Capt,
When I got orders in '64 to go to 'Nam,superimposed across the orders were NO PRIVATELY OWNED FIREARMS ALLOWED IN RVN/SEA.

Yep,I packed my Model 27 that I had S&W cut the bbl back to 4 inches. There were more privately owned weapons on that plane then in probably all of RVN!!!

A couple of years later,S&W offered a 2 1/2 version of the Model 19 which I was able to acquire.

Ralph Friedman,who is the most decorated detective in NYPD and has been in a number of fatal gunfights,still swears by a Detective Special.

Right now,in my pocket is a North American Black Widow in 22 mag. I do not feel undergunned.

Keith,Jordan,Skelton amongst many others all preferred wheelguns. Me too.

Wayne