Ultra light revolvers

I would think that something like a Model 60 would serve you better. The increased recoil from the SC/TI guns might make them too hard to effectively practice with.
 
I have a collection of snubbies...Colts, Ruger, Smith and Wessons. The 340 pd is a GREAT carry weapon, and where is there a law that you have to shoot .357's in it? I had a 340pd for a few months which I sold because someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse...mistake. I didn't think another 4 ounces of the 642 would be that noticeable--it is after carrying an 11oz gun. With the 340 is was like there was nothing there. I carried .38 standard P LSWCHP handload (815fps/2"bbl) and felt adequately protected. There is also no law that requires you to practice with your carry load. I shoot a few at each session, but have a practice load that runs about 600fps with the same bullet and hits close to the same POI. You can shoot that all day without pain. Wadcutter target loads would be another option. I recommend the 340....just shoot enough with you chosen carry load to insure you're not getting bullet-creep.
 
For me lighter is better. Have an S&W M&P 360 .357 and at 13 ounces I only shoot .38 wadcutters. Low recoil, inherent accuracy, and fantastic straight-line penetration. Maximum meplat for serious damage. Buffalo Bore's .38 standard pressure 150 grain hardcast wadcutter will get you two feet of penetration. Even "regular" wadcutters are fantastic performers out of a
1 7/8" barrel. The trigger on the S&W 360 was 12 lbs plus so I had a couple coils removed and now it's around 8 lbs. For an $800.00 gun, the trigger pull was disappointing but otherwise it is really nice. I'm liking my new Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special and at 21 ounces it's not too bad to carry but every ounce counts for sure.
 
I bought my girlfriend a S/W 637 Airweight in .38 special. It is single or double action, of course. It can be cocked for single action if you need a light trigger pull. I reload light 148 grn. wad cutters for her, with very little recoil. That should work fine for older hands.
 
I am in the nearly 60 age range but my hands are not very arthritic and I have been shooting heavy recoiling revolvers for many years. Currently, I carry a S&W 337 Airlite. I carry it loaded with Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr ammo. It shoots close enough to point of aim for defensive use in the urban environment that I spend most of my time in. No, its not a recreational or target revolver. It is strictly a closer range, defensive tool that I don't find onerous to carry constantly. It is not pleasant to shoot but I shoot it enough and well enough to allow me to think it will serve the purpose it was designed for. I often carry it a BUG/driving weapon in an ankle holster and its great for that. I am very happy with mine. I have a Pachmayr Compact rubber grip for it that reduces the pain at the range considerably. For concealment, I usually have an Uncle Mike's Boot Grip on it. I don't find any J Frame snub a particularly pleasant revolver to shoot with more potent ammo.
 
My favorite isn't a lightweight, but the 23 oz steel 649 Bodyguard .357. I stoke it with .38 +P Speer Gold Dot ammo and it carries nicely in a IWB holster under a light shirt. I'd like to get a modern Model 49 in .38+P as a companion for it though. The 649 is a little bigger than I wanted, but I find its size fits me fine. I've found that 110-125 gr .357 ammo isn't too bad, but the 158gr is ferocious on my hand (and wrist).
M649_001.jpg


My solution for a lightweight defensive gun is the discontinued Model 432PD. It's only 15.5 oz and chambered for the .32 H&R Magnum. While not something to stop an enraged NFL lineman, it's quite an effective little cartridge out to 15 yards.
SW432PDhand.jpg
 
My 21oz Bulldog taught me a thing or two about crimps. 4th or 5th rounds sometimes grew. The 11.4oz S&W Titanium 357 must be a challenge to reload for.
 
I traded my 640-1 for a 360 PD when they came out. I thought it was the 2nd coming. After a while I began to realize it was too much of a good thing.

After 2 trips to S&W for new frames, I spoke with one of the S&W engineers and learned it was really a very expensive 38 marketed as a 357 because "nobody shoots full house magnums in these"

Now I am back to the stainless 640 in the Pro model. I love it! On my short list is a 442 Pro which is the airweight 38 that takes moon clips.

For my money, If I am gonna have to use 38's I will buy the 38 at half the cost. I carry Corbon DPX in the 640 Pro.
 
Done it...hated it

I have a 637 power port, which has the steel cylinder and barrel. Previously, I had an airlight.357. I shot 25 rounds of .357 through it, and sold it. The little bit of extra weight doesn't hinder anything, but it improves shootability greatly. That little airlight even sucked with .38s. That's my opinion, though. You'd be well served by an airweight. If you don't know, the airlight is the one with titanium cylinders and a thin steel barrel liner, etc. The airweight has an aluminum frame, but everything else is steel. That's as light as I go. It's light enough for pocket carry, but heavy enough that I enjoy practice.
 
My advice: Don't buy a real small/light revolver until you've shot it. That compactness and lightness is a double-edged sword, and downsides include trigger smoothness, recoil, flame, noise. I think if you try before you buy, you won't go with the smallest and lightest available. Some make the tradeoff better than others - like the .357 LCR, which is still half the weight (or less) of a steel medium frame revolver, and has an advanced trigger design.
 
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