Switching from Glock to Wheelgun for church protection team

[Klif]

I have carried a Glock 30S in .45 ACP for quite a few years. I am on my church self defense team and have qualified well with the Glock. I recently found, due to advancing age and lack of strength in my primary hand that I had difficulties clearing a stove pipe jam and then found I could not reload a magazine even using the mag loader. This is a serious issue for me, if I can't use the tool correctly then I need to consider a different tool.

The answer seems to be a wheel gun, probably .38 with a 2 or 3 inch barrel but has to be carried in an IWB holster and easily concealed, as my Glock is. I can carry multiple speed loaders in .38 with no issues (I currently carry 2 spare mags for the Glock.) The biggest question is, since most shooting opportunities/requirements are going to be less than 20 feet as measured from my station to the main door, how much difference is there in accuracy between a 2 inch or 3 inch barrel? I am pretty good with my backup .38 but now looking at maybe having to use that as a primary. Probably not going to .357 due to possible over penetraton and excess noise. If you were betting someone's life on your accuracy, would you bet on a 2 inch barrel, 3 inch or 4 inch (probably not feasible due to concealment issues).

So, it comes down to being able to man my position in a professional manner with a tool I can use, or give up my position if I can't man the position accurately.

 

[jpm2953]

I would much prefer 3" over 2". and if you can comfortable conceal a 4", I would go that route.

 

[OttoMan]

or give up my position if I can't man the position accurately.

Depending on how seriously your condition is, you might end up with this choice. Unfortunately!!!

 

[pltspreader]

I would get a 329pd 44 and shoot 44 specials through it. Super light plenty strong 4” barrel 26oz. Super concealable.

 

[Hayata]

If size is no concern would you consider something like this?

Still in .45acp (6rd) and reloads via moon clips.

Love mine. Great factory trigger.

Good luck to you and kudos for being on your church's response team!

 

[trw2094]

if you can't clear a stove pipe or reload a magazine how would you be able to speedload a revolver?
it may be best to train some younger guys for primary protection and be a backup.

 

[1Zero’DinGrifo]

If I was in your shoes I’d do a PMR-30 . Low recoil plenty of ammo capacity and super low recoil and super light .

 

[Gimmebackmybullets]

S&W 686 in the 3" 3-5-7 model is your friend.
It Has a Hillary Hole, but it's accurate.

Or a 386 titanium in 2-1/2 " if weight is a concern for concealment.
Both are 7 shot cylinders

386 is gonna be pricy, though.
And I'd shoot full loads from it in a relaxed environment before you decide on full 357 loads for a SHTF situation inside a Church.
Plus, you have to consider over penetration, if your shooting a skinny guy, with a 357, even with hollow points.

386 has noticeable felt recoil, in a relaxed situation to say the least.
I think it weighs 11oz empty.

 

[Glock 21]

Learn to use your belt, pant pocket or other solid objects to rack your slide using your sights. Watch some one arm training videos where the shooter has been shot in the arm and still has to clear jams.

 

[sheep dog]

I have carried a Glock 30S in .45 ACP for quite a few years. I am on my church self defense team and have qualified well with the Glock. I recently found, due to advancing age and lack of strength in my primary hand that I had difficulties clearing a stove pipe jam and then found I could not reload a magazine even using the mag loader. This is a serious issue for me, if I can't use the tool correctly then I need to consider a different tool.

The answer seems to be a wheel gun, probably .38 with a 2 or 3 inch barrel but has to be carried in an IWB holster and easily concealed, as my Glock is. I can carry multiple speed loaders in .38 with no issues (I currently carry 2 spare mags for the Glock.) The biggest question is, since most shooting opportunities/requirements are going to be less than 20 feet as measured from my station to the main door, how much difference is there in accuracy between a 2 inch or 3 inch barrel? I am pretty good with my backup .38 but now looking at maybe having to use that as a primary. Probably not going to .357 due to possible over penetraton and excess noise. If you were betting someone's life on your accuracy, would you bet on a 2 inch barrel, 3 inch or 4 inch (probably not feasible due to concealment issues).

So, it comes down to being able to man my position in a professional manner with a tool I can use, or give up my position if I can't man the position accurately.

If ya on security detail…ya wanna not drop capacity imo. I’d go with something like a s&w equalizer in 9mm that has up to 15 round capacity and specifically designed with easy slide rack technology for cases such as yours. Still packs enough in a mag and a quick reload is an ease. That my lil opinion.