New/Old Chiefs Special

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ZVP

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Thursday after 200 is the moment I get to pick-up my new Chief! It's been over 30 years since I've shot a snubbie and never actually had my own!
I am planning on shooting Remington RN 148gr jacketed for the big test session and honestlly don't know what type of groups to expect @ 7 yards?
The hammer on this particular chief has been bobbed but I plan to shoot it D/A only anyhow... I feel that this little belly gun was made for D/A work and why waste time trying to shoot a self-defense revolver as a S/A Target gun?
Later on I have a chance to set up close range shilouetts at 3 yards and see how I do point shooting the little Chief?
I have reserched quite a bit lookijng for a carry/ self Defense/ House gun and the Chief came highly recommended! A short .357 is just too much in the recoil dept and the .38 is a known manstopper even from a short barrel. Many a Dective and many Officers use these little GEM'S as Primary and as a back-up. It's reputation preceeds it!
I also bought the Chief as part of my shooting system consisting of a .357 Ruger Vaquero and a .38 Special Cobra Derringer. Having everything in one caliber just simplifies things...
Now the search will go on for a good Leather hip Holster I already have an inside the waistband and a Pants Pocket holster that'll fit the Chief.
If I take my time and reserch it well I'm sure there is a number of good holsters to choose from!
ZVP
 
For pocket holsters, I like Mika and the Nemesis. The only IWB holster I use is a cheap, nylon uncle mikes but I only carry IWB around the house.
 
I haven't been without a j frame for nearly 40 years. I suggest using standard pressure ammo as you really don't gain much in the short barrel and its easier on you and the gun. Don't sell the accuracy of this revolver short. After a sighter shot or two I can ding a 12" gong all day long at 100 yds.
 
The inherant accuracy of the J Frame is something I am looking forward to!
I plan ti pratice a LOT and the light low pressure stuff sounds good to me. The revolver is used and I don't know it's history of use/abuse so I plan on light loads most of the time with 158gr RN for Social work.
I look forward to a long relationship with this revolver!
ZVP
 
Tex Shoemaker made alot of good outside the waistband holsters for the Model 36. Galco is also a good choice. I did the Ebay thing for all of mine. I love the Chief's Special in both 2" and 3" variations. I prefer the square butt and have Tyler T-Grips on all of mine. Stoked with Nyclad 125gr HP's or Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWCHC (non +P), the little Chief's are still an effective defensive weapon. There are several other standard pressure rounds that will also serve admirably as defensive rounds in your weapon. I carry one occasionally and the Chief's Special is the only gun my wife will carry, for the time being anyhow. My 36's are all more than 30+ years old and still serving reliably. Everytime I've held a little class for my wife's friends or relatives that want to learn defensive shooting, they always gravitate to the old Chief's Specials, even when several other choices are made available. They are indeed special. Enjoy your new weapon. It was a very good choice. Practice that reload. Empty shell extraction is not as postive with the 2" as it is with the 3". Once you get the routine down pat with the lights on, practice it with the lights dimmed and then the lights off. Unfortunately, this is the condition you will all too often find yourself in when it's time to go into action with your Chief's Special.
 
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Practice dry firing, using a light switch or similar as a target. You will see how the gun moves as the hammer falls, and it will allow you to see where you need to improve your grip, trigger squeeze, etc.

Snubbies are really accurate if you are consistent from shot to shot.


mark
 
My very first handgun was a 3 inch J frame, and I've had one in my collection for nearly 30 years. The holster in my photo is the Don Hume IWB, and it cost around $20. Mine are loaded with Speer Gold Dot.

LD
 
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Dry firing is a great way to improve your trigger pull and sight picture. What helped improve my PPC scores was to practice aiming at a blank wall. That causes you to concentrate on the front sight and really shows if the sights move during the trigger stroke or hammer fall.

For a holster, Simply Rugged, makes a very good pancake holster.

http://www.simplyrugged.com/
 
The inherant accuracy of the J Frame is something I am looking forward to!
I plan ti pratice a LOT and the light low pressure stuff sounds good to me. The revolver is used and I don't know it's history of use/abuse so I plan on light loads most of the time with 158gr RN for Social work.
I look forward to a long relationship with this revolver!
ZVP

I personally would not recommend Round Nose ammo for self defense. If you want to use standard pressure ammo, Hornandy makes some nice standard pressure JHP.
 
I tote a SW 638 and like it right much. I use a IWB leather holster. I know, 5 rounds vs 13 from my full size XD. I just got tired of packing a load, and besides that, I am just using the 638 to get me out of a jam, not stay in a 30 minute gunfight. Now, ship me off to Afghanistan.... I'll take the XD in that case,.. but Chesterfield is definitely no Afghanistan.
 
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