compact revolver suggestion

[J-Bar]

Just be warned, if you are used to shooting a 6" GP, shooting a little 2" is a very humbling proposition. Those little guns are shooters, but it takes some work to discover what they can do. Start close and back up slowly.

Trigger control takes on a new meaning when shooting a snubbie!

 

[Oldschool shooter]

I bought a S&W 638 a few years back. Installed an Apex spring kit, did some light polishing, and it is my normal EDC. Smooth 9 1/2 on DA trigger and it goes in my pocket in a pocket holster.

 

[NeroM]

Consider an M10 ?
Perhaps not super compact, but carries fine.
Easy to shoot well.
Recently saw some police trade in models in $400-500 range - reasonable for the current market.
Also, consider one of the SAA clones ?

 

[P5 Guy]

For CCW the grip, frame and cylinder are the bulky, hard to hide parts. The barrel is the easy to hide part of a revolver.
That said can I suggest a Ruger SP101 in 327 Federal Magnum? Six shots in a compact revolver opposed to five in
38SPL/357MAG

 

[defjon]

Since you mentioned budget let me endorse the Taurus 856.

I like the 3 inch barrel defender model.

Night sight
6 shots
KY gun and smoky mountain knife works are/were running great deals on them

The little extra weight is good for post surgery. Mine prefers 158 gr loads and handled +p extremely well. Very fast and accurate.

 

[chicharrones]

If you have problems loading an autoloader you won't fare much better with a DA revolver one handed. At least I hope you don't plan on loading it quickly.

Believe it or not a Single Action, if you can lay it on a table or bench is easier to unload and reload one handed.
The problem with a DA revolver is loading it with it lying on it's side. Keeping the cylinder open may require a block of some sort to keep the cylinder open for loading.
It can be done, it just takes practice and patience.

All the recommendations above are pretty much what I was going to say. If you're on a limited budget I would look at a good used S&W or Ruger.

DA trigger pulls aren't trivial either, for someone with a weak or damaged hand.

 

[Pat Riot]

DA trigger pulls aren't trivial either, for someone with a weak or damaged hand.

That is true. I later recommended the model 36, as did @GBExpat I remember trying to shoot my 442 after carpal tunnel surgery. I could pull the hammer back on my 36 and shoot it, but the 442 was difficult for me for a little while.

 

[Tacoma]

The SW J frame has been the standard in snubie revolvers for over 60 years. Most models are very nice right out of the box and they respond well to trigger tuning (with drop in kits). The Ruger LCR is another option as they are decently built, have a smoother /lighter factory trigger than all but the PC smith offerings, but they lack the same level of aftermarket support. Based on your initial discussion, I'd recommend a tuned SW 638.

p.s. If you have issues with your hand, you will likely want to find better grips on whatever you buy. You'll also likely want to limit your shooting to 38+P vs 357

 

[jdc1244]

And I think you need to try a couple compact revolvers before buying anything. I shoot a collection of 6" .357s, and a S&W 642, and they are completely different.

Moped vs Hayabusa, 4oz tack hammer vs 12# sledge hammer. . . try before you buy!

Very good advice.

Of course, a 642 isn’t for the range – or any type of extended shooting, for that matter.

It only needs to go off once when it counts.

I would recommend the 642 for price, performance, and overall concealability.

 

[Lo-Profile]

Ruger SP101 .... Compact and heavy enough to shoot one handed without a lot of issues. You can shoot 38 in the 357 chambered
I'd stay away from lightweight guns

 

[Armored farmer]

I also suggest a sp101.
It is sturdy enough and heavy enough to handle the 357mags that you use in your gp100, and of course, .38s.
I use a Desantis SofTuck for my iwb holster, but I did a little stitching to tighten it up in the gun. It fits great now. I also have a fobus paddle holster and a Don Hume iwb.

 

[jak67429]

After a DR appt this morning stopped by my local enabler and found this. in the used rack. doesn't look to have ever been fired. He traded my even up for a well used sub200 I haven't used since buying a ruger PCC. Now I just need to find a good lefthanded holster for it.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

Handled a Kimber K6 the other day and wow. Great quality. Great trigger too. Nearly snagged it. Seriously check them out.

 

[Steve51]

I went with the Ruger LCRx in .38+P. Also added Crimson Trace Laser Grip. I like being able to shoot single action if I choose.

 

[Godsgunman]

My vote goes with the Charter mag pug 357. Very affordable but also extremely reliable. The grip is very comfortable and the DA out of the box is smoother and lighter than the Ruger sp101 I had. Smoother than any Smith I've owned without any work, for that matter. Plus if you ever need to actually use it for defense, it's not as expensive to replace as a Smith or Ruger.

 

[glassman]

I like the S&W 642 but would recommend replacing the stock boot grips with something that will feel bigger in the hand. Another option if you can find one is a K frame with a 2.5 inch barrel.

 

[aaaaa]

I like the S&W 642 but would recommend replacing the stock boot grips with something that will feel bigger in the hand. Another option if you can find one is a K frame with a 2.5 inch barrel.

My 642 was too small in my hand and it affected trigger pull. A Hogue Tamer grip fixed it and now it feels and shoots great.
Yes, the K frame would be great, such as a S&W66 with a 2.75" barrel.

 

[Nasty Canasta]

+1 vote for the Kimber K6. With the control core grips I can comfortably shoot stout magnum loads as long as I want to. Best DAO trigger of any snubbie out there by far.

 

[Tacoma]

+1 vote for the Kimber K6. With the control core grips I can comfortably shoot stout magnum loads as long as I want to. Best DAO trigger of any snubbie out there by far.
View attachment 1063647

Is that trigger factory? That's pretty amazing but I don't think I would be comfortable pocket carrying it with 5# trigger.

 

[bigmike45]

My wife loves her Ruger SP-101 in .357mag. She loads it with mild .38specials for plinking.

 

[glassman]

 

[Risky buisness]

I would mention, that Smith Wesson is always my preeminent choice. The steel frame series snubs in .38 or 357 are very practical. I utilize a +p rated 637 and like the ' airweight' feature for the times i carry it. Im not an import or ruger fan so I cannot speak to their utility, although I see good mention of them.
Im not aiming anything at anyone here, but will mention that small revolvers as with small auto loaders are more difficult to shoot effectivly and really, in my experience, require much more practice to master.

 

[SeanSw]

I like the Ruger LCR series. Get the LCRx if you want an exposed hammer. Choose from .38 special, .357 magnum (slightly heavier with a steel frame), 9mm, .22, and .327 magnum. Your choice of 1.87" or 3" barrel on the LCRx. Best out of the box no fussing around snub imo. They are well supported for holsters and light enough that you don't need a heavy duty holster.

If I had the cash I'd probably check out a Kimber K6...

 

[Nasty Canasta]

Is that trigger factory? That's pretty amazing but I don't think I would be comfortable pocket carrying it with 5# trigger.

Yes, factory trigger as far as I know, I’m second owner so it might have been worked on? I don’t pocket carry & while the trigger is ultra smooth, Kimber calls it “non-stacking”, it has some travel & I feel it’s about perfect & certainly not dangerously light. Very controllable & best groups with double action revolver for me are with this one.
You don’t see a lot of ‘em in gun cases but definitely worth checking out if you want a slick revolver.

 

[TTv2]

North American Arms makes some pretty compact revolvers in an easy to find and cheap to shoot caliber that offers low recoil. I'd suggest the Black Widow.