which would you rather carry?

I'd take the Smith but wouldn't cry over the Ruger either. Prefer Smith in double action. Ruger in single actions. Trigger lock no issue. Unlock. Throw key away. Done.
 
What would you carry in either a 38 spec or 357 mag revolver? WOULD IT BE TODAY'S S&W or TODAY'S RUGER?
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What I carry isn't TODAY's anything.

In .38 Spl, yesterday's COLT.
in .357, Yesterday's S&W 19, unless hunting, then a 6" 28.
:D
 
I'd have to pick the Ruger, a GP-100 specifically, loaded with .38sp.

The Ruger because I refuse to risk damaging any of my many prettyful Smith revolvers by carrying them around and at the same time know that Ruger makes a tank of a revolver that can be relied on in just about any kind of situation imaginable. Plus, I hear their customer service/warranty service is nothing to sneeze at.

The .38 is because you only have 6 shots to begin with and reloading is slow, making fast accurate shot placement all the more important. The lesser recoil will make the first shot easier and any follow up shots that much quicker and all the more likely to be on target.
 
I never could decide so, I carry a 442 in my pocket and a LCR357 AIWB. I shoot very little 357 ammo these days because of Arthiritis. 38+P is still ok, especially in the LCR357.
 
Also with those that say both. A light weight J frame S&W snub in .38 is an outstanding pocket gun and Ruger make great revolvers as well.
As to rather carry a .38 or .357 to me personally I don't carry a .357 in anything with a barrel shorter than 3 inch and prefer the magnum round with a 4 inch barrel as a carry gun.
 
Auto5 wrote:

I like the older (pre magnum) j frames in .38 special, but prefer the extra mass of an sp101 for .357.
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I think the LCR has taken over that turf from Smith and Wesson but I agree. The Sp101 is the smallest gun I like in .357 magnum. The 3" is well-balanced and extremely handy but I still usually stock it with .38 +p. Like the below poster, I really prefer the 4" for magnums.

sgms wrote:

... personally I don't carry a .357 in anything with a barrel shorter than 3 inch and prefer the magnum round with a 4 inch barrel as a carry gun.
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The 4" Sp101 is a wonderful combination of sturdy and slender. It shoots well; better with fuller grips though that's a trade with concealment. Of course, the new 4" model in .327 Federal shoots even better and holds a full six rounds. If you haven't tried it, I recommend it. :)
 
I got to hold a Smith 60 pro series at the LGS the other day.
Really nice size and weight!
That would be one I'd consider over the Ruger SP.
3 inch slab barrel, matt stainless and nice and slim and light.
But the price at that local shop was like 800.00!:eek:
 
I have a S&W Model 637-2 on my hip right now, as I do most days at work.
I also carry a Ruger LCP in my hip pocket for a quick reload.
 
I carry a 637-2 with CT grips in an ankle holster most of the time. The rest of the time, my LCP is in my right rear pocket in a holster.

The smith is my "big" carry gun. Next is a Colt Light weight Officers ACP.

So Smith, Ruger or colt? I personally see no need to carry a 357 for defense especially in a light concealment gun.

David
 
None of the above. I currently covet the Ruger LCR in (gasp) 9mm.

Why?

Because I already have 3 auto pistols in 9mm and boatloads of ammo for them. I have little concern about the ability of modern 9mm loads to do the job in the unlikely event it is required.
 
Doc - I've probably already stated this at one time or another - I'm old - so I'll repeat myself! :eek:

I personally don't think you can go wrong with either. I had a 357 LCR - shot 357s once in it and then stuck to 38s - I just like the 38 cartridge.

I traded it off on my Smith Model 36 snub J frame.

Both - 5 shots. Both can carry 38s. (The LCR has the edge if that's what a person wants to use - 357). LCR - DAO. Smith 36 - SA/DA. Both cylinder swing out loading and ejection.

My preference for the Smith is probably based on the "way" I carry. I am permitted in both AZ and MI. AZ can be open carry (as can MI) but I prefer concealed. I carry on the belt and the Model 36 just seems to "snug in" a little better. True - it has a hammer spur so most wouldn't want it if it is going to be pocket carried due to possible snag.

Both the LCR and the 36 shoot well at SD ranges - neither are "target guns". In the end - either is an excellent choice for someone who is confident in carrying a wheel-gun.

As an example - I have a friend who is 82. He bought a .380 Smith Bodyguard. He and I took the MI class together and I noticed during the range qualifications, he had quite a bit of difficulty in operating the 380 BG. His hands are somewhat "arthritic" and racking it was difficult for him. He has stuck with it but he probably would do much better with a LCR or similar. Easier on the older hands, easier to load, etc. In essence, a revolver such as the LCR or others provide security, especially to older folks, who feel the need to have something and yet it is about the most simple of firearms to load and shoot. Not knocking semi-autos at all - but some are very difficult to rack, magazines can be difficult to load - especially double stacks and even some single stacks, inserting magazines can be a challenge for some, etc. A revolver . . . open the cylinder, slide the bullets into the little holes, close and you're ready.

Long winded . . but in my book . . . an LCR, a Smith or similar are all good. The trick is to practice and shoot it regular. :)
 
I own them both. Ruger in everything is my preference. So much so I hve been known to sell a Smith and Wesson's to finance a Ruger purchase. God Bless
 
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