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November 14, 2009
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I need to get a 357 magnum, since I can reload for it. Was thinking of a concealed carry gun. My first inclination was a Rugar, but can't stand the unload one bullet/chamber at a time. So was thinking of the S&W, but I still hate what they did during the Clinton era. Been looking at the Taurus 608 – it holds 8 shots!!! Yikes!
Does anyone have any other suggestions??? I'd like to keep it to 4 inch barrel.
Happyness is a Hot DW and a pile of used brass!!! Rich
February 16, 2010
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Any reason a DW won't work?
Once the leather I ordered from Simply Rugged gets here my 2.5" model 14-2 will get carried.
February 11, 2010
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January 22, 2008
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Zundfolge said:
Any reason a DW won't work?
I agree... I would look for a DW. However I have a Ruger SP101 but in 22 that I like and I also have a S&W Pre-Hilary Hole 586 that is nice to shoot. I personally would not buy a Taurus the one I shot was terrible but it was 1980's vintage so things may have changed with them since then.
October 1, 2009
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If ruger was my first choice I would look at the GP 100 . It is double action & american made, available in stainless steel and tough as nails.
Concealed carry may call for a smaller revolver, so again if Ruger was first choice how about the SP101? 5 shot double action in stainless steel and also american made.
American made on a budget is Charter Arms........
But really look at a DW, maybe a Lil dan? Were they built in .357 or just .38? 15-2 or 715 is worth a strong look.
Did you notice that I only talked about American made?
January 22, 2008
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+1 on made!
The Lil' Dan was only made in 38+P.
February 16, 2010
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I guess if you're looking at a real small .357mag than a DW might not be best (of course a K or L frame Smith might be a bit large too).
I happen to be a fan of S&Ws so a pre-lock J-Frame would be my first choice* … but the Ruger SP101 does appeal to me (especially if you have the cash to send it off to Gemini Customs and have them work it over).
I guess my first thought was to suggest a DW because I'm assuming you already own one.
*I say pre-lock NOT for political reasons (although those are something to think about) but I just don't trust a S&W revolver lock on a magnum loaded lightweight pistol … there's just too great a chance that the lock could engage under recoil … even if its 1 in 1000000 thats just not a risk I want to take with a self defense gun.
February 11, 2010
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True, the Taurus may not be U.S.A. made 
But the lifetime warranty helps. Even if your not the original owner. Sent a 38spcl in because I did not think it grouped well enough. Took about 2 weeks and when I got it back it was a tack driver.
-Blacktop
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January 24, 2009
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mox-ct said:
My first inclination was a Rugar, but can't stand the unload one bullet/chamber at a time.
That's the single action guns, the double action Rugers swing their cylinders out like normal.
I agree that an SP101 would be a good one, so would a Lil' Dan, of course.
I've got a Ruger Security Six that has a great feel to it...that gun is sort of the predecessor to the GP100. Prices are pretty reasonable, too.
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Range Officer
Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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I've had a lot of CCW guns, but now my primary "winter" CCW piece is the 14-2 with a 4" and compact grips. It is a little big for summer carry, but I'll give it a shot with the right clothing.
SHOOT
October 26, 2008
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If looking for concealed carry, go for SP101 or a pre-lock model 60
If you're looking at more target/hunting I'd go for a GP100 (with some trigger work and an overtravel screw installed) or a pre-lock 686, although taurus guns are nice (and come with an awesome warranty) I personally don't like their action.
I have no real problem with the lock (taurus has one too), it's the later smith action that I hate (I'll say it again HATE), it's very difficult to get the action as good as the old forged parts. If I were forced to buy a new .357 a GP100 would absolutely be my first choice just my .02.
Dans Club
May 17, 2009
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Here's a good winter carry handgun……………
Maybe
Not
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 9, 2009
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Jaggman,
Just wear very baggy clothes and a strong belt, oh and no need for a follow up shot 
. Heck why not just carry the Linebaugh?
A man cannot have too many SuperMags
November 14, 2009
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Thanks for all the shared experiences and ideas. What about this firearm???
http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Mag_Pug_73540.html
Happyness is a Hot DW and a pile of used brass!!! Rich
January 22, 2008
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Jaggman,
That is a nice photo of an awesome looking 445!
Mox,
On one of the gun shows recently they interviewed the President of Charter. It was an interesting piece. I haven't read reviews but I like the idea of a Charter just because most folks go for Smith or Ruger.
The only think I don't like is seeing the screw in the cylinder latch... I know I'm being picky. 
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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For CCW, I'd consider this:
http://www.charterfirearms.com/products/Charter_Bulldog_74420.html
Not a .357, but a shorter barrel for CCW and a little lighter, and you are throwing a nice sized hunk of lead
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
Dans Club
May 17, 2009
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Supermagfan said:
Jaggman,
Heck why not just carry the Linebaugh?
Phil,
Ha, ha, ha. The Linebaugh's barrel is too long. If they'd make a 3" model I'd consider it.
Ed
November 14, 2009
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I know some say yuk to the Taurus. I have a PT92 I bought used in 87. Broke one piece mailed it to Taurus in Florida and they returned a new piece within 7 days. Other than that it's been a good reliable semi auto 9mm. Good customer service goes a long way.
With all the possible options I'm leaning towards the Charter Arms 4 inch barrel 357. For you foreign haters, it's made in Connecticut. I am a large man and can hide a gun in my belt so the 1.7 inch diameter Taurus cylinder seemed like a good 8 shot posibility. But the Charter Arms 5 shot would fit better. A friend uses a S&W 5 shot 38 with a Barami Hip Grip. I kinda like it and they make one for the Charter Arms. Also Charter Arms offers a lazer sight. Nice option.
Does anyone here use a Barami Hip Grip???
Happyness is a Hot DW and a pile of used brass!!! Rich
October 1, 2009
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mox, I have been interested in buying a Charter Arms for some time now. If you do buy a Charter revolver, I for one would like to hear what your opinion is after you have a little range time with it. 
Anyone else have interest also?
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Range Officer
Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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Behold -- the Original Charter Arms "undercover" 38. Nice and compact, shoots a little low at combat distances, and kicks like a mule. Looks identical to the new models above. This was my first purchase on new years day of 2010-- Out the door for $200.
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