.38spl +P Gold Dots in my J-frame are a pretty stout shooting little round. Don't think I'd want to shoot much .357 in a similarly lightweight carry revolver. Those light hammerless .357s are also pretty darn expensive last I looked, at least the S&Ws. Like $600+ versus $350-ish for a .38. My J-frame is great for .38 +P but if I wanted to carry a .357 I'd go with the SP101. Little more mass to carry, but it's not big deal if you carry IWB, and it's more shooter friendly for practicing at the range.

Walther PPS -

Nice. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Have one you want to sell me cheap, Phil? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Good holster availability is a consideration. I'm not sure if youre gonna get a holster for that.

Your size and shape are important when it comes to concealing a firearm. Which one of these gents do you mostly resemble?


How much experience do you have with handguns? Will you carry this 24/7? Do you have a wife or children at home? Will someone other than yourself use this firearm?

I buy used guns but you should be able to find a decent brand new handgun for well under $500.00. If there is a range nearby that rents firearms it would be worthwhile to try a few different guns before you plunk down some hard earned cash for one.

I'd prefer to find a nice used gun. I'm not sure how often I'll carry...but regardless, I'm going to do a lot of shooting with it. The range Thursday night was a rude awakening at how rusty my skills were, and that was in optimal conditions, no adrenaline, etc. I'm pretty sure I've ruled out any kind of semi-auto...the reliability of a good wheel gun appeals to me. a hammerless double action .357 is what I'm leaning towards.

g19. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I've recently got into wheel guns after almost 2 decades of being trained and using plastic autos (Glocks). And I'll tell you what, it's opened up a whole new world for me that I thoroughly enjoy. They definately take some practice, especially in terms of reloading, once you learn the proper technique, but there's little worry of them not going boom or jams, or at least the types of jams, found with the autos.

One of my favorite concealed carry revolvers in the Ruger SP101 in 2". After working on the action, it's quite smooth and shoots wonderfully and WAY over built for a gun it's size.

I also have an alloy S&W J-frame. The only thing I like about that gun is how light it is. I absolutely hate shooting it. Trigger is horrible and it hurts to shoot, with +P .38s or magnums. However, I purchased a used S&W Model 66 in 4" and that is now one of my most favorite guns. Beautiful shooter, great trigger, but a little big for concealed carry. I'm looking around for a shorter barrel version, although it would still be pretty big for concealed carry. The 66 is my new woods gun, loaded with Buffalo Bore .357, 180 grain hard cast bullets.

The SP101 with an inside pants holster or the clipdraw is pretty much my concealed carry these days. The J frame goes with me when I don't want to know I have a gun and when I least expect to actually need anything.

Oh and my glocks are gathering dust now. Except for one, but that's only because I don't have a choice. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Actually, I still have nothing against Glocks. My bedside gun is my trusty old Glock 23, with a mounted light.

Hit this link and look at the S&W #64, a stainless version of the venerable S&W #10, a medium frame, six shot, .38 special revolver.
This was the standard issue police revolver for many years, and was originally called the M&P (military & police), began production in 1899. Most anyone from eight years old on up can carry and shoot this revolver.

Also, once on the site, click "used handguns" and see other versions of this gun for sale. These are police trade-ins, with no hammer spur, set up for DAO (double action only) shooting. A firearm from out of state would have to be shipped by the seller to a dealer in your area where you could sign for it, and pay your dealer a small fee.

I currently own three S&W #10's, have probably owned a truckload of them since I was nineteen years old. They will handle standard target loads, +P high performance loads, as well as shotshells.
J&G Sales

Um...yer dang link don't go nowhere. Just doubles back onto this here thread's page. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />