New Guy With Snubby Question

[warrconn]

Hello, this is my first post. I've been shopping for a snubby. I've been looking at the Ruger LCR in 38 sp. They go for about $420-$430 here in Minnesota. At a gun show today, there was a dealer who had Smith & Wesson models 637, 638 and 442...your choice for $450 each, which is a pretty good price for around here. Intended purchase is for CCW.
Thoughts and opinions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Warren

 

[tercel89]

I too was gonna get the RUger LCR but then got the S&W 442 instead . I think the Ruger is good but still too new .There may be a some bugs that may pop up with them . I got a S&W 442 and it was new with NO LOCK!!!!!! Plus it had a $50 mail-in rebate that I am waiting on . I suggest the S&W 442 or 642 . Any of the J-frames .

 

[warrconn]

The new 442 and 642 models had no lock. As a newbie, I've also been researching the Clinton agreement thing. Seems that Safe-T-Hammer has renounced it, but are there any binding agreements? If this has been beaten to death, I apologize. I just get conflicting opinions. I'm not real political, but.....

 

[*Klutch*]

I have owned a 642 with the lock and a 442 without the lock. I loved the 442 I think cause of the color it just looked better than the 642. I personally have never shot an LCR but only dry fire in a LGS and I think the trigger is better on the Ruger. I sold the 442 and now have an SP101 in 357mag but if I had to make the choice of the ones you have I would go LCR. They have not been out that long but they have been here long enough. They are great ergonomically and the weight is awesome for carry and with the right loads they are great protectors. I loved my little 442 but I don't really like S&W products lately so I tend to steer away from them. But I think no matter what you choose you will be just as happy with any of them, just NO LOCK.

 

[mstrat]

When I was in the market, the LCR, 442 and 642 were the final contenders, and I went with the 642 (642-1 model, no lock), NIB - and got the $50 mail-in rebate.

If you're going to get new SW J-frame, do it NOW so you can collect that rebate. It ends in at the end of Dec.

I love my 642 so far. No complaints. It's not a range toy, for sure. After about 50-100 rounds at the range it gets a little unpleasant for your hand. But this is exactly what you'd expect from a little revolver like that.

Super light! Stick it your pocket with a pocket holster you don't even notice it's there.

No matter what you decide though, you can't go wrong.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

At a gun show today, there was a dealer who had Smith & Wesson models 637, 638 and 442...your choice for $450 each

I'm a big fan of the M442 but my favorite J frame is the Bodyguard frame like the M638. Wither of those two would make a great carry revolver or the Silver version of the M442, the M642. There is also a Blue/Black version of the M638 out now too, the M438.

While I also like the M637 it's exposed hammer is more difficult to draw cleanly when under pressure like you would be in a SD situation. I do like to carry a 15oz .38 Special in my front pocket and do so daily...

 

[ulflyer]

Having got an LCR a couple months ago on a whim, I've become a big fan. It has an exc rubberized grip that absorbs a lot of recoil and makes it more tolerable to shoot than the harder grip S&W. If you got tuff hands, go with whichever pleases ur eye. Can't go wrong. I've read about all the input on various forums the past few months and have not seen anything detrimental, so AFAIC its been thoroughly debugged. They go for as little as $380 + tax here at gun shows. Check out Bud's...he has good prices.

 

[Messenger Guard]

My strong advice after years of concealed and open carry is to go either shrouded (Bodyguard) or DAO (Centennial) in a carry snub. My choice is S&W but Ruger is a good choice as well.

 

[motorcycle-charlie]

both are great guns. Ruger or Smith, both durable and dependable. i like the Airweight Smiths best myself for every day carry. they just feel right in my hand. contrary to what many people say, i really like the stock trigger on a j-frame. the pull seems a bit heavier than the LCR but it is nice and smooth for me. on the other hand, i also like the Ruger SP101 for tossin .357 Magnums down range. a little more weight but very concealable.