Savvy opinion solicited

winless · 05-08-2008, 07:16 PM

I've had my old WWII M1911 in my desk for years, but at 85 I've become too frail to be comfortable with it so I gave it to my son. Having had a handgun so many years, I now feel naked without one. I sort of envision something like a 38 special w/a 2" barrel. I live in damp FL and don't want to be married to constant oiling and attendant labors. I wonder if there are non-rust alloys that will spare the worry. I was reading about the Taurus 32 magnum in SS — sounded like my speed. Cost is a big factor for me, but I'm afraid to buy a used gun because I don't feel competent to judge one. I would appreciate some knowledgeable opinions.

Big Dog · 05-09-2008, 05:34 AM

Welcome to G&G!
I like the Taurus revolvers - they have always been a good value for the money. Rossi is good too, but I don't know if they have a .32 snubby.
A stainless model would certainly be good for our Florida weather too.
You might do a search on GunsAmerica - a website for gun vendors and sellers - not an auction site. Any good local FFL could do the receipt and transfer for you, and you may find a good deal on a used revolver.

billy · 05-09-2008, 06:13 AM

if you decide to use guns america look up the vendor that is selling the gun that caught your eye to see how long they have been in business etc.

ArkansasHunter · 05-09-2008, 06:17 AM

winless there's many hand guns on the market, that are readily available in stainless steel that are very resistant to rust that would be perfect for you.
So why don't you and your son get together one day soon and make a day of going around the Gun stores and haveing lunch together.
Here's a Taurus 357 magnum that will also handle 38 special cartridges as well. Built out of stainless steel.

MODEL 605 .357 MAG. REVOLVER IN STAINLESS STEEL

Back

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Made for the very serious business of self-preservation - the 605 is built to the Taurus Zero Tolerance standard - in design, fabrication, fit and performance. Meaning there is simply no tolerance for parts that do not perform as if someone's life depends on them. Using the powerful .357 Magnum ammo - this quick-draw revolver has plenty of muscle to back it up. Features include fixed sights, crisp single-double action trigger and a transfer bar for added safety.

SwedeSteve · 05-09-2008, 08:10 AM

Welcome to G&G!

JohnBlaze · 05-09-2008, 08:26 AM

if the Taurus is a bit high priced for you, you can try the EAA Windicator, which is pretty much the same gun. I used to have one when I lived in an apartment with a swamp cooler, and it never rusted on me, even though I was lazy and never cleaned it

also i kept it in my sock drawer next to my bed. Pretty good and reliable gun, the only complaint I had for it is that when I used .357 rounds they'd be hard to extract, but the .38 worked like a charm.

Welcome, and good luck.

TXplt · 05-09-2008, 09:43 AM

Welcome to the site--lots of good folks here.

Taurus makes some good guns. If you had the $ and didn't mind a little bit of a heavier gun I'd also look at the Ruger SP-101 stainless in .357 Magnum.

I'd probably favor a .38 or .357 (shooting mostly .38 rounds) if you're going to buy either the Taurus or the Ruger for defensive work. I'd probably go for the Stainless rather than titanium/wonderalloys (although these are fine for corrosion resistance) for shootability. But do try them out and see what you like.

+1 to A. H. 's post. The major drawback to snubbies for me is they're accurate, but difficult to shoot well.

JohnBlaze · 05-09-2008, 10:20 AM

If you want something with less kick, or just don't want a revolver, a CZ-70 in .32 acp is a very reliable and affordable gun.

GunBroker.com guns: CZ 70 .32ACP Semi-Auto Pistol-Complete Package! (item: 99101864 ends: May-12-08 01

52 PM)

runfiverun · 05-09-2008, 10:51 AM

the ruger 101 isa very good choice i think that the 357 is the way to go
so many choices in ammo and a 4" bbl is good balance for a house gun.

stalebiscuit · 05-09-2008, 01:02 PM

look into charter arms, i know for a fact they have some decently priced .32 revolvers

billy · 05-09-2008, 02:18 PM

i was going to suggest the sp101 but the trigger pull is HEAVY !
i didnt like shooting mine until i did some polishing and put lighter springs in it.

if i had diminished hand strength i would take that into consideration.

Taurus Fan · 05-09-2008, 10:37 PM

If it's for keeping in your night stand, why limit yourself to a 2" barrel? Get a 4", it'll be easier to shoot and have less muzzle flash if you need it in the dark.

GlockMeister · 05-09-2008, 10:48 PM

First off, welcome to the forum. Secondly, I can totally relate to you feeling naked without your gun, as I'm sure I and many others would also.

The Taurus that AH. posted above would be a good choice. As for the brand, that's your choice. But I do think a revolver would be the best route. In fact, if you even like Taurus, what about the Judge? You'd get the .45 you love and also have the option to use .410 shot shell and in a revolver. These here >>>
Taurus International Manufacturing Inc Taurus International Manufacturing Inc

If you don;t want Taurus, then I suggest you look into S&W maybe a J-Frame revolver or a Ruger SP101 or GP100. But I still think a revolver is the way to go.

Lastly, I hope your son knows what an honor and privilege it was/is for you to give that to him. I'm sure he does though. I hope he hands it down to one of his children as well. Good luck with your decision. There's a lot out there to choose from...

05-08-2008, 07:16 PM	#1
winless Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1	Savvy opinion solicited I've had my old WWII M1911 in my desk for years, but at 85 I've become too frail to be comfortable with it so I gave it to my son. Having had a handgun so many years, I now feel naked without one. I sort of envision something like a 38 special w/a 2" barrel. I live in damp FL and don't want to be married to constant oiling and attendant labors. I wonder if there are non-rust alloys that will spare the worry. I was reading about the Taurus 32 magnum in SS — sounded like my speed. Cost is a big factor for me, but I'm afraid to buy a used gun because I don't feel competent to judge one. I would appreciate some knowledgeable opinions.

