Sly Bald Guys Forum
Various Non-Bald Discussions => Autos,Toys and Hobbies => Topic started by: IRONHORSE on October 05, 2008, 12:44:41 PM
-
OK guys, here's the situation. Wifey and I are about to take a CCW (Carrying Concealed Weapons) course together next month, and in celebration of this, We're each going to get a new pistol - 9mm for her, .45 ACP for me. I've been narrowing down my criteria, and here's what I decided for us: I want a gun that's large enough that going to the range and practicing isn't an exercise in punishment, but maintaining a somewhat small size for concealability (Although we're both 6 footers with large hands, so can get away with a larger framed weapon.) And lastly, I want a weapon that offers a choice of double action or single action shooting.
Right now, the front runners, based on my research so far are:
The Sig-Sauer P220 series
The Taurus 24/7
and
The Springfield Armory XDM
If any of you has experience with these that you can share with me, or any other reccomendations, It'd be greatly appreciated! O0
-
I had a Taurus for YEARS....great pistol !!! Never had a jam.
Mine was the full-size 9mm (like Mel Gibson's in "Lethal Weapon")
-
Am somewhat familiar with the Sig P220 and it's a good piece and the local PD in Albany just switched to it but in the .357 magnum for better penetration....when I was in the PD here the last pistol I carried was the 9mm Glock and liked that also.....if I had to chose I would go with the Sig.
-
I'm very partial to my HK
-
There are other issues that need to be thought about in making your decision.
When and where are you going to carry it? If you are going to carry it all the time, then weight comes into play along with HOW you will conceal it. Side carry, in-side the belt, outside the belt, small of the back, shoulder holster, the whole nine yards....weight does matter along with size of weapon as in frame. Bulges here and bulges there can and will be seen. Fanny pack holsters are also good, especially in the summer time and clothes are at a minimum.
These are just a few questions, I could write out probably 20 more.
-
I myself have a Glock 23. I too have big hands but I decided to get the compact for concealability purposes. Some friends of mine have tried the XDM and think that it is a great gun. My experience with Taurus isn't the best, my dad's Taurus jammed all the time but it is an older one with quite a bit of wear.
-
There have been some great points made so far, and some questions I want to ask/answer, and one thing I omitted from the original post that I shouldn't have: Due to the fact that it will be a carry gun, I want a polymer/alloy framed weapon to keep the weight down - otherwise, I would just go with a high end 1911 platform like a Kimber or Baer Custom, and be done with it.
I had a Taurus for YEARS....great pistol !!! Never had a jam.
Mine was the full-size 9mm (like Mel Gibson's in "Lethal Weapon")
Agreed. And the new 24/7 platform is impressive. I think Taurus is a very underrated gun maker.
Am somewhat familiar with the Sig P220 and it's a good piece and the local PD in Albany just switched to it but in the .357 magnum for better penetration....when I was in the PD here the last pistol I carried was the 9mm Glock and liked that also.....if I had to chose I would go with the Sig.
I'm with you man! Of all the guns I've handled so far, the Sig fits my hand best and stays on target better, even double action. Though I hear that as of late, there are some issues with quality with the Sigs. Something to do with a new executive that joined the company going with cheaper production processes. (?)
I'm very partial to my HK
I had disqualified the HK's because I thought they weren't polymer/alloy. But the pic of yours, that looks like a polymer framed gun. Is it? (I'll be travelling over to HK's website to have a look-see.) Is it a Double Action/Single Action?
There are other issues that need to be thought about in making your decision.
When and where are you going to carry it? If you are going to carry it all the time, then weight comes into play along with HOW you will conceal it. Side carry, in-side the belt, outside the belt, small of the back, shoulder holster, the whole nine yards....weight does matter along with size of weapon as in frame. Bulges here and bulges there can and will be seen. Fanny pack holsters are also good, especially in the summer time and clothes are at a minimum.
These are just a few questions, I could write out probably 20 more.
