Mrs. CJ wants a home defense & carry option for herself.

[Log9mm]

I own a 442, which is exactly the same as the 642 only with a blue finish. Unfortunately I fear the recoil will be a little much for your wife, even with standard .38 loads. Like said by previous posters, the lighter the weapon the harder it kicks. I find the 442 difficult to shoot for more than 30 or 40 rounds in a session as it simply becomes uncomfortable and even a little painful. I've shot some steel snubs like the S&W 640 which are a lot more comfortable, and I can shoot more .357s out of my friends Ruger SP 101 than I can .38s out my 442. FWIW I would probably steer clear of the airweights, at least for her first and most trained with weapon. Good Luck!

-Logan

[TonyF]

Originally Posted by CoyoteJack

She has shot the Rossi with .38's in it as well. While it is heavier do you think the recoil is that much more significant in the airweights?

Absolutely. An airweight with std. pressure .38spl is oftentimes too much recoil for many shooters.

A balance has to be struck between portability (carry) and shoot-a-bility. As was mentioned in a previous reply, if it is uncomfortable to shoot, she won't want to shoot it enough to become proficient.

In a revolver I'd recommend an all steel J frame. There is a variant of the model 60 that also has a 3 inch barrel providing a bit longer sight radius which will make it somewhat easier to shoot. It weighs about 24 oz which is about what a subcompact glock weighs. It isn't heavy per se but it is substantial enough to help dampen recoil.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...egory_rn=15704

[Log9mm]

I second the 3" M60. I've shot one and find it not only much more comfortable to shoot, but much easier to shoot efficiently with the improved sight radius and actual better sights. Sounds like it could be the perfect give and take for the purposes you wife is looking to fulfill. Again best of luck in your search!

-Logan

[reverserboy]

I own 2 Ruger sp 101s. One in a 3" the other is a 2 1/4". I got them used for 300$ each. They are well built,shoot well & are moderatly priced. The shorter barrel carries great in a Smartcarry holster. Being Rugers they will hold up for many years & thousands of rounds of the hottest .357 mag. I have never shot .38 through either of mine,although it is an option.

If you plan on doing lots of shooting,a Ruger will hold up better than a Rossi or Taurus or dare I say a Smith & Wesson.

Being all steel is a double edge sword. The weight helps tame recoil but it's there when you carry it.

A 3" snout will carry nice in a fannypack or belt holster. The longer barrel with a Hogue rubber grip will help with recoil.

If using a snub for defense,I recommend .357mag,if you can.

[Michele]

Although the .38spcl is easily carried and light weight, its punchy. You (a woman) probably can't shoot this for long at the range. Last time at the shoot, I put about 20 rounds thru my 5 shot, and man did my hand ache. Almost numb. Then forget about +P, its agony.
Coming from a womans point of view, first choice would not be a spcl for using often.
Just my nickels worth.
Are you coming to the shoot? I see you live in Erie county so do I. Maybe we could meet up somewhere, she could try mine before she buys a spcl. I also have a small .9mm she might like. Just a thought.

[Log9mm]

Hi Michele, I would just like to clarify that the .38 special round itself is not all that much of a demon with recoil, as is the weapon you're shooting it out of. From what I understand from reading your posts you have a small lightweight snub. I own one as well and wow does that thing kick. Can even be painful after a while and I am a relatively big guy. But when I put those same .38s in my S&W 686 it almost feels like a bb gun it is so mild. On that note I have been fortunate enough to shoot a pretty rare S&W 940 (is a small lightweight revolver chambered in 9mm and uses moon clips). As a 9mm semi auto owner I didn't expect much recoil, but wow it hurt more than the .38s out of mine. Those experiences taught me that recoil isn't as much about the type of round as it is about the size and weight of the firearm. Hence the term "perceived recoil". With that said I wouldn't want to discourage her from shooting .38s, just simply from shooting them out of a small lightweight revolver, which we both know can freaking hurt! But hey maybe the small 9 would be better for her afterall. Who knows?

-Logan

[Michele]

I have a .38 snub. I bought it on a friends recommendation. Because its small and it fit my hand and I can hide it anywhere.
That gun hurts. Not something for the faint of heart. People think because its small its puny. It is not. Its got tremendous stopping power. I definitely hold this gun in high regard for self defense, actually I would choose it over my .9mm.
I have a XD .9mm sub compact. I love the gun. The recoil is so slight I can shoot that all day long. Its a great gun for a woman. Lightweight and easily concealed. And its fun at the range.
As far as defense? My .38 hands down. Would I trust my life to my .38, yes I would. Actually its the one I carry.

[reverserboy]

I have a .38 snub. I bought it on a friends recommendation. Because its small and it fit my hand and I can hide it anywhere.
That gun hurts. Not something for the faint of heart. People think because its small its puny. It is not. Its got tremendous stopping power. I definitely hold this gun in high regard for self defense, actually I would choose it over my .9mm.

.38 snub......"tremendous stopping power"...I don't think so. I would not even say that about either of my .45s or my 10mm. I'll save that for my 12 gauge shottys.

With the right loads...your 9mm probably hits harder.

As far as punchy....try a snub (all steel.....lightweight guns in this caliber are not for the faint of heart) in .357mag. It's a bit snotty when it goes off. I like mine although it's not a gun you would shoot all day. After about 40 rounds the web of my hand starts to hurt......good motivation to shoot a few rounds lefty...which I believe everyone should do. Try one if you can. You may end up trading your .38.

Sometimes good carry guns don't make good range guns.

My point is don't be overconfident in that .38 as a stopper. It's not much more than a .380 if at all out of a short barrel. Be aware of its limitations.

[dgg9]

Originally Posted by Michele

Its got tremendous stopping power.

Don't confuse perceived recoil with stopping power...

[nfafan]

JMHO; find a nice used Charter Arms Bulldog .44. Smallish, light, plenty of punch.