[Kevinch]

Spring will be here soon (I hope!), & I need a new warm weather CCW piece. I've been carrying a Colt Mustang in .380 ACP in hot weather for years, but want to retire it.

I bought my daughter a Model 637 about a year ago, & after handling it a little I'm thinking about moving to a wheel gun for those times I'll leave my 1911 at home. I have a Ruger SP101 & was considering having the hammer bobbed but it weighs a little too much for me to consider it for deep carry.

I'm considering a S&W M638 or a Taurus 851 Ultra-Lite (851SSUL). These guns look really similar, the S&W might weigh an ounce or 2 less; the Taurus might have a slight longer (1/8") barrel, both are rated for +P, both have rubber grips, etc., etc., down the line. Locally, it looks like I can buy the M638 for about $350 & the 851 for $325.

Which would you buy? I've had good luck with both brands in the past - & I've had guns from both that had to go in for warranty work too. The 637 I bought my daughter last year is a nice gun, but it doesn't display the quality fit & finish of my 686-2. The only Taurus I own now is a PT940 that I bought about 7 years ago & it runs great, but I'm not really up on the newer Taurus revolvers.

Anyone care to offer some advice?

[dbarale]

I'm not a Taurus hater but for 25$ I would definitely get the 638 over the 851. If you decide you do not like it the resale value will stay much higher on the S&W...

[ArchAngelCD]

I own and carry a S&W M638 and I'm very happy with it.

[tuckerdog1]

I really like my 638. I suspect, everything else being equal, the trigger on the Smith will be better. For $25, I'd buy the Smith.

Tuckerdog1

[ACP230]

I am a fan of the Smith Bodyguards and not one of most of the triggers on Taurus guns I've shot.
I'd get the 638.

[Kevinch]

No votes for the Taurus yet......

My concern over the S&W - & that includes the revolver I bought my daughter - is the reports of the lock tying up the gun unintentionally as a result of recall. It seems to be more of a problem on the really light framed magnums, but can it be a problem with +P loads in the 637/638/642 guns too?