Author Topic: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver  (Read 7537 times)

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Offline Elderberry

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How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« on: April 21, 2018, 01:10:53 pm »
GETZONE Caleb Giddings; Originally published in the February 2015 issue of GunUp the Magazine.

There are better choices for concealed carry than a wheelgun. Semi-automatic pistols are easier to shoot, easier to reload, and easier to manipulate. I am a huge revolver fanboy, but I’m also honest with the fact that a round-gun is not going to be optimal for most people. But if you are going to build a defensive revolver for carry, then here are a few things you must have.

The Modern Defensive Revolver has to be a gun that you’re going to actually carry, and is actually shootable enough that you’ll train with it. So, for starters it can’t be a flyweight micro-gun. The Ruger LCRs and Smith & Wesson Airweights are great guns, but they’re not in the niche of what we’re looking for here because you’re not going to take a 500-round class with a Scandium J-Frame. So, the first criteria of a Modern Defensive Revolver is this:

It must be comfortable to shoot with defensive .38 Special ammo

The bottom end of guns that are comfortable to shoot with full house .38 +P loads are the all-steel small guns like the Ruger SP101 or the steel J-Frames such as a the 640 Pro Series.

The reason that we want an MDR to be a bit heavier than the airweight guns its because we’re not viewing this gun as a backup; the modern defensive revolver is your primary carry gun. Because it’s your primary, you should train and practice with it. That brings us to the next criteria for a Modern Defensive Revolver.

It must have good sights

The traditional revolver gutter rear sight with a black front post is fine for shooting paper on a well lit range, but it’s not ideal for shooting smelly badguys in the face at 2am. The gun should have some kind of illuminated sights; while night sights are the best choice, I’d be willing to accept fiber optic or gold bead sights as well. Something that allows you to have a shot (ha) at target acquisition in low-light. Which brings us to the third criteria.

More: https://www.getzone.com/modern-defensive-revolver/?trk_msg=DU38I51CE9E4FCLRS4VASB6N20&trk_contact=ETNB2UCT0H9MK2KQU3QF4VNU5C&trk_sid=SM3MG4UROLUKHNAJ2LA15UV9VK

Offline Victoria33

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2018, 02:00:49 pm »
@Elderberry

I have one of the three he recommended - Ruger LCR, 38+P special, hidden hammer, isn't going to catch on anything when pulled from purse.  Easily fits in my purse that has a place for it.  It has a red laser so I don't miss.  Hollow point cartridges. He lists it as:
"Ruger LCR in .38 Special: Add Crimson Trace Laser Grip and XS Big Dot front sight."

Hand weapons have a mental part - don't draw it unless you are for sure ready to fire it.  Don't assume the target person is going to be scared of your gun and run away. 

There is one weapon that might cause someone to flee and that is a shotgun when it is "racked".  That sound means don't be in front of that weapon or you are going to be dead.  Bad guys know a shotgun is going to splatter them apart.  I have a Remington shotgun and slug cartridges.  I also have a long rifle used in the civil war, in excellent condition.  It is so heavy I don't know how guys lifted it to fire it.

Offline XenaLee

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2018, 02:09:20 pm »
I'm looking for something just as powerful as the 9mm I have, but a lighter (or smaller) 9mm to carry in my purse (purse has a middle zipped pouch).  The one I have is getting a bit hefty to haul around lately....lol. 

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Offline Meldrew

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #3 on: April 21, 2018, 02:33:34 pm »
LCR in 327 federal magnum.  Shoot 32 S&W long for plinking, 327 magnum when you mean it.  Sweet shooting little revolver if you must have a wheel gun. 

Offline Elderberry

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #4 on: April 21, 2018, 02:47:49 pm »
I'm looking for something just as powerful as the 9mm I have, but a lighter (or smaller) 9mm to carry in my purse (purse has a middle zipped pouch).  The one I have is getting a bit hefty to haul around lately....lol.

@XenaLee

If you changed to a 38 Special Air-Weight revolver, the drop in weight would be considerable. There would be some loss in energy.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/9mm%20vs%2038%20Special.htm

Offline Bigun

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #5 on: April 21, 2018, 03:12:25 pm »
I'm looking for something just as powerful as the 9mm I have, but a lighter (or smaller) 9mm to carry in my purse (purse has a middle zipped pouch).  The one I have is getting a bit hefty to haul around lately....lol.

@XenaLee

I'll bet you would LOVE one of these!

https://www.sigsauer.com/store/p938-select-micro-compact.html

But you must always remember that if you are carrying a 9mm with a less than 4" barrel there is only one real ammo choice.  Federal HST.

