Am I a gun guru?

[Bob Wright]

The funeral home that handled Nita's arrangements called to tell me that the death certificates had come in. While I was there someone brought up the subject of revolvers for personal defense. One of the ladies employed sought my advice on a small carry revolver.

I suggested either a Ruger LCR or a Smith & Wesson Model 442, something in .38 Special. But whatever the choice, get familiar with it, and carry it so that it is readily accessible. Having to pull up an outer garment, or rummage through a purse can have you ending up being a client there.

Bob Wright

 

[Goldstar225]

While I own, like and shoot my 642 well I regard them as a weapon for an experienced shooter, not a newby or one who will not practice. Because of their simplicity, size and weight they are commonly recommended but from what I have seen on the range with inexperienced shooters they are unable to muster the accuracy needed to use them effectively.

 

[contender]

That's funny Bob. Just today,, I stopped by a fairly new gun shop,, and as I walked in,, one of the guys said; "Great, I'm glad you are here. Can you explain this gun to me?" Now,, the guy is a part time employee, and he's also LEO. And we've known each other for over 15 years. He knows I fool with guns a lot. So, he wasn't sure on a specific gun & how it operated.
So, I politely showed him & the other guy there how it worked.
Once the good people know you as an honest & knowledgeable person, they don't mind asking questions.
You did good Bob.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

While I own, like and shoot my 642 well I regard them as a weapon for an experienced shooter, not a newby or one who will not practice. Because of their simplicity, size and weight they are commonly recommended but from what I have seen on the range with inexperienced shooters they are unable to muster the accuracy needed to use them effectively.

I love "snub" guns and own several S&W's. They all kick like a Missouri mule. period. You must load them "down" to be truly useable unless you are a seasoned, well practiced handgunner that uses one on a regular basis, and can handle the kick!(IMHO)

 

[Tenbore]

I love "snub" guns and own several S&W's. They all kick like a Missouri mule. period. You must load them "down" to be truly useable unless you are a seasoned, well practiced handgunner that uses one on a regular basis, and can handle the kick!(IMHO)

I don't load down in my S&W M36, I carry it with .38 +P ammo.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Bob, I'd have to consider you a gun guru, and maybe more. Quite knowledgeable.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

I don't load down in my S&W M36, I carry it with .38 +P ammo.

Ok, so you like pain or are you going to try and convince us that a 2in snub S&W does not kick with Plus P ammo?

 

[Busterswoodshop]

My wife loves the S&W snub nosed guns and has several. Every time I find one , she thinks it belongs to her and claims it.
Her favorite is the Model 60 and that is what she usually has with her.
She has been shooting it for more than 40 years and handles it just fine.
Before she started carrying the model 60 , she carried a model 10.
I don't reload , so all the ammo is factory.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Bob,
Do you think maybe the subject wouldn't have come up if you would NOT have walked in with your Roy Rogers Rig on and two Chrome Ruger 45s in them :)

Really ya did good.
Take care

 

[Jeepnik]

For the other side of the coin how many of us have overheard a salesman telling a potential buyer absolute BS in a gun shop?

More than a few times I’ve stepped in and refuted what was being said. It usually irritates the salesman but the buyers have all been appreciative. This usually happens in large “sporting goods” stores. The salesmen are usually young, and being pushed to sell specific merchandise by equally ignorant “managers”.

I have a number of shops that I’ll recommend based on geography. These are shops I know treat buyers well and will spend the time to hopefully create new shooters. They understand that repeat customers is where profits come from.

 

[Biggfoot44]

I don't load down in my S&W M36, I carry it with .38 +P ammo.

I'm not Tenbore , but he is making one of my points for me , deliberately or not .

The point being that he's referring to an M36. I.e. an all steel J Frame . An 16-18 oz snubbie is plenty light enough to carry comfortably , but the difference in control to a 13oz is meaningful .

 

[Bob Wright]

My point for a S&W 442:

It is light, so not likely to left at home because its "too heavy." A light gun that kicks like a mule in her hand is better than a heavier gun at home in the dresser drawer.

As to accuracy, jam it into your attacker's gut and pull the trigger two or three times.

The lady in question handles a S&W Model 28 pretty well.

Hence by suggestion.

Bob Wrght

 

[Busterswoodshop]

If you have to jam it in their guts , I would think you have let them get too close.
Situation awareness is just as important as carrying a gun.
No offense intended.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

My wife loves the S&W snub nosed guns and has several. Every time I find one , she thinks it belongs to her and claims it.
Her favorite is the Model 60 and that is what she usually has with her.
She has been shooting it for more than 40 years and handles it just fine.
Before she started carrying the model 60 , she carried a model 10.
I don't reload , so all the ammo is factory.