For the cold Missouri Winter, which is just around the corner, I'm going with an outside the belt strong side carry holster which will ride up nice and high, and be easily covered by a jacket. For the Summer, the jury's still out. I hadn't really given much thought to a fanny pack, but that may end up being a real viable option. And I am also very concerned about advertising the fact that I am carrying a weapon and will go to great lengths to avoid that. Thanks for the pointers! O0
I myself have a Glock 23. I too have big hands but I decided to get the compact for concealability purposes. Some friends of mine have tried the XDM and think that it is a great gun. My experience with Taurus isn't the best, my dad's Taurus jammed all the time but it is an older one with quite a bit of wear.
Ah, the venerable Glock! I've never spoken to a Glock owner who didn't love their gun! Sadly, the Glock is out of the running for us because it's a double action only gun. But, I appreciate the input on the XDM and the Taurus, although I'm inclined to be forgiving to the Taurus, because by your own admission the gun was worn - and any badly worn gun will malfunction...and the fact that it got worn tells me someone put a lot of rounds through it!
We'll be going to Springfield MO, to the big Bass Pro Shops to handle, inspect, and purchase our guns next weekend. Keep the input coming guys, I appreciate it! O0 O0
-
When you mentioned the DA only problem with the glock I was going to suggest a 1911, but I can see that you are one step ahead of me. Whatever you decide to get I am sure that it will be a loyal firearm for many years to come. Each person has their own preferences and there isn't one gun that suits everybody. Good Luck and have fun O0
-
Yeah, that and I already have a gun based on the 1911. That would be my Star PD (Which was the first compact .45 produced.) which I bought new and have had for about 15 years now. It suffered some cosmetic damage (rust) while locked in a safe for 6 weeks when my Grandson was visiting. It's at the gunsmith right now getting a face lift - It's getting refinished in Dura Coat in HK black. I'm looking forward to getting it back, and it also might see some carry time.
-
Geez, you guys sound like you live in a combat zone.
-
yes the HK USP is a polymer frame and it is DA/SA, the only problem I've heard from anyone is that they have a heavy trigger in DA but I like it
-
yes the HK USP is a polymer frame and it is DA/SA, the only problem I've heard from anyone is that they have a heavy trigger in DA but I like it
Well...a heavy trigger pull can always be lightened by a good gunsmith, and I happen to have one! Thanks Nomad, I now consider the HK's a part of the "in the running" list O0
-
i had the hk .40 cal. in the usp frame. loved that gun. you should try to go shoot several different guns to see what you lke. good luck bro.
-
i had the hk .40 cal. in the usp frame. loved that gun. you should try to go shoot several different guns to see what you lke. good luck bro.
I wish we could, but in the area of MO that we live in, there are no gun ranges that rent weapons for test firing. We're just going to have to go for fit and how they feel "dry firing" and trust my knowledge of recoil associated with different calibers. I wish it were otherwise, but you just have to play the cards you're dealt :-\ Thanks for another endorsement of the HK, though O0
-
that is how i ended up with the hk bro. it felt the best in my hands. the recoil was not bad at all. the most important thing is you and the lay-day being comfortable with whatever you get. keep us updated.
-
yes the HK USP is a polymer frame and it is DA/SA, the only problem I've heard from anyone is that they have a heavy trigger in DA but I like it
Well...a heavy trigger pull can always be lightened by a good gunsmith, and I happen to have one! Thanks Nomad, I now consider the HK's a part of the "in the running" list O0
unfortunately if your lighten the DA the SA will go off on its own by just looking at it, and for some reason I don't think that would be good
-
unfortunately if your lighten the DA the SA will go off on its own by just looking at it, and for some reason I don't think that would be good
Errrr... Yeah... I can think of very few situations in which spontaneous firing would be a good thing :*))
-
Got some good news - the place where we're going to buy the guns (Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, MO) has a gun range on site where you can rent and fire various weapons. This is really exciting to me 'cause it means I can feel the differences in balance and recoil, etc. before I buy.
The front runners for me (I'm a .45 guy) are the Sig P220 (double stack version) and the H&K USP. It seems these guns are pretty much equal. I've been reading reviews on law enforcement & military (spec war) sites, and it really seems to be a "tomatos" "tomatoes" kind of thing. Not that the Taurus is out of the running - or the Springfield Armory... but those 2 are running in the front of the pack.
