OK... who carries an odd ball ???

M

Magnum Wheel Man

New member
I'm a revolver guy but not a revolver snob ( I force myself to buy one auto a year just to keep from becoming a revolver snob )

as to the title of my post... I reciently built a custom Ruger Montado snubbie in 45 Colt as my new everyday carry gun... built a custom holster for it & love the gun & holster...

...trouble is I can't kick the habit of carrying my previous "everyday" gun, an old S&W #2 single action spur trigger 38 S&W top break that's been chopped to a 2" barrel... I hand load cartridges that are similar in power to the 380, & have a custom holster I built for the gun... I just love this gun, & I shoot it particularly well ( though it is the gun I last shot my chony with :eek: ... before I filed down the front sight so it would shoot to point of aim )

my last gun purchase was one of those new Taurus TCP 380's... I bought it as a cheap summer time carry gun for days when I roller blade, or in instances where I could be sweating alot, or could fall & break my carry piece

still every morning I get up & religiously strap on the 'ol #2... it's in great mechanical shape, but poor cosmetic condition ( I've been planning on sending it in for a re-nickel job... but it's always on my belt...

... yes I know the grips are not original... these slightly modded J frame grips came on a long barrel #2 I bought a while back... I swapped the more brittle original grips to that safe queen, & put the wood grips on this gun

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... anyone else got something they just can't stop strapping on their belt or slipping in a pocket, when you have other "better" tools for the job ???
 

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I wouldn't say oddball exactly :) but in response to your last sentence/question, like you, I like to "carry" a .357 Montado (or it's new brother NV Sheriff .44)--in less urban settings mind you--at times when I know my Smith 65LS (Ladysmith) or Daewoo .40 makes more sense, cuts a lesser profile, is lighter and more responsive. Just something about the SA design and feel, and especially in its recent "shorty" incarnations at least doesn't mind playing "defense carry." Certainly never feel undergunned, just perhaps under-ammo'd. (The street gunfight scene from "Support Your Local Sheriff" comes to mind) I do know the nasty no-leggeds out this time of year can't tell the difference :)
 
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got a pic of your sheriffs model Ruger ???

my snubbie Ruger carrys really nice... but 'ol #2 is so small & light it's hard not to like it on my belt...
 
That is just too cool. My carry gun is a Model 19 S & W 2 1/2" which I consider to be pretty retro in that it had its heyday 30-40 years ago. But, my 19 is positively state of the art when compared to that top break. You say that you shoot it really accurately and I don't doubt it. Is it capable of rapid fire? And does it hold five rounds? What possessed you to decide to carry it? I know why I carry my 19, it's simplicity in and of itself and it just feels great when I shoot it. I've got more confidence shooting this gun than I do with any semi. Is that why you're carrying the top break?
 
I have a NM Vaquero .357 for a Home Defense gun just because all my life I have shpt mainly 2 guns a .45 Auto and a Single Action. Funds being what they are, I settled on a .357 4 5/8" Vaquero.
For a carry situations I have a plain border printed Texas-Style Sholder Holster. I know the holster is sort of a slow one as the Texas rig is a pouch style holster but it fits the Ruger well and holds it securely under most condiotions you'd carry under.
Actually the best Holster is a high ride hip Holster to carry the weight of the big gun high.
I too feel a bit under-ammo-ed compared to todays Wonder-9's and other high capacity guns but remember as the FBI said, a gunfight is usually decided within the first 3 shots! That leaves 3 for clean-up.
I read that Gunsite in Arizona has a Single Action Defense course specifically designed around the ruger revolver and from the article I read, speed loading is taught. They say that you should load with 2 cartriges in your hand. Load the bottom one first.
For years and years the single action (Designed as a fighting gun!) was plenty good enough
Today there is a spray and pray attitude amongst shooters and I don't subscribe to that. I prefer to aim and hit with every shot! The Single Action will surely do that!
I think carrying and using what you are most familliar with gives you an edge and if you handle and shoot your gun weekly you will be proficent enough to hit your mark! I try to get out shooting every Sunday at the Club, it gives ma a chance to socialize with my buddies and the relaxed atmosphere lets me to concentrate and shoot seriously. Though I shoot several guns, they re predominantlly Single Actions and I feel right at home with them.
I hope I never have to fire a shot in anger again but should I have to, I will know I am at least well versed with my guns.
ZVP
 
