Need help picking a revolver.

[bk688]

Alright, due to some of my department's policies and my administrations lack of updating our firearms policy since 1996 I am a little restricted as to what I can choose as a backup weapon. (16 freaking years. Maybe if we didn’t play gulf so much for political purposes we could actually get the department up to par!)

I want a backup weapon, a revolver to be specific. Since we have no policy dictating backup weapon parameters, I am stuck using the policy that was written for primary weapons. This means I need a 4 inch barrel for a revolver and it must be a .38 special or .357 magnums.

Remember that this is a backup weapon, so frame size is a big factor, along with capacity. I want something along the lines of 5 rounds of .357. The only option I’ve found so far is the Ruger SP101. That’s merely due to barrel length. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

 

[CDR_Glock]

S&W Model 60, 640, 649 in 357.

442 in 38 +P.

The Ruger also carries a LCR 357 but at 17 ounces, it's a bit feisty.

I carry a S&W Model 586 L-Comp 357 with a 7 round barrel. It's heavy at 38 oz.

 

[jmortimer]

I don't think you could improve on the SP101 based on what you describe.

 

[Super Sneaky Steve]

A 4" barrel is pretty long for a back up gun. How are you going to hide it?

 

[bk688]

Yup

Yeah thats another problem. If it were shorter I'd do with an ankle or pocket option but due to the leingth, I'll probably have to go with a shoulder option under the uniform. I already have some uniform shirts that have snaps on them so retrieving it shouldnt be any harder than if I were wearing a jacket. This is one more reason I'm dead set on a small frame and grip. My small stomach and larger shoulders might help this being hidden.

 

[JC57]

So what exactly is your primary gun?

 

[bk688]

Dont fix what aint broken

1911, had to go cheap at the time so its a taurus.

 

[Jim March]

The new 4" barrel variant SP101 is worth looking at.

 

[Colt46]

I agree with the above poster

4" barrel for a backup isn't exactly that easy to conceal for a revolver. You might want to go to you CO and try to get some kind of written authorization to dispense with that barrel requirement.
Iv'e got a .38 SP-101 and it is great. A tad heavy, but makes for a very controllable weapons.

 

[BigJimP]

Ease of concealment is certainly a big deal ....at the same time it becomes a question of what you shoot well ..or what fits your hands the best...

I have big hands...so a J frame S&W is not my best option.../ I'd probably consider a K frame S&W like a 2" snubbie in a model 66 ( .357 mag )....a model 66 or 19 ( K frames )is about as small as I'd want to go.

 

[skidder]

The Six Series are not to hard to find. 34 ounces and they carry really nice, especially the 4" Police Service Six.

 

[old bear]

Sorry to be a maverick here, but. If I had to make a decision as to a back up given your options; I would go with a Smith and Wesson M-60 2' barrel in 38 special. If I ever needed it for real, carrying an weapon that was not approved would be the least of my worries.

 

[Super Sneaky Steve]

If it had to be 4" take a look at the K frame model 67 or 64. They are slightly smaller than the L frame magnums.

 

[JC57]

Round-butt light-barrel model 10 or 64 would be about the only thing (or model 12 if you want airweight and can find one), other than the 4" Ruger Sp-101 you already mentioned.

In the S&W J-frames, they offer a number of 3" barreled models but no 4".

To me it seems unworkable but you gotta make your own decisions. Assuming you are new to law enforcement, after you get past the first few months of "gee whiz" it kinda settles down to just being your job, and the firearm is just a heavy tool you have to carry around with you, along with the radio, cuffs, baton, flashlight, vest, etc. Trust me, after a while you'll be thinking more about how to carry LESS crap rather than more.

 

[maclords]

4 inch model 12. Round butt if you fancy. Load it with +p if you want. Maybe only standard p on the range.

 

[Redhawk5.5+P+]

The only option I’ve found so far is the Ruger SP101. That’s merely due to barrel length. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Nope, no matter what else is out there, that, would be my number one pick hands down, and that not just because I own one. One of the best choices I ever made. And yes i do carry it.

If you have to keep looking, well, "you'll be back"!

 

[youngunz4life]

38 backup is nothing to laugh at(but I mention 357 out of my likes & your preference)

listen to redhawk, but the S&W 649 mentioned above is a good choice too with the shrouded(hidden) hammer. I'm guessing your backup in an emergency can go on your vest which is nice? I would go with the 38 if size is gonna be any issue. I guess 4" is requirement but if the requirement is "no more than 4 inches"(double check), get the 2" or 2 1/8"(that is size of .357 S&W 649)

 

[shafter]

If I was restricted to a 4 inch barrel I think I'd pass on the BUG idea for everyday carry.

 

[EdInk]

I would forego the back-up since it has to be a 4" barrel. You stated that a Taurus 1911 is your primary weapon. The 1911 is a platform that "even Taurus" can't screw up (except for a few proprietary parts). Regardless, you don't sound like you absolutely love it. My suggestion would be to take the money (you planned to use on a BUG) and add it to the Taurus 1911 for trade-in on another gun (like a nicer 1911) you actually would prefer to own.

 

[Super Sneaky Steve]

My PT1911 has needed warrenty work three times. The extractor hook is prone to breaking.