Best sub $400 pocket .38sp?

[bps3040]

I purchased a 642 today for $375.00,. I plan on adding a LaserMax to it and have a Mika round cut on the way.

 

[shooter429]

442, 642, 637 Hands down best guns

For your purposes and price. I would avoid cheap knockoffs from Brazil as they are of very poor quality.

Shooter429

 

[Deputy25]

642 or 442.

 

[Glock Holiday]

The older S&W Model 38 revolvers are out there.
You can shoot them single action and that's a plus if you ask me.
I sure am happy with these two.

 

[1BLINDREF]

642 or 442. You should be able to get one just under $400.

 

[win308]

I'm for the SP-101 ....but whatever you get, make sure there is a laser grip made for it. These little guns don't have much in the way of sights and not always "right on" even when you take great pains to aim. The little red dot makes it hard to miss.

 

[Indifferent]

Turners had S&W 357 mags for $414.
The local Range had Taurus's for well under $300

 

[Lucky Strike]

For you guys that are carrying these in your front pants pocket (in a pocket holster) could you possibly give me a comparable everyday item that would feel about the same?


I'm trying to get an idea of how the overall volume of the thing would feel in my pocket....I can't make it to the gunshop until this weekend where I can probably ask them if it's ok to stick it in my pocket to see what it feels like but that's not a very long trial. If someone can mention a similar sized object then I can spend the day with it in my pocket to see if it bothers me too much.

I'm pretty sure they have one of those S&W revolvers (642, 442, 638) at the local range so I can test fire them this weekend too.

 

[philvis]

For you guys that are carrying these in your front pants pocket (in a pocket holster) could you possibly give me a comparable everyday item that would feel about the same?


I'm trying to get an idea of how the overall volume of the thing would feel in my pocket....I can't make it to the gunshop until this weekend where I can probably ask them if it's ok to stick it in my pocket to see what it feels like but that's not a very long trial. If someone can mention a similar sized object then I can spend the day with it in my pocket to see if it bothers me too much.

I'm pretty sure they have one of those S&W revolvers (642, 442, 638) at the local range so I can test fire them this weekend too.
Lucky Strike is online now Report Post

I would say an older digital camera or larger PDA (maybe a Blackberry) would give you an idea. You are roughly a bit over a pound with a loaded Smith Airweight or Charter Undercover, a bit more for a Taurus UL , and a bit less for a Taurus Total Titanium or Charter Off Duty, and a LOT more for a Ruger SP101 or standard weight Taurus or Smith. The thing to remember is not the discomfort of carrying these guns in a pocket, but to try to keep it at the proper position for drawing and using something to prevent printing. A previous poster mentioned using an Uncle Mikes Pocket Holster, which works for me. I didn't like the Desantis Nemesis because it printed and do to how it held the gun with the pants I wear, the gun would slide out when I sat down on a couch (no such problem w. Uncle Mikes).

btw...my $.02 is for someone on a budget, the Charter Undercover is a great little carry piece at 16 oz empty. Here it is for under $300 brand new shipped to your FFL: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/38052

Of course if you can go to the top end of your price range you mentioned they have a brand new S&W Airweight in the range:

or
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26309
or (my favorite)
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26311
or
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/26498

 

[DevilDog0402]

I'm very happy with my Taurus 85 UltraLite and a DeSantis Nemesis.

 

[Rolando]

Yes, less than $400, T-Grip, shipping, FFL and all. Gunbroker has some gems.
Bought from a little old lady out near El Paso.

Model 36 Flat latch mid fifties Smith & Wesson .38 Special.

 

[joestokes]

Bought a s&w 442 with tax was 480$, blackhawk #3 pocket holster for 15$ (feels like wearing my wallet in my front pocket but slightly heavier).

Hogue Nylon monogrips for J frame, 25$ (slightly bigger than standard issue uncle mikes boot grips) less discomfort shooting and easier to hand +p recoil. Also the sight picture is aquired easier in my own opinion.

I would like to try the Hogue Bantam grips and custom Badger grips but have not had the chance yet.

Loaded with some premiun Personal Defence ammo. 110 grain Federal hydra-shoks. Planning on ordering some hard metal Buffalo bore wadcutters also.

Mika holster "round" on order.

I tried the Galco horsehide ambidextrous pocket holster, 40$. Returned it because I didn't like the way it functioned on the draw and it wasn't as comfortable as the #3 blackhawk holster.

Hope some of that info comes in handy.

Good Luck,

Joe Stokes

 

[bhp9mm]

638 442 or 642