Light weight carry revolvers

[dvmcmr]

Daily carry of a revolver for self protection purposes can sometimes be a pain in the butt, as anyone that carries will know, and obviously weight is a major factor in that pain in the butt factor.

There are a whole lot of lite weight revolvers out there today in all sorts of configurations and types of materials they are made from.
Lots of them with plastic grip frames and titanium or aluminum cylinders and frame parts.

I like to know how well I can shoot with any firearm and want to practice regularly with them, no matter what their intended use is, whether for protection, hunting, target shooting, competition, or just plinking. I spend time and money doing that as well, as anyone should.

That being said, and given the light weight of so many carry guns today, I personally don't like to shoot those light weight guns as though they were made from traditional materials like 4140 steel, or a good 400 series stainless. I just don't think they hold up well enough to regular usage and practice. especially with full blown loads.

I know they are engineered to deal with the pressures, and ballistics, and I know the materials of today are no where near what plastics used to be 20-30 years ago, but I just can't get past the idea that light weight materials are good enough for using the way older, more traditional guns were made.

Am I just being completely old fashioned, or is there some merit to what I say?

[Luvs2Play]

I am looking for a revolver to carry, and I am not sure what I want to get. If plastic was bad, would they continue to make so many of them? Weight is only one thing I look at though, I also want it to have a bit of weight to it for a little recoil control.

I am going to look at all of them this year. What I really want is a 9mm revolver for CC, that way I will have plenty of cheap ammo to shoot with.

[dvmcmr]

The only one I know of offhand is the Taurus, and I know how you feel about them.
I have considered getting one myself simply because of the cheaper cost to practice.

They have a .40 too, which I'd like.

[olderthandirt]

think back to the first m16 that were used in the early to mid stages of viet nam. that was almost 50 yrs ago and they have been improving the composites ever since.

[Luvs2Play]

A .40 would be good too. I'm not going to go with Taurus though. I have never owned one, and they may be okay.

[olderthandirt]

Geo recommended this gun so I took his advice and bought one. It's a S&W model 642 airweight 38spl +p It's accurate for 15-20 yds and in that I mean I can put 5 out of five shots on a paper plate. It's extremly light and has a bit of a recoil but not terrible. My wife keeps it above her bed at night in case the shotgun misses. LMAO

[Judge Roy Bean]

I like that S&W Mac, what did it run?

[olderthandirt]

Going for around $350 now Geoff

[Luvs2Play]

I was looking at those too, but I want to stay with .357 because I seem to have a lot more of that than 38.

[dvmcmr]

The airweight is a nice piece. The other half has an LCR which is a bit pricey for what it is, but the trigger on it is slick for a DAO.

[GEO]

Geo recommended this.... My wife keeps it above her bed at night....

why MAC...I am impressed that I would be so close to her.....


GEO :D :D

[olderthandirt]

why MAC...I am impressed that I would be so close to her.....


GEO :D :D

Then you should feel all warm and fuzzy inside if you seen how she caresses it and kisses it goodnight, sometimes even in the middle of the day

[1shot1k]

I believe a CC revolver makes a great and reliable carry weapon...

As for post...I do not believe you should be concerned with the "newer" materials etc..
They all just have found ways to make arms cheaper and faster...and yes...lighter as well...


From actual experience, real life experience, I dont see how one can be poorly armed with a
.38 spl revolver. "I " am no big fan of the +p or overloads....as I do not see a reason for taking
the chance(es) of over penetration in a "typical" close quarter exchange....as about all defensive
uses are....the very reason I am no fan of the 9mm....the velocity...and of course....if I wanted half a .38,
I'd saw my own bullets....;)

This past Xmas, as Luv's knows, I sold my old trusted Colt Detective Special to get our grandgirls
bikes and etc..(we're raising them now )...so...I am definitely in search of another carry snubbie...

I wouldnt mind one of the newer composite models at all....as the barrels are well made per steel used...
and the light weight is a sure factor....:cool:

I am no personal fan of the included lasers ( S&W BDy GRD ) etc....but...that is the way they are
all headed....I suspect when I get the funds...I will find an old reliable snubbie in one of the 1000's
area pawn shops around FT. Worth etc....and then I will fill "non nikked " again...



my 2 1/2 cents LOL


1shot

[GEO]

...sometimes even in the middle of the day

you ain't serious are you.... you don't mean after like 12:01 pm......

as in like a NOONER!!!!! whooohoooo!!!!


GEO :cool:

[Berserker]

I do wonder if it is a good idea to put thousands of rounds through ligh weight carry gun. everything wears. You will not be sharp shooting with a carry gun. Speaking from my bowels, being a good shot in general, practicing good habits, will help you even with a gun you fire occasionally.

If you really wanted to be anal, buy two identical guns, one for practice and one for carry.


I would like to check out S&W light weigths and Ruger LCR?, the 15 ounce revolver they make. Modern S&Ws have locks. I am a big fan of S&W, but not sure if I will ever buy a new one.

I got a 25 ounce SP101 which shoots ok, being heavy, but if I had to much money or see something shiny some day, I may get something even lighter.

[bigweatherby]

I think there is something to be said for a nice revolver is 38 that won't sag your pocket. However, they just don't feel quite right to me.
A plastic revolver is nice though for carrying. You don't have to worry about rust or scratches.