-
I don't think you could go wrong on either one ....good luck.... O0
-
And the winner was *drum roll*
The Sig P220 Carry, SAO. I ended up choosing the SAO because of my familiarity with 1911 type pistols, which carried over to that gun.
It's seen a little CCW through the summer, but not a lot, as it's hard to conceal under light clothing. However - It'll see it's share when Winter hits. Now I just have to find an OWB holster, for winter... LOL ;D
-
Well damn!!!!! Scotty makes an appearance after a long absence!!! Welcome back!
-
Hehehe...yeah, I've been guilty of a prolonged absence. Hey Mike! I'll do my best to visit more regularly, from here on out. I was reminded to visit after seeing SBG over on Facebook...and I said to myself "Hey, I've got to get back in touch over there, with all the SBG's!" :D
-
Well, day late and a dollar short... I was going to recommend the P-220R Carry SAO. O:O
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi37.tinypic.com%2F29oqq14.jpg&hash=3586e0adc781cec321c4ea51dda419595c03fdca) The holster is made by... are you ready for this?
Ugly Bald Guy! http://www.ubgholsters.com/ O0
-
I truly love my Sig. It eats everything I put in it, and has never had a FTF, stovepipe, or jam of any sort. It is far more accurate than I am. I definitely have the SIGness! :D
Thanks for the tip, Sgt. Pate! That high riding pancake holster seems to be JUST what I'm looking for, for Winter carry. You have almost certainly given UBG another customer. ;D
-
Friend of mine was a big Sig guy. He got shot in the back of the head the other night. Never had time to unbotton his jacket let alone draw his weapon. RIP my friend.
-
Glad to help Horse man... that's an Inside the Waist Band (IWB) holster. It make it possible to conceal that SIG under a large t-shirt in the summer and is very comfortable too! O0
Really sorry for your loss Tom, that's a hard way to lose a friend. :(
-
Tom - I agree with the sarge... and am so sorry for your loss.
Sgt. Pate - I already have a great IWB holster - the Crossbreed Supertuck. I need an OWB now. Pretty sure the one I'm looking at is OWB, buit I wanna call & talk to the guy first.
-
Kramer makes a nice OWB as well as many others. Check out www.defensivecarry.com and look at some of the pictures members there have posted! O0
-
If I may also recommend a site for you (and any others who CCW) I belong to the site www.uscca.us. Now this is a paid forum, it costs about $50 a year - but that price also includes a monthly magazine delivered to your doorstep. I believe there is an option to get just the web site for about $35 a year. I've been extremely impressed and happy with the content of the site and the magazine so far. Being a paid forum, it doesn't get nearly the amount of flame wars and idiocy I've run across on so many free sites.
*DISCLAIMER* I am in no way involved with USCCA beyond being a paid member. I will not gain any reward or perk of any kind, if anyone from here joins. I am just a satisfied customer, spreading the word - and if it makes any difference, I have mentioned SBG over on their site ;D
-
i had the hk .40 cal. in the usp frame. loved that gun. you should try to go shoot several different guns to see what you lke. good luck bro.
I wish we could, but in the area of MO that we live in, there are no gun ranges that rent weapons for test firing. We're just going to have to go for fit and how they feel "dry firing" and trust my knowledge of recoil associated with different calibers. I wish it were otherwise, but you just have to play the cards you're dealt :-\ Thanks for another endorsement of the HK, though O0
Dry firing ain't the wisest thing to do. They sell special dummy rounds if I remember right theyre called snap caps.
-
Lots of debate on the dry fire issue... it surely doesn't hurt to use snap caps for insurance.
But dry fire practice is an outstanding way to keep the muscle memory fresh and the trigger finger ready to "press" the trigger and not slap or jerk it.
A person who regularly does dry fire drills will be a much better shooter than one who doesn't and with ammo prices like they are, it's a great way to train when you can't actually shoot. O0
-
I miss my babies I used to have:
A Ruger 9mm
Ruger 45
.40 derringer 2 shot
jennings .380
charter arms 38 special
-
Ruger 9mm
Bersa .380 for CC
Hammerless Taurus 38 for the wife. Planning to add Crimson Trace Laser Grips to this one.
