New J-frame backup gun advice
Hey everyone, looking for input on a new backup gun.
After never wanting a revolver, I listened to the j-frame modcast, and now I’m itching for a snubbie. I currently carry a Glock 34 on duty, with a Glock 26 in my pocket as a backup, but the reality is that it’s heavy, bulky, and the speed of draw is abysmal. I’d really like to switch to a snubbie for my on-duty backup, and sometimes to supplement my off duty Glock 19 or 48 I typically carry.
So here’s the conundrum I’m having:
- I like the LCR, but the lack of crimson trace for the boot grips or VZ grips, and the slightly larger size make me think it’s a no-go.
- I prefer the black finish of the 442 over the 642, but sweat out acid and live in the desert, so the carbon cylinder makes me nervous.
- Per policy, as long as the dept armorers do the work, I can have the ILS removed, and the Wilson/Apex spring kit installed.
So here’s the questions:
- Are my concerns for rusting the carbon steel cylinder of the 442 crazy?
- Just get a 442/642 and have my department do the work to delete the lock/swap out springs?
- Get the 442 Performance Center gun that CDNN is selling with the PC trigger job, no lock, and a stainless cylinder? (I’d trash the grips for a real set)
Thanks a ton for any help!
- Mack
ETA: Apparently the 442 PC I’m referring to is the Chattanooga exclusive model, but CDNN has it currently for 399. I dig the contrasting cylinder, but that could just be the millennial talking.
New J-frame backup gun advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BehindBlueI's
Just a thought, but do you know your level of proficiency with a snubbie? Any snubbie-specific training that you've taken or that's available to you? It's one thing to want a new toy because somebody made a convincing case and you're up for something new. It's another to immediately make it life-saving equipment.
My level of proficiency is essentially zero. I’ve used revolvers intermittently like when shooting my grandfather’s revolver as a kid, but have no formal training on them, and basically no knowledge outside of reading this forum.
I had the unique “opportunity” to use a S&W Model 66 3” to shoot sims at recruits a few months ago when my unit volunteered to assist with simmunition night at the academy (our range budget was cut, so they couldn’t afford enough 9mm sim rounds for the recruits and actors, so we got the old 38 spl sims from back in the day). My first scenario shooting at a recruit, the DA trigger threw me, and I’m pretty sure I missed every shot. It got better as the night went on, but I’m well aware of my limitations. Which is part of wanting the revolver. I’ve never trained a DA trigger, and would enjoy the opportunity to learn a new system.
There is no way I would carry a piece of life-saving equipment without first vetting it, training extensively, and vetting my own skills. That being said, I work with way to many guys that would strap on the newest toy and call it good. Because we know best. (We also have a revolver transition course, which I assume is probably a joke in reality).
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BehindBlueI's
It's smaller than your Glock 26 by a good margin and the trigger is closer to a Glock than the S&W offerings are, IMO. From your first statement of never wanting a revolver I'm assuming you don't have much experience with them, so forgive me if I'm telling you things you already know. Does your 26 have a laser? Your duty weapon? I don't know that I'd weight availability of a laser very highly for a backup gun.
The LCR is also set up to allow the front sight to be changed very easily. If you want a fiber optic, a night sight, whatever you can do it yourself in a couple minutes. There are several good options on the market, mind you, I just wouldn't dismiss the LCR until you tried one. IF a revolver is really what you want after the coolness of the podcast wears off.
Like I said, very little experience, so please I’m very open to learning more! No, none of my current duty weapons have lasers, they’re prohibited by policy, and since I don’t run a shield, I can’t see their efficacy for my use. The reason I wanted the option of a laser is just from lack of knowledge on how these sights fare at night. If the sights are that hard to pick up at night, it’d be nice to at least have the option of trying something like a laser.
The biggest point pulling me to the LCR is the ability to throw a tritium front sight on it. In my limited experience with the LCR (only dry fire) it felt like the trigger had more stacking than the Smith. Is this what you were referring to in it being similar to my Glocks? And if so, is that a benefit?
Thanks again for taking the time to post. It’s much appreciated. I’m unfortunately chilling out on light duty, so I have plenty of time to consider these things!
New J-frame backup gun advice
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hizzie
Thanks for the tip on the paint. I’ve tried that with Heinie sights with good results.
I generally don’t shoot to reset with my Glocks, so I’m hoping the DAO won’t be too sharp a learning curve, but we’ll see.
With a PC trigger, do I still need/want to throw the Apex trigger guts into it? Policy just says the trigger pull must be at least 8lbs.
What’s the username for the IG video?