Best snub 38 for ccw

9

98 220 swift

New member
Looking at getting a snub for ccw. Leaning towards a S&W 442. But have a chance to possibly get a slightly used lcr. What other options are out there and what do you all perfer.

PS I will not buy a Taurus do to owning a snub 22 model 94 a few years ago it was probably the biggest pos I have owned. Will own no more.
 
The 642, 442s and LCRs are the preferred options by most views.

There are cheaper guns out there. I've seen a Charter Arms run through an intensive class but you can't to wrong with the first three.
 
Isn't the charter arms bigger? I can probably try out the lcr before I would by it. I never thought the j frame trigger to be bad but have not shot a lcr.
 
I just bought an LCR-X ( exposed hammer ) 38 Special, & it is likely one of the best options ( though I bought because of the weight, & the trigger ) but even though I own it, I still question the long term stability of the polymers... I do have an Air Weight J frame, in 32 H&R magnum, that I like a lot, & there is not a huge difference in triggers between the LCR & the J frame... but the LCR is lighter, & made of more corrosion resistant materials...
 
98 220 swift,
Any of the S&W or Ruger options should work well for you. I recently picked up a Model 640 - 1, which is the .357 Magnum version. Not a lot of fun to shoot with .357 Magnum ammo, but it's VERY nice to have the option if ever needed.

If I were making the purchase it would be one of the Smith and Wesson's.

Best of luck what ever you do.
 
a snub 38 for ccw is too vague of a request.

a 2" model 64 is outstanding, as is a 2" model 60. both are heavy compared to a 642 or LCR. how you intend to carry the gun will be a great determining factor in which will best suit you.
 
My wife carries a LCR (no hammer) snub in .38.
I carry a 2.25" SP101 bobbed hammer in .357.
I like both.
 
The one that fits your hand best. Try the S&W 442 on for size and think about aftermarket grips. Pachmayr makes a bunch.
 
Another S&W to consider,,,

The S&W 638,,,
It has the nickname of "Humpback".

163070_01_md.jpg


It's a shrouded hammer J-frame revolver,,,
The 638 is made of stainless steel,,,
5-shot J-frame revolver

I prefer the shrouded hammer over the enclosed hammer,,,
I want the ability to take an aimed shot in single-action.

Just another gun for you to consider.

Aarond

.
 
You might look at a DAN WESSON they make some very good guns. I have some that I can change the barrel from 2 in up to 8 in. That way you can have a 2 4 6 or 8 in barrel At one time they made 10 12 14 16 in barrels. Only a few is left for sale. People that have them will not let go of them. Good Luck
 
I strongly prefer mine to be hammerless or shrouded. It won't snag on anything, and a decent snub with a decent shooter can do what needs to be done at seven yards or less in double action.

I also prefer a light alloy frame for carry. The recoil doesn't bother me. I haven't fired one of the plastic Rugers, but the one I held felt good in my hand.
 
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You want 5 or 6 shot?
Spurred, shrouded or sealed hammer?
DA/SA or DOA?
+P rated or not?
New or is used OK too?

I, myself, am not an expert and so have limited options to offer, but with so many models around perhaps guidance on those points above could help those who do know about it to hone their answers to meet your needs.

Just a thought.
 
I have seven S&W snubs.
The one I carry the most is a nickel plated model 37 with pearl handles. Next would be my model 36, and then my model 12 which holds six rounds. I carry them all in OWB holsters, all have exposed hammers, and never had a problem with any one of them.
At bad breath distance, my last problem is worrying about a fine trigger pull.
 
Any current S&W snub J frames will do fine. I have several. Great for IWB carry.

S&W snub K frames (19, 66, 10, and 64) will do fine to for belt carry.

The Ruger LCR will do fine also. I've shot them and they have real good triggers.

VINTAGE Colt Detective Specials I'd grab.

Here is a couple to die for...
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or these

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Lessor makes I'd stay away from.

Deaf
 
My newest snub is a S&W 327PC. It's an eight shot 357 with 2" barrel weighing in at 21ozs.
I thought it might be hard to conceal but this has proven to be incorrect. I have no problem concealing it.
Like all .357 revolvers it also fires .38spl.
 
Im looking at 5 shot. would like to have the hammer. It would love to be able to carry a bigger revolver but I am not a big man so that limits me to something smaller. I tried to carry my pre model 10 4" and that was too big. The lighter the better. Recoil does not faze me much even though a light 357 may be too much. LOL I have no trouble with the recoil on my model 29 with stout loads.
 
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