Recommend a .38 snub?

[raindog]

I'm interested in getting a snub .38 for concealed carry. *I tried a Ruger LCR (the very first version a couple months after it was released). *I was favorably impressed, though it had a little rattle to it. *This was in the design, not the particular gun I tried. *Not a big deal.

So I could get an LCR for myself - they're $419 new here in Oregon. *But I'm wondering if there are other guns in the same price range I should consider? *I would like to stay roughly around that price.

I don't need .357 - I find it very uncomfortable to shoot in a snub and it's a capability I would never use.

 

[dprice3844444]

i would find one that shoots 357 just in case you were somewhere,ran outa 38's,and 357 was all that was available.besides,357 is a better sale chance later.

 

[Water-Man]

I've got the LCR .38spl +P w/XS sights.

Good trigger, handles recoil well for its size and weight and made well.

I've been carrying a S&W snub for well over forty years.

 

[firesky101]

+1 for the lcr. I cannot speak for the .38 only version though. I went for the versatility and strength of the KCLR .357.

 

[skt239]

My personal preference is the S&W J-Frames but the Ruger is a great choice.

 

[critter]

I HAD a Ruger LCR that I liked a lot. Wife claimed it! Picked up a used S&W J-frame 337. Al frame .38 with a Ti cylinder. EASY to carry-recoil is NOTICABLE.

 

[bikerdoc]

My go to snub is a smith 649.

 

[Skyshot]

LCR with XS nightsights, by far the best trigger of any of the new subbies.

 

[rodinal220]

S&W J frames. I'm still partial to pre-1999 no-mim guns but my new 638 has been shooting well. The BG38 poly framed gun was plagued by misfires and poor accuracy. S&W gave me a new gun and so far 100% reliability,but favors 110/125gr jacketed ammo.
S&W makes so many variants,you have to go to a big gun shop to handle even a portion of the line.

 

[DocRx]

Another vote for the Ruger KLCR .357mag/.38spl. For the reasons mentioned above. The extra weight, albeit small-still advantageous with recoil, XS Sights (installed mine in 15 mins.), and multi caliber choices make it the better choice IMO. Added a Hogue Boot Grip and carry CorBon DPX .38spl.+P 115gr., with a Bianchi Speedstrip, never feel out gunned.
Enjoy.

 

[bannockburn]

I have always been a big fan of S&W J frame snubbies. My favorite lightweight is a Model 638 while my go to stainless steel gun is a Model 649.

 

[powder]

638 Airweight. It just disappears on you.

 

[Kaeto]

My vote is for the Charter Arms Undercover. I have the Undercover Southpaw.

 

[Certaindeaf]

When you say that thing rattled, was the hammer dropped and the trigger held back firmly?
I've never had one of those new Ruger composites but have heard great good of them.

 

[Brian Williams]

I will always suggest a S&W 442 or 642.

 

[FinalCountDn]

Add another vote for the LCR.

 

[CoRoMo]

LCR and also get the LCR-22.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Colt D frame...6 shots compared to the other guy's 5.

 

[m21black]

I like carrying my 337....

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't like how the LCR feels in my hand. I don't like the grip frame. I bought a S&W M442 for daily carry but if you want a polymer revolver take a look at the S&W Bodyguard 38. (not the M38, M438 or M638) It has a different grip frame and is more comfortable IMO.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

I can't believe no one has mentioned the S&W 642.

I believe it is the ultimate revolver for carry, I did a review of mine a while back after carrying it nearly everyday for a year.

S&W 642 After 1 year of carry

ArchAngel has already mentioned the 442

 

[Certaindeaf]

If you want a real fighting gun, get a model 13 or close to that.. S&W 3" with some hand-filling grips.

 

[cpt-t]

Snub nose belly guns

RAINDOG: I have had a SS 640-1 357 S7W for several years and I shoot it alot. I like it so much I put a CRIMSON TRACE LAZER GRIP on the gun. I do not feel that the recoil is all that unpleasent. I don`t consider my self a real good pistole shot, but my 640-1 shoots very well even for me. I use a pocket holster and a Fobus paddle holster, and as I said I do not think the weight or the recoil is bad at all. But using the 38 SPL`s it is a fun gun to shoot. GOOD LUCK TO YOU: ken

 

[tomrkba]

A new S&W Model 442 without THE LOCK rosts around $400-425.

 

[gotboostvr]

I'm gonna agree with certaineaf, stop me if you've heard me (well, read me) before, but I'm a big fan of the shorter barreled K frame variants. Find a 2-3 inch round butt with the finish, sights and caliber of your choice.
I can shoot my 2" 64-4 all day with hot .38's and not get tired or sore from it. Just a little bit more weight, just a hair bigger grip, makes a tremendous amount of difference. All that translates to extra practice, faster recovery time, a better trigger, and an extra round (6 v.5).
Only downside is I can't pocket carry, but I wear my jeans a bit on the slim side so that was out of the equation for me pretty much out of the gate. It still completely disappears with a inexpensive Don Hume IWB.