My next one will be the Taurus 9mm (Mel Gibson Special). This gun is a lot like the Beretta 9mm that I carried in the USAF and with the VA Police.
-
Dry firing the HK .40, or any other modern centerfire semi-auto will NOT cause any damage to the weapon, and as Sgt. Pate suggests is an excellent way to practice (assuming you have been taught correct trigger control). It's only rimfire pistols (primarily .22 caliber) that should not be dry fired.
-
what about revolver's then ozzie?
-
what about revolver's then ozzie?
Same deal as the semi-autos, Freak good buddy. You can dry fire revolvers designed for centerfire cartridges as much as you like, just DO NOT dry fire revolvers that shoot .22 or any other rimfire rounds.
-
I was lookin at old pics with my granddaddy few months back and there was one with him firing an old tompson machine gun. that was bad azz!!! cept I had to listen to a couple hours of war stories after that.
-
I was lookin at old pics with my granddaddy few months back and there was one with him firing an old tompson machine gun. that was bad azz!!! cept I had to listen to a couple hours of war stories after that.
The Thompson is an extremely MEAN machine...and it takes a whole lot of man to control it. I want one :@`
-
I have the Taurus pt99af. It's fun to play with but requires a "Hot bullet" or it will jam and jacketed bullets for a snug fit. The lead bullets are too loose in the barrel. The best I could get at 50 feet was a 2 inch grouping which isn't very good in my opinion. My s&w model 28 has a much tighter group so for accuracy or self defense, I'd prefer the model 28 with Jacketed hollow points. I figure it this way, the s&w has six shots but if I don't hit my target with the first or second shot, I don't deserve to own much less discharge a firearm.
-
Sig 220 is a great tool and IMO the best .45 out of the box for the money, thinking about taking my friends 90's model 220st off him, I've wanted one for a long time, that as well as a Les Baer. Also thinking about picking up a Glock 35 and another 17.
BTW the 220 is perfect for conceal carry, it's a single stack so it's slim like a 1911 ( doesn't have the same low bore axis though ) Good leather I recommend Milt Sparks or Galco, if you wanted Kydex I'd go with Comp-tac or bladetech.
Get that dry firing in and practice all the manipulations/ttp.
-
I CC my 220 during cold weather, using a Crossbreed Supertuck - I find it prints a bit too much for wearing under lightweight clothing, so switch off to my STAR PD, for warm weather CC.
-
well i do know the Kimber makes a alloy fram for the .45.. i am getting a para GI .45 and it is about 600.00
-
Oops, got to go; I hear the voices telling me to go clean the guns; all of them...! :/O :*))
-
I wouldn't get a Kimber or the Para. The reasons being is I'm not a fan of any of the "me too" 1911's that are mass produced, if you are looking for a range gun I guess they're good to go but for a carry gun that I would have to depend on one no thank you, first off Kimber and Para use MIM which is casting metal that is like the pot metal you find on bike pedal arms and so forth...its cheap. I shot my friends brand new Para and as soon as I put in another mag and put the gun back into battery it had a light hammer strike so I did a tap rack bang, no go so I pressed checked the gun and saw that the extractor was already gone as well as the hammer not returning full, real good craftsmanship there. When Kimber first started back in Klakasmas Ore they where a small semi custom shop that made really good 1911's and there where actual smiths that worked on the guns and made sure all the parts worked properly, now Kimber is just a slop shop, cheap parts like the Hammers are Mim and the mainspring housing's are plastic. I've been around the block with 1911's and I have had the luxury of meeting and working with the best 1911 gunsmith today ( he is the uncle of Armand Swenson ) Save your money and get a Les Baer, there true custom 1911's hand fitted and Les uses carbon steel and the best barrels and hammers, best 1911 for the Money and if you dont have the cash I would get a Colt over anything else and run Wilson 47d mags.
