Looking at getting wife a .357 for Christmas

When it comes to revolvers I love a good Smith & Wesson which is why I would recommend a "Lady Smith" :wink: They are very well made and ment to fit in the hand of a lady. You said that she has a problem with recoil so the smaller frame style of the "Lady Smith" will be easier for her to wrap her hands around for better control but beaware of the .357's recoil, they pack a punch and she might lose the gun. The Model 60LS would be the choice for .357 and can be used as a single or a double action revolver. Hope everything works out

Checkout this link for all the details:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/ ... y_rn=15704

With that sort of strength/grip problems, I'd stick with .38 loads... in fact, maybe just a .38 wheelgun instead of a .357. When TSHTF, one pop with a full-house .357, and she'd probably lose the gun. There is a whole lotta recoil difference between a .38 (even a +P) and a .357.

Also, take a look at a Ruger SP 101 with Hogue grips... available in either .38 or .357, 2" or 3" barrel.

If the wife is prone to grip problems, I would tend towards .38 or even .380. Better that she can shoot and hold onto her gun than just get off one shot and lose it, IMO. You also need to keep in mind the gun's weight and balance. :wink:

I would recommend a S&W model 10 (38special) or something similar. Very easy to control and enough power to get the job done in a SHTF situation. A .357 is loud enough to disorient anyone not wearing hearing protection and has enough muzzle flash to temporarily blind the shooter in the dark. Most importantly, get her what she likes.

If you are going to get her a Smith 357 I recomend a model 640. It is a snub nose 357 with a concealed hammer. This means that if she carries it in her purse there is no exposed hammer to hang on things on the way out. JMO.

thumper723 said:

My wife suffers from Juvenile Rheumatois Arthritis, and Periphrial Neuropathy. As a result, she is a tad shy about using a .45 as a home defense/ccw weapon.

She is recoil sensitve, and sometimes had problems grabbing things tightly, as in racking the slide on most semis.

I have been thinking of getting her a used .357 dual action revolver, since operation is simple, and she can practice with .38, and load the .357's for when TSHTF.

Looking for a sanity check on is this a good idea, and what too look out for, and about what price range etc.

I personally am not that familiar with prices and models of wheelguns, and I figure this is a good place to ask.

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:idea: Let her pick it, after you get it narrowed down to proper calibers. Maybe range time, renting several calibers, will help in the decision making?

txvashooter said:

:idea: Let her pick it, after you get it narrowed down to proper calibers. Maybe range time, renting several calibers, will help in the decision making?

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Ditto. Let her select the one that she likes.

my mom has this disease but its not minor (thats fer sure...) and she can't shoot any firearm....
I would recommend a snubby in 22 mag and take off the hammer spur for DAO. I also would have a gunsmith slick up the action, so the trigger pull would be....so smooth and easy without the misfire.
AS for the auto... (I have personally owned one of these and wished to God I never sold it) Look for a used sista argentine 1911 (LLama) in 9 x 23. The gun will be about 50 years old and the slide super slick and easy to operate and shoot.
Replace the recoil spring with a heavier one and she can shoot those wonderful cartridges called .38 SUPER. Theres a manstopper.... 8)

In your wifes condition I would think about trying or having
her try the 32 H&R magnum.Lot less recoil and report,also very
accurate. The 22mag is even louder at least inside.

Rev. said:

If you are going to get her a Smith 357 I recomend a model 640. It is a snub nose 357 with a concealed hammer. This means that if she carries it in her purse there is no exposed hammer to hang on things on the way out. JMO.

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They are nice in that they are snag free. Nice little shooter too. And I'll also second wwb on the Ruger sp101. It also comes in .32 mag........ I like the function and design of the Ruger better. But I like them both just the same as shooters. Although the S&W is a bit smoother.