What would you get

D

Doc Holliday 1950

New member
I currently have a 4.2 " Ruger 357, as my main go to gun, and need a smaller carry. What would you get in a 2" to 3" either 38 special or 357 mag revolver? Ruger, Smith, Rossi or Taurus? Can't be a Semi, must be a Wheel. Really need everyone's input on this. I don't mind carrying the 4 inch GP 100 but would like to be a bit less obvious.
Thanks,
Doc
 
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Hi Doc,
you might want to look at the K frame Smith's like the snub nose model 19 size. It's mid size, easier to carry than the GP100, but bigger and softer shooting than your LCR .357.

Or a Ruger six series (security six, speed six) in snub version.
 
Sp101 with 38s? New can be 2" or 3" 357 but there have been shorter barrels chambered for 38 previously produced. Any steel J frame would work as well and there are lots of configurations to choose from but shooting comfort will generally be on par with the LCR except for the heavier 357s like 640, 649, M60. Nothing wrong with his/hers LCRs either. ;)
 
You're happy with the brand, so why not stay with it. Ruger LCR. Or if you don't mind the added weight for an all metal gun, the SP101.
 
Since it is a carry I would look at the S&W J Frames. I pocket carry a S&W M&P 340. It is a lite weight .357 magnum and I carry .38+P Speer Gold Dots in first 4 chambers. This is because I find the .357 magnum loads no fun to shoot. The 5th round in the cylinder is a .357 magnum though, just so I know I'm empty and it is time to switch to the NY Reload. I carry this and I have no problems with it. I really do not feel it there. Light weight is a plus to carry. Light weight is not so much fun to shoot. However since this is a carry gun, not a target shooter. I think this pick was 'right on' for me.
 
MrBorland said:
S&W 3" Model 65 (stainless) or 13 (blued) .357mag.
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I second this. I like to carry my 3" Model 65 sometimes, and when I'm not carrying it, it's my car gun. It shoots like a dream, and the size is easy to conceal. The extra inch of barrel helps balence the gun, IMHO
 
I've been thinking/searching about similar things, and started looking at it from matters of weight/size vs cartridge/ballistics/capacity.

The 158gr L-SWCHP .38 SPL +P with 890fps and 287 ft/lbs is a popular SD round, even in .357s, because it's manageable and effective. I think it's Winchester X38SPD, nothing exotic or real expensive.

The cartridges need a container. Many S&W 15 oz Airweight J frames (642, 442, 637, etc) are rated for +P, and should work with that 158 +P cartridge.

Charter Arms also has a bunch of 16 oz 5-shot +P rated guns, and also have the Undercover Lite at 12 oz (which most think is too light for the cartridge). If you'd feel better with 6 rounds they have a .38 Police Undercover, which is a +P rated six-shooter, but it's built on the Bulldog frame so it's a little larger than the Undercovers, and weighs about 4 oz more, making it a 20 oz 6-shot .38 +P.

I think most of those guns can be found for around $400.

Older lightweight guns with 3" barrels are among my favorites, but limited to non +P ammo, like the S&W M37 and the 3" Undercover.

I sort of have the hots for the new Charter Arms Pitbull .45 ACP, but it's built on a new frame which I've read is 2mm larger than the Bulldog frame, and weighs 22 oz. More size and weight, but it's a .45. Decisions, decisions.
 
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Wow. Great suggestions. Let's narrow this down. I prefer a heavier gun so the light weights are out. My old Rossi 2" 357 was steel and weighed 28 ozs.( I think ) and I was very accurate with it. I bought the Rossi before I really looked into quality and was steered into it by a dealer who did not have my best interest in mind. He has recently lost his business (wonder why?).
Whatever I get will be carried everyday for SD. Again all suggestions and advice is welcome. So 2" to 3" and no more and Steel, no Plastic.
Thanks,
Doc
 
I carry a 2" j-frame sometimes. The recoil of the alloy framed models doesn't bother me at all, and they are much easier to carry. For CC I prefer hammerless.
 
If you go with the S&W airweight, then consider which finish (anodized black or painted silver). There have been quite a few reports of the silver finish flaking off. The anodized isn't exactly what you would call a tough finish but it does seem to be tougher than the silver.
 
The S&W J frame, such as the 642 is light, accurate, and can be easily carried in your pocket as well as IWB/OWB
 
If you like the steel J-Frame size take a look at the S&W 640 ... 2-1/8 " barrel, 23 oz. .357 magnum frame and easy to shoot.
178044_01_md.jpg
 
For IWB or pocket carry, I'd go with a S&W J frame 2" bbl .38. If you are ok with holster carry, then I would recommend something like the S&W M19 or M66 2.5" bbl (I like having the adj sights on my 2.5" bbl M 19.) If FS is fine with you, then either the 3" bbl M13 or M65 are good choices.
 
To fit your criteria of barrel length, I personally would rule out a .357 Mag. and stick to the .38 Spl.

Ruger SP101 would be the way I would lean.
 
Wow. Great suggestions. Let's narrow this down. I prefer a heavier gun so the light weights are out. My old Rossi 2" 357 was steel and weighed 28 ozs.( I think ) and I was very accurate with it.
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Do you still have it?

Did it fail you?

If not, why not stick with that?
 
Good question James. Also keep in mind just because it is a .357 magnum frame does not mean you have to shoot .357 magnum rounds. The .357 magnum frame I would think a little heavier and stronger than the .38 frame. Might be just what the doctor ordered.
 
Doc, if you can afford one look far a Smith and Wesson 2 1/2" M-19/66. Both are .357 magnum caliber, so you can shoot ANY 38 special ammo as well as .357 Magnum ammo, if needed. Second would be the Ruger SP 101. Third would be a Smith and Wesson 3" model 64/65.

Best of luck......
 
Read some reviews on the SP101 &
a lot said it was pretty tough shooting
357 mag loads. Any one have actual
experience with them?
The Smiths look terrific.
Went on their site & was
Quite blown away(no pun intended).
Tremendous selections.
Doc
 
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