-
^^^^^^ much truth ShadowSide does speak ^^^^^^
-
For the record, I tout Baer and his craftsmanship because he is a true machinist by trade, you get the best handgun on the planet for the money. Way back in the day he made and still does today drag strip engines, he's a big Hemi nut from what I understand and I've talked to him a couple of times and any problems you have he'll take care of it. I have a friend who owns 7 thunder ranch models and my best friend's dad bought two in consecutive serial numbers. There's such talk/ meeting of the minds in the handgun world today about which caliber is the best and which gun you should buy. A handgun IMO sucks and is minimal compared to a rifle, now people will argue that what if that's all you have ? well thats all you got and make due with that. I come from where a weapon is a tool and you're the weapon, train with it until it becomes a part of you and learn and ingrain that mindset So why spend top dollar on a true custom 1911 ? because it's proven and in the right hands especially when quality gets behind making one it will be that tool that gets you to that rifle/shotgun that will win that war/fight.....or save your cash get a Glock 17 put some Heinie sights and call it, save the cash get a good rifle/shotgun and whole bunch of ammo to train over and over again.
-
I agree with shadow about Colt as far as a 1911 is concerned. It's not the only way to go but it's my way. An old habit I picked up in the Army.
-
Just a F.W.I.W. type of thing - I belong to a paid forum for CCW-ers. For whatever reason, over about the past 6 months, complaints about failures in Kimbers are becoming kind of commonplace. Apparently, they aren't what they used to be. As for Para Ordinance, they used to have the reputation of being a great gun, once you took 'em to a gunsmith and had them polished up and smoothed out. Not sure if that's changed or not.
Also, regarding Colts - if you want a G.I. style .45, but balk a bit at the price tag Colts carry, Rock Island Armory is making what amounts to a clone of the G.I. .45, which I understand can use any upgrade made for Colts, has from everything I've been told a fantastic reputation of being a rock solid pistol, and with a very friendly price tag.
-
The most common problem that occurs with Kimbers have been jamming, and this could be remedied very simply if the owner simply paid to attention to Kimbers Instruction in regards to breaking it in : Run 500 rounds of 230grn Ball ammo through it before anything else. I personally would recommend 1000+ before anyone decides to run any of the JHP rounds...some of the specialty loads will involve the gun to be tuned by a good smith, the best and simplest thing you can do to a Kimber is follow the break-in, run good mags ( I love Wilson combat and some swear by the Chip McCormicks ) and have a smith do a reliability package. For Para's I could say the same thing, I've shot a tuned and customized P-14 by Novak's awhile back and it was cool. As for Colt, there making a comeback, they have a bunch of models out again, some on the series 70 frame and some series 80/xse frame, they also have the GI style.
-
My Kimber has about 1800 rounds through it without a single issue! ;)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.tinypic.com%2Fx4500p.jpg&hash=62c50e14473b2e09159022c90f647c0fe95fd35f)
-
Are you running an 18lb spring ?
-
Are you running an 18lb spring ?
Yup, 18lb and do for a change. Looking at Wolff Springs. O:O
-
So I guess your TacII is a Tuesday gun since it runs so good ;D
-
LOL...love them Tuesday guns.
-
So I guess your TacII is a Tuesday gun since it runs so good ;D
I just use it for "cans"... (there's an inappropriate joke in that statement somewhere!) :*))
-
Yeah I have a feeling I know where this is going....as you were O0
-
Dang Shadow... that's purdy! :@`
-
Yeah I know, I wish it was mine..... >:(
-
OooooOOOOooh!! Gun Porn! :@` :px
-
Maybe someday I'll get a custom gun. ;)
Here's my Springfield Loaded Champion: (https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi50.tinypic.com%2F1533910.jpg&hash=e9e4c35de7e5485178b4ccaa1d7f56d0f8295c02)
-
You must really like the Commander and officer frame, that looks like a reversed CCO.
-
You must really like the Commander and officer frame, that looks like a reversed CCO.
Yeah, all my 1911's are Commander sized. For me, perfect for shooting and carry.
Here's my S&W 1911SC: (https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi46.tinypic.com%2F10pt0kk.jpg&hash=6bf54805a0f8097169caf95e663764eeec8bc709)
I'm kinda lusting for an Ed Brown Kobra Carry with the Bobtail grip. O:O
What are you carrying Shadow?
