Snubby help...down to these choices.

P

Pipeline

Inactive
All right, guys and gals, I need your help. I'm looking for a snubby for CCW and I had narrowed it down to the Ruger LCR 38, 357 or the S&W 442. First off, I'm intending to shoot 38 for practice and carry 38 +P for SD. The 357 is just too big of a load for me. But I had considered the LCR 357 because a more versatile gun would be better for resale, and a heavier gun theoretically would be better for recoil. Well, a while back, I got my hands on both the LCR 38 and the 357. In the hand and in the pocket, the 4 oz. difference was definitely noticeable, more than I thought it would/should. I concluded that between the LCR's, I'd go with the 38. So it was down to the LCR 38 and the S&W 442.

This past weekend, I went to a range that rents the LCR 38 and the S&W 642...wanted to give both guns a try before deciding. Based on online reviews and forum chats, I'd expected for the LCR to be a more comfortable shoot. Much to my surprise, it was the opposite. The muzzle flip on the LCR was more pronounced. It "snapped" back more relative to the S&W. One reason that may explain for this was both guns came equipped with the Crimson Trace. This made the LCR's grip a bit shorter than the standard Hogue grip and the Smithy's grip a bit longer than their standard grip. So did the S&W shoot more comfortably because it had a longer/more comfortable grip? or because it was 2 oz. heavier? or because it's better designed?

I don't know where this leaves me. Frankly, I'm more confused now than before. If it's a matter of grip, than will a standard LCR 38 with better/slightly longer grip feel and shoot better than a standard 442/624 with its slightly smaller/shorter grip? If it's a matter of weight, if the 15 oz. S&W shoots better than the 13.5 oz. LCR 38, maybe I ought to consider the 17 oz. LCR 357? If it's a matter of S&W feeling/shooting better in my hand due to its inherent design, regardless of grip or weight, than I ought to consider the 442. Unfortunately, the range doesn't carry the LCR 357 so there's no way for me to test these theories. For those who have shot these guns, please give me your thoughts.

One last question. Between the LCR 38 and 357, would you say the finish on the 357 is more matte and rough than the 38? (The 38 wasn't shiny per se, but had a bit more of a sheen to it?) It's been a while since I handled them and I'm not sure if I remember it correctly.
 
All your selections are good pistols so get the one that feels best in your hand. Best fit, best to shoot. If it means changing a grip, do so. That why there are so many different types out there.
 
I second what sgms said. To answer you question about the weight of the firearm and the muzzle flip: YES a heavier weapon will exhibit less recoil.

I have an FNP 9 in 9 mm and my brother has a beretta FS in 9mm. The beretta is heavier and has much less muzzle flip than my FNP shooting the exact same ammo.
 
My input....

From what you posted, I'd lean towards a 442 .38spl but IMO a model 638 DA/SA snub makes more sense. If you are hurt or wounded you could fire SA(single action) if needed & the 638/49 S&W design prevents snags or problems with coat pockets/pocket carry. Pacymer made a J frame grip that shielded the spur but I think it's no longer made in the USA.
The Ruger LCR is a top rated snub revolver but for CC use or add-ons, I'd go with a S&W J frame.

As for the coating, I'd look into www.Bearcoat.com www.Robarguns.com or maybe www.Black-T.com . It will protect the snub revolver, speed cleaning & aid in firing/operation. Bearcoat offers a lifetime service plan & it takes around 10 to 14 days to get from the custom shop. Robar NP3+ is good but costs more.
A CT lasergrip; www.crimsontrace.com may help with training or defense. They now fit both S&W snubs & the Ruger SP101/LCRs.

Clyde
For a pocket holster see; DeSantis Nemnesis or for a J frame belt/paddle, the Blackhawk SERPA; www.Blackhawk.com .
 
If you are not going to use magnums get the 38. Either one is a good choice, it comes down to what you like better. The LCR 38 and 357 are made of different materiel hence the different finish.
 
CCW - lasers

you don't discuss lasers, available both on ruger and 642. This might impact balance and other considerations... SD gun writers seem to have moved pretty strongly in last few years to recommending lasers on CCW guns because of (1) frequency of encounters under low-light conditions and (2) the ability to shoot accurately under stress and from ackward positions without the need to lining up the sights...
 
