Smith&Wesson NightGuard Revolvers Experience?

[insin]

I feel the need to purchase my first revolver. I have posted another thread regarding their uses while hiking. As much as I look around, I am tending toward the S&W Night Guard series revolvers. Their light weight, black finish, and short barrel I believe play a part.

Anyone have any thoughts on the Night Guard Series? In Particular I was thinking about the Model 327 2.5" barrel 8 round .357mag version. However any input on the Night Guard series would be appreciated. I realize that many believe that a longer barrel would be a better buy, however I really am not primarily into revolvers (vs. many semiautos) and I think that in my personal case, the snubby would be more appropriate to my taste. I don't plan on this being a "target" handgun, and would really only categorize it as a personal defense weapon. I figure if my life depended on it, a "snappy" .357 would not be a problem.

Any thoughts? I am currently going to be in the market, so if any of you owners want to let yours go, I would definately appreciate a heads up. But otherwise what do you think of the Smith&Wesson Night Guard Series?

Just for reference:

[insin]

WOW... after looking into a .44Mag the Model 329 Night Guard - .44MAG looks like it could be an option.

.44Mag from a 2.5" barrel seems "interesting"....

Too bad its not on the Roster *sigh*

[Quiet]

Currently, none of the S&W Night Guard (NG) series are on the approved list.

However, the S&W PD series is on the approved list and is the forerunner to the S&W NG series.
Same concept; scandium frame, short barrel.

But, the S&W PD series (wood grips, fiber optic front sight) is being discontinued for the S&W NG series (rubber grips, tritium front night sight).

I have a S&W Model 325PD (2.5" barrel) and like it very much.
Recoil is stout but managable and it's supprisingly lightweight.
Not totally sold on the ILS though and wish S&W would just get rid of it.

I wouldn't mind getting a Model 325NG just to increase my .45ACP wheelgun collection.

[insin]

Currently, none of the S&W Night Guard (NG) series are on the approved list.

327NG / Alloy, stainless steel Revolver 2.5" .357 Magnum 9/23/2009

The Night Guard models are on the roster.... This is the one I was considering.

[insin]

Bump...Any other feedback/comments?

[Gryff]

396NG - .44 Special

or even better...

310NG - 10mm!

[insin]

Good choices...

[masameet]

At last November's Calguns Turkey Shoot at Chabot, I shot a S&W Airlite 329PD .44 Mag. It is deceptively light and a handsome revolver, esp. with the red front site. But the recoil feels worse than being kicked by a mule. After the second shot I handed it back to the owner and thanked him, as I didn't want to risk breaking my hand. (The owner bought it specifically to use against bears when hiking and overnight camping.) At 10 yards though it was pretty accurate.

Here's a YouTube video of it ...

[Californio]

I find Speer Gold Dot 200gr. 44 special a really easy load to shoot DA in the lite weight snubby guns. 44 mag just does not lend itself to followup shots in the lite weight models. The heavy Alaskan makes much more sense for 44 mag.

[gosparx]

IMHO, any gun you plan on using as a 'self defense' gun also, in a sense, needs to be a 'target gun'. By that I mean, you need to spend time at the range shooting any gun you plan on using for self defense.

Too many people I know that bought guns just for defense shoot them once... then rarely, if ever after that. Once again, IMHO, if and when the time comes to use that weapon in a crisis situation, you better be able to use it and use it accurately without having to think about it.

Although I have several 44 mags and several other guns that can really give a good kick (S&W 500 & 460 and others), I would suggest something along the lines of a 686 (.357/.38), in steel (for the weight/mass) and with at least a 4" barrel, as your first gun. If for no other reason then it's a lot easier (and more fun) to shoot and it would still be a good defensive gun.

Like I said, I love (I mean really love) the big caliber guns, but I wouldn't suggest one as a first gun. But that's just my thoughts and take on things.

Regardless, get something you will shoot once a month or at least once every other month, just so you can stay proficient with it and aren't afraid of it. (and I say that being a little afraid of a couple of my guns depending on what I've got it loaded with!!!)

[11Z50]

I own a 327 and find it to be a very good carry piece.

[insin]

Yeah, maybe .357mag would be sufficient here in California.