-
I'm a government size fan and that's it my friend and I'm not a fan of Brown one freakin bit and not worth the change IMO. I ordered a KobraCarry awhile back for a customer when I was working at the range and as soon as I got the box and examined the gun the rear sights slid right off...I pretty much yelled at the rep and explained to him why in the hell was there no loc tite or anything on the dovetail. Better getting a Baer stinger or a Wilson CQB compact....Nighthawk offers a CCO in bobtail that's pretty cool.
BTW I like the Smith 1911's, and I like those Gunsite grips.
-
I used that Smith at Frontsight new out of the box for a 4 day Defensive Handgun course. I ran over 800 rounds through it with minimal cleaning and re-lube at night and never had a single failure. The checkering on the back strap was a bit too sharp and after 3 days I put a piece of tap on it to save what was left of my hand! :*)) The grips are Aluma Grips, they're nicely made. Smith did a good job on the 1911. O0
Good to know about Brown... too bad that he's slipping in his quality. It's not likely I'll ever spend $2500 on a handgun anyway.
I do want to add a Colt to the group though, naturally a Commander! ;)
-
Sharp like a box of razors, that includes the thumb safety, the springers are the worst though...I like a high grip, maybe dehorned,20lpi or none and run a Gunsite low-mount safety with a S&A magwell. There are so many things you can do with a 1911.
BTW did you enjoy Frontsight ???
Gunsite and Thunder Ranch DVD's are your friend and Clint Smith is a hoot ( and a great guy )
-
I did enjoy Frontsight, got a coupon for the course on e-Bay for $100.00 and practiced a lot. Could draw and fire a controlled pair from concealment in under 2 seconds. But it's a square range and pretty basic. Nothing beats a good CQC course and a shoot house! ;)
I wish I had the loot to go to some other courses with Gabe, Clint and John Farnham. Have you been to any?
I can barely afford to practice what I already know. I have blue guns and dummy rounds and practice the motor skills at home in between heading out to the desert with the targets, steel and shot timer.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.tinypic.com%2F2co396s.jpg&hash=6c866fd5e688dc0406b1c79f466984b22a7c4aa6) The Instructors... the kid on the afr right was a master shooter!
-
No actual classes, the range I used to work it has Louis Awerbuck/ Yavapi and the old intructor that is no longer there was also a provost intructor at Gunsite when Col. Cooper was still owning the place. Between picking Louis's Brain/ and period's of intruction from my boss I got alot of insight. I do want to take a trip up to Thunder Ranch before Clint and Heidi call it quits, from my understanding his arthritis is bad and Clint is just such a cool and great guy and he's a fellow Jarhead.
-
As I said in the beginning of this thread over a year ago, I used to have a full-size Taurus 9mm.
But I've thinking a lot about getting my conceal & carry permit/license.
Been lookin' at snubby revolvers this time....
the S&W 640, 642 & 686.
I like the concealed hammer and like the idea of loading .357 mag so the 640 is lookin' pretty nice.
As far as holsters, prolly gonna go with three to suit the sitch....... an IWB for belted pants & shorts, Ankle for long pants and Belly Band for gym attire.
As far as the Belly Band variety, I just saw this yesterday. http://www.pistolwear.com/index.htm
I'm a big shorts and t-shirt wearer in the warm months.
-
Hey Robmeister,
It's hard to go wrong with a wheelgun - I feel they're far to often overlooked, these days. My wife's CCW weapon is a Taurus 651 - 2" .357 mag. As for the bellyband holster, you might also take a look at www.smartcarry.com - a lot of people that own those rave about them!
-
As far as the Belly Band variety, I just saw this yesterday. http://www.pistolwear.com/index.htm
I'm a big shorts and t-shirt wearer in the warm months.
I would be very skeptical about a concealed carry holster that does not allow you to get hold of your pistol instantly with a master grip. After reviewing the video I must say that any holster that requires you to extract the weapon with a pinch grip on the slide, and then somehow acquire a master (shooting) grip from that precarious position (while presumably under extreme stress) should be avoided like the plague.
The original belly band is a pretty good design though. It works well for the "shorts and t-shirt" set. O0
-
Yeah, Ozzie, I was wondering why he pulled the weapon out like that. I don't think that's of necessity, just a peculiar choice by that "actor." If that is--for whatever reason--of necessity, I'm with you.
