Indoor ranges in particular often have rental guns. You might find an LCR (DAO) or LCRx (double action with hammer spur) in their selection. If you hang around, you instead might find a shooter willing to let you try his gun. I suppose it would help to offer some acceptable ammo or to pay his range fee in appreciation. Considering the pride I have in my guns, I never worry about the cost of a cylinder full as a demo.
.38 Special Pistols for self defense/new shooter?
- Thread starter Mosin-Marauder
- Start date
Indoor ranges in particular often have rental guns. You might find an LCR (DAO) or LCRx (double action with hammer spur) in their selection. If you hang around, you instead might find a shooter willing to let you try his gun. I suppose it would help to offer some acceptable ammo or to pay his range fee in appreciation. Considering the pride I have in my guns, I never worry about the cost of a cylinder full as a demo.
Mosin-Marauder
New member
I'm going to read around and look for another .38, maybe one with a longer barrel and less recoil. I still would like to try out an LCR just for kicks if I could rent one.
I second trying to shoot a few guns you like before buying one..with at said though I also second getting a LCR me and my wife both just got 38 LCR's and I do plan on getting a 357 lcr eventually also I have been a fan of them for a while..yes it might take a little getting use to but you don't need to start with full power house rounds..start with light loads get adjusted and move up..as a carry gun there are a lot of worse options out there than the LCR I do suggest shooting it if you have any interest in it it is a nice little gun
themalicious0ne
New member
I would think starting with an LCR from a .22 could develope bad habbits. The recoil is kind of substantial. It's not the easiest gun to shoot and may not give you the most pleasure to learn on. I would start with a gun that is accurate and enjoyable to shoot. You're not gonna have fun shooting several hundred rounds trying to get a tight group while increasing the distance you are shooting at. I just remember starting to shoot a larger caliber handgun and after becoming semi-proficient wanting to try shooting farther and father away. I remember it also being hard to want to stop shooting. If you try that with the lcr, your hand is gonna hurt and you will get frustrated. As you become a better shot, you will not have these kind of issues with the lcr.
lee n. field
New member
Perception of recoil is very individual. It depends on you, your hand, and the stock set you have on your gun.
"Stopping power" is almost a void concept. It's more marketing speak, than anything else.
I wouldn't say stopping power is a "marketing" concept, rather it's something shooters have tried to quantify for decades so we can have a definitive answer but like that elusive "all around cartridge", it's something we can sort of grasp but never quite pin down. I think we are too mesmerized by the "struck by lightning/zapped with a raygun" image and the "One Shot/One Kill" mantra.
"Threat neutralization" is a better concept IMHO.
To the OP-if you are interested in a Ruger, I recommend either the GP-100 or the Security Six in 357 with adjustable sights. A .357 will let you fire all the 38 Specials you want-in relative comfort- and then graduate to the 357.
"Threat neutralization" is a better concept IMHO.
To the OP-if you are interested in a Ruger, I recommend either the GP-100 or the Security Six in 357 with adjustable sights. A .357 will let you fire all the 38 Specials you want-in relative comfort- and then graduate to the 357.
Pond James Pond
New member
If existing suggestions are too expensive, I will offer the following: Astra revolvers from Spain.
They are no longer produced but seem to be quite cheap.
Have a search for Astra and Star guns and you'll soon see that they have a great deal of positive experiences amongst owners.
Solid, accurate and comfortable.
I have a .38Spl Astra 680: a 2.25" 6-shot. It is essentially a S&W clone, made from good materials and to a high standard, IMO. The trigger is the best in my collection, especially SA.
I have seen other Astra revolvers such as a 4" .38 on sale here too. It looked nice too.
I wouldn't be surprised if the choice were greater over in the US and possibly cheaper than the usual candidates.
Have a look, have a feel!!
They are no longer produced but seem to be quite cheap.
Have a search for Astra and Star guns and you'll soon see that they have a great deal of positive experiences amongst owners.
Solid, accurate and comfortable.
I have a .38Spl Astra 680: a 2.25" 6-shot. It is essentially a S&W clone, made from good materials and to a high standard, IMO. The trigger is the best in my collection, especially SA.
I have seen other Astra revolvers such as a 4" .38 on sale here too. It looked nice too.
I wouldn't be surprised if the choice were greater over in the US and possibly cheaper than the usual candidates.
Have a look, have a feel!!
Spats McGee
Administrator
.38 spl will do its part if you do yours. It was the standard police round for decades in the USA, and human physiology hasn't really changed since then.
I also find it to be a pretty easy round to shoot. Recoil is a very subjective issue. Mrs. McGee hates shooting .38 in a snubnose, but I find it very manageable.
I also find it to be a pretty easy round to shoot. Recoil is a very subjective issue. Mrs. McGee hates shooting .38 in a snubnose, but I find it very manageable.
Just sayin'.lee n. field
New member
I know they exist, but I don't think I have ever seen an Astra revolver here in the US.
lee n. field
New member
That include Colt?
Pond James Pond
New member
A pity for you guys: I think you'd be very pleasantly surprised. Being a older foreign brand, it probably would not hold the same premium but I decided on a used Astra over a new Taurus....
Mosin-Marauder
New member
I think my dad and I will look at some today, there's a S&W .38 DO in town that looks interesting. Nevertheless thanks for all your advice.
