which revolver

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squinty

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OK the girlfriend wants a new .38 or .357 (she'll just shoot .38 from it) revolver.
Torn between an all steel Carter Arms undercover or a Ruger SP 101. I don't want to think for myself if I have a forum full of more knowledgeable people to do it for me, so tell me which gun to get her. Seriously, anyone with experience w/both guns, I'd love to hear from you.
 
I'd take the SP-101 over the charter. But if you can up your budget a little, the S&W model 60 Ladysmith is a very fine revolver, and a tad more concealable than the SP.
 
Let her decide, after all she is going to be the one shooting it.
 
Let her choose the one that feels the most natural in her hand. My sister considered S&W J Frames and the Ruger SP101. She tried out my S&W 642 and my K Frame Model 15. In the end, she said the SP101 felt the most "pointable" to her, so that is what she will be going with.
 
Small Light 38 Smiths a joy to carry....

Great for conceal carry, especially the hammerless models, air weight, the titinium sp. is great too but a terror to shoot for all but the experienced and those willing to learn how to shoot it. Like most of my families females they like to shoot a medium sized 38 but they are not carrying them either.....Longer the barrel the better the beginner will shoot to....just an old guy rambling on bout his sperience.afish4570:uhoh::uhoh:
 
stainless

She has a 638. Wantede something all-stainless, and heavier.
 
take a look at a Rossi 2 inch barrel. They re mde by Taurus, I own one and shoot it often, no problems. $300
 
jmortimer said:
Good point. A J frame S&W is hard to beat if it is for self defense. The SP 101 is heavy in comparison to the lightweight Smiths.
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Good point, but heavier guns recoil less, and steel is more durable imo. She already has a 638 that I bought her.
 
Hands down SP101, im sure the Charters are decent revolver's compared to a Rossi or Taurus but the Ruger sp is an awsome little tank :D
 
SP101. Nuf said. Frankly, I own Rossi and Taurus and they're both superior to the Charter I had. The Taurus revolvers I own are as fine as the K frames I've owned, they shoot better, and I prefer the round forcing cone as I've had a Smith split there. I carry a 3" M66 Taurus and a M85UL as back up most days this time of year. I still have an old M10, but it's a range gun and safe queen.

Between Charter and SP101, it's a no brainer. I've owned both.
 
Unless I'm missing something in my fevered state,
it seems two relevant questions have yet to be asked/answered:

Does she CCW, or is this a HD gun?

If so, how does she prefer to carry?
 
If she is looking for a stainless revolver best bet is take her to look at some different models and brands. See if hogue grips are an option for recoil absorption they come in different shapes and colors now.
 
Nematocyst said:
Unless I'm missing something in my fevered state,
it seems two relevant questions have yet to be asked/answered:

Does she CCW, or is this a HD gun?

If so, how does she prefer to carry?
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ccw, but the .638 fills that role ok for now. Crossdraw belt holster or off body purse/bag carry. She has a leather "panic pouch" with built in revolver holster, mace, knife, flashlight spare cell phone, spare keys, whistle and a little first aid kit that she keeps on hand when home alone at night. Revolver usually lives there.

The 638 will go back to Smith soon to have some worn places on the aluminum frame refinished. We though about upgrading to an all stainless for durability and shootability. There's a springfield xdm 9mm that works as a nightstand gun, the only holster she has for it is the plastic paddle holster that came in the box. It's too big to be a comfortable carry gun, even around the house, and we both like the reliability of little revolvers - also I think a small frame snubby revolver can possibly clear a holster and get on target faster, with less room and less "telegraphing" the shooter's intentions to the BG. That almost makes up for the lack of caapacity and stouter recoil vs. semi-autos. So a steel revolver it is for her, but we're on a budget. I'm a big Ruger fan, but wonder about the quality of cheaper firearms like the Charter or Taurus snubs. Also wonder if there's any value in getting a .357 snub just to shoot .38 special. I figure if it's built to handle .357 level pressures, it should last for a long long time on a strictly .38 diet.
 
Crossdraw belt holster ...
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I'm trying hard to find a cross draw for my 642, but so far have failed miserably.

Can you please let me know what she uses (brand/model) and where such a thing can be purchased (if you know).

Also wonder if there's any value in getting a .357 snub just to shoot .38 special.
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Personally, I would not. If I knew for sure that it wasn't going to eat .357 mag,
I would get something specifically to eat .38 spl +p only.

Honestly, I'm not interested in .357 mag from a snub, especially an airweight.
I know people who do, but it's not for the recoil sensitive.
 
Nematocyst said:
I'm trying hard to find a cross draw for my 642, but so far have failed miserably.

Can you please let me know what she uses (brand/model) and where such a thing can be purchased (if you know).

Personally, I would not. If I knew for sure that it wasn't going to eat .357 mag,
I would get something specifically to eat .38 spl +p only.

Honestly, I'm not interested in .357 mag from a snub, especially an airweight.
I know people who do, but it's not for the recoil sensitive.
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Yeah, .357 from a snub = lot's more noise and recoil for not much increase in velocity, IMO.

The .638, nifty gun that it is, loosened up pretty fast w/only moderate shooting. I don't really trust the +p rating on aluminum frames. I have shot Buffalo Bore low flash ammo from my 649, but it probably doesn't do anything more than .38 +p (and long cases + short ejector rod = reloading annoyance)

So we've decided, steel not aluminum or scandium.
If I could find a good deal on a new 9mm revo. that would be, IMO, a great companion piece for her XDm.

As for a cross draw - LoboGunleather makes a 3 slot pancake. I like'em, have Ray make you a custom holster.
 
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