Which .38 Snub

I like J frame Smiths a lot. I'm not real crazy about the rough factory trigger, though.
That'll smooth up with use, and is a great excuse to take it to the range and shoot it.

I've owned Taurus and Charter snubs and have been very pleased with them. There was a time when Charters had rough factory triggers, but they will smooth out.
The newer Charters I've owned/shot have had pretty good triggers.

All the Taurus revolvers I've owned had pretty good triggers from the factory.

I like the steel frame version of the 642(Centennial without the grip safety).
It's my favorite of the J frames. There's nothing wrong with the Airweight Smiths, I just prefer steel frames.

If you can afford the Smith, and it's what you want, go ahead and get it.

I've heard good and bad about Taurus and Charter, but have never had any problems with either of them.
I like the stainless Taurus CIA and would love to have one. I keep holding out for the steel frame Smith.

I had a chance to buy a very nice nickeled Airweight Bodyguard for $300.00 a few years ago. I didn't have the money and missed out.

Never owned a Charter, but I've good experiences with Smith, Ruger and Taurus snubs. I've seen a lot of negative things about Taurus, but I've owned a 650 for over five years now without a problem. I have no way to confirm it, but I suspect that their small frame .38 and .357 five shooters are among their better products.

I have owned two Charters years ago.

I'm not dumb enough to make the same mistake three times.

Taurus & Rossi are not even on my radar.

I'm a S&W guy all the way.
Never owned or shot a bad one in 50+ years.

But the new Ruger LCR looks interesting.
If I didn't already have four S&W snubs, I'd probably give one a try.

rc

I've had my Taurus model 85CH since 1994. No problems.

I carried a M642 for several years and then changed over to a M442 because I like the Blue/Black revolver better. Both are the same and either is a great daily carry.

your poll needs a "none of the above" choice

I owned a 642 and 638 Smith and they were fine revolvers. When my tastes changed from small j frames to the more concealable Keltecs I traded them away. I really liked my 638 and wish I still had it. When I decided to get back into the small revolver game again I looked at all the j frames as well as the Taurus's and Ruger LCR. The Ruger was lighter, felt better and the trigger was amazing. When I make my purchase it will be a Ruger

I am a Ruger fan, and I really like the sp101, but I would get it in .357 mag, even if I only used .38s in it...

I've had a Taurus 85 for 20 years. It's a nice little revolver. I put Hogue grips on it several years ago and it is very comfortable to shoot. I haven't fired a Ruger LCR yet but the ones that I've dry fired have a very light, smooth trigger.

I picked the Ruger. The LCR 38 can be ordered with an XS 24/7 Tritium front sight. The front sight is pinned on, and you can also add one for $60 and shipping if yours did not come with one.

The LCR comes in 3 models. The LCR 22, LCR 38, and LCR 357. The LCR 22 is a great practice concealed carry gun. Same grips etc as the center fires.
I have both the LCR 22 and LCR 357, and really like them both.
You can also add a Laser Sight to the LCR, or get it from the factory as an option on the LCR 38.

I do like the Smith & Wessons also. The 442 Pro is a good choice.

If you like to shoot your guns, the Ruger and S&W will normally have the better triggers of the snubs.

Bob

You didn't say how you planned to carry it. On a belt? Or in a a pocket. Pocket carry would eliminate the Ruger SP101 for most. If belt carry, the weight SP101 isn't so noticeable, but will soak up recoil when you need it. For pocket carry, I'd go with the 642 or the LCR.

Guillermo said:

your poll needs a "none of the above" choice

Click to expand...

Yep, needs more Colt.

I have always been a big fan of S&W J frames; especially of the Model 38/49 variety. My two favorites are the Model 649 and the Model 638.

Another vote for Smith & Wesson.

I got rid of all my Ruger's back when old Bill caved on the assault weapons ban and swore to never own another. It's dumb. Bill's dead and the company's philosophy has completely turned around but it's become such a habit that I'll probably never change.

Taurus has a reputation for spotty quality control so I avoid them. Besides, I always try to buy American whenever possible.

Charter Arms might get a look if I couldn't afford better but usually S&W will be a better choice.

The Colt Detective Special is conspicuously absent from your poll, and is the finest of the snubs in my opinion.

Methinks OP is focused on current manufacture, folks, though he did not specifically state so.
(maybe he just did want to initiate yet another flame game, aka "nothing worth owning made after the Civil War", heckifiknow)

Hence no Colt.
(if this were an old warhorse race, I would call it a dead heat between S&W and Colt)

I voted S&W
barely beating out Ruger's LCR at the wire, to place
with Taurus' 85 in a strong finish down the homestretch, to show
a photo finish trifecta
but Charter faltered badly right out of the gate

PS
the LCR and the 85 both get some bonus points for their triggers vs 442/642, for me
but S&W makes a wide array of good snubbies, I have to give them the nod overall
ain't looking to convince you of anything though, just my opinion

imo 1st choice should be Smith or Colt, followed by Ruger. id avoid the rest

S&W
Ruger
Charter
Taurus ...

Although options are missing, like Colt....and assuming as mentioned OP is just considering those mentioned.

I Voted Taurus .... I carry a 85 Ultra Lite a lot and a (905 in 9mm)
I love the two revolvers.....never a complaint!

I have owned all mentioned.....and Charter does not appeal to me at all. I think they have made some fairly reliable revolvers, but there attention to detail sucks, even on a cheap level ( there roll marks always look like crap ) can not stand that! (personal thing I suppose )

I have S&W snubs that are nice as well as Ruger SP101(.357)...642's are nice, and as of yet I have not caught the polymer revolver bug....barf

The Taurus 85 is my pick of the above due to the ease of replacement, other than the Charter it is lowest cost and still a very reliable revolver, making me worry less about wear and tear and possible loss.

(And before it is said...I dont plan on losing my carry gun, however if it is used in self defense you will probably lose it for some time or forever, and if in a place that does not allow CCW, you may have to leave it vehicle, which leaves it vulnerable to theft. (I have a gun safe mounted in one vehicle for this situation) but whole car can be stolen as well!

I have purchased 2 Taurus 85's from pawn shops (1) for $200.00...one was in box like new for $235.00

Mostly from experience (not from anything the OP suggested) I imagine he is planning on buying new.

Personally, with few exceptions, I would not consider a new revolver

Go with the no lock 642.

My Taurus 85 is ALMOST as smooth as my pre 18 smith, and costs less than the smith

With the current price of the airweights, I see no reason at all to go with charter or taurus. I have never shot an LCR, but I don't like the weak trigger re-set. I actually like my 638 trigger. I vote for S&W. I'd get the 642 no lock.

Go to a gun range that rents handguns and try them out first hand, see what fits your hand.