Request Advice for Nightstand/Car Glovebox Pistol

[nero45acp]

I currently use a 1st series Colt Detective Special as a nightstand gun, and a Steyr M9 as a car glovebox gun (I usually use a Seecamp LWS .32acp as a carry piece). I've decided that I would like to buy and use two of the same pistols and use one for the nightstand and the other for the car. My thinking is that by using the same kind of pistol for the nightstand and car, the manual of arms is the same and I can concentrate more of my range practice on one particular pistol.
I've narrowed my choices to the S&W 5906TSW or the S&W 65LS. I've included the 5906TSW because of it's magazine capacity 10 rds. (more hopefully after the AWB sunsets), and it's weight (38oz) to minimize recoil/muzzle flip to a minimum. I've included the 65LS because it is the only fixed sight, 3" medium frame, .357 magnum revolver that S&W currently produces. I would probably be using .38 +P ammo rather than .357 magnum. I like the inherently simple manual of arms and reliability of a revolver, but I prefer the higher round capacity of the 5906TSW. Both seem to fit my hand equally well, but I haven't had the opportunity to shoot or even dry-fire either. As buying two of either of these pistols represents a significant dollar investment, I would very much appreciate any opinions/info anyone could provide about THESE TWO PISTOLS. I have been shooting handguns on a regular basis for about twenty years so I'm not a novice, but I have zero actual combat/defensive shooting experience (knock on wood). Thanks.



nero

 

[Majic]

Unless your glovebox has severe size limitations why not move the revolver up to 4 inches and have a much greater selection to choose from?

 

[armoredman]

Sounds like you've almost made up your mind, so what variables are eft? Price? Availability? Spare mags for the auto? Flip a coin - either way you're happy. Or, by both, and rotate, if you can afford it.

 

[nero45acp]

Majic,

The reason I'd prefer the 3" barrel is I feel that the shorter barrel would be more managable and less likely to be grappled away in very tight and close quarters struggle. I may be wrong in this perception, as I said I have no real life pistol combat experience. I have a 30yo S&W M10-6 4" .38 special that is in excellent condition and I can shoot it rather accurately in "rushed" point shooting, but I feel a 3" barrel would be better for SHTF close quarters struggle.



nero

 

[jc2]

The M65LS is THE answer.

The three-inch K-frames just feel, balance, point, handle better than the four-inch versions. It is the premier fighting K-frame.

Nero, I would look for a used older Model 13 (unless you just want stainless) or Model 65/65LS. S&W seems to be having a bit of a quality control problem with its current issue at this time. I do prefer the shrouded the ejector of the LS, and with the ones I've seen and handled S&W seems to have put a little more effort in the trigger than the standard issue 13s and 65s.

 

[Bob C]

My preference is a .45 Colt Mountain Gun. It's handy, the recoil and blast are not so bad, and the caliber has a reputation for dependability as a defence round.

A .44 Special or .45 acp would obviously do just about as well with the right ammo.

 

[myopicmouse]

I don't know about the firearms you've mentioned, though for what it's worth I always thought a Walther PPK (j-bond) always looked very handy.

 

[Marshall]

Ditto Bob C on the .45 Colt Mountain Gun.

If you haven't checked out a .45 colt cartridge, next time your in a gun shop look at the Win 225gr Silvertips or the Cor-Bon 200gr JHP's. What a cartridge! I'm still looking for some LWC's.

 

[jc2]

Nothing wrong with the .45 Colt Mountain Guns, but they are considerably bigger and heavier than the Model 13/65. Due the size, trigger reach, weight, etc. of the N-frames, they are not for everybody (and I'm a N-frame fan). Besides, they weren't on his "short list" and can be difficult to find.

 

[nero45acp]

Thanks for your replies, but.......

I use to own a single-action Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt, and yes it is an impressive cartidge. I sold my Blackhawk because of the outrageously high cost of factory ammo. I also currently own two 1911's in .45acp, which I am quite fond of. All that aside I'd prefer the trade-off of reduced energy delivered by an individual round verses controllability (reduced muzzle flip) and speed of (my) accurate follow-up shots. I am personally comfortable relying on a cartridge with the energy/ballistics available in 9mm and .38 special +P for self-defense. Your mileage may vary. Any opinions on the two pistols I specifically mentioned?



nero

 

[Bob C]

nero45ACP,

I have a 3" 'K' frame, a model 66. It differs from the 65 only in having adjustable sights. It is an excellent gun, very accurate and totally reliable. If that were in my glove box or by my bed, I'd be perfectly happy.

The .357 magnum has a proven record for self defense. For an indoors situation, though, the muzzle blast would be awesome.

I have had S&W autos over the years, and have found them to be reliable and accurate with their preferred ammo. I have never been able to get accustomed to the D/A trigger pull, however, much less to the transition to a single action pull after the first shot. If that works for you, go for it!

 

[Marshall]

65LS!

