new to revolvers...looking for compact advice

[RP88]

Hi all,

I usually stick with milsurps and autos, so I have very little knowledge on specific makes of revolvers. But I've wanted to get a decent compact revolver for tight-spot SD and carry, and don't know exactly where to start.

I was wondering what would be some good starts to look at in my quest for a compact. S&W and Ruger come to mind right off the bat, but I was wondering what other brands and what specific features one should look for in a good revolver.

All help and further reading is appreciated.

 

[hipoint]

I've got to poo poo taurus revolvers here, I KNOW they have to be capable of making a good product, but the only 2 times I've ever been injured by a gun malfunction have been 2 new from the store taurus revolvers... Lots of folks carry them, love them and never have any complaints though, so might just be my bad luck...

Bang for your buck, ruger is pretty sweet, although their triggers are a little tougher to pull and have more slop, but I really like their transfer bar system, it's really safe.

Something to keep in mind, is reloading manuals have "ruger only" loads, so that's gotta say something.

those are the only ones I have any real world time with, so that's all I can say, this forum is full of very knowledgable folks and seems to be a little "nicer" than the auto or rifle forums haha what I mean is that you'll get some great advice here, I was just offering up what I know as well as being a little bored...

 

[MedWheeler]

Can't go wrong with either of those. Also in the running would be the latest incarnations of Charter Arms Undercover models, or the earliest versions (pre-1990) in the used-gun market.

There are so many variations of the S&W J-frame as to require an entire category of shopping within that model alone.

Shrouded-hammer (so-called "hammerless") models offer less snag-potential when being drawn from a pocket or purse.

I'd forego those in .357 Magnum, or at least plan on doing most of your shooting in .38 from them.

 

[sidheshooter]

going to shoot a lot? SP101 Ruger.

going to carry everywhere? S&W 442/642.

There are other variations and options, but that will be the distilled essence of this thread (at least until the LCR crowd chimes in).

 

[KirkP]

Ruger LCR. 14 ounces .Easy to carry.

 

[RP88]

thanks for the help so far. I'm liking what I see.

I've heard hit-n-miss things on Taurus and Rossi from all around the place, so they were only in mind for budgetary concerns.

I figured S&W would be a go-to, but it's such a generic answer with a huge line of products that it'd take awhile to find something I liked.

I am not 100% sold on shrouded hammer models, but from what I can say, based off of fondling experience, the hogue-style grips feel more secure in my hand. The J-frames feel...off. But, this is coming from an autoloader brat, so I can't say I have any particular beef with them other than personal feel.

 

[MartinS]

Have to decide how much good feel to give up for being able to put it in you pocket and walk out the door.

 

[Goblin]

I'm thinkin about the Charter Arms .44 bulldog 21/2 in . Big bullet for close quarters stopping power.

 

[RealGun]

Until really into revolvers, I would suggest not buying anything bigger caliber than .38 Special and +p capable. That can be a very small and light gun like my S&W 637 Gunsmoke DAO.

The .357s are very manly in concept but not any fun to shoot in small frames by many reports. What's the point in being forced to shoot .38 Specials in a .357? The .357 caliber is better suited for a gun with some mass and size to it. In any case, the SP101 is not a pocket gun. You could carry a substantially bigger gun with no additional concealment issues. I carry it because I like it, but I shoot custom SD loads in it at about target grade intensity. For pure CCW considerations, the slim semi-autos are better suited all around.

Just remember that a very short barrel, especially shot double action, requires special shooting skills to be able to hit anything, even at close range. At 7 yards, for example, one used to a big gun could initially be challenged just to get on the paper.

 

[sheephearder]

You need to shoot some of the revolvers that you are interested in before you buy. Small revolvers -j frame S&W and the like are hard to shoot accurately. Generally for new guns Ruger and S&W are your best chose with Charter arms a distant third IMHO. And the steel frame ones will handle recoil better.

I have owned S&W J frames and Ruger SP 101 and LCR and currently have a Charter Arms Bulldog 44- it kicks even with cowboy loads. There is no free lunch, a small gun that is easy to conceal is harder to shoot than a full sized one.

 

[critter]

In .357, the Ruger SP101 is the only way to go IMHO. It is the only one heavy enough to help to mitigate the recoil. Of course, it is WAY tough enough to handle the higher pressures too AND you could always shoot .38's.

My wife IMMEDIATELY confiscated my Ruger LCR in .38 as soon as she saw it! We've been very happy with it and it is small and light enough to carry.

I also have a S&W 337 (Al frame & Ti cylinder) J-frame .38. NICE to carry but it will get your attention with high end .38's. If you are sensitive to recoil, the S&W 36 should be a little heavier and not kick so hard.

Small revolvers are great carry guns AND there are enough choices now to fit your needs. Find one you like and shoot it a lot to get used to it and you can feel well armed.

Best wishes in your quest.