A few questions about some snubbies *update*

[bnc]

I'm shopping around for my eventual CCW and am leaning towards a .38 revolver. Even though my only handgun right now is an auto, I think I may be a wheelgunner at heart, they just make sense and feel right.

So, the obvious "LCR or J-frame" debate is in full swing in my brain.

The LCR has a nicer trigger out of the box, at least the one I was looking at did. It has a lighter pull than the S&W and is easier to hold at the cocked position before firing (which I like). It is also a few ounces lighter than the Smith.

The Smith I was comparing to was a new, unlocked 642. It was clearly smaller than the LCR and had an overall better finish and felt like a higher quality gun. It was $75 more expensive than the LCR, fyi. The S&W is also rated for +P, not sure if the LCR is (or if I would want to use that ammo anyways)

Basically, I like the size and construction of the S&W and the LCR's trigger and weight.



The S&W's trigger was both heavier than the LCR's and harder to hold in the cocked position. Are these things that can be changed with a trigger job? I know a lighter spring can ease the pull, but I'm not sure if it is possible to make the stages of the trigger more apparent (maybe just lightening it would help to avoid pulling past the cocked position).

Is S&W phasing out the lock? If you order one, as in the store doesn't have the exact model you want, can you request a no-lock gun? I think a 442/642 or 438/638 with a trigger job might be the ticket. Granted, I haven't shot either, my only revolver experience is about 50 rounds through a rented 4" 686.

Thanks.

[Excaliber]

I'm shopping around for my eventual CCW and am leaning towards a .38 revolver. Even though my only handgun right now is an auto, I think I may be a wheelgunner at heart, they just make sense and feel right.

So, the obvious "LCR or J-frame" debate is in full swing in my brain.

The LCR has a nicer trigger out of the box, at least the one I was looking at did. It has a lighter pull than the S&W and is easier to hold at the cocked position before firing (which I like). It is also a few ounces lighter than the Smith.

The Smith I was comparing to was a new, unlocked 642. It was clearly smaller than the LCR and had an overall better finish and felt like a higher quality gun. It was $75 more expensive than the LCR, fyi. The S&W is also rated for +P, not sure if the LCR is (or if I would want to use that ammo anyways)

Basically, I like the size and construction of the S&W and the LCR's trigger and weight.



The S&W's trigger was both heavier than the LCR's and harder to hold in the cocked position. Are these things that can be changed with a trigger job? I know a lighter spring can ease the pull, but I'm not sure if it is possible to make the stages of the trigger more apparent (maybe just lightening it would help to avoid pulling past the cocked position).

Is S&W phasing out the lock? If you order one, as in the store doesn't have the exact model you want, can you request a no-lock gun? I think a 442/642 or 438/638 with a trigger job might be the ticket. Granted, I haven't shot either, my only revolver experience is about 50 rounds through a rented 4" 686.

Thanks.

Before you go buying a snubby revolver based on liking a 4" 686, I strongly suggest you rent and fire both of the guns you're considering. You'll find that shooting a lightweight snubby is MUCH different than a full size steel frame revolver.

You might find that you like your current auto better, and can save some money as well, or you may find characteristics of one or both guns that show up during actual firing that make a difference to you but weren't apparent during showroom handling.

I strongly advocate "shoot before you buy." Almost anything looks pretty good on the dealer's counter.

[Oldgringo]

with Excaliber.

Mrs. Oldgringo's CW is a S&W 638-3. It is light, it is concealable and it is handy and it is simple. It is not fun to shoot but it will get the job done - you betcha'. It also will fit in my pocket on dress up days.

She prefers her snubbie over a Sig P230 SL or a SA XD 9 SC, both of which are smaller guns and both are available to her.

Good luck.

[USA1]

The S&W is also rated for +P, not sure if the LCR is (or if I would want to use that ammo anyways)

Yes , the Ruger LCR is rated for +P
Either way you go, I would recommend using +P as your carry ammo and regular .38 as your practice ammo with some +P thrown in once and a while to be familiar with the difference.

Shooting a snubby will take some practice to get proficient with trigger control and using the sights.
IMO, Snubs are a very practical self defense gun due to the ease of carry and the reliability factor.


I carry a Smith 642 in my pocket daily. I prefer it over the LCR only because I like metal guns.