 

[another okie]

Some time back Jim Wilson, who writes for one of the gun magazines, asked his readers to write in and tell him about their car guns. The most common choice was a big-bore revolver, on the theory that the revolver was less likely to jam in physical encounter where the muzzle might be pushed against a bad guy's body, and the big-bore was powerful but sub-sonic, an advantage in an enclosed space, and likely to do the job with just a round or two. No porting! I've been thinking of a four-inch 625 in .45 ACP, since I could also use it in competition, or else one of those seriously chopped versions of the 625 with about a one inch barrel.

 

[Super Trucker]

This is only a question so don't take offence.
What good is a gun in the glove box? If you have time to get it out,
you should have time to leave the situation, right?
maybe I am missing something. do you have it on your person while in the car, then lock it in there when you exit? I do carry so this is not an attack.

 

[MrMurphy]

If for some reason the gun is indeed in the glovebox as opposed to on yourself, I'd go with the Model 65. If you need it in a car, it'll probably be at extremely close range for less than four rounds.

I once had a possible attempted carjacking while I was armed with a S&W 649 Bodyguard .38. Engagement range would have been approximately one foot through a window. As it was, I slammed on the gas and drove off. Thankfully the door was locked.


Since you're comfortable with the wheelgun, stick with that. Also, you can leave the wheelgun loaded basically forever(all springs at rest) unlike the automatic, where to be safe, I'd swap the magazines out to let them rest every six months or so. Wheelguns can be more tolerant of lint, dust, gunk that builds up in a car, pocket etc.

The 65 with two spare speedloaders of .357s in case of a real holy crap situation, loaded with the new Speer Gold Dot .38 load (specifically made for short barrels and low velocity expansion in snubnose wheelguns) would be my pick.

The point that wheelguns work pressed against a body for more than one shot is also quite valid. I saw video of a drug sting that went bad and the cop and the druggie were both inside a truck cab, exchanging several shots at about six inch range.

 

[Coronach]

I have a 30yo S&W M10-6 4" .38 special that is in excellent condition and I can shoot it rather accurately in "rushed" point shooting, but I feel a 3" barrel would be better for SHTF close quarters struggle.

Sounds like you already have a pretty good glove box gun. I think that 1" difference in bbl length is, for this application, probably academic. The 3" shines in CCW applications.

I'll add once again:

My biggest problem with all of the 'truck gun" threads is that people catch BGs breaking into their cars every day. It would suck to startle Joe Hoodrat just as he finds your 'glove box gun'.

Think about it. People, this happens. Its probably every bit as likely a scenario as you needing the gun in your glove box to repel boarders.

Secure it!

JMO,
Mike

 

[ducktapehero]

Get a couple of old Smith and Wesson model 10's. It's the Rodney Dangerfield of handguns(no respect)though it is just as successful and widespread as the 1911. It just doesn't get the glory. Ultimately reliable and with good ammo a good stopper. Plus if you look around you can buy 2 good used ones for under 400 bucks.

 

[Nick96]

For the uses you indicate, it sounds like you have the necessary hardware right now. The S&W 65 would be nice, but if you are going to use .38's in it why not just use the Det. Spl. or M-10? The M-10 is about the same size as the M-65 - so I'd be inclined to go with the Det. Spl. just because it's a bit smaller & lighter (you may actually need to get out of the car and wish to discreatly slip it into your pocket sometime).

I stopped carrying unholstered autos many years ago. IMHO they just aren't safe to carry otherwise - on your person, in a glove box or whatever. Autos also need to be tinkered with to remain fully reliable (i.e. rotating ammo & mags, lubricating, etc.). Revolvers can be safely loaded and stored for years and remain reliable. I read a story a while back where an elderly fellow pulled a revolver that had been stuffed under a mattress for several years - and used it to successfully fend off a home invader. Provided the auto worked - could he have gotten those shots off as quickly & effectivly as with the revolver (i.e. point & pull trigger as opposed to racking a slide, messing with a safety, etc.)?

Personally, I don't care to leave guns in cars - nor do I care to lug them around on me all the time. So something that's light, compact, reliable, accessable and safe to handle is very appealing. In other words, a light weight J-Frame S&W .38 revolver tends to be about the best all around package.

 

[nero45acp]

Thanks to all for the helpful replies/advice.

To be perfectly honest with you'll, I'm one of those guys that always finds an excuse or need to buy another gun (even if what I have already will adequately serve).


Coronach, you point of a glove box gun ultimately being used against one's self is certainly valid. I almost always carry a Seecamp LWS .32 on me, so even without the glove box gun I am armed (though some would say just barely). It may not be supported with verifiable logic, but I just feel more secure having the added firepower of the glove box gun. I will have to give this more thought.


Though I've ruled out the 5906TSW as a Nightstand/Glovebox gun, I would still appreciate some info/input on this pistol. (I know at some point in the future I'll find an excuse to need/buy one)

Again, Thanks.


nero

 

[MrMurphy]

Having seen several people killed by .22s, .25s and .32s, I don't underestimate the rounds, but I normally carry a .45.

You might want to look into a Kahr PM9. Six shots, 9mm, weighs less than a pound. Less than an inch thick.