Author Topic: Question on next big bore pick for CCW (Read 2475 times)

Old Moss · « **on:** January 28, 2012, 09:07:37 AM »

Good afternoon Gents, I also posted this on the S&W page.

Need your help. I am trying to decide on a all around carry gun. I have autos I have wheel-guns I have double & single actions. I have no real need for another gun but as you all know that does not stop us from wanting that "perfect, but does not exist" next gun.

I have read all the previous posts on big bore carry guns and have at least narrowed it down. But a few additional comments:

I have a S&W 460 for fishing in bear country / have a Ruger sp 101 for in the pocket carry / have autos with 4" & 5" barrels
357mag is a great round love it but is just not what I want right now.
I want a classic wheel-gun to be my all around carry gun.

I hate the new S&W lock they put on there revolvers - but finding older S&Ws is getting harder and costly - can that lock be easily removed and plugged safely - are the new S&Ws as good as the older ones?

My Choices:
S&W - model 29 or 57 with 4" or 3" bbl blue/stainless
S&W - model 58 I like the fixed sights (rugged), love the 41mag but don't like the possibility of sights not being regulated to point of aim (would consider the new classic model 22 or 21)
Ruger Redhawk 4" 45LC - but some say it is to heavy/bulky for ccw? Not a Smith & Wesson What about the new S&W 625 JB 45acp

Well Gents what do you think and why? I really do value your opinions.

Thanks Old Moss

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2012, 12:39:03 AM »

ive got a 3 inch 29 a 4 inch 29 and a 4inch 629. The 3 inch gun is cool looking but to be honest its no harder to conseal a 4 in N frame then 3inch. If i had to pick the alitmate ccw big bore it would probably be a 329. The N frames are heavy for ccw and tend to pull my pants down as i have no but. The 329s are a feather comparbly. Ive shot quite a few and with sane 44 special level loads there comfortable and controlable. there fire breathing draggons with full power 44 mag loads though. But loads like that just arent need for ccw work. Another real good choise would be a 696 if you can find and afford one.

drdougrx · « **Reply #2 on:** January 29, 2012, 02:35:28 AM »

I agree with the recommendations by Lloyd and Graybeard. I'd also suggest that you look at the Charter Arms Bulldog in 44spec...always toyed with that one.

Old Moss · « **Reply #3 on:** January 29, 2012, 06:25:03 AM »

Thanks Gents, some really good things to think about. I have really thought about the S&W 329 but want the flexibility to shoot some full loads and want to be able to take a shot at a deer or coyote if hunting need that all around carry gun. Same for the bulldog great ccw but less applicable when I am out walking/hiking in the woods.

But along that same line would a S&W 58 with fixed sights give me enough flexibility but be still rugged and concealable. Has anyone out there have a 58 - what do you think of it (new or old versions)?

Thanks Old Moss

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2012, 12:26:49 AM »

I had a 58 and was talked out of it. It was a fine shooting gun. Only problem is that its tough to regulate to differnt loads. The sight blade is short to begin with which about eliminates real heavy bullets and they had pinned barrels so you cant really turn a barrel to regulate side to side poa. Im not a big fan of the 41 mag anyway. Its a decent round but i just never could see all the cult following it has. A 44 mag is more versitile hands down. But if a 41 is what you want take a look at a 57 or a 657 with adustable sights. there not a bit harder to conseal.

Old Moss · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2012, 04:11:18 PM »

Mr. Smale,

Thank-you that is just the type of advice I am looking for. I have never owned a 41 mag but have always heard that it is the perfect ccw caliber. That being said I have always leaned towards the 44 mag or 45 LC. If I could design my prefered CCW revolver it would be as follows: remember I like the feel of a solid, slightly heavy revolver, based on some earlier suggestions I went and tried the S&W 329 at the local range. simply put "I hated it" wrong feel all around, in the hand or on the hip.

N-Frame, 3 1/2" full lug barrel
adjustable sights (rounded edges)
Target Hammer, smooth target trigger
Round butt grip
5-shot 45 LC, beefed up to allow for moderate use of heavy loads
Then a full melt job to smooth sharp edges or areas that may snag.

thanks again Old Moss

1911crazy · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2012, 07:47:20 AM »

Being a 44mag guy for many years i have always wanted a S&W in 41mag. Lastyear I walked into my local gun shop and my dealer had them for only $699 for the model 57 & model 58 in 41mag in nickel. I purchased the model 57 w/6 1/2'' barrel in 41mag in nickel finish first.($699) I went back after the model 58 w/4'' barrel in 41mag in nickel next ($699). I only shot the Model 58 so far and it handles awesome much better than i thought it would being a magnum. I picked up an in the pants holster for the model 58 so its my new ccw gun off and on. I really like the balance of the S&W N frames too. I'd like to get a S&W Model 57 4'' in nickel next and then go after the M29's in nickel too. "someday" Since S&W is still offering there nickel finish its time to get a few.

Old Griz · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2012, 05:51:22 AM »

I love my S&Ws. I've carried a 4" 57 and a 3" 24 without any problem. The 57 became my "travel gun" when on trips out west. I added night sights, and I figure it'll handle about anything that I'd come up against, two or four legged. The most accurate load I found for it was Winchester 240-gr. Platinum Tips, but every gun is different.