They make factory ammo that is designed for small snubs . Hornady makes a 110 gr Defense load that is much easier to shoot well and also a 90 gr load that has no recoil but moves fairly quickly from a 2 in barrel

 

[contender]

"For the other side of the coin how many of us have overheard a salesman telling a potential buyer absolute BS in a gun shop?"

Or how about a gun show?

I just answered an email,, where a seller at a Tn gun show today (Bristol) was trying to sell a "Ultra Rare, only 9 made" Blackhawk, .327 8-shot." The guy who sent me the picture, is a friend,, and the picture SHOWS the outrageous claim. AND the seller claimed that Ruger had to "shred the cylinders due to a lawsuit."
My reply to my friend was that the seller was full of stuff that normally comes from the south end of a north bound bull.

 

[Tenbore]

Ok, so you like pain or are you going to try and convince us that a 2in snub S&W does not kick with Plus P ammo?

Why so defensive? Yes, it will kick but it is not anymore painful to me than any of my magnums. The best thing to do is get a decent set of grips and it makes a world of difference.

 

[Jeepnik]

Recoil sensitivity is an individual thing. For decades my wife carried one snubbie or another but always with HBWC’s loaded backwards. Still does from time to time. Though lately she likes my former Glock 42. Had to buy another.

 

[powder smoke]

Recoil sensitivity is an individual thing! Personally I Never was really sensitive to recoil!
One must go with the recoil don't fight it! control it go with it!

 

[Mobuck]

Coincidental timing: Last evening after a grueling day of work in the heat, Son pointed to an empty lawn chair indicating I should sit. Then he said "Let's say a 'non-gun' guy was looking for a handgun that would be accurate enough to hit a raccoon @ 25', sort of OK if the raccoon was in a live trap, capable of putting down an aggressive Rottweiler, and defending one's person when that dog's owner came looking for the shooter. What would you recommend?" W/o hesitation, I responded "A medium frame 4-6" 38SP/357 magnum and a variety of use appropriate ammo".
I've shot 38 'snubbies' and personally wouldn't own one except as a paperweight. Some/many like this configuration-that's fine with me. I just feel that the snubbie offers very little of the things I feel are necessary in a handgun.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Why so defensive? Yes, it will kick but it is not anymore painful to me than any of my magnums. The best thing to do is get a decent set of grips and it makes a world of difference.

Did not mean to sound defensive.

 

[Snake Pleskin]

Recoil sensitivity is an individual thing. For decades my wife carried one snubbie or another but always with HBWC’s loaded backwards. Still does from time to time. Though lately she likes my former Glock 42. Had to buy another.

Yes, I use thee same load. used to be called the "flying ashcan" back in the day! Made big holes! I also carry a Glock 42 probably more than anything else. I have found it to be very reliable with Hornady Defense ammo and easy to carry and conceal. I have 1 rd ext on the mags that gives a bit more grip and a Hogue rubber slip over grip sleeve that really makes it nice to hold.

 

[eveled]

Why so defensive? Yes, it will kick but it is not anymore painful to me than any of my magnums. The best thing to do is get a decent set of grips and it makes a world of difference.

Since it came up. My most carried gun is a 340pd even lighter than the 442 and its .357 magnum. Recoil is not that bad.

As to decent grips. Crimson Trace makes a set of laser grips with a gel pad in the back strap. By far the best grip Ive used on a J-frame. The laser is a bonus.

My 442 wears Barami Hip grips.

I think Bob made a good recommendation.

 

[Biggfoot44]

The best thing to do is get a decent set of grips and it makes a world of difference.

Before she started carrying the model 60 , she carried a model 10.

Yes , grips make a difference , but can also be a two edged sword .

Grips are also a major factor in concealment of small frame snubs , particularly for pocket or ankle carry . Some even cite them as biggest factor .


Oversized J grips can end up larger than Magnas or boot grips for RB K frame . On a good pancake or IWB , a 2in RB K frame can conceal as easily as a J Frame , but shoot as capably as a full size revolver .

Yeah , yeah , weight . Good holster and good belt , it's not a major thing . And full lug magnum J's are pretty hefty themselves . ( This this IS a Ruger forum , good time to point out the SP- 101 splitting the difference between J and K .)


Bob's friend being an experienced revolver shooter certainty ties in with his recommendation to her .

 

[Biggfoot44]

I've mentioned before , 158 +P in 13oz M37 with well fitting Spiegels is my upper limit for excitement . I could shooting within my standards of speed and accuracy , barely, but 50 rounds hurt afterwards .

************************_**\

Opinions vary , but To Me the baseline of evaluating a gun , is it's ability to function As a Gun , otherwise what's the point to carry it ? So I have my expectations of power , accuracy , and control . They can be modified for certain roles , but they still must be met , if it is to be for other than pure recreation .

Another point to be made, but about to get ready to head to work , and return in cpl hrs .