That new revolver, my new EDC, came to my hand with a Crimson Trace laser grip.
The revolver itself is one I've been looking at for quite a while. A Smith and Wesson Model 60 in .357 Magnum with the 3" barrel. Adjustable rear sight, Crimson Trace grips. I'm no stranger to the Model 60 in particular and J-frames in general, having carried them on-and-off for 40 years.
I'm one of those old curmudgeons who think that revolvers are still relevant in the self-defense world. I'm also of the opinion that the most beautiful revolver ever produced is the old Colt Navy. Sleek lines, beautiful in concept, it is a stunningly beautiful revolver. I think that the Smith and Wesson classic revolvers come in at a close 2nd place. This is NOT to say that I hold semiautos in disdain. Quite the contrary, I am an acolyte of John Moses Browning, and I think that Gaston Glock makes some fine pistols. But, they ain't as pretty as a classic revolver.
I am old enough to t remember when Marshall and Sanow did their research and came to the conclusion that the best caliber to stop a gunfight was the .357 magnum. Specifically, Federal's 125 grain load. I have no wish to get into a gunfight, but if I have to, I choose to go old-school with a caliber known for winning gunfights.
Back to that laser grip. The biggest problem that most shooters face is trigger control. The sights must stay aligned with the target during the firing sequence. A bit of dry fire with a laser will show a shooter where the problem lie. If you can't keep that laser on the target through the trigger squeeze, then the sights won't be on the target when the bullet leaves the muzzle.
I've been doing quite a bit of dry fire lately, and the trigger squeeze is getting a lot better.
well, my MOM had a old Smith that she was very fond of and good with, a old 38 spl. she kept loaded with 148 grain wadcutters. I think it had a 4 inch bull style barrel on it. one hand shooting and she used to shot the center out at 25 yards all day long with it.
ReplyDeleteI pretty sure it was a pre war model. one of her uncles (cop) got it for her back in the day.
In a revolver barrel that short, I cannot shoot accurately for long. The very loud report causes me to begin to involuntarily flinch.
ReplyDeleteNow .38Spcl. semi-wadcutters at moderate speed - okay. My ranch carry loads is one shotshell (poisonous snake repellant0 followed by semi-wadcutters. I was sorry to see Fedral 125 gr. Nyclad bullets disappear - I hoarded them to the very end.
That is a very handsome revolver - congratulations on finding someone who was ready to part with it.
Nice find, and yes, the laser WILL show you your errors! And dry fire will help you correct that! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe old W-W whitebox 110gr .357 mag "Treasury" load is ranked nearly as high as the Federal 125gr .357 load, and is much easier to shoot though a short barrel/ lighter revolver. It's my go-to load in my M13 S&W.
ReplyDeleteLucky Gunner has the W-W whitebox .357 110gr Treasury loads for $36/box of 50, lowest price I have found.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.luckygunner.com/winchester-357-mag-ammo-for-sale-357mag110jhpwinusa-50
125gr Remington jhp. Dirt cheap, accurate enough, nearly explosive at full power .357 speeds. Granted you may have to work up a fast powder load for such s short barrel. Muzzle flash from some powders might be like using WW296. Love that stuff; the fireball is awesome. Try good old unique or hs6?
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