Recommend a snub .38?

R

raindog

New member
I'm interested in getting a snub .38 for concealed carry. *I tried a Ruger LCR (the very first version a couple months after it was released). *I was favorably impressed, though it had a little rattle to it. *This was in the design, not the particular gun I tried. *Not a big deal.

So I could get an LCR for myself - they're $419 new here in Oregon. *But I'm wondering if there are other guns in the same price range I should consider? *I would like to stay roughly around that price.

I don't need .357 - I find it very uncomfortable to shoot in a snub and it's a capability I would never use.
 
I prefer hammerless snubs, and have a S&W 442. My parents also have a 442, but theirs has Crimson Trace grips.

The 642 is similar.
 
I have a good handful over the years and still have several snub noses. My favorite still is my smith 638 humpback. No snag, can still thumb co ck to shoot it. Hard to beat. If I had a $7-800 budget and did not own a snub, this is still the one I would buy. I highly recommend them or even the 438.
 
I have a ruger lcr .38 and I'm very happy with it. If you want something a little heavier, look at the sp101. I have that in a 3in 357. Shooting .38s in it is a breeze.
 
I would suggest a Taurus 817. It is a 7 shot 38 snub.
817SS2UL1.jpg
 
I have a 442, 642, 101, and the LCR & it is by far my favorite. I highly recommend it. The only thing I like better is a colt detective, cobra, & agent. The trigger on the LCR is great & the polymer frame seems to soak up the recoil. It's light weight makes it a breeze to carry.
 
Mleake said it all, Hammerless for CCW, whether you plan to pocket carry or not, and practice with it in that manner...always double action (the little nubbin on some S&W's allows single action use, but this is counter productive for CCW use, when double action fire is the rule.) For my purposes, any of the S&W J-frames, the hammerless models, make perfect sense. If you can tote the weight and bulk of a K, L, or N frame, the 2-1/2" barreled models might make sense...they are bulky however. Taurus makes some appealing types for considerably less less pocket change than S&W, the cost savings however are generated by a severe lack of customer service and quality, if anecdotal evidence is to be believed. Best Regards, Rod
 
Top .38spl picks...

I'd look at a Ruger SP101 stainless snub in .38spl +P. I'd opt for a few custom upgrades from Gemini Customs, www.geminicustoms.com . The cool Hybraport, DAO/DA only & trigger work are top notch. ;)
Other slick snubs include the "total Ti" Taurus Protector, the S&W 442/642 and the 638.
I like DA only carry guns & prefer the option of DA-SA for some snubs so they could be fired one-handed or due to injury, single action.

The Charter Arms "Southpaw" .38spl was cool, but I heard it was no longer produced. :(
I'm left-handed.

Clyde
PS: I like the .357magnum Ruger LCR, I'd buy it too when I could. It seems robust & light. A CT lasergrip would be a good J frame add-on.
 
For waistband carry, it's hard to beat a Colt Cobra or Agent (plain jane version of the Cobra). They are the alloy version of the Detective Special, holding six rounds.

When I carry my Agent, it's in a Simply Rugged holster:
Colt_Agent_02.jpg


For pocket carry, I carry a SW Airweight Model 38. Mine is an older model that is not rated for +P ammo but the more modern version (638) is +P rated. The hammer shroud prevents snag when drawing from a pocket holster but still allows single action firing if desired. I carry it in a DeSantis Nemesis:
SW_Airweight_Model_38_01.jpg
 
Hard to beat the S&W 642 for performance and cost it's a great gun and easy to carry in many different ways. I have rented the 38 spl. LCR at a local range just out of a curious thought the first time and then a second time to see if the first time wasn't a fluke. I think it's one nice little gun on par with the 642 and a little ahead in the way of the trigger pull.
 
As others have suggested, any of the Smith and Wesson J frames should serve you well. Good quality at fair prices.

Ruger also offers some excellent options, but they are a little bigger and heaver than the S&W J frames.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top