Oldgun new to forum

oldgun · Feb 25, 2011

I'm oldgun, and I am new to this forum. I like shooting revolvers. My current endeavor is to locate a suitable gun for my wife. She has arthritis in her hands, and my S&W 686 is a little heavy both weight and trigger pull, so I'm looking at options. She's still a decent shot with it, but I'm looking to make it a little easier for her. Also, Is there a recommendation for a decent gunsmith that could do a trigger job on the 686 in the NW to make it lighter on the pull?

Another interest is that my 686 is a "midnight black" version. Last time at the range, when I ejected the spent casings I didn't turn the gun quite right and one of the brass caught slightly on the frame when I hit the ejector it left a brass mark just under the S&W stamp below the cylinder lock. Does anyone have any experience on how to remove a small brass mark (I wouldn't really call it a scratch) on the black coating?

One old gentleman at a local gun shop told me to look into a Glock 17 4th Gen, explaining that the grip is smaller and the 9mm would be easy for my wife to shoot. I plan to rent one next time we go to the range to see if that works.

Anyway, glad to be here.

Greetings,

Oldgun

deadeye · Feb 25, 2011

Welcome to the forum.

If your wife is having arthritis issues I would recomend a slightly lighter 38 maybe a S&W airweight. Lighter with small hold and less recoil than the 357 assuming that is what she has been shooting and not 38 through the 686. The semi auto may cause a negative snap to her wrist causing pain also especially in a light weight Glock poly frame. As far as the brass residue try just rubbing with your finger to wear it off or a toothbrush with some type of grit type whitening toothpaste like the old pearl drops tooth polish.

oldgun · Feb 25, 2011

We're shooting jacketed 38 spec. 158gr. at the range. It's not recoil, she says, but weight (+2lbs) of the 686 for 36 rounds, which she seems to get on the target pretty well at 7 yds., so I won't argue with her, but I think recoil always plays a role.

I'd like her to try a 9mm S&W M&P or Glock 17 4gen., to see how that works. I like revolvers.

We learn something new every day.

Thanks,

Oldgun

MarkAd · Feb 25, 2011

With the lite S&W revolvers 38 spl is really snappy. Another trick I just learned is using 125 gr bullets in 38spl.
You can reduce the trigger pull by changing springs. A trigger job will smooth the action, but 686 is already so smooth I would wet myslef if it got even smoother.

I suggest avioding autos especially if you wifes arthritis is progressing since you must be able to cycle the slide by hand.