05-09-2008, 05:34 AM	#2
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,219	Welcome to G&G! I like the Taurus revolvers - they have always been a good value for the money. Rossi is good too, but I don't know if they have a .32 snubby. A stainless model would certainly be good for our Florida weather too. You might do a search on GunsAmerica - a website for gun vendors and sellers - not an auction site. Any good local FFL could do the receipt and transfer for you, and you may find a good deal on a used revolver. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

05-09-2008, 06:13 AM	#3
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 12,203 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 146	if you decide to use guns america look up the vendor that is selling the gun that caught your eye to see how long they have been in business etc. __________________

05-09-2008, 08:10 AM	#5
SwedeSteve Thor's Hammer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 10,396 Images: 1	Welcome to G&G! __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

05-09-2008, 08:26 AM	#6
JohnBlaze Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 119	if the Taurus is a bit high priced for you, you can try the EAA Windicator, which is pretty much the same gun. I used to have one when I lived in an apartment with a swamp cooler, and it never rusted on me, even though I was lazy and never cleaned it also i kept it in my sock drawer next to my bed. Pretty good and reliable gun, the only complaint I had for it is that when I used .357 rounds they'd be hard to extract, but the .38 worked like a charm. Welcome, and good luck. __________________ Guns don't kill people. Husbands who came home early from work do. "I'm your Huckleberry"

05-09-2008, 06:17 AM	#4
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,722	winless there's many hand guns on the market, that are readily available in stainless steel that are very resistant to rust that would be perfect for you. So why don't you and your son get together one day soon and make a day of going around the Gun stores and haveing lunch together. Here's a Taurus 357 magnum that will also handle 38 special cartridges as well. Built out of stainless steel. MODEL 605 .357 MAG. REVOLVER IN STAINLESS STEEL Back PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Made for the very serious business of self-preservation - the 605 is built to the Taurus Zero Tolerance standard - in design, fabrication, fit and performance. Meaning there is simply no tolerance for parts that do not perform as if someone's life depends on them. Using the powerful .357 Magnum ammo - this quick-draw revolver has plenty of muscle to back it up. Features include fixed sights, crisp single-double action trigger and a transfer bar for added safety.

05-09-2008, 09:43 AM	#7
TXplt Lost in the Ozone Again Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 2,838 Images: 4 Blog Entries: 2	Welcome to the site--lots of good folks here. Taurus makes some good guns. If you had the $ and didn't mind a little bit of a heavier gun I'd also look at the Ruger SP-101 stainless in .357 Magnum. I'd probably favor a .38 or .357 (shooting mostly .38 rounds) if you're going to buy either the Taurus or the Ruger for defensive work. I'd probably go for the Stainless rather than titanium/wonderalloys (although these are fine for corrosion resistance) for shootability. But do try them out and see what you like. +1 to A. H. 's post. The major drawback to snubbies for me is they're accurate, but difficult to shoot well. __________________ Old fighter pilots never die.....They just wind up in Texas

05-09-2008, 10:20 AM	#8
JohnBlaze Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 119	If you want something with less kick, or just don't want a revolver, a CZ-70 in .32 acp is a very reliable and affordable gun. GunBroker.com guns: CZ 70 .32ACP Semi-Auto Pistol-Complete Package! (item: 99101864 ends: May-12-08 0152 PM) __________________ Guns don't kill people. Husbands who came home early from work do. "I'm your Huckleberry"

05-09-2008, 10:51 AM	#9
runfiverun Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: soda springs idaho Posts: 288	the ruger 101 isa very good choice i think that the 357 is the way to go so many choices in ammo and a 4" bbl is good balance for a house gun.

05-09-2008, 01:02 PM	#10
stalebiscuit Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: atlanta, but much rather be in valdosta Posts: 1,587	look into charter arms, i know for a fact they have some decently priced .32 revolvers

05-09-2008, 02:18 PM	#11
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 12,203 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 146	i was going to suggest the sp101 but the trigger pull is HEAVY ! i didnt like shooting mine until i did some polishing and put lighter springs in it. if i had diminished hand strength i would take that into consideration. __________________ Last edited by billy; 05-09-2008 at 05:26 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

05-09-2008, 10:37 PM	#12
Taurus Fan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Cobra Command Headquarters Posts: 811	If it's for keeping in your night stand, why limit yourself to a 2" barrel? Get a 4", it'll be easier to shoot and have less muzzle flash if you need it in the dark.

05-09-2008, 10:48 PM	#13
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 5,504	First off, welcome to the forum. Secondly, I can totally relate to you feeling naked without your gun, as I'm sure I and many others would also. The Taurus that AH. posted above would be a good choice. As for the brand, that's your choice. But I do think a revolver would be the best route. In fact, if you even like Taurus, what about the Judge? You'd get the .45 you love and also have the option to use .410 shot shell and in a revolver. These here >>> Taurus International Manufacturing Inc Taurus International Manufacturing Inc If you don;t want Taurus, then I suggest you look into S&W maybe a J-Frame revolver or a Ruger SP101 or GP100. But I still think a revolver is the way to go. Lastly, I hope your son knows what an honor and privilege it was/is for you to give that to him. I'm sure he does though. I hope he hands it down to one of his children as well. Good luck with your decision. There's a lot out there to choose from... __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!