[JCole]

I regularly carry an older (non-magnum frame) S&W Model 60 with Buffalo Bore +P LSWCGC ammunition. When in the mood for a larger gun, it's almost always a 4" Model 13 or 19. I think the revolver is the best solution for me, but everyone has to figure out their own weapon choice. I'm nor sure what you mean by "holding it in the cocked position." Are you trying to "stage" the trigger just before it goes off? Both the guns you describe have no single-action notch, and your accuracy would probably benefit from one smooth trigger pull motion.

Smith and Wesson is unlikely to phase-out the lock, but they have made a few guns without it in the last year or so.

[carlson1]

I shoot revolvers and carry revolvers most of the time. I alternate between a Model 66 and Model 19 both in 2 1/2" barrels. I almost always carry my 340PD as a back up.

I had a LCR and I noticed that the trigger has to be completely cycled before a follow up shot or it locks up. Maybe it was just my LCR, but I sold it.

I like the trigger on the Smith and Wesson a lot better. I am more comfortable with it. Carry what you are comfortable and confident in.

Check out Mr. Camp's Reviews:
viewtopic.php?f=104&t=22940&p=441794#p441794" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?f=104&t=17997" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Tregs]

I shoot revolvers and carry revolvers most of the time. I alternate between a Model 66 and Model 19 both in 2 1/2" barrels. I almost always carry my 340PD as a back up.

I had a LCR and I noticed that the trigger has to be completely cycled before a follow up shot or it locks up. Maybe it was just my LCR, but I sold it.

I like the trigger on the Smith and Wesson a lot better. I am more comfortable with it. Carry what you are comfortable and confident in.

Check out Mr. Camp's Reviews:
viewtopic.php?f=104&t=22940&p=441794#p441794" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?f=104&t=17997" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Carlson,
How do you carry your K frame? IWB? OWB? which holster? I carry in a pancake in cooler weather but I'm looking for options. My current K frame is a square butt 4" M66 (P&R ). While I love the looks, I think a 2.5" round butt will give me more carry options.

[carlson1]

I do like the round butt better. I believe they are easier to conceal. I use an OWB holster by Alessi. It looks like this one that my J-Frame is in:


I use the smaller grips with the K-Frames.

[Tregs]

Thanks Carlson. I'll keep looking for a deal on a 2.5" K frame...or a M60 J Frame. As you can probably tell, I like the SS models.

bnc,
You may want to check out the snubnose files. Google for the exact site and enjoy. It may not answer your specific questions, but if you like snubbies, it's a great way to kill a couple of hours.

Tregs.

[rdcrags]

shooting a lightweight snubby is MUCH different than a full size steel frame revolver.

I quite agree. But for close up defense and concealability, it is hard to beat. Change the trigger spring. I did.

TX CHL 1997
CO CHP 2005

[ghostrider]

Ruger SP101 for me.

snubnose files are here:
http://www.snubnose.info/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

you should also check out the articles on Steve Camp's site:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/OtherHandguns.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Max]

I'm a huge S&W fan with more then just a couple of them. I carried a 649 for years but wanted something lighter and considered the 642 when the nolock version came out. I actually found a vendor at a show that had both an LCR and a nolock 642 so I could hold and compare both. In the end I walked away with the LCR and have no regrets. I shoot +P in it at the range and it is amazingly well behaved because of the gel insert in the back strap of the gun. I can't say the same about my 649 with +P rounds but it has the back strap exposed on it and I never purchased any other grips. In the end the LCR won out because of weight, it weighs the same loaded as an empty 642 does. Either way I don't think you can go wrong.

[J.R.@A&M]

Ruger SP101 for me.

Same here. I have one in .357 and another in .22 LR, both with 2.25" barrel. I *like* the extra weight and the rugged reliability.

[bootsdeal]

I carry 2 snubbies all the time, one primary and one BUG. My primary is an older model 36 S&W and my backup is a newer model 642-2. Use +P's for carry and regular 38's for practice in both guns. The model 36 is an absolute dream to shoot even though it's over 30 years old. Never a problem. The 642 now has about 500 rounds through it. The trigger pull just keeps getting better and better. Nothing but revolvers for me. I also have a 3" Ruger 357 for home defense. It's also excellent. I have a coupla of autos but rarely carry them. One just stays tucked away in the car.

[carlson1]

MY GOAL. . . (This has been posted several times, but it is always worth watching)
[youtube][/youtube]