I am looking for short barreled .38 revolver for those days when my 1911 is more than I want to carry. Is there a model that is above the others in bang for the buck. Currently thinking something along the lines of a Taurus 85, but don't know much about any of the little revolvers, even consider a Charter arms etc. Ideas, suggestions, reccomendations.
.38 Revolvers
- Thread starter Panfisher
- Start date
Cosmodragoon
New member
Take a look at the LCR in .38+p. It is reliable, concealable, and has arguably the best double-action trigger in its class. Some people will suggest getting the .357 model but since you want it specifically for .38 special, you can take advantage of the slightly smaller and lighter frame on this model. I often see them well below MSRP.
357 Python
New member
I would recommend the 3" S&W model 10 or 64. An used model will usually suffice. If you can not find the 10 or 64 check out a 3" model 13 or 65. They are the 357 Magnum versions of the 10 and 64. Being a medium frame they will be easier to control when firing and instead of 5 rounds have 6.
gbclarkson
New member
^^^^
Yes. The LCR.
Yes. The LCR.
Whirlwind06
New member
Old Smiths and Rugers are getting pricey
I 2nd the LCR or the many S&W j frames (442,642 etc). Be carefull though, revolvers are contagious. Once you you get one more are likely to follow.
I 2nd the LCR or the many S&W j frames (442,642 etc). Be carefull though, revolvers are contagious. Once you you get one more are likely to follow.
Cheapshooter
New member
Definitely the Ruger LCR. Or if you want an exposed hammer model, the LCRx. Lightweight, concealable, and an excellent trigger.
Fondled a LCR, S&W 442, and S&W 340M&P at the same time, and chose the M&P. The LCR and 442 were comparable and it just comes down to personal preference. I chose the M&P for the tritium sight, ability to shoot .357, and lack of a lock.
I previously owned a Taurus 85 and will not purchase another.
I previously owned a Taurus 85 and will not purchase another.
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Since you mentioned "bang for the buck" and Charter Arms...
I picked this little gun up locally for 200 bucks, and it looks to have been someone's sock drawer gun for a few decades.
It cleaned up fine and shoots very well. I tracked down a set of better wood grips than the originals. The newer ones are NOS and are slightly bigger and have checkering.
I also found a NOS "pocket hammer" that used to be offered on these guns. It provides a snag free hammer with a small surface that allows cocking for single action shots.
Even without my modifications, it is a solid little J-Frame sized gun that tips the scales at 16 ounces unloaded.
I picked this little gun up locally for 200 bucks, and it looks to have been someone's sock drawer gun for a few decades.
It cleaned up fine and shoots very well. I tracked down a set of better wood grips than the originals. The newer ones are NOS and are slightly bigger and have checkering.
I also found a NOS "pocket hammer" that used to be offered on these guns. It provides a snag free hammer with a small surface that allows cocking for single action shots.
Even without my modifications, it is a solid little J-Frame sized gun that tips the scales at 16 ounces unloaded.
Model12Win
Moderator
The Smith and Wesson's Model 642 .38 special J-frame is the greatest snub nosed revolver ever made.
Cosmodragoon
New member
You can accomplish this by going to .327 Federal Magnum. You get six shots in an LCR or SP101. It offers power on par with lighter loads in .357 and recoil more on par with .38 +p.
Here is my Charter Arms snubby. It happens to be a 32 H&R magnum. I bought it used a couple of years ago. I think I paid around $220 for it - I am guessing that no one else bid on it because of the color. I kind of prefer the feel of the Taurus, but this one also goes bang every time.