Good luck finding either of those. I been looking for a 442 since before christmas. No luck yet. If you find a source, let us know.
 
The Gun Digest Book of the Revolver

Guns, Bullets, and Gunfights

No Second Place Winner

Grips are essential. There has been much discussion over the years on this topic and it's difficult to cover the entire topic in one forum post. The Gun Digest Book of the Revolver covers this topic in detail. If you buy only one book, buy that one. However, you really should read Cirillo and Jordans' books.

The LG-305's from Crimson Trace are the way to go for J-Frames.

Revolvers require quite a bit of practice in order to achieve proficiency.

The lighter guns are tough to shoot. They are not beginner guns and you will not have a positive learning experience with one. If you are a new shooter, then buy a revolver with four inch or longer barrel. The grip should be large enough to support all fingers and the palm. Otherwise, you're going to be fighting too many variables while you learn (short sight radius, heavy trigger, small grip, recoil and tiny sights) and you will not get good results.

This thread needs pictures. 357 Magnum is too wimpy and 38 Special is only good for small dogs.

44 caliber motivation:

Ruger Alaskan
Ruger-Alaskan-Armor-Closeup-3.jpg


Alaskan-800x600-muzzle.jpg




Ruger-Alaskan-Armor-Nimravus-5.jpg


Ruger-Alaskan-Armor-Nimravus-1.jpg


S&W Model 24

photo-20.jpg


M24-white_zps7797ff0b.jpg
 
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Snubby choices

Pipeline,

Check out the Pachmyar Compac grip for the 642. It is hand filling but still very concealable.

"It was the best selling firearm offered by Smith & Wesson in 2006."
-from http://www.snubnose.info/docs/m642.htm

You might like to reading THE SNUBBY REVOLVER by Ed Lovette, a former law enforcement and CIA guy. He writes for (or did) Combat Handguns magazine It is loaded with good info from a guy who has been there and back.

Good luck on your decision.
 
If you are not going to use magnums get the 38.
Click to expand...

Me, I'd still get the magnum. No real downside to it and, well, you never know if someday in the future you might want to shoot some .357s. Too, if you ever decide to sell it, my guess is that the magnum might appeal to a wider market.
 
Me, I'd still get the magnum. No real downside to it and, well, you never know if someday in the future you might want to shoot some .357s. Too, if you ever decide to sell it, my guess is that the magnum might appeal to a wider market.
Click to expand...

They might bring more upon selling, buy you typically pay more up front to begin with. As for magnums in a J Frame, most people are NOT going to like it. Try before you buy a J Frame magnum, or if you can't, just find an old pickup and slam your hand in the door jam. If it doesn't hurt, you'll probably be fine with magnums :D .

To the OP, it sounds like the x42 is your gun. Since the two are so close in size and weight, fitment in your hand is what matter most in the area of felt recoil. Some prefer the LCR, others prefer the S&W, still others prefer roughly equivalent guns from Taurus. Both are good guns, but I prefer the x42 myself. Both feel good in my hand, but I don't much care for the LCR's mushy, weak trigger return.
 
You might want to try firing a 640, the all-steel daddy of the current Centennial family. Not too heavy, but more heft gives more control and less punishment from recoil.

I second the suggestion of Pachmayr Compac grips. I first encountered them on a Colt DSII, and they felt great. When I bought my 640 (.38 Special +P-rated) I put them on it and I like them a lot.
 
I am no fan of poly revolvers, I have the lcr-22 but for range use only. I had a few times where I couldn't fire it because I did not let the trigger reset all the way, even though the cylinder turn/clicked.
 
I went with a 642 and then installed Hogue Monogrip. Fits my ham of a hand like a glove. A good glove..not O.J.'s glove.
My other .38 snub is a Charter Arms Undercover which is the first snub I found that was truly the perfect bowl of porridge. Grip, weight, balance...just right for me and, interestingly, my wife.
 
I fired both guns but without the CT grips. I came away with opposite results than you.

The .38 LCR had less felt recoil and a better trigger.
 
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