Help me find the right revolver.

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FireInCairo

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Looking for a concealed carry revolver for my wife. She was alright with the 642 airweight a couple years ago, but she didn't like how jumpy it was with personal protection ammo.

I'm looking for something a.38 special snubbie a bit heavier than the S&W airweights. It must be hammerless and have a good reputation (no Rossi or Charter Arms). Also, I need to be able to put a bigger than average grip to accomodate the pinky (but not one real grippy, as it will be used for concealed carry).

What readily available guns that meet this criteria are there?

I've spent a while on S&W's website, which is horrible, but the closest I came was the Chief's Special, but that has an exposed hammer.

Ruger or Smith, or something else, I suppose What fits this?
 
Sounds like the DAO Ruger SP101 is you (her) huckleberry. There's no question about quality and reliability. They're not prohibitively expensive. It's heavy enough to offset recoil, got a snagless bobbed hammer, and can be fitted with numerous after-market grips, of either rubber or wood.
 
The Sp101 is too heavy, she won't carry it.

What's involved in dehorning? I could probably do that to it myself, actually. Not a bad idea, though I've never taken a revolver apart.
 
.
This may or may not be helpful to you or your lovely bride, however, I *really* like my all-stainless Model 60-15. It's a 5-shot J-frame Magnum chambered in .357. I shoot mostly .38 Special +P with it.

20160629_204950_zpslbhnwvcm.jpg

Perhaps this gun is available with a shorter barrel; I'm not sure. I've seen hammerless J-frames with shorter barrels but I don't know their model numbers.

20160311_125348_zpsjmdxe5tr.jpg

The factory rubber "boot" grip that was on it should suit your need for pinkie purchase quite nicely. It's wearing a Hogue right now but it sure helps when shooting magnum loads.
 
How about a Colt Detective Special (if you can find one) and have a gunsmith install a hammer shroud on it. That would be six shots of standard .38 Special instead of 5 with the weight of most S&W steel J-frames.
 
Black Knight said:
How about a Colt Detective Special (if you can find one) and have a gunsmith install a hammer shroud on it. That would be six shots of standard .38 Special instead of 5 with the weight of most S&W steel J-frames.
Click to expand...
Interesting, never heard of one of those. I bet they don't come cheap.
 
The S&W model 642 is a stainless/J-frame/aluminum (light-weight) revolver with an enclosed hammer.

The model 640 is identical, except for all-steel construction (no aluminum).

The model 640-1 is similar, but slightly larger, heavier, and chambered in .357 Magnum (In which of course you can fire .38 Special's).

If you want a revolver that is like the model 642 you have but not as light, consider the 640 or 640-1.
 
I would suggest the Ruger LCR in .357 for use with .38spl, it's
about 4oz more than the LCR .38, BUT is a whole lot more pleasant to shoot. Great trigger and it won't beat you to death.
 
verdun59 said:
I would suggest the Ruger LCR in .357 for use with .38spl, it's
about 4oz more than the LCR .38, BUT is a whole lot more pleasant to shoot. Great trigger and it won't beat you to death.
Click to expand...
Interesting, didn't know that.
 
Old Fuff said:
The S&W model 642 is a stainless/J-frame/aluminum (light-weight) revolver with an enclosed hammer.

The model 640 is identical, except for all-steel construction (no aluminum).

The model 640-1 is similar, but slightly larger, heavier, and chambered in .357 Magnum (In which of course you can fire .38 Special's).

If you want a revolver that is like the model 642 you have but not as light, consider the 640 or 640-1.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I was considering the 640. They're pricier than I'd like, though.
 
S&W model 49, my friend is selling this on GB. #566029002 Colt w/shrouded hammer. As long as it has no bids, he will work with you.
 
Not to sound harsh but, it sounds like you want your cake and eat it too.

I know the price if the M640 is higher than the price of an Airweight but you said the M642 is too light but it must be a centennial frame. IMO the M640 is exactly what you are looking for. Sell the M642 to offset the additional cost of the M640.

The M640 is on top and has the slightly larger than boot grips that are on the M642 below it.

twins-1.jpg
 
The S&w 640 or the bodyguard would work. They all have a bit of a jump due to their size. The Ruger LCR is design to lessen recoil and it does, I own one. I shoot win silvertip 145 gr magnums and it handles nicely. Put a Speer gold dot, low recoil rd and she should handle it nicely.
 
FireInCairo

How about a used S&W Model 649? Stainless steel construction and a shrouded hammer design that make it a great choice for concealed carry.

048_zpso9t6h3cd.jpg
 
verdun59 said:
I would suggest the Ruger LCR in .357 for use with .38spl, it's
about 4oz more than the LCR .38, BUT is a whole lot more pleasant to shoot. Great trigger and it won't beat you to death.
Click to expand...


I'll 2nd this suggestion and it also meets the 'readily avail' request the OP had.

And, Hogue makes a Tamer grip for it that is a little longer too.


But before I did that, I would at least look into at reduced recoil defense ammo such as the Hornady Critical Defense Lite.


I'm not saying to choose it... just look into it. You may find that using them allows the full benefit of having the lighter gun while still having decent defense ammo.


http://www.hornady.com/store/38-Special-90-gr-FTX-Critical-Defense-lite/

A portion of the proceeds is donated to breast cancer which is never a bad thing.
 
What self defense loads did she try in the 642?

My experience is that the Gold Dot 135 "short barrel" version, even though it is +P has less felt recoil than some of the heavier loads.

She could shoot light load 148 wadcutters for practice, and keep the cylinder full of the 135's for "serious" use. I can promise you that if she needs to defend herself she won't notice the additional recoil.
 
Your buying a weapon for your wife and what others to chime in on what they like.

You didn't say if you did what most would do and take her to Bass Pro, Gander Mountain or the like and have her check out what see might like.

It`s almost like you`ve taken her out of the equation. J s/n.
 
Sav .250 said:
Your buying a weapon for your wife and what others to chime in on what they like.

You didn't say if you did what most would do and take her to Bass Pro, Gander Mountain or the like and have her check out what see might like.

It`s almost like you`ve taken her out of the equation. J s/n.
Click to expand...
I don't subscribe to liberal, feminist propaganda. My wife respects my understanding of firearms and I respect her inclination to give me some feedback regarding finding the right one for her.
 
460Kodiak said:
Listen to ArchAngelCD. Sound logic there.
Click to expand...
Actually, I think Verdun's advice regarding the LCR in .357 is the best option mentioned. It's readily available, priced great, allows for two potential cartridges, and there are a ton of options for larger grips for the LCR these days.

Thanks, everyone! This thread is solved...
 
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