The "problem" with your list of guns is that all of them will do a great job. They're all gonna be heavy. So just pick the one that feels best in your hand.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #8 on:** March 13, 2012, 12:33:58 AM »

If i was going to go out today and buy a new ccw big bore revolver id probably pick myself up a S&W nightguard in 44 special but to be totaly honest ever since i stupidly sold my 610 ive wanted another 10mm and would probably get the night guard chambered in that. there a bit heavier then a 329 but still lighter then almost any other revolver and have night sights and id prefer there 3 inch barrels for a pure ccw gun. I know this doesnt make much sense after I critisized the 41 mag but really anyone of these rounds is way more then enough for ccw work. Ive just got a personaly mental block when it comes to the 41. It just never thrilled me. I think alot of it is guys think because they own one that there majicaly some kind of expert on handguns. Kind of like guys who buy a rifle in 270. I chuckle at the idiots at the local guns shop all the time who think there some kind of expert because they picked a 270. Id honestly say the 44 special would be the ideal one though as the larger heavier bullet gives it a power level right on par with the 41 or 10mm wth there lighter faster bullets but does it without all the muzzle blast the smaller calibers have. Thats the main reason i allways detested the 357 mag. To me its nothing but an extreamly loud 38 special. You notice i said im not crazy about the 41 but i detest the 357

Ken ONeill · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2012, 03:24:34 AM »

Old Moss,
Sounds to me like you'd be best served with a 4" 29 or 629 or 629 Mountain Gun.

Personally, I'd toss the rubber or target grips and fit a set of stag magna-sized grips, and use .44 Special loads for CCW, and Magums in the woods.

StrawHat · « **Reply #10 on:** March 13, 2012, 08:22:06 AM »

Years ago I did build my idea of a dream CCW. It started as a Model 28-2 and ended up a 4" skinny barreled N frame chambered for the 45 ACP. I still use it and have always liked wood grips. I see no need to go to a 5 shot cylinder, either of the 45s can be loaded to better the origianl ballistics by a good margin but the origianl ballistics are pretty good so why bother? The Mountain Revolver series is very similar to whatI carry and they are factory available.

Good luck in your choice.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #11 on:** March 14, 2012, 12:19:55 AM »

ive got one youd like. Its a pinned 45 acp 625 mountain gun. Got to agree it makes a hell of a ccw gun itself.

Quote from: StrawHat on March 13, 2012, 08:22:06 AM

Years ago I did build my idea of a dream CCW. It started as a Model 28-2 and ended up a 4" skinny barreled N frame chambered for the 45 ACP. I still use it and have always liked wood grips. I see no need to go to a 5 shot cylinder, either of the 45s can be loaded to better the origianl ballistics by a good margin but the origianl ballistics are pretty good so why bother? The Mountain Revolver series is very similar to whatI carry and they are factory available.

Good luck in your choice.

Old Moss · « **Reply #12 on:** March 25, 2012, 02:08:06 PM »

Well Gents,

Lots of great posts - here is what I have settled into:

Purchased a S&W model 58, 4" bbl 41mag, blued fixed sighted N-frame revolver. Sent it off to Metaloy for trigger/action job, dehorn, and hard chrome finish. New wood grips, and custom leather concealed carry strong side belt holster from El Paso Saddlery.

When it's back I will post pictures. I believe it will serve my purpose very well!

I was rather open minded for what you all recommended and all suggestions were great. What I learned most was this is not my last purchase/build. You gave me several tips that I now want to build. That was what helped the most - since there is not the perfect one out there; I stop looking so hard and got what I wanted and I new felt best in hand and on the hip. Now I can relax and move on to the next!!! Hmmm, I think a Ruger Blackhawk SS (45 LC / 44mag / 41mag / maybe a 44 special) bisley grip/trigger/hammer, 5" bbl and stag grips - ooohh, a Tom Three Person Holster "Floral" patterned

Thanks Guys!

StrawHat · « **Reply #13 on:** March 26, 2012, 12:42:16 AM »

Looking forward to seeing the photos. Enjoy your new revolver, and no, it won't be your last one!

Old Griz · « **Reply #14 on:** March 31, 2012, 09:44:42 PM »

Fine choice. However, I have never seen a hard chrome finish on a handgun. Where can I see pix of this?

Old Moss · « **Reply #15 on:** April 14, 2012, 03:00:50 PM »

Gents I will post pictures as soon as I figure out how to. Went to Host my Pics and they say they are to "Big" and wont upload. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks Old Moss

Graybeard · « **Reply #16 on:** April 14, 2012, 05:17:32 PM »

Tim has a tutorial on photo hosting and posting on all Classifieds Forums and on the H&R Centerfire Rifle Forum I believe.

Old Moss · « **Reply #17 on:** April 15, 2012, 03:54:05 PM »

Hope this works Thanks Old Moss

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #18 on:** April 15, 2012, 11:15:57 PM »

Got what was probably my favorite all time lightweigth big bore back. Its a 696 smith 5 shot 44 spec. I foolishly traded it at a weak moment and finally talked my buddy back out of it. Its light and is a tack driver. One of the coolest guns smith ever made.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 29, 2012, 02:11:53 PM »

Old Moss, I was late picking up on your thread, but you kinda went close to the way I would have suggested, given your criteria. I had a 629 Mountain type, before they became a factory offering, but my favorite was my 624 4" 44Spl., looked a lot like what youve done, though in SS. It was the 44 that stayed with me the longest, and has been long gone now, though fondly remembered.
Enjoy!

StrawHat · « **Reply #20 on:** June 05, 2012, 03:40:38 AM »

Thanks for posting photos. The hard chrome looks good and I hear it does a good job of protecting the base metal. Let us know how it shoots.

Buckeye · « **Reply #21 on:** June 23, 2012, 02:52:13 PM »

Old Moss that is a really nice revolver...41 mag is always a good choice ..I feel it is the most powerful revolver SD cartridge ,meaning one that can be controlled... in follow up shots.....

This Brazilian contract 1938 S&W 45 acp that was customized, is my favorite bigbore carry guns ..barrel trimmed to 3,5 in , hammer trimmed back ..Parkerized...good carry gun....the 45acp doesn't have the power of the 41 mag. but leaves a big hole without a big fuss...