Small 38 S&W or Small 357 Taurus??

[OlBoyFrye]

I'm trying to decide on a pistol and I've come to ask the revolver guys for help....I want a small revolver that I can just stick in my pocket to carry, as my full size springfield 45 is too large many times. I'm a fairly stout guy, about 6'1" 240 lbs. I am trying to decide between a model 642 or 442 S&W 38 or one of the Taurus 357's. The smith weighs 15 oz to the Taurus's 21, big difference??? The Smith is more expensive though and is limited to the 38 instead of the 357. I am aware that the 38 can shoot the +P stuff and am actually not sure that I would carry with 357's but I'd like to keep my options open if I should change my mind. I'm trying to stick to a hammerless revolver as of right now, unless there's a big reliablility issue I'm unaware of.

To sum up: I really like the Smith but like I said its $75-100 more and I can't afford a S&W 357 like I'd like it. Is the smith worth the extra money or will the Taurus be just as nice? Will the 6 oz difference be very noticeable? And for just a gun to carry around, not as backup though(this would be all I had with me for the most part) will the 38 be sufficient? Any help or insight is greatly appreicated. And I'm a poor college student so budget is a definte concern. I don't mind paying the extra for the Smith if its really gonna be worth it, but if the Taurus' are nice too then I'd hate to spend money needlessly.

 

[Josey]

I would look for used S&Ws. My favorite pocket 38 is the 38 Bodyguard by S&W. The Taurus is a fine revolver. I just have a thing for hammers.

 

[tomkatz]

The bodyguard is an excellent option, and I will second the notion of finding a used smith. I bought both of mine used and they are great little guns. Use the revolver checkout at the top of the revolver forum and you can't go wrong. S&W snubbies rule ......tom

 

[tbeb]

I would buy the Smith and Wesson. Look for a nice used one. Two other Smith and Wesson candidates are the model 38 (airweight with shrouded hammer) and model 37 (airweight with exposed hammer). Also get a pocket holster. I recommend the inexpensive one made by Mika. I've pocket carried 19-21 ounce revolvers and I think they're too heavy. .38 special +P is decent for self defense--especially with ammo like the +P Speer Gold Dot 125 gr. JHP or +p Winchester 158 gr. lead hollowpoint.

 

[DDGator]

I have owned both. I personally would go with the Smith.

Search these boards. Many feel the 642 is the ultimate self-defense gun. I carry a 342 (11 oz.).

Is the 6 oz. noticeable? Yes. Really noticeable? Depends how you carry. If you carry in a pocket, definitely. If you carry IWB, less noticeable.

442s and 642s have gotten very cheap. That has pushed the prices down on used ones too. That would be the best way to go IMHO.

 

[Quantrill]

Smith over Taurus every time!!!! Quantrill

 

[Dot_mdb]

A Smith & Wesson revolver is worth more because they stand behind their product 100% and give you good prompt service also. And besides that they are decent people to deal with.

Common used S&W revolvers are generally available at bargain prices. Six months ago I paid $225 for a used 640. The condition was certainly not new but it has a smooth and relatively light trigger. I consider that gun to be a form of life insurance.

Bill

 

[George S.]

If you are looking at the Taurus, you should also look at a Ruger SP101. I think they are made stronger than the Taurus and will be cheaper than the S&W.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5720&return=Y

While it only has a 5-round cylinder, it makes for a narrower profile and is easily concealable.

 

[JERRY]

s&w will stand behind their products.


but they wont stand behind you. or have you forgotten?

 

[Cin]

s&w or taurus

i own a taurus 650 cia .357. i just bought a s&w 649 .357. i've shot both and my vote goes for the s&w. much better trigger and the shrouded hammer is a plus. my taurus is dao. the s&w quality is apparent when viewed side by side. get the s&w. cin