Revolver recommendation for CCW

S

stantheman1976

New member
I am fairly new to the world of CC and am currently using a Taurus TCP 380. I am looking to upgrade in the next couple months and was looking at the sub-compact 9mm semis on the market. Then I got to wondering if maybe a comparable sized revolver might be better since I wouldn't have to worry about FTF or FTE with a revolver.

So do you guys have any recommendation for something in that size range. I think .357 is the caliber I'd want to go with. I would like to carry the pistol IWB or possibly in pocket if the size is right. I'm a fairly large guy so my pockets are often larger by default. My price point is $300ish.
 
Its gonna be hard with that pricepoint.

I suggest a s&w 637 or 642. A used one could probably be found for close to that. 38.spl+p only but I think you'll find that in a small light revolver that its plenty
 
Revolvers are unfortunately a bit more expensive than semi-autos. For $300 you'll have to start shopping from the used case. Anything from S&W or Ruger is a good bet. Charter Arms makes some decent carry guns, at a decent price.

Also, if you fire .357s from a light gun, you're going to have a bad time.
 
You'll have to come up with another $50.00 to $100.00 but it will be more than worth it for a Ruger or S&W. I personally prefer the Ruger LCR.
 
357'S usually start at around $600.00 A good J frame S&W 38+P starts around $360. You can probably find one for around $300.00 used.
With a snubbie, the 38+P is well suited for your purpose.I picked up a used model 64 for $350.00 and a used model 37 for $400.00 My model 637 cost me $365.00 new.
 
I recently picked up a mint 4mith 37 for 350, a couple months ago, and I have carried it every day since. It shoots great, and is a much better option than a semi of equal weight and size. I had an LCP and pretty much hated it, and abslutly love the 37. Its an older version so only 38 is reccomended, but that's fine with me, 357 is very rough in a small light gun. If you must go 357 I would suggest the Ruger sp101, or find a nice used Smith and W 640.
 
I second the Ruger LCR, the trigger is the best. Get the 357 version so you can shoot either 38/357.
 
I'd agree with the others, save up a bit longer and get the LCR. The +P defensive ammo is pretty punishing out of it, but it definitely does the job.
 
Spend a bit more. I'd suggest a Ruger SP or a S&W Airweight. Out of the two, I prefer the S&W but it does come at a higher price point. The Ruger is a fine gun nonetheless.

This is a CCW gun, you life could depend on it. Do not buy a cheap gun to save a few bucks. Trust me, Taurus taught me this lesson all too well.
 
A 5rd .38+p is the perfect ccw. Like you said. NO ftf or fte, no safety to mess with, if you ever have a ftf pull the trigger to a fresh chamber. If you can't solve a problem with 5rds, you ought to move.
 
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$400. Perfect IMHO.
 
Ruger SP101 is the only pocket 357 that's fun to shoot.

Get a used one. They're over engineered so the previous owner couldn't have hurt it.
 
I love my Ruger LCR. You can get it in .357, but most people carry .38+P, and that's what I have. The .38 LCR is lighter because it has an aluminum frame instead of the steel frame in the .357.

For a snubby it's fun to shoot... great trigger.
 
In a new-production revolver, S&W and Ruger are the best. For a small .357 Magnum, you first need to decide whether you want a steel-frame gun or a lightweight model. While the steel gun will be a bit more burdensome to carry, the extra weight will dampen recoil considerably and make it much more tolerable to shoot. Good steel frame guns include the Ruger SP101 and S&W Models 60, 640, and 649.

If a lightweight is what you prefer, then the guns you'll want to look at include S&W Models 340 and 360 and the Ruger LCR .357.

Nearly all of these guns will be well beyond your $300 price range, however, with the Rugers, which are the least expensive, selling for well over $400 and some of the S&W models going for $900+.

If you are not dead-set on a .357 Magnum and would consider instead a .38 Special, this opens up your options considerably. S&W Models 36, 438, 442, 637, 638, 642, and Bodyguard .38 as well as the Ruger LCR .38 are good guns to consider and, depending on the model, may be found closer to your price point.

While other brands of gun like Taurus, Rossi, and Charter Arms are also options, be aware that with these less expensive guns you run a somewhat higher chance of getting a lemon and that, if you do have problems, Taurus/Rossi customer service is not reputed to be up to the same level as S&W and Ruger (I've not heard much about Charter's CS one way or the other). Also, resale value on these lower-end guns is, in my experience, abysmal which is something to keep in mind in case you ever decide to sell the gun.
 
i have an old smith air weight bodyguard... one great pistol ..
just notice on the pic it says body guide instead of body guard :)
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For 357 I would go with the Ruger LCR 357. I think the .38 cal CCW Revolvers are plenty sufficient and give you many more options. All of the revolvers listed below are great choices.

Smith 442
Smith 638
Smith Bodyguard
Ruger LCR (38)
Ruger LCR (357)
Charter Arms (Undercover 38)-Very good gun highly under rated.
Charter Arms (Bullpup or dog or something like that .44)
Taurus Ultra Light and CIA series 38
Taurus' new composite framed protector (or something like that)
Both Smith and Ruger have the best customer services. I heard Charter Arms has started to improve their customer service recently and (in my opinion) Taurus is still lacking in the CS department. For a budget CCW I would go with an older Charter Arms. For a high end firearm go with the Smith or Ruger.
 
Even though I love revolvers I'd suggest a 9mm. The main reason for that is the cost of ammo with you talking about a low budget to buy a gun. The best I can do on practice rounds for 38 special is $13.50/box of 50. I can get 9mm for $10/box of 50. You can learn to reload and make that a non factor, but there is a high start up cost in that before you start saving money.

While revolvers are simple, it also takes a lot of practice to become proficient in shooting them double action. You'd want to shoot DA in a self defense situation. Thats where ammo cost also factors in.

I'd also suggest selling the Taurus even if you can only get $175-$200 for it. That can help you raise the budget on your new gun and you will have no use for the Taurus. Trust me, you won't use or need it.
 
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