[InkEd]

The most popular snubnose question in recent time. Let's help those who want advice & opinions about these guns.

To keep things relevant let's not talk too much about other snubbies (e.g. Other frame materials, price points, discontinued models/companies, frame size, new or used calibers, etc).

Snubnose, 5 shot, dao, aluminum frame,$400-$500 NIB revolvers seem to be the most popular revolvers right now. Let's keep it about models fitting that description.

There are many good guns in this category and we could
discuss the pros and cons of them in relationship to each other. Also give specs about them. Etc.

[NinjaFeint]

I think the stock trigger pull on the ruger is much better than the similarly priced smith's. You can't go wrong with a ruger or a smith though.

[m&pc9]

I checked out the LCR before I bought my 442. I was a little worried about the rivets that hold the polymer to the aluminum frame. In the short term I think they would be OK but after 10 - 20 years of shooting I would think they could get loose.

And Taurus My nephew just went 11 mo. trying to get Taurus customer service to fix his .357. So I will never own a Taurus.

[InkEd]

Agreed about the trigger. I like the grip size way better on the s&w the ruger's is too big for easy ccw IMO. The ruger pinned in sight is nice but I hate the cylinder release. One plus for the taurus to mention is I like the full underlug for the ejector rod. All things considered my choice is the s&w series.

[frankiestoys]

....

[GreenMTNLife]

I have a feeling a lot of people that own the 642 but havn't tried the LCR are gonna vote 642. Predicted poll results 642 destroys LCR, strictly based on number of 642 owners. Go out and try them. Or at the very least read the posts of the people who have tried both and base your decision on that. That being said, I'm getting ready to make a purchase and I'm torn. I really like the LCR trigger, but the 642 has a great track record. Maybe I should wait another year to see how the LCR holds up, but damn waiting is hard.

[gglass]

Go for the LCR. I'm an old S&W revolver fan, but the LCR I bought for my wife beats the Smiths in almost every way.

Lighter trigger
Better trigger staging
Better accuracy (Due to trigger control)

My wife would never be caught without her LCR:
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/6176/rugerlcrchanel.jpg

[RetDep310]

Bought a used 442 after I retired from law enforcement. Loved the gun, had one a few years before, but also bought a LCR. Love the LCR. Both guns are great choices, but my heart belongs to the LCR now. Just traded the 442 for a Ruger LCP to use for my going to church gun.

[InkEd]

Here is my opinion on the better choice in different categories.

Trigger-lcr
Grip-s&w
Sights-lcr
Cylinder release-s&w
Reliability-s&w (lcr too new to be accessed)
Finish-s&w
Resale-s&w

The biggest thing the LCR has going for it is the trigger out of the box. However, that is a big feature to have in your favor. I'm waiting to see how the lcr does in the long run. I think it will stick around but we'll see.

As mentioned earlier let's keep this about the guns mentioned. No sp101s or Sc's in .357.

[bigred0383]

I have been very happy with my 442. To me, the inclusion of an internal lock without the option to not have it (there are 642 and 442 available from S&W without the lock right now) is an automatic DQ for me on the ruger, same on the taurus, etc. If it came to a .357 snubbie, I am a fan of the SP101.

[earlthegoat2]

Im not usually that guy but I would not buy any of them.

I think I would stick to an older Smith or Colt.

There is really nothing new that gets me going. With all these locks and other perceived safety devices mucking up good guns I will stick with the ones made back in the days when people were smart enough to handle a gun correctly and not need a warning banner on the side of the gun to prove that social darwinism doesnt exist.

[Unistat]

You can get new 442s and 642s without the lock, you know. I have one such 442 and my wife has a no-lock 642.

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors// 442

It took months and many range rentals for me to decide and info from THR was excellent tool.
Thanks to the 642/442 club

[9mmepiphany]

i carry a 642 and have had it for ages, it used to ride on my ankle when i sat in a squad for a living. it's action has been tuned so it feels a lot like a good K-frame.

but if i had to buy "new"...i think i'd look very hard at the Ruger LCR. the one i handled was at the SHOT Show and it had a great feel to it...i wished they'd bring it out in .327 mag

[DAdams]

I know, not one of the choices, I can't help it, S&W M&P 340.

[ArchAngelCD]

I bought a new M642 when S&W made them available without the lock. A few months later they also released the M442 without a lock. If I had know that would happen I probably would have bought the M442 but I'm happy with my M642. (and my M638, M640 and M36 too :uhoh:)

I would love to see a no-lock M438 sometime soon but who know if that will ever happen???

[Ala Dan]

the S&W 642 or 442~! ;) :D

[Fryerpower]

I bought a 638. Nearly identical to the 642. The difference being that the hammer is shrouded in stead of fully enclosed.

-Jim

[david_the_greek]

I haven't shot the LCR, but I did handle one. I did not care for the size of the grip, nor did I care for the feel of it. The handle felt very toy like and large. I like the cylinder releases that ruger puts on their revolvers. The trigger was buttery smooth and would definitely aid in accuracy, but I didn't like it for a carry gun. I occasionally just throw the 442 in a snug pocket and I feel comfortable that my trigger is stiff enough that nothing will go off, I wouldn't feel the same comfort with the LCR.

[stogiegila]

LCR all the way. Feels better, less recoil, unbelievably better trigger and its lighter.