Picking a new DAO snubbie in .38 Special

[Panzerschwein]

I think you're going to get a lot of old-school, die hard Smith fans, but when the chips are down and the facts are on the table, the Ruger LCR is the better CCW revolver.

It's lighter, has less recoil, has a better trigger, and front sights can be replaced vs. the fixed front sight on the 642/442 series. It truly is the pinnacle of snub development.

 

[Water-Man]

For over four decades, my choice was one or another of the S&W models. Then, in 2011, I purchased the Ruger LCR. I now consider it the best choice in snubbys.

 

[cluttonfred]

The Ruger LCR gets a lot of attention, so I am surprised not to hear more about the S&W Bodyguard .38 (or the Taurus polymer revolvers for that matter). The S&W is a little bigger in every dimension than the LCR, but less than an ounce heavier and comes with an integral laser. The top mounted cylinder latch is a bit odd but I am sure you get used to it and it would be a plus operating the gun with either hand in an emergency. Why so little love for the Bodyguard?

An interesting link...

http://www.handgunsmag.com/handguns/snubbie-showdown-comparing-polymer-revolvers/

And a size comparison...



Source: http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/defensive-carry-guns/119327-toss-up-ruger-lcr-s-w-bodyguard.html

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I voted LCR...we have one in .38 Special. They are not fun to shoot and even less so with +P ammunition. Other folks have said the SP101 is much milder and that's a fact - it's also a lot bigger and a lot heavier if we are looking for small CC snubbies. The SP101 is great to shoot but carrying is not so good unless yer a little larger.

VooDoo

 

[HexHead]

Have always had a certain fondness for the older S&W Bodyguard.

Yep. I carry a 438, with a Desantis ClipGrip and an 8lb trigger job. I like the option of SA. I like it a lot better than the 442 I used to have.

 

[TimSr]

 

[19-3Ben]

I think you're going to get a lot of old-school, die hard Smith fans, but when the chips are down and the facts are on the table, the Ruger LCR is the better CCW revolver.

It's lighter, has less recoil, has a better trigger, and front sights can be replaced vs. the fixed front sight on the 642/442 series. It truly is the pinnacle of snub development.

As I said before, that's exactly the conclusion my wife and I both came to. The LCR .38 weighs the same as a S&W 340, but costs the same or less than the 642. All the while having every one of the attributes you listed above.
I once owned a 642. I HATED the thing. My LCR? It is a very frequent companion.

 

[Gun Master]

Go S&W 638 !

 

[mavracer]

I have a LCR, a 442 and a 3" SP101 the first two are functionally interchangable to me they shoot equally well,The Ruger has the XS front sight and Crimson Traces and prolly gets put in my pocket more but the Smith is prettier and I've been thinking about taking the CT grips off it and putting the purdy wood boot grips back on it and use it more as my sunday go to meeting gun. The SP101 is a tank of a thing I had the snub for a long time but just never carried it with the lightweights avaliable so I sold it and bought the 3".
I wouldn't hesitate to carry it though, solid and reliable as a hammer.

 

[philbo]

Most recent snub purchase - Model 49-2 in pristine condition.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have a fondness for the Colt Detective Special. What can I say?

If I am looking for something light and compact, I'd choose the LCR in 38spl or 642/442. I carry the 442, but have been considering getting the LCR in 38spl as an alternative. I have the LCR in 22LR which I like and I read that the trigger is better on the 38spl.

 

[AFDavis11]

BG 38, cuz I kinda like it.

 

[Gun Master]

Most recent snub purchase - Model 49-2 in pristine condition.

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever" ! - John Keats

 

[jad0110]

I think you're going to get a lot of old-school, die hard Smith fans, but when the chips are down and the facts are on the table, the Ruger LCR is the better CCW revolver.

It's lighter, has less recoil, has a better trigger, and front sights can be replaced vs. the fixed front sight on the 642/442 series. It truly is the pinnacle of snub development.

I do prefer the front sight on the LCR, but it is all a matter of preference.

I am in the minority, but I actually prefer the x42 trigger to the LCR. The LCR is smooth, but so is my particular 642, and I much prefer the firm, positive return of the J frame trigger. To me, the LCR trigger return is mushy and weak. Just my opinion.

For pocket carry I prefer the J frame, but I have recommended the LCR, as well as the S&W Bodyguard, various Tauri, etc to others as well.

For belt carry, of the guns listed I'd choose a 3" SP101, though at 3" it doesn't really qualify as a snubby.

 

[PowerG]

I like my 642.

 

[Gun Master]

I like my 638 since I can choose. SA or DA?

If I couldn't have a 638, I'd pick a 642.

IMHO the 638 and 642 are the two best pocket wheelguns around.

 

[WestKentucky]

I would simply pick a sa/da gun (and leave it that way) because demand is much higher, and convert it to SAO with a drop in hammer (not sure why anyone would be so inclined) but keep the original pieces to replace should I choose to or need to sell, or decide to go back to sa/da.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

I also vote for the LCR. It's a wonderful little revolver with a fantastic trigger, IMO. I carried my LCR quite a bit but recently sold it- and put the money towards the 3" LCR! So you could say I'm a fan of the design!

 

[edmo01]

I have always have been a fan of S&W J-frames so I picked the 642...

In my mind S&W makes the classic revolver, both big and small. You can't stop with just one and before you know it you'll have J-frames, K-frames, L-frames, N-frames, etc...

In the pic below are some of my J-frames. Clockwise from top right are a 642-1 38 Special +P (current production no-lock), 640-1 Pro Series 357 Magnum, and a mid '80s model 60 no dash in 38 Special with a square-butt.

All of these make it into the rotation from time to time. Of the three, the Airweight model 642 at 15 ounces is my choice for pocket gun. The others ride in belt holsters due to the added weight of the stainless frames.

Of the guns in your poll I don't think you can go wrong. Good luck and let us know how your choice shoots!

Edmo

 

[dawei]

There is something comforting about the simplicity of a little DAO revolver. Put bullets in it, pull the trigger and it goes bang five times. To limit the options, let's stick to snubnose (less than 3"), DAO (internal or bobbed hammer) revolvers in .38 Special. If a model only comes in .357 Magnum, that's fine, but assume we'll shooting .38 Special loads. Which do you carry, or which would you choose, and why? Don't just vote, please explain your choice.

I bought a new S&W® BG38 an few months ago and am uber pleased. It's DAO, w/a very smooth & light trigger, light weight, and EXTREMELY ACCURATE (w/CT® Laser)...
M&P BODYGUARD® 38 Crimson Trace®

 

[Old Fuff]

Before you buy one of the new M&P series .38 Special Bodyguards, read post #11 in this thread.

 

[orionengnr]

If I could find a pre-ILS M342, that would be the one for me.
I passed on one years ago and have been kicking myself ever since.

Ooops, you said "new". Okay, I'll take a no-Lock 638 (first choice) or 642/442 (second choice).

 

[dasmi]

No-lock smith 442. Although it's currently back at Smith for a trigger fix.

 

[Panzerschwein]

If I could find a pre-ILS M342, that would be the one for me.
I passed on one years ago and have been kicking myself ever since.

Ooops, you said "new". Okay, I'll take a no-Lock 638 (first choice) or 642/442 (second choice).

There are no no-lock 638s being made at this time. They all have internal locks, the only current production S&W revolver without ILs are the 442 and 642.

 

[Creature]

Bodyguard Model 49. Because it's a SA/DA...not a DAO.