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« Last Edit: April 25, 2018, 03:58:42 pm by Bigun »
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Offline Elderberry

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #6 on: April 21, 2018, 04:04:25 pm »
My son has a Sig sub compact 9mm. I just love that gun! Must be the 938, I just don't remember the model#

Offline XenaLee

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #7 on: April 21, 2018, 04:28:44 pm »
If you changed to a 38 Special Air-Weight revolver, the drop in weight would be considerable. There would be some loss in energy.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/9mm%20vs%2038%20Special.htm

Oooh...you know, I think I had seen that Bersa Thunder before and considered it a great option to try but I had forgotten the name of it.  Thanks!!!
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Offline XenaLee

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #8 on: April 21, 2018, 04:31:28 pm »
My son has a Sig sub compact 9mm. I just love that gun! Must be the 938, I just don't remember the model#

I really like the looks of that P290... and it's only 20.5 oz!

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2010/10/28/new-sig-p290-sub-compact-9mm/
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Offline Meldrew

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2018, 04:33:55 pm »
If you changed to a 38 Special Air-Weight revolver, the drop in weight would be considerable. There would be some loss in energy.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/9mm%20vs%2038%20Special.htm

There would also be a big increase in snappiness.  That is not a gun that most people like to shoot, especially newbs. 

Offline Elderberry

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #10 on: April 21, 2018, 05:02:30 pm »
There would also be a big increase in snappiness.  That is not a gun that most people like to shoot, especially newbs.

She could always go with a Browning, but this is a revolver thread.



How about a 22 Mini-Mag?


Offline Meldrew

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #11 on: April 21, 2018, 05:22:01 pm »
She could always go with a Browning, but this is a revolver thread.

Yeah, there's the rub.  That's why I mentioned the 327.  In my experience it is the only little revolver that folks sorta like to shoot and can reasonably keep on target especially when loaded with the 32 S&W.  (Insert gratuitious 1911 superiority comment here).

Good shootin' to ya...

Offline Elderberry

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #12 on: April 21, 2018, 05:46:37 pm »
I've always been interested in .32 revolvers. Looking at the 327 LCR, its the same size, weight, and price as the .357. With that 357, if you're not a reloader, you still have the full range of power, from wadcutter 38 target loads, to full power 357 Ammo. And 327 and 32 S&W ammo is running twice the price of 38 and 357 ammo, on average.

I always wanted a Ruger Single-Six chambered in 32 H&R. My only 32s are a CZ70 and a Kel Tec P32.

Offline Meldrew

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #13 on: April 21, 2018, 07:12:20 pm »
My only 32s are a CZ70 and a Kel Tec P32.

CZ70!  If i had the patience to find the "drooling" smiley it would be right here.  I recently got an 82 that I pretty much love and I can only imagine that the 32 cal is at least as lovely if not better as a pure shooter.

Sorry to derail the revolver thread but I couldn't help myself. 

Offline Elderberry

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #14 on: April 21, 2018, 07:22:08 pm »
Collector's Firearms had several CZ83s in 32 ACP, but they all got snatched up. I picked up one in 380. I'm still looking for one in 32. I also have a CZ52 and a CZ75.

Offline txradioguy

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #15 on: April 25, 2018, 12:57:15 pm »
I've got the Rock Island Armory M203 and it's my summertime carry.  Direct copy of the old Detective Special and current Colt Cobra. A little hefty but it's a six shot and tucks away better than my 1911 or my P320 when I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

The only thing I can ding this revolver for is the sights.  But I'm working on a fix for that.

My wife's pride and joy is her SP101 in .357 magnum.  She decided early on she wanted a revolver to start with when we both began shooting two years ago.  "I don't want a girlie gun" is what she told me.  She's got a concealed carry purse she uses with her Ruger and it goes with her all the time sometimes even to work...but she has to leave it in the car.

I think the 5 or six shot revolver will make a comeback at some point due to the fact that the gun grabbers seem to have it out for semi-automatic pistols and magazines with a capacity greater than 10...the appeal of a firearm self defense that has at least the capacity of a sub compact semi automatic for a good price will help those that want to defend themselves in states that are unfriendly to gun owners continue to be able to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights.

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Offline txradioguy

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #16 on: April 25, 2018, 12:58:19 pm »
I'm looking for something just as powerful as the 9mm I have, but a lighter (or smaller) 9mm to carry in my purse (purse has a middle zipped pouch).  The one I have is getting a bit hefty to haul around lately....lol.

