Looking for the perfect small frame MAG

C

circlemaker

Inactive
I'm in the market for a single revolver that I will not be tempted to leave at home, that will provide lots of enjoyable practice, and is accurate. I've got it narrowed down to two Taurus 941 (.22 MAG) models and S&W's 431PD (.32 MAG), unless anyone has any other suggestions.

Each of these has it's advantages and disadvantages:

The Taurus 941 4" steel model, by all accounts is incredibly accurate, uses less expensive ammo, but is probably a little large and heavy (25 oz.) for my purposes.

The Taurus 941 2" Ultralite takes care of my size and weight (18.5 oz.) issues, but I'm concerned about its accuracy with the short barrel.

The S&W 431PD gives me the added punch of a .32 MAG, is very light (13.4 oz.), but again I have the accuracy concern of the 2" barrel. If they made this gun with a three or four inch barrel, I think it would be perfect for me.

Does anyone know if S&W makes the lightweight .32 MAG with a longer barrel? Or if Taurus makes its longer barreled .22 (or .32) MAG in Ultralite?

There seems to be an obvious gap here. Do I need to give up accuracy to get something that is light enough for comfortable carry? Does anyone know of any other options that may fit the bill?

Has anyone had any experience with the accuracy of the 2" barrel models in these calibers, or can compare the calibers as to accuracy?

Any advice or suggestions are welcome.
 
Recomendation of a small revolver

Check out the Ruger SP-101!
I went to a gun show the first time in 10 years, looking for a 2 3/4 inch stainless Security Six. I came back with a 2 1/4 inch Ruger SP-101 in .357 Magnum. The gun is small enough to care/ware under light clothing.
The double action pull is GOOD! It also, comes in 22LR, 32, and .357 Magnum. There are several barrel lengths. I paid $370 for mine.
 
Anyone know anything about .22 mag? Just curious, because i saw a s&w snub in .22 mag, and was skeptical
 
The 431 is IT!. I have had the hots for one of them. I too would like it in 3" barrel. The 2" barrel is good for 15 and that is all you need in a J frame. I don't think the 941 in 22 Magnum is made anymore. I have an older pinned barrel S&W M30 that is in 32 S&W Long. Accurate and controllable.
 
The 22 mag out of a 2" is not a good match-up IMHO. It looses about 35% of it's velocity and over 1/2 it's ME out of a tiny barrel. I.e It will also deliver only about 2/3 the ME of a 32 mag and 1/2 that of a 38 +P round. All this with ALLOT of noise and FLASH. Of course, as you mention the cost of the 32 mag ammo is sporty and the guns somewhat harder to find. If you really want a 32 mag, I'd vote the SP 101 in 2 or 3". ( I'm not sure you'd like the fireing charicteristics from a 13 oz 32 mag.) Better yet, ( again IMHO) get a very common and lightly used SP 101 or J frame S&W in38/357 ( in 2/20-22 oz or 3" /25 oz)and enjoy a sure thing. I.e. Cheap and abundant ammo with good shooting charicteristics forever.

p.s. IF you can find one, both S&W and Ruger made snubbies in 9mm which is even chaeper to shoot than the 38 spl or 22 mag.
 
Hello Majic:
Sadly enough S&W has droped most of there previous .32 Magnum revolver offerings. :mad: I have owned a model 331 and it was light and accurate but the finish wore off and the darn barrel loosened up so it had to go back for service. :barf: That taken I did find a stainless version without the funky barrel shroud and it is every bit as accurate as the 331 was. Accuracy is in the hand of the beholder... :( What I mean is most -J-snubs shoot better than the operator. It will take several rounds down range to make you a good tight grouper with a -J-frame patience in this area is key as most would give up and blame the gun to there low scores when it is there stance or hold that needs improvement. :rolleyes: Now I have a special love for the .32 magnum and it is and can be more potent than a .38 Plus-P. if loaded by hand. :eek: You also get a extra round as it is a six shooter and if I was you I would watch the auction sites for a used one. I found both of my stainless one on a different forum and one was N.I.B. and the other was just about as close to it.These are model 631s and they were made from 1990-1992 so it can be a challenge locating one but very rewarding when they are found they only made 5000 of them and that include the Lady Smith, Also a standard snubby and the 4" combat model of which there was just 500 made :mad: . Regards, Hammer It.
 
Agreed that .22 MAG and 2" barrel doesn't seem a good match. I had a NAA .22 MAG mini a couple years back. I know it's not designed for accuracy at any distance, but it's not much fun to practice when you can barely hit a Coke can at 5 yards.

What's your opinion of relative accuracies of .22 MAG and .32 MAG in short barrels.
 
Hello:
I have a .32 mag in a stainless wheel gun that S&W only made for a couple of years. The deal is the gun will actually shoot better than I can. it takes alot of practice but you can be as deadly with a snub as you can a longer barrel length if you stay with it. Regards, Hammerdown.

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