.38 Revolvers

Panfisher

New member
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Plenty of old Colt Police Positive Specials available for cheap and it don't take much time to make them carry worthy.

 
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. :)
 
Charter can be hit or miss and the Taurus is better quality. I have had an 85UL for years and really like it. The Ruger is a nice snubbie as well.
 
You can get a Model 10 for around $300. It's a great gun. I've shot thousands of rounds through mine with never a fault.
 
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.
 
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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.


PB252164.jpg
 
There are several that stand above all the 5 shot revolvers, because they are a small frame 6 shot. The Charter Arms Police Undercover, and the Rossi 461/462(actually a 357). The Charter is around $330, the Rossi is $300. I own both, and they are great budget revolvers.
 
because they are a small frame 6 shot. The Charter Arms Police Undercover,

I have a current production Bulldog Pug .44spl and a Mag Pug .357.

I am very interested in hearing how you like your Police Undercover. The thought of a small, light 6-shot .38 built on the same frame is definitely appealing.
 
Darn! I've been looking for a while for a 3" round butt Model 10, but there just don't seem to be any. (Or not many, anyway...)
 
Smith & Wesson 642. I don't even worry about the lock.

I've owned Taurus, Charters, and Colts. None of them are bad either. I'd just rather have a S&W.
 
There are several that stand above all the 5 shot revolvers, because they are a small frame 6 shot.

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 Taurus Model 85 ultralight. I bought it new over ten years ago. I think I paid about $200. It goes bang every time I pull the trigger. I removed the hammer spur myself, very carefully, and removing as little metal as possible.

snub38_zps0995c94d.jpg
 
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.

ec157307-6308-415b-b9aa-b6e39e1df9bf_zpsisjdedi3.jpg
 
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