IronHorse, yea...I've seen that smart carry. Good one to check out. Have you seen this video on it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfW0bBgnSFw
I do, however, like the idea of a wider strap for tighter, less "dangly" conceal. I won't know till I try some of these on.
Thanks for the input, guys.
-
It's hard to go wrong with a wheelgun - I feel they're far to often overlooked, these days.
I feel they're a bit safer as far as accidental discharge (not to mention even the SLIGHTEST possibility of jamming in a split second, life or death sitch). As much as I loved my Taurus 9mm (which by the way, never jammed), I was always a bit uncomfortable (which is a good thing) with the chambered-round-hammer-back hair trigger point after pulling the slide back. (hence, my interest in the covered hammer of the 640). I was always happy about the double-action where I could release the hammer back down (another uncomfortable moment). These are of course, split second distinctions. But nonetheless eliminated (for me anyway) when handling a revolver.
I read an article today of a guy whose .45 dropped from his belly band in the mens room of a restaurant and discharged upon hitting the floor (imagine the accoustics of that!!) luckily just blowing up the commode...lol.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to start an argument about which is “better” that’s an argument that can’t be won. I simply have gone the full-size semi-auto route….now checking out the snubby wheel gun.
-
As I said in the beginning of this thread over a year ago, I used to have a full-size Taurus 9mm.
But I've thinking a lot about getting my conceal & carry permit/license.
Been lookin' at snubby revolvers this time....
the S&W 640, 642 & 686.
I like the concealed hammer and like the idea of loading .357 mag so the 640 is lookin' pretty nice.
As far as holsters, prolly gonna go with three to suit the sitch....... an IWB for belted pants & shorts, Ankle for long pants and Belly Band for gym attire.
As far as the Belly Band variety, I just saw this yesterday. http://www.pistolwear.com/index.htm
I'm a big shorts and t-shirt wearer in the warm months.
Hey man, I'm an NRA instructor. I'm getting my glock armorer's certification soon and I'm working on s&w cert as well. I'd say go for a 686. I carry my glocks (17,19,23,27,36) in a belly band most of the time, or my desantis "tuck this" when i'm wearing a dress shirt that I need to tuck in. You may want to check out "crossbreed supertuck" holsters http://www.crossbreedholsters.com . They're great holster and they're a Christian company as well. They are hand-made, by 10 people and a small shop. I just ordered 10 for the shop I work at.
-
The S&W 640 is a great gun. The weight of the SS and some good grips make shooting .357 almost enjoyable. ::)
I traded mine for a Glock 36 and some sweet leather but I digress...
Now I carry a M&P 340CT but shooting .357 in it is mind numbing, teeth loosening painful! :XX
I carry Gold Dot +P short barrel ammo in it.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.tinypic.com%2Fxat9hj.jpg&hash=bdf7ca72956e81f0b31012e021a77588aa5ee192)
It serves as my BUG or when I need something easier to conceal than my 1911's or my SIGs. O0
-
Cool stuff, Ice!
Though I didn't see any pics of revolver holsters, I assume they make'm.
Nice photos, Sarge!
-
I have a BIG gun. ::) ;D Or should I say, my gun is bigger than yours. Sorry, no pics. :) Just trying to be funny.
-
Thank you for "no pics"! :*))
-
I recently inherited two guns: a 1949 Colt Detective Special and a Storm & Ruger Security Six .357 6 inch barrel. The .357 is in pretty good shape, but the Colt is in need of some TLC. I want to get it restored. Can you guys recommend anyone?
-
Gimme:
I'm not entirely sure of this, having not spent any time researching it - BUT - given the age of that Colt, it may be worth more as a collector gun in it's present condition than it would be if you had it refinished. You might spend a little time researching it, before you ruin any collector value it may have by making it nice & shiny. If this isn't a big concern for you, And you want it as a "shooter," at the very least, I'd take it to a local gunsmith for a thorough cleaning and inspection, to be sure it's safe to shoot with modern ammunition.
-
I'll take some pics when I get home and you tell me what you think.
