all around handgun?

[bassjam]

ok, he has narrowed it down because of price so he can buy ammo and holsters and possible reloading stuff. he said the ruger lcr either 3 inch in 38 or the shorter barrel in 9mm or 357, or the charter arms in 38 or 357? he has checked all the local stores with the recommended guns and came down to these, he doesn't want a new taurus and there were no used ones. so from these what would you recommend?, i've already gave him my advice but he wants to see what others say too. thanks

Absolutely the LCR. Between the 3” barrel and the 1-7/8”, I’d go with the smaller for a snag free internal hammer and slightly smaller size for concealed carry, but for what your friend wants the 3” might be better. I wouldn’t let .357 capabilities sway him, the benefits are negligible with a barrel that short, but the recoil isn’t!

 

[bannockburn]

old fart

With the choices given, keeping in mind multi-purpose application, I would probably go with the Ruger LCRx with the 3" barrel. Somewhat more versatile than the shorter barrel version.

 

[TreeDoc]

Another vote for the 3 inch sp 101, Have a new one with the MIM parts and the action is smooth, very good trigger.

 

[Tallball]

I would look at either a Ruger SP101 3" in 357 or a Ruger LCRx 3" in 357.

My friend had roughly the same search parameters and chose the SP101. He's been very pleased with it. He got a good deal on a brand-new one from the local gun show for around $320 plus tax.

 

[Alte Schule]

$650 gives your friend plenty of options. These Rugers are great CC revolvers for me. Usually can be found for around $450.

Left: SP 101 Right: Security Six Both in .357
Middle: LCRx in .38 Special
I have a decent shoulder rig for this Model 28 S&W and carry it occasionally when the weather calls for a heavy coat which isn't often around here. I bought this many years ago but I believe you can still pick up a decent one for just north or south of $650.

 

[murf]

old fart,

since your friend is on a fixed income, i'm going to assume he is retired. have him shoot the light guns with some magnum loads and see if he can handle the recoil. then shoot in a heavier gun and compare.

sounds like he is at that stage in the decision process. don't buy unless you try!

murf

 

[Haywood]

If he was going to carry something as heavy as a SP101, I would go with a older no lock S&W. If he feels the need for 357 a 65, 19, 66. I would be fine with a 38 like a 10 or 64. A 3" would be great but I could live with and carry a 4" on or in the waist. You can find used 64s on line for less than $300. Often. And they have rubber grips.

 

[Reloadron]

i have a friend here in kentucky that got his conceal license and is looking for an all around carry gun. he is on a fixed income and has been saving and has $650 right now, he wants a gun he can carry concealed but also a gun he can use open carry in the woods hiking and camping. i knew most everyone on here would know more than me on a handgun, he also only wants a revolver, thanks for any help.

Me? I would be getting a clean used older S&W or Ruger revolver of his liking and fit to his hand. For concealed as well as open carry, general purpose revolver I would lean towards a 3" barrel. What is important is that he is comfortable with the gun's fit to his hand. Either a .357 Magnum or even a .38 Special should suffice just fine for general use.

Ron

 

[Klint Beastwood]

finding an all around gun is like having a multi tool vs thousands of dollars worth of craftsman tools. Still depends

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

The 3" LCRx is a good choice and is reasonably priced.

 

[old fart]

well he finally got his carry gun, he settled on the sp 101 3inch barrel. he was wanting a lighter gun but they don't make the 357 or 9mm in a 3 inch lcr. he has shot my lcr 9mm and fell in love with it but wanted a 3 inch to woods carry. he is happy so far and i told him not to skimp on a holster, get a good solid one and a good belt and he'll be ready to go. oh and he got a used gun too, it has been shot quite a bit from the looks but locks up tight and shoots to point of aim, plus the trigger while long is smoother than a new one. he got it for $375 otd so he has enough money for a holster and belt that will carry it good, thanks everyone for ya'lls help.