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.357/.38Spl Derringer and Shotshell

Slow_HandSlow_Hand Member Posts: 2,835
edited May 2006 in General Discussion
Is anyone currently shooting a reputable .357/.38Spl derringer that will actually chamber the CCI shotshell rounds? American Derringer seems to have a separate model for that purpose and the tech at Bond Arms says only their older .357Max barrels and their NEW .357/.38Spl barrels will accomodate the straight squared-off plastic shot capsule. I was going to look at getting a small J-frame .38Spl but the majority of them don't chamber the round either. Any suggestions?
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Comments

  • Henry0ReillyHenry0Reilly Member Posts: 10,892 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't have any problem chambering or firing .38 shotshells in my S&W model 36.
    I used to recruit for the NRA until they sold us down the river (again!) in Heller v. DC. See my auctions (if any) under username henryreilly
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  • Slow_HandSlow_Hand Member Posts: 2,835
    edited November -1
    Okay that's a help. I only see the Lady Smith 36 in the shops - is the non-LS still available new?
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  • BHAVINBHAVIN Member Posts: 3,490 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a S&W 342 38spl Air Lite Ti that chambers the shotshells just fine. I make my own using the Speer capsules so mine may be loaded shorter than the factory Speers. When mine are loaded into the cylinder there is still a fair amount of room left for length though. The gun is nice and light although it isn't my first choice for all day plinking.
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  • JamesRKJamesRK Member Posts: 25,670 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a S&W Model 60 (no dash) .38 Special. No problem.

    I could be mistaken, but I don't think there is any difference in the "Lady Smith" and any other Smith with the same Model number. I have an S&W Model 60-9 Chief's Special .357 and an S&W Model 60-9 Lady Smith .357. If there is any difference between the two, I can't find it.

    If you are going to get a J frame .38, why not just get a J frame .357 and use it for a .38? Then if you ever want to use a .357, you'll have one.
    The road to hell is paved with COMPROMISE.
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  • tapwatertapwater Member Posts: 10,335 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    ....OK, you made me go try it. With my Smith M-37 Airweight, they fall right in and out. The gun is tight in all other respects, and they are fine in my 686, Colt Trooper, and Trooper MK3. Anything that chambers .38 Special should take the CCI's. It's not like that squared off capsule is oversize or anything.
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  • gap1916gap1916 Member Posts: 4,977
    edited November -1
    They work just fine in my Colt Diamondback.
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  • Slow_HandSlow_Hand Member Posts: 2,835
    edited November -1
    Thanks for the info.

    I have an SP101 2 1/8" .357 which I enjoy the hell out of but I was looking for something small and much lighter that I can carry concealed and that will chamber regular CCI shotshell. I don't do any reloading so I have to buy my shotshells off-the-shelf. The shotshells are strictly for rattlesnakes here in AZ BUT I figure that if it could also shoot the .38Spl, I would occasionally carry it when I'm going out.

    I thought a small stainless steel derringer might be the way to go since I've been told that aluminum barrels will get ruined by the shot. Sounds right I guess.

    The .45LC/.410 derringers with stock grips appear okay for the 3-ball shot loads but many guys have already warned me that it's damn near impossible to hold onto it firing the .45LC, let alone fire a follow-up shot. And, I don't have big hands.

    I've been asking the different gun stores to physically chamber the CCI round in the .38's they have and they're even surprised that it won't fully seat into the cylinders.

    Is anyone familiar enough with the Taurus 85 in .38Spl?
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  • Slow_HandSlow_Hand Member Posts: 2,835
    edited November -1
    Good news then about the S&W 37 Airweight. Thanks. Is it the earlier model with the wood grips or the current one with the Hogue rubber grips?
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  • select-fireselect-fire Member Posts: 69,491 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by JamesRK
    I have a S&W Model 60 (no dash) .38 Special. No problem.

    I could be mistaken, but I don't think there is any difference in the "Lady Smith" and any other Smith with the same Model number. I have an S&W Model 60-9 Chief's Special .357 and an S&W Model 60-9 Lady Smith .357. If there is any difference between the two, I can't find it.

    If you are going to get a J frame .38, why not just get a J frame .357 and use it for a .38? Then if you ever want to use a .357, you'll have one.


    Only difference in the Lady Smith is the writing on the side. .357 60's are a little more money than .38's. I have a .357 60 and that noisy thing is a handfull but effective.
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  • tapwatertapwater Member Posts: 10,335 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    .....Slow, it's an old 37 with the square butt factory stocks. I put Pachs on it, but those little bitty thin wooden slabs hide much better than the Pachs. I have short fingers, and the factory stocks are fine with me. The rubber went on my 4" Mod. 63.
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  • Slow_HandSlow_Hand Member Posts: 2,835
    edited November -1
    Thanks, it's good to know cause the new 37 Airweights - if still available - are around $450-$500 with the S&H and FFL fees. For that much money, I'd rather add in $200 more, buy a new Kahr PM9 and use 9mm shotshell, even if I have to manually rack it for a follow-up shot.
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