mhl6493

  I agree.  Even though a semi-automatic like a Shield might make more sense for me in some ways, I'm just drawn to revolvers.  And all things considered, I think I would prefer a steel J-frame to a lightweight -- if I can carry it.  I really need to find one at a lgs in my area so I can look at it up close before I make up my mind.  With the popularity of the lightweights, what are the odds a typical gun shop with have something like a Smith 640 or 649?  

  Thanks.  So how would the Glock 42 compare in your opinion to the Kahr P380?

The more I look at it, that really is a beautiful 642. If you don't mind my asking, how readily available would one of these be? I'm finding from calling around to various gun shops that some of these things are pretty rare indeed.

Very nice! What model is that? And have you had any problems with the internal lock? (I've read enough other places to know that I really don't want to open that can of worms here. Just curious.)

Just ran across this one in some of my reading:   http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766365_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y   To me, that is one BEAUTIFUL revolver!  One expensive, I-bet-hard-to-find, but gorgeous gun! 

  I may just have to try it out with how I normally dress and see.  Which is part of the problem.  It's hard to find a gun store that has the exact gun and holster you're thinking about, and that will also let you open it up and try it out to see if it will work.  At least that has been my struggle so far.  Trial and error can get to be an expensive proposition without it.

  In a perfect world, I'd just get a 640 for ankle carry and airweight for my pocket...  :D

  Definitely have more options.  That's a good thing, but I have to admit, it can sometimes get confusing.  642/442/640/60/36, etc -- hard to keep it all straight when you're trying to figure out what you want.

  Thanks.  It very well may come down to a simple matter of price and availability when I'm ready to buy.

  Thanks.  So you think ankle/pocket carrying something like a 640 or SP101 is doable?  I spend most of the day sitting at my desk - not a lot of physical activity -- so the weight might not be as big a deal for me.  I really don't want to make drastic wardrobe changes, though.  I wear a lot of casual slacks/dress slacks, and jeans every now and then.  

  Thanks.  I'd prefer a stainless steel platform to that of either polymer or alloy.  My only concern is the added weight for either pocket (especially) or ankle carry.  If I could pull it off, it would be great.  Either a Smith Model 60 or 640, or a Ruger SP101, or something like that would be nice if doable.  I just have some serious concerns about the doability factor.  Anybody regularly ankle or pocket carry a SS revolver successfully? 

  Thanks.  The looks of the LCR was definitely one of the negatives to me.  Form is secondary to function obviously, but wow, form definitely is a factor.  So you would opt for the steel Smith over the alloy version?  Would the added weight have any effect on pocket/ankle carry, in your opinion?  

I appreciate all the input on my previous question about the Ruger and M&P 22.  I've pretty much decided that, money being as tight as it is, I can't justify the 22 right now.  I first need to get my carry gun, then maybe down the line spring for the 22.     Which leads to my next question.  Since I kind of have a thing for revolvers, I'm leaning toward either the Ruger LCR or the Smith and Wesson Airweight, both in .38 rather than the .357 versions.  +P will probably be the strongest thing I want to shoot out of something this light.  It will most likely either be carried in my pocket or on my ankle -- for me, those seem to be the best options.  I've held both at a lgs, and I like and dislike different aspects of each.  I haven't been able to actually shoot either one, which I really want to do before I make my final decision.   That being said, I'm looking for opinions on each from those who own one or the other.  What has your experience been?  Which do you think would work better for pocket and/or ankle carry?  Overall, which would you recommend?   Thanks again for putting up with all my newbie questions.  I'm glad to have a forum of knowledgeable folks that I can rely on.  

  But what a great problem to have...  :D

  From what I've read, the M&P 22 is actually made by Walther and imported by Smith & Wesson.  

  I saw an M&P 22 in a lgs last week for $400.  For a 22, that's a little too rich for my blood.  I could have the M&P 9 for just a little more than that.

I'm considering getting a .22lr handgun to practice with and work on shooting fundamentals.  Which would y'all recommend -- the Ruger SR22, or the Smith and Wesson M&P 22?  It would seem that the M&P 22 would make the most sense if I were planning to follow it up eventually with the M&P 9, but I've never tried the 9, so I'm not sure at this point.  Just wanted to get some informed opinions.  Appreciate very much the good advice and info on the forums here.  Y'all are very helpful!

  As a new shooter, I really appreciate that advice, 1gewehr.  It makes perfect sense when you stop and think about it.  I just recently purchased my first handgun, a Ruger GP-100.  Haven't had time to do much shooting with it yet, but I plan to grow into it slowly.  I think my next purchase (as soon as I can afford it) will be a .22lr of some sort, based on your advice.  Thanks again.

Thanks for the Fugate's recommendations.  I actually took my Carry Permit Class there today, but I didn't realize they rented range time.  I was definitely impressed with Carmen.  She knows her stuff, and she's a hoot!  

What handgun rangers in/near Athens,TN, would y'all recommend?  I know of the Chilhowee Rod & Gun Club, Tactical Advantage Corp in Knoxville, and Shooters Depot in Chattanooga, but I don't have any personal experience with any of them.  There may be others I'm not aware of.  If I'm really going to get into shooting, I need a good place I can go on a regular basis to practice.  Thanks in advance!

As far as ammo goes, the guy at the gun store recommended Fiocchi 38 wad cutter for target shooting (the cheapest 38 he had in stock), and Hornady Critical Defense in 357 Mag for home defense.  Sold me a box of each.  Neither seemed particularly cheap, but I don't really have any experience to measure that by.  What would y'all recommend for: 1) Target shooting; and 2) Home Defense.  I have a wife and a daughter at home, and I don't want stuff flying through walls unnecessarily.  

Will try to post pictures when I get a chance -- and when I figure out how...

Well, as of today, I'm now the owner of a new Ruger GP-100 .357 Magnum revolver.  Stainless steel, 4" barrel.  My first ever handgun purchase -- but definitely not my last.  And so the addiction begins.  All donations to the Mhl6493 Handgun Fund will be greatly appreciated, though probably not tax deductible...  :D

  I held one at my lgs this morning.  Needless to say, you were most definitely right.  Fortunately, lest my wife use it shoot me, all I left behind was a pile of drool on the counter.  But hey, there's always tomorrow.  Seriously, it's a very nice gun - just carries a pretty steep price tag.  

I'm new to the whole world of firearms, but I know this much -- that is one more beautiful gun!