protection sittuation most instances are within 12 Feet that occur. I feel confident that the .32 H&R Magnum will do everything I need it to at close range but I have fired at B-27 Man sized Targets at the 100 Yard range and got hit's all in the head & Chest area commonly. These snub Nose revolver's will shoot every bit as accurate as  along barrel gun if you hold them tight and concentrate on your shots... Hammerdown

[williamlayton]

I just dislike small framed guns.
Blessings

[Mohawk]

S&W Model 10. Just meat and taters........