Swapped out my dad's EDC/Home Defense gun today....

[Solid Snake]

As I posted on the old board, a few years ago, my dad gave all of his guns to my brother and I to sell off. I think he had the foresight to recognize his diminishing health. He kept his Glock 26. He still knows the need to have something on hand just in case. He doesn't carry it, but it sits in a dresser drawer, as I said, just in case. Anyway, he's been asking me to unload his magazines, as they've been loaded for a few years and he's concerned about the springs. I know this is nothing to be concerned about but I wasn't going to argue about it. But it got me thinking, if he needs help unloading the mags, maybe a Glock 26 isn't the best gun for him. On top of that, Glocks have very light triggers, and for someone older with early Parkinsons, that could be an issue. And I don't think he could properly rack the slide. So I had a sit-down with my brother discussing these issues. We decided he'd be better off with one of my snub nosed revolvers.

I wasn't sure how to approach my dad with this concern as he (like myself) is a proud man. So, "I don't think you can safely handle a Glock" would not go over well. Today, I brought him both of my S&W snubbies. One is the 642 which is a 5-shot .38 spl, the other is a heavier S&W 640 which is a .357mag but loaded with .38spl. I said, "With your Glock, it has such a sensitive trigger, and the slide can be tough to rack, maybe you'd be more comfortable with one of these." Surprisingly, he was very receptive to the idea which was a relief, and agreed that it was a better option. He finger fucked both revolvers for a minute and decided on the 642. I asked "You don't mind switching up?" He said, "Its fine, just as long as I have something here if I should need it." He then added, "Just don't sell my Glock until after I kick the bucket."

I'm glad the transition went smooth, and I'm way more comfortable with my dad having a DA revolver instead of a Glock.

[Sanders]

Before my mom passed last year, I was looking at getting her a little .22 mag snubbie, as she was having trouble with the Taurus 605 .357 loaded with my light reloads. Her biggest problem was recoil and muzzle flash -- and those were some light loadings.

My father-in-law killed his Sleep Number bed when he was loading his XD 45 and his hand slipped off the slide with his finger inside the trigger guard. I was standing beside him when it happened. A .45 inside the house is freakin' loud!

[aviator]

My mom had a .38 wheel gun I bought for her until the day she had to leave her house for the hospital.

[Johnny]

I still have my Dad's .38 S&W snub-nose revolver.

[mrkalashnikov]

It's hard to beat the old S&W or Colt .38 snubbies for reliability and ease of use. I have a really nice S&W .38 5-shot Chief's Special that was made in the 70's. It's always reliable and plenty accurate for close range "point & click" use.

[Johnny]

It's hard to beat the old S&W or Colt .38 snubbies for reliability and ease of use. I have a really nice S&W .38 5-shot Chief's Special that was made in the 70's. It's always reliable and plenty accurate for close range "point & click" use.

I'd add Ruger to the list as well. They make great snub nosed revolvers. I have an LCRX which has been my primary carry for many years. My only regret: I should have gotten the hammerless. The hammer gets in the way of the draw. Long range, single action shots really aren't a realistic thing. The primary purpose of the .38 snub nose is up close and personal defense at "bad breath" distance. A hammerless is a better choice.