Which .38 Snub

[oldfool]

they probably ain't Kaeto
but the name has changed owners too many times
they went through the no QA no QC thing also
and many of us just are not interested enough to see if they have made the comeback some say they have

once you fall that far behind the pack, it's a mighty rough uphill road to gain ground lost
even the Dan Wesson name in revolvers has lot to prove now, and CZ is a pretty well respected outfit

 

[skidder]

Its never going to be as it once was.
From my experience over the last 10 years, the new market holds the greater risks. It's very unlikely I will ever buy another new revolver, NIB...maybe, if it is of a previous decade. The used market has been my friend for my last 6 purchases, so why spend more on a new gun and take the risk of it being a piece of .

 

[JEB]

my vote is for ruger

if you are looking at the sp101: they are very durable, will last a lifetime or two, sights are pretty good, .357 is still managable if you want to go that route, and accuracy is still surprisingly good at extended ranges. that said they are fairly heavy and the trigger is not the best (although it will smooth up with use).

if you are looking at the LCR: i got a chance to shoot one recently and learned a few things; they are very light, the factory grips dampen a LOT of recoil, the sights are a lot better than i would have guessed, and that trigger is a thing of beauty! i really cant say enough about just how awesome that trigger was. even though it was pocket gun size, it was still a pleasure to shoot!

 

[oldfool]

anybody else notice we have more than 100% tallied in count ?

 

[Guillermo]

anybody else notice we have more than 100% tallied in count

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."
- Mark Twain

 

[GunNut]

S&w 642

 

[GunNut]

anybody else notice we have more than 100% tallied in count ?

Probably able to pick more than one choice.

 

[Guillermo]

Probably able to pick more than one choice.

good call

 

[TexasBill]

I like my two j-frames, a M637 and a M60 with the 3-inch barrel (I like exposed hammers). Both had great triggers straight out of the box and both have gotten smoother with time.

I don't worry about MIM parts or the ILS. I also don't check for monsters under the bed. Never heard any reliable evidence there was a widespread problem either with the MIM parts or the ILS. OTOH, I wouldn't be critical if it was a turnoff to some people: it's their choice and it's just as valid as mine.

That being said, if Colt was to begin cranking out the D-frames again, I would put all other firearms acquisitions on hold to get one (or more). I would be happy with a Detective Special or a Cobra, but a new Police Positive would really make my day.

The LCR and the S&W Bodyguard just aren't for me. I know it's just my opinion, but the LCR looks like something somebody made by rummaging in the spare parts bin.

Taurus? I've heard good and I've heard bad. But I've had Smith & Wessons since 1970 and they've always worked, so I never felt the need to experiment.

 

[Hunter125]

Yes, the poll allows for more than one choice. Thanks for all the input guys. I will be going to a big gun show this weekend and if I find a good deal something might follow me home.

 

[Cokeman]

What are you hoping for?

 

[Hunter125]

Some kind of snub .38 or a good deal on a small cal bolt rifle. If I don't find either I'll probably walk out with a decent amount of ammo. Found a great deal last time on my defensive ammo of choice, about 1/2 the price of Gander. Probably can't spend more than $250 right now without putting too big a dent in the budget. Less would be better.

 

[kd7nqb]

my intial gut reaction would be to get a ruger LCR in .357 and use .38's in it. I would not buy a .38spl revolver when for just a few dollars more you could get a .357 version

outside your list I would go with a COLT, the detective special is nice but again the cheif special is .357 so I would go with that

HOWEVER, those Charter arms guns are looking really good to me, so I might be tempted to play with that option and save some cash.

 

[el Godfather]

Charter and Taurus are not even in the same league.

 

[Cokeman]

Good luck. Tell us what you find.

 

[skidder]

Charter and Taurus are not even in the same league.

Which one are you saying is better?

 

[FotoTomas]

Another opinion...

I have owned samples of all the listed brands but not the LCR individually and prefer the S&W J frames. I prefer the Model 38 or 638 over all the J frames due to the hump back feature that makes it easier to pull from a pocket. The 642 is also slick to remove from a pocket but for me not as much.

As a side note, my 638 is a very accurate shooter and it is easy to lob those bullets all the way out to 100+ yards. The single action option makes it easier. Won a few bets at 100 yards with a J frame.

I do have and sometimes carry a Colt Detective Special. I have had a selection of Colt D frames over the years. Fine piece and it has that extra round. I have never been happy with the Colt D frame trigger however. While smooth it has a terrible propensity to stack at the end. Never had that issue with my "J's".

S&W 638-2 (no lock) Bodyguard is my favorite choice of pocket rocket in the wheelgun world. I would not turn down a current model with the lock however.

 

[Pensfan]

I have owned and carried a Ruger SP101 .357 for years and never had a problem with it. I put nice smooth wooden grips on it so it wouldn't catch on my clothing and it was great shooter... one of the few gun sales I now regret as I am looking for another. haha

 

[MtnSpur]

That said, found a NICE Trooper in the used case.

But was it a MK or a true TROOPER



That said I've owned and carried a '76 Charter Arms Bulldog in .38, S&W 637 and the Colt DS. While the Airweight was the lightest to carry firing full loads wasn't pleasant. The Charter Arms was adequate in managed recoil but the DS still remains my favorite if I'm carrying and shooting a snubby. It's all about preference though, isn't it?

 

[Guillermo]

Mk IV

Had a .357 too