Magnumwheelman said
got a pic of your sheriffs model Ruger ??
Here you go - .357 Montado top, .44 Sp Sheriff bottom--w/ Montado hammer.

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MWM, I salute your individuality! The deterrence effect is worth something. I mean, they can't hurt you if they are laughing :D

But I don't think that can be called a Model 2. That was a tip-up gun that S&W brought out for the .32 rimfire during the US Civil War. By tip-up, I mean that the barrel tilted up and off the cylinder.

This site has pics of some nice Model 2s.

http://www.model2project.com/examples.php

The first break-open (barrel tips down) that S&W made was the Model 3, which was in .44 caliber. The gun that you have followed not too long after but I just don't remember the name.

Bart Noir
 
The first break-open (barrel tips down) that S&W made was the Model 3, which was in .44 caliber. The gun that you have followed not too long after but I just don't remember the name.
Click to expand...

If I know my Smith and Wessons, I'd say that's a nicely worn example of a Smith and Wesson Model 1-1/2 Single Action circa late 1800's.
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Someone will be along shortly to either confirm or tell me to keep my mouth shut...

~LT

PS, I know a man who carries a Ruger MKII in a strong side holster for defense.
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When I asked him why he carried a .22lr target pistol, he replied simply; "That's what I shoot the best with."
 
Although in this day and age of bottomfeeders I feel like a bit of an oddball with my Colt Trooper on my hip, but given what some of you carry, I guess I'm somewhat mainstream. LOL.
 
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That is one cool looking old .38 SW! In the early 80's, I carried what I had, which was an OLD H&R Premier .32 SW 5 shot revolver. What a weak little round (I could see the bullets flying, like a 500 FPS or so BB from an airgun, if the light was right), but better than nothing when bumming around in the woods.
I think your .38 looks perfect just as it is!:D
 
S&W 1 1/2 is a 32 caliber gun... I have a couple, one was cut to a snubbie like 75 years ago & re-nickeled... the gun is lots smaller but does look like the 38 ( it's my fancy day gun )
 
Since the BATF classifies a "Mares Leg" as a handgun and not a rifle, I guess this falls into the "oddball" category.....a lever action handgun.

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Now have to find a holster to carry it in.....
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Magnum Wheel Man S&W 1 1/2 is a 32 caliber gun... I have a couple, one was cut to a snubbie like 75 years ago & re-nickeled... the gun is lots smaller but does look like the 38 ( it's my fancy day gun )
Click to expand...

I completely misread the 38 as a 32. See? I told you someone who knows more than I would be along shortly. Thanks Mag-Man. Your polite expertise is always appreciated.

~LT
 
I've carried this 45 caliber derringer but only in the woods.
Have used it for a finishing shot on a deer. Puts the lights out real quick.

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:p
 
Colt 1908 Vest Pocket

I don't know if it would be considered an "odd ball" but I just recently purchased this Colt 1908.
I haven't even shot it to determine if it would really be reliable and worthy of carry but ... we will see. :)

Colt2.jpg
 
Interesting thread. My FIL still carries a break open H&R as his fishing gear gun. This in Dona Ana County N Mexico. I don't think I would depend on any of these pieces shown except for the SAA's for my life.
 
I must say im in awe of you lot. I must say that the idea of carrying something exotic is enticing to say the least.

For now my carry gun for a great part of my life is my T series High Power.

This is a great thread. Mag wheel man and Jim March, im a big fan.
 
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