Revolver: 5-shooter

Natava

New member
Does anyone recommend a particular 5-shooter for conceal carry for a lady?

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Natava
Women Armed for Self-Defense
http://users1.50megs.com/natava/
 
I'm very fond of the S&W model 642 .38 spl airweight. It conceals easily, is light enough for all-day carry, and is accurate and powerful enough for the task at hand. My wife shoots ours well. Recoil is controllable with standard pressure loads. Hope this helps!
vanfunk
 
While S&W makes/made a few models called the LadySmith, I don't particularly think they do much for a woman but give her "pretty grips" and a "fancy box". The two quintissential 5-shooters are the S&W J-frame (which can be had with an exposed hammer, a shrouded hammer, or an enclosed hammer) and the Ruger SP101. Taurus, Rossi, Charter Arms, and a few others also make similar guns.

However, my recommendation for concealed carry is one of the lightweight versions (ie, AirWeight or Titanium series). The pros are that they are lighter and easier to carry, while the biggest con is that they kick a lot more.

If pulling the trigger is tough (dry fire a few times at the shop), make sure to get one with an exposed hammer so you can cock it back if necessary.

I have a S&W 342ti; titanium, no hammer (as well as a S&W model 60 in .357). While the 342ti is tiny and extrememly easy to carry, it is tough to shoot well. The kick is horrible, and the double action only trigger is tough.

Finally, keep in mind that the lightweight versions are generally more money, and the titanium versions even more.
 
My wife carries the Taurus M85UL. (The 1st generation aluminum model) It is reliable to a fault, and affordable too. Even though it is only chambered in 38Spl, I have NO qualms about sending her out armed as she is. Hell, she can out shoot me with that gun!!!! ;) The girl is a natural point shooter!! :D Maybe that's why I love her so much!!! :) :) :)

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Yeah, I got a permit to carry,it's called the friggin Constitution.---Ted Nugent

"Glock 26: 17 rounds of concealed carry DEATH comming your way from out of nowhere!!! THAT'S FIREPOWER, BABY!!!"

[This message has been edited by denfoote (edited August 04, 2000).]
 
Whether for a gal or a guy, I would recommend the
Taurus Model 85 Undercover Ultra-Lite Titanium snubbie revolver ...
85.gif

Regards,
FUD
fudeagle.gif

Share what you know, learn what you don't.
 
Mine carries a S&W M38 Airweight Bodyguard.


(.....because.....Cooper, Askins, Jordan, and three other famous goodguys all had their wife carrying one, too.....)

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
I have two S&W j-frames and would recommend them to anyone (if you can find a used specimen or a dealer who is closing out S&W guns).

I would recommend either the Bodyguard (shrouded hammer) or Centennial (concealed hammer) styles for concealed carry. The Chief's Special (exposed hammer) is nice, but the hammer spur may catch on your clothing at an inopportune moment. My personal favorite is the Bodyguard style -- you get both SA and DA.

Justin

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Justin T. Huang, Esq.
late of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
 
S&W J frame. My wife has had a dehorned 2" M37 Airweight for 24 years now; I bought it for her before we got married and the gun now looks better than I do. It suits her and she likes it, shoots it quite well.

Today I would recommend the M442 'hammerless' Airweight, which is my tuckaway piece.

Suggest you try one of the titanium pieces before buying one. Everything I hear on them indicates that the recoil is fairly ferocious compared to the Airweights which are brisk enough themselves. Light weight is nice--up to a point.

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I am consdering letting go of my 5-shot 85UL http://www.thefiringline.com:8080/forums/showthread.php?threadid=41549 as I have pretty much transitioned to autoloaders. Can shoot them better, though I still prefer revolvers to autoloaders for target shooting. The plus of the snubby is that it can be fired reliably in all sorts of weird positions where a pistol would choke on the second round. The down side for me is also that I have used my .38 for target shooting for so long, I almost always use it single action...bad habit for fighting.
 
For a bit more weight, go with the Ruger SP101. It's heavier than S&W 642. But the Ruger can handle full-power .357 without much issue. It is also very accurate. Much more so than 642.

[Edited by thequickad on 12-27-2000 at 01:33 AM]
 
I would avoid Taurus revolvers with ported barrels. You do NOT want a ported barrel on
a defense gun. Flash and lead particles are directed up and into your face when these guns are fired from a weapons retention position.

I'd suggest the 3" barreled Ruger SP101 for the weight. The added weight dampens felt recoil. Its also easy to lighten the trigger pull yourself by installing a Wolff spring kit.

If you must have a *&* revolver... the 3" barreled model 60 with adjustable sights can't be beat. (#102430)
 
My wife uses the S & W 342PD, weights less than 11 ozs. She controls the recoil w/ no problem. She has small hands and weights about 135 lbs. It was my gift to her, no shorts for my love, price be damn.
 
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