Picking a new DAO snubbie in .38 Special

I carried a 642 til I got a 640 Pro. I love the sights and moon clip option. 642 is more pocket friendly, though.

Weight and longer barrel are the culprits.

I chose the SP-101. I'm kind of a Ruger guy but the looks of the LCR just haven't grown on me, and I just don't need a snub .38 to be that light.

I already own two vintage Charter Arms Undercovers, one from 1987 (my old BUG/ODG from early years in LE), and my dad's one from 1966, used for the same purposes. They're both great guns, but I have no desire for a third (only have two hands.)

EDIT: Looking at the poll, I think I clicked on the LCR by mistake, as my vote for the SP hasn't shown up.

I actually pocket carry an aluminum framed Taurus 85. I would pick any thing that works in that size and weight.

However, for just a little bit more girth, if I had to do it again, I'd like a six shot snubby. Something like the Taurus 856, but I'd like it in a S&W since I haven't owned a S&W snubby in a long time.

Have always had a certain fondness for the older S&W Bodyguard.

Duplicate post.

My alloy framed Taurus 38 snubbie had such a good trigger that I removed the hammer spur and it is my favorite carry piece.

442 because it is light and very easy to pocket carry in the summer. I like the SP101 and LCR, as well as the S&W 640 and Colt Detective, but ultimately the 442-1 is hard to beat for concealability and convenience.

Potential buyers of Smith & Wesson's new model .38 Special Bodyguard need to know that it has sideplate screws that require a special screwdriver bit to remove, and that you can't clean/lubricate by using an immersion bath because of the built-in laser sight.

Spare parts are unique to the model, and so far only available from S&W - if they chose to sell them.

The owner's manual advises that the gun should be returned to the factory if any servicing is required, and apparently leaves little or no options to do otherwise.

All of this may, or may not be of concern. But should be considered before making a purchase.

I used to carry a S&W M642 until S&W released their no-lock M442. I have carried that M442 daily for a lot of years now and will for the foreseeable future.

My picks....

For a slick DA only snub, my first choice would be a Ruger LCR. It's easy to carry, light weight, easy to clean/service, well engineered.
The "no lawyer lock" S&W model 442/642 J(E) frame .38spl +P is a good pick too. I saw a 642 "no security lock" revolver for about $365.00 at a gun shop in 2014. I would have purchased it if I didn't buy another firearm at the time.
The big - with snubs & small frame revolvers is the short ejector rod.
Taurus USA is really one of the few gun makers to really address this issue but many US firms & a few instructors-cadre seem to push the "you only need 1-5 rounds in a gun fight" mindset with armed citizens/CCW .
The Ruger LCR or S&W 442/642 could be a decent second gun or back up but the SP101 DA only(my first firearm in 1993, ) could do well too.
Proper cleaning & ammunition selection are critical with snub .38spl revolvers.
I like FrogLube, www.froglube.com . It's safe, non toxic & easy to use bare handed.
I like the 135gr Speer Gold Dot HP +P, DPX, Hornady Critical Defense, Buffalo Bore 158gr lead SWC-HP +P, and PDX1 +P loads for snub .38spl revolvers.

LCR or a pre lock Smith.

Don't bother with new S&W, they are about as good as the new Taurus' or Charter Arms....but probably with better customer service. That is what you would be paying for with the new Smith. Id go vintage Smith though.

Lots of choices..... Budget would decide in the end really!

I voted Taurus 850 with cost being a great factor there. getting most for your money!
I have never had a bad 850 or 85 from Taurus. I have 2 Ultra-lite Stainless and one standard 85. One Ultra-lite has Crimson Trace grips on it which the wife lays claim to.

(I also have a 905 in 9mm which I love enormously! I wish they made it in Ultra-lite)

I also have SP101 which would be my next choice, and the others would follow in some order? Probably S&W Body guard next and Charter at the bottom of list. I like all on the list including Charter.

The Taurus in an Ultra-Lite is a pleasure to carry! Even All Day Long! And They do make the 850 in Ultra-Lite.

Down and dirty

The Ruger LCR would be my first choice. I have the 357 model, and I really like it. I also have a Smith 638, and a Charter Arms 44 spcl, and they are both great guns. The LCR, IMHO, just seems to be the roughest, toughest, "down and dirty" of the bunch. It is lite, rugged, and dependable. I carry a LCP at work because ultimate concealment is essential for me there. Any other time, I prefer the 357 snub stoked with critical defense loads. I will add this, strictly as my own opinion, I would stay away from Taurus, if at all possible. I had an 85 in 38, and I never had a single problem out it. HOWEVER, I have had several other Taurus, and I used to defend them. Buuuut, every Taurus I had, other than the 85, eventually failed. This includes another 85 I had in 9mm that was actually having the slugs hit paper sideways as close as 7 yards. YMMV, but I eventually traded them all off for better guns because the failure of all the other Taurus guns made me distrustful of the 85 in 38.

Prefer the LCR in trigger and sight picture. Also believe the LCR is superior to the current production Smiths in design and quality.

Tallball said:

My alloy framed Taurus 38 snubbie had such a good trigger that I removed the hammer spur and it is my favorite carry piece.

Click to expand...

I bobbed the spur in my 85UL as well. I forgot that it came DA/SA when I responded to the OP's thread.

I carry an LCR (albeit a .357 Magnum version.) Best trigger in its class.

Love em all but voted LCR. Great trigger. Light weight.

My hands down favorite revolver that I own is a ruger sp101 with a 3" barrel, however I think that 357 from anything less than a 3" barrel has no significant advantage over a 38+p from a snub of the same barrel length. That being said if a 3" is out than I say the LCR, which honestly is my favorite snub to carry.

.38SPL Snubbie

bannockburn said:

Have always had a certain fondness for the older S&W Bodyguard.

Click to expand...

Suits me to a "T" !

LCR. Got a .22, 38 and a LCRX with a 3 " barrel. Light,reliable, tough and the best DA trigger of any I've used. Thousands of rounds between my wife,son and I without a hick up. It's inexpensive and not that bad looking. What's not to like

I sure do likes me my 642 no lock, hammerless. I've found it wears great on the ankle in a Galco or in an uncle Mike's pocket holster. Great gun and I won't be caught without it, ever.

I had an lcr in .38 that I never found all that accurate or pleasant to shoot. Not bad but not my favorite. I find the sp101 to be more comfortable by far.