-
I spent a little time researching, and it appears that the Colt you have, in 85 - 90% original condition are selling for between $500 and $600, if you have the .38 special version of it. Not sure of the price if it's a .32 or .38 New Police. The $5-600 price tag is respectable, but doesn't indicate huge collector interest in these. So you've probably got yourself a "shooter." One thing I saw stressed time and again, in the limited research I did, is that the .38 special version of these shouldn't be shot much (if at all) with +p loads.
Here's a link to a page where you can tell the year your Colt was made in, based on the serial # - http://www.guncollectorsclub.com/detective.htm
-
The S&W 640 is a great gun. The weight of the SS and some good grips make shooting .357 almost enjoyable. ::)
I traded mine for a Glock 36 and some sweet leather but I digress...
Now I carry a M&P 340CT but shooting .357 in it is mind numbing, teeth loosening painful! :XX
I carry Gold Dot +P short barrel ammo in it.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.tinypic.com%2Fxat9hj.jpg&hash=bdf7ca72956e81f0b31012e021a77588aa5ee192)
It serves as my BUG or when I need something easier to conceal than my 1911's or my SIGs. O0
Lightweight belly revolvers + 158grn +p loads = PAIN !!!
Pate you have to be a glutton for punishment.....I remember I was working on the timing on a couple of airlites for a customer in .38, that was the most unpleasant experience ever. I even bloodied my thumb, no thank you I'll stick to something a little bigger for CCW.
-
I recently inherited two guns: a 1949 Colt Detective Special and a Storm & Ruger Security Six .357 6 inch barrel. The .357 is in pretty good shape, but the Colt is in need of some TLC. I want to get it restored. Can you guys recommend anyone?
Not sure pending on the condition of the gun if its worth it, if there's rust or pitting in the revolver or barrel than it's probably not worth it, the problem with a detectives special is that they are so common that ask yourself is it worth it and are you gonna go over the actual price of the gun for a gun smith to refinish it and do a action and reliability job but if you want to do it I would suggest Cylinder and Slide inc .....Pate any thoughts on this matter ???
-
Lightweight belly revolvers + 158grn +p loads = PAIN !!!
Pate you have to be a glutton for punishment.....I remember I was working on the timing on a couple of airlites for a customer in .38, that was the most unpleasant experience ever. I even bloodied my thumb, no thank you I'll stick to something a little bigger for CCW.
.38s are okay but I don't shoot much else because I am a recoil wimp with that thing! It's primarily a back-up gun or deep concealment on rare occasion. :*))
I think my Glock 36 is bordering on "not fun to shoot"! :P
-
Not a fan of the 36, I like the 30 but my favorite sub-comp hands down is the P2000sk, 9mm, 40 or in .357 sig
-
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh275%2FEverything_Goes%2FDSC03744.jpg&hash=f526392864f8a13e810dc209aaec929757eabd63)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh275%2FEverything_Goes%2FDSC03746.jpg&hash=f03e60a22ab9524645826f60260c3286e9f200bb)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi258.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh275%2FEverything_Goes%2FDSC03749.jpg&hash=04cc7145b32693f85241a8bff00ad86d58226596)
After reading your comments, not sure what to do. ???
-
It's a 32 btw.
-
This DS looks sweet.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guncollectorsclub.com%2Fimages%2F1965_Det_Sp.JPG&hash=11261bb7e1e167ed678240046f49465e29767d33)
-
A little further research yielded this thread about the .32 New Police round:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=216474
I'll leave you to make up your own mind, but it looks as if ammo would be tough to find. Of course, if the gun has great sentimental value to you by all means, have it re-blued and make it a cherished heirloom.
On the plus side, that Ruger looks ready to make a trip to the range - maybe give it a quick cleaning first.
-
I got a quote: $300 reblueing and $1k for complete restoration. Out of the question. >:(
-
I got a quote: $300 reblueing and $1k for complete restoration. Out of the question. >:(
Yikes! I'd look for more quotes!
-
You may not be looking for revolvers, but I have the Ruger SP101 and it works for concealed carry very well. My wife can shoot it with .38 special and I can shoot .357 Magnum if I choose. She's not interested in CCW, but she is home alone sometimes while I'm traveling. There's a lot of flexibility in the SP101.
For pistols, I'd check out the S&W M&P 9mm Compact.