@XenaLee

If you want semi auto...Sig has a new pistol out you should look at...the P365.
The libs/dems of today are the Quislings of former years. The cowards who would vote a fraud into office in exchange for handouts from the devil.

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Offline thackney

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #17 on: April 25, 2018, 01:01:37 pm »
I've got the Rock Island Armory M203 and it's my summertime carry....

M203 for carry?  Man you must wear some baggy pants:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M203_grenade_launcher
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Offline txradioguy

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #18 on: April 25, 2018, 01:13:00 pm »
M203 for carry?  Man you must wear some baggy pants:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M203_grenade_launcher

 :silly:

Nah just a very strong belt.
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Online sneakypete

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #19 on: April 25, 2018, 01:20:25 pm »


It must be comfortable to shoot with defensive .38 Special ammo

 

Say WHAT? You can't shoot 38 Special ammunition in 44 Special revolvers. I thought everybody knew that?

And anybody that buys and carries a 38 Special when they have the option of buying and carrying a 44 Special revolver is a fool.
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Online sneakypete

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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #20 on: April 25, 2018, 01:22:11 pm »
I'm looking for something just as powerful as the 9mm I have, but a lighter (or smaller) 9mm to carry in my purse (purse has a middle zipped pouch).  The one I have is getting a bit hefty to haul around lately....lol.

It would be helpful to know what you have now so we know where the upper limit begins.
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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #21 on: April 25, 2018, 01:25:33 pm »
LCR in 327 federal magnum.  Shoot 32 S&W long for plinking, 327 magnum when you mean it.  Sweet shooting little revolver if you must have a wheel gun.

You are going the wrong way. You are not hunting thick-skinned game that is off in the distance. What you want is a big,heavy bullet at moderate velocity that doesn't over-penetrate. With big,heavy bullets,you don't need high velocity.

Think 44 Special with a 3 inch barrel for most people,or 45 Long Colt with a 4.5 or 5 inch barrel if concealment is not a problem.
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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #22 on: April 25, 2018, 01:34:13 pm »
If you changed to a 38 Special Air-Weight revolver, the drop in weight would be considerable. There would be some loss in energy.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/9mm%20vs%2038%20Special.htm

You would GAIN in energy if you used 148 grain hollowbase swagged wadcutters. 9MM's rely on velocity to deliver their punch because of the light bullet weight. Most 9MM rounds tend to pass right through most bodies without slowing down a whole lot unless they hit bone.

If you reload,you can load the hollow base swagged wadcutters backwards for more "ummmph" when they hit. I loaded up a bunch this way over a load of Unique that I will NOT mention for several of the office women I worked with when I was condemned to work in an office in Denver. They found out I knew about guns and were interested in a home defense gun,so I fixed them up. Swagged bullets are soft and unlikely to over-penetrate,but even at 800 fps or so,they definitely expand. IIRC,my test loads were expanding to 68 to 72 caliber when fired into sand. Good loads for social interactions,but NOT the loads for a carry guy if you think you might be shooting in a car. For that you would want cast bullets or jacketed bullets.

Mo betta in 44 Special,though. No,I am NOT a sporting gentleman.
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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #23 on: April 25, 2018, 01:38:40 pm »
There would also be a big increase in snappiness.  That is not a gun that most people like to shoot, especially newbs.

It's not made for Plus P ammo,so why would you shoot it in a airweight?

Screw the  hyper-velocity light-weight bullets. Go for the 140 to 158 grain wadcutters at standard velocity in a 38. If you want high-velocity,sell the 38 and buy a 357 Magnum.
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Re: How to Choose Your Modern Defensive Revolver
« Reply #24 on: April 25, 2018, 01:52:26 pm »
She could always go with a Browning, but this is a revolver thread.



How about a 22 Mini-Mag?



The little mini-revolvers are neat,but I sure would hate to try to pull one,get a grip on it,and then cock the hammer and fire it in an emergency.

Forget the mini semi-autos. They are all striker-fired,and unsafe to carry with a round in the chamber. Like the mini-revolver,they are also hard to grip and load in an emergency because they are so tiny,and because you would be in panic-mode. Also,I NEVER recommend a semi-auto for someone new to guns because no matter how many times they will lie about it,they are scared of the gun and will refuse to carry it with a round in the chamber. If you need a gun,you need a gun NOW,and "NOW" is not the time to be fumbling with it while trying to pull back the slide and load it.

Revolvers are the original "point and click" devices.
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