today's best carry revolver

Given the criteria, I think it's gonna be tough to beat the ubiquitous S&W 642 Airweight .38. Sure, there are "nicer" and "cooler" guns, but given the OP's critera (which I agree are the most relevant factors), then the quality, customer service, low weight and volume, and economy of the humble Airweight makes it about as ideal as it gets for dragging around day in and day out.
It admitedly ain't the sexiest girl on the block, but I can carry this thing in elastic-banded gym shorts, so it's nearly ALWAYS gonna be there, which is THE most important criteria. And, being +P rated, I got mine loaded with five +P Gold-Dots, which should be plenty sufficient for nearly any realistic SD need.
As a matter fo fact, I'm toting mine as we speak !


By the way, OP, is "catpop" a new variation of the "desk pop"?

Since you seem to place an emphasis on light weight I would suggest that Ruger's LCR has the Smith & Wesson's beat, largely because they offer a better trigger pull and recoil control. The basic design of the S&W J-frames in both conventional as well as enclosed or shrouded hammer designs haven't been really changed or improved since they were introduced following World War Two. While the LCR won't win any points for looks, it is a very affective weapon in it's class.

Second vote!

Smith Airweight/Airlights.

I was on the fence till getting one and now marvel at the weight of my other 5&6 shot "lightweights".


Todd.

Reading the above... Of course, there's the hideous little Ruger too. great pistol, readily available, outstanding customer service and a good price... But oh those looks. Makes the uglier end of a bulldog look good!

Damn, then speaking of bulldogs... There's Charter Arms lightweights too.

Old Fuff said:

Since you seem to place an emphasis on light weight I would suggest that Ruger's LCR has the Smith & Wesson's beat, largely because they offer a better trigger pull and recoil control. The basic design of the S&W J-frames in both conventional as well as enclosed or shrouded hammer designs haven't been really changed or improved since they were introduced following World War Two. While the LCR won't win any points for looks, it is a very affective weapon in it's class.

Click to expand...

+1

Came to post the same.

The out-of-the-box triggers on Ruger's are a touch better.

Another vote for Ruger LCR38

While I must confess that I like the triggers on the Smith Airweights better, I prefer the LCR to carry.

As far as quality. I would give the edge slightly to the Smiths but only by a hair. Like I said, the triggers are a bit smoother IMO.

For weight, the LCR wins hands down.

Most compact really depends on the grips. Even though slightly larger, I prefer the factory grips on the LCR.

Last time I looked, both are within about $20 of each other in cost.

EDIT: I over-exaggerated the weight difference but the LCR still fits in my pocket better

Ruger's little LCR is about as good as it gets, from a practical standpoint.

Having tried the LCR38 and found it unpleasant to practice with I moved on to the LCR357. It weighs a little more, is the same size, same gooood trigger , and is pleasant to practice with .38spl. Try one, it may be the answer.

Best Wheel Gun Carry ?

I vote for S&W 638 (which I carry). It is an AirWeight version of the original BodyGuard .38 Special. It has all steel barrel and cylinder, plus airplane grade aluminum frame, making it lighter than your current carry. Also, it retains your SA/DA choice, and decreases hammer snag in pocket carry mode, with the shrouded hammer.

If you prefer DA only, S&W 642 would be another option.

I shot a friend's LCR for the first time the other day. I am buying myself one this weekend.

I'm staying with the J Frame Smith. I carry a 640 Pro Series but have had the 442 for a lightweight as well. You want stupid light, I have a 431C in .22mag but truthfully inside the waistband I can't tell a lot of difference but I imagine pocket carry would be different. An all steel gun makes shooting .357's bearable and eats 38's like candy.

I used to carry an LCP as well but find I can actually shoot the J frame.

my uncle has a lightweight Taurus and its very nice to hold and so I am looking forward to shooting it someday!

The other day I saw a man walking a pig, y'know I thought it was a pot-bellied pig, some people keep them as pets, so - whatever.

Then when it got closer I realized it was a bulldog.

Double Post

S&W Centennial, be it the 640, 642, 442, or 340PD, hands down IS the best.

Deaf

Bottom pic is an S&W 638, .38, 15oz. Real easy to carry.

I’m perfectly happy with my old S&W pre-model 37 from 1957.

IMO the 15oz S&W Airweight is a good carry revolver.
It's not heavy and can shoot any .38 Special +P ammo on the market.

I carry a M442 daily.

For me it would be a S&W Model 638. I could also make a strong case for going with a Ruger LCR. Whichever one one feels and works the best for you.

I spent my money on a Ruger KLCR w/ the Crimson Trace laser grip. The only shortcoming I found is I can't see standard front sight worth a darn. Easily rectified as it's removable and a tritium or fiber optic replacement can take it's place with a few minutes work.

I shoot +p 125gr .38's and with the excellent trigger and sights the little gun is very accurate easy to shot well. It's wonderfully dehorned from the factory and with the slight extra weight of the .357 mag KLCR it's a pleasure to shoot even with the +p's. Simply the best to be had IMO.

I am a big fan of S&W revolvers and have owned some for 30+ years. Over that period I've never encountered a Ruger revolver that I preferred over its S&W counterpart. That was until I compared the LCR .38 Spl. +P and the similar S&Ws when looking for a light, compact CCW. The Smiths are great, and with a trigger job would be even better, but the Ruger LCR is an outstanding little gun. It's worth a look and a side-by-side comparison against its competition. I love mine. Well, my wife's, actually.

S&W Bodyguard 38. 14.4 oz., already has a laser, ambidextrious, +P rated, tons of holsters fit it, meets and exceeds all four of your criteria.

642 &442 are a close second.

Honorable mention to the LCR and Taurus 850UL.

I'd go with the M&P 340.

It's about the weight of the 642/442, but will also shoot 357 Mag if you want to. Also has better sights.

The 340PD is another good one but even lighter, but the Titanium cylinder needs more care when cleaning -- plus it costs more.

Another vote for the J-Frame Airweights: