Snubbies

[greyhoundafw]

Ok previous thread got me thinking of these for my next gun. Went to LGS and checked looked at a few. Ruger LCR got to me. So .38 or .357? What else should I look at? Loved the weight and size of LCRs and it fit my pocket. Will be used for primarily as CCW with hopefully range fun thrown in. This will be my 2nd gun, not to replace CM9 but an aternate in the hopefully growing stable.

[Barth]

Ok previous thread got me thinking of these for my next gun. Went to LGS and checked looked at a few. Ruger LCR got to me. So .38 or .357? What else should I look at? Loved the weight and size of LCRs and it fit my pocket. Will be used for primarily as CCW with hopefully range fun thrown in. This will be my 2nd gun, not to replace CM9 but an aternate in the hopefully growing stable.

I usually opt for the 357.
You can shoot 357 or 38.
Options Options Options.

This is a 38, but one I like to recommend.
(out of stock I wonder why - LOL)
S&W M642 38 1 7/8 No Lock Stainless $363
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/70713
http://www.slickguns.com/sites/default/files/Smithm642.JPG

[getsome]

The Ruger LCR's do have a great trigger but the problem is weight...Even .38 +P would be a handfull in such a light handgun and a .357 would be downrignt painful....I cut my shooting teeth on revolvers and love em, they are as close to 100% reliable as you can get in a handgun and just seem to fit my hand like a glove...One reason I like a Kahr so much is the smooth revolver like trigger which feels very much like my little Smith...

I am a die hard S&W guy and currently have a no lock 642 .38 +p and will never trade it and to me the looks and feel cant be beat...The trigger is not as good as an LCR but it's mighty nice and even though it's an airweight the +p recoil isn't that bad...I sold a 640 smith .357 to get it because I wanted a pocket revolver and the 640 was just a little too big for that and with magnum loads the recoil wasn't much fun at all to shoot and the muzzle blast looked like a cannon went off when you shot it in low light...

I would suggest that you go to a range and rent both the Ruger LCR's and then try a Smith but which ever on you pick will be a fine CCW revolver....Enjoy and happy shootin!!!

[getsome]

Well lookey there, Barth beat me to the reply....Yep thats my baby right there...I put some Hogue grips on mine so I could use a speedloader and the feel is the same or better than stock...Love them little smith wheelies!!!!

[Barth]

The Ruger LCR's do have a great trigger but the problem is weight...Even .38 +P would be a handfull in such a light handgun and a .357 would be downrignt painful....I cut my shooting teeth on revolvers and love em, they are as close to 100% reliable as you can get in a handgun and just seem to fit my hand like a glove...One reason I like a Kahr so much is the smooth revolver like trigger which feels very much like my little Smith...

I am a die hard S&W guy and currently have a no lock 642 .38 +p and will never trade it and to me the looks and feel cant be beat...The trigger is not as good as an LCR but it's mighty nice and even though it's an airweight the +p recoil isn't that bad...I sold a 640 smith .357 to get it because I wanted a pocket revolver and the 640 was just a little too big for that and with magnum loads the recoil wasn't much fun at all to shoot and the muzzle blast looked like a cannon went off when you shot it in low light...

I would suggest that you go to a range and rent both the Ruger LCR's and then try a Smith but which ever on you pick will be a fine CCW revolver....Enjoy and happy shootin!!!

Magnums snubbies aren't for everyone for sure.
And I do prefer Remington's .357 Golden Saber medium-velocity load in those guns.
It's something like a 38 +P+ that doesn't take your hand off.

For my 11.1 oz S&W 342 ti I like Speer's outstanding 135 gr 38 +P GDHP Short Barrel ammo.

[Alfonse]

The previous posts are correct, too light of weight makes the LCR a pain in the hand. I have one, and shooting a box of just .38 special ammo, with the CT grip, leaves my hand a bit sore for the best part of a month.

The tamer grip is somewhat better. I just won't shoot .357 in it.

I am quite accurate with it though. For carry, 5 or so rounds wouldn't cause me any pain at all.

A Smith in stainless would be much less painful to shoot, but it would be heavier to carry to. Nice to have choices though.

[greyhoundafw]

Apreciate the input.. Keep it coming.

[kerby9mm]

I just picked up a m&p 340 and the 357's are painful but I went through a box of 38's that wasn't to hurtful. Scandium frame stainless cylinder and XS front sight.

[Redstate]

If weight is not a factor, and you don't intend to pocket carry, you may want a look at the Ruger SP101, 2 1/4 inch. Love mine.

[rholmes69]

My wife has the lcr in .357, and she shoots 38spl out of it. She went that route because it it 4oz heavier than the 38 model and is soaks up the recoil better. I have shot 357 in it, and it isn't really "fun". +p is fine though. She has the light recoil =p self defense rounds in hers. Really kicks no worse than any full frame 9mm IMHO...

[tilefish]

My girlfriend recently picked up an LCR .38 and likes it a lot, as do I. Its a great little gun.

[MW surveyor]

The LCR is a good gun, with a great trigger. Get the 357 model as if you ever decide to sell it, it gives the next buyer the option of shooting 357 magnums out of it.

Remember, just because you can shoot 357s, doesn't mean you have to.

The S&W j frames are just a bit smaller than the LCR and that's what I ended up with. 638 in 38 spl only. Changed the grip to avoid "trigger guard knuckle".

[JFootin]

The LCR is a good gun, with a great trigger. Get the 357 model as if you ever decide to sell it, it gives the next buyer the option of shooting 357 magnums out of it.

Remember, just because you can shoot 357s, doesn't mean you have to.

The S&W j frames are just a bit smaller than the LCR and that's what I ended up with. 638 in 38 spl only. Changed the grip to avoid "trigger guard knuckle".

What grip did you put on it?

I put the Hogue Bantam one piece rubber grip on my 638. I invested some more in it and got it customized: Duracoat finish, ported barrel and a trigger guard that reduced my DA trigger pull to 4.25 pounds.

http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee486/John_England/Miscellanious%20Guns%20and%20Holsters/My638-1.jpg

[quivvy]

I have a S&W 642 no lock .38sp +P. It was my every day carry for a while. Now I alternate between that, a CW9, and a M&P9c. Great weapon. Everyone should have one. I'm partial to S&W revolvers over the other varieties.

Cheers.

[MW surveyor]

JFootin

I put the Hogue Bantam one piece rubber grip on my 638 as well. Did a trigger job on it also. Not sure what the trigger pull is, but it is way less than the original but still more than my SP101.

[TheTman]

I have a Charter Arms "Son of Sam" .44 special snubbie. Had it several years. Went back to the factory once with too much play in the cylinder front to back so the firing pin didn't get a good strike on the primer. They fixed it and had it back to me in less than 2 weeks. It's been a great pistol. And with the Barami Hip Grips, I can slip it into places they don't want you to have guns, but aren't on the no carry list. Concerts, things like that. I slip it right down in the very front of my pants, and they never pat down that area.

[Barth]

I slip it right down in the very front of my pants, and they never pat down that area.

Too much information Tom - LOL.

I went to an amusement park with a friend and his mom.
Walked right in with a titanium 38 in my pocket.
As they pulled mommy out of the line to go through her purse.
I think she had shifty eyes.

[el_presidente]

Ok previous thread got me thinking of these for my next gun. Went to LGS and checked looked at a few. Ruger LCR got to me. So .38 or .357? What else should I look at? Loved the weight and size of LCRs and it fit my pocket. Will be used for primarily as CCW with hopefully range fun thrown in. This will be my 2nd gun, not to replace CM9 but an aternate in the hopefully growing stable.


If you'd consider anything heavier... consider it. I think you'll enjoy a steel snub a lot more especially for the range. If you're looking for pocket carry in your pants pocket that limits your options depending on what you wear (I can comfortably and easily pocket my SP101 in a Mika in my Levis and in my Carhart coat). I've never wished I had a lighter gun when shooting .38 or .357. Really not a fan of the Smith airweights I've shot.

[Barth]

If you'd consider anything heavier... consider it. I think you'll enjoy a steel snub a lot more especially for the range. If you're looking for pocket carry in your pants pocket that limits your options depending on what you wear (I can comfortably and easily pocket my SP101 in a Mika in my Levis and in my Carhart coat). I've never wished I had a lighter gun when shooting .38 or .357. Really not a fan of the Smith airweights I've shot.

+1
I carried my 11.1 oz Air Weight 38 for many years.
Until I discovered I could wear a dress gun belt with slacks and pocket carry a 23 oz stainless J-Frame just as well.

It's heavier, but really no problem to carry with a reinforced belt holding my pants up - LOL.
And much more pleasant to practice with.
Plus with medium velocity Remington Golden Saber 357s she's quite formidable at close range.
Speed strips make for nice, albeit slow, low profile reloads.

[greyhoundafw]

More questions. If I get an airweight is it worth $60 more for a .357? Seems everyone shoots .38+P so why not just get a .38 +P, either LCR or S&W642. Looks like a SP101 is the minum weight (26oz vs 17 oz for LCR in.357) to reasonably use .357, am I wrong? Again looking for CCW and range fun.

[el_presidente]

More questions. If I get an airweight is it worth $60 more for a .357? Seems everyone shoots .38+P so why not just get a .38 +P, either LCR or S&W642. Looks like a SP101 is the minum weight (26oz vs 17 oz for LCR in.357) to reasonably use .357, am I wrong? Again looking for CCW and range fun.

Lots of ways to look at it I suppose.

From a "place in your carry rotation" standpoint, considering you have a CM9 that you aren't looking to replace in its role I think a .38 snub would be a fairly minuscule change in the firepower department - not to start a caliber war, but a .38 out of a snub vs. a 9mm out of a short barrel ain't gonna give you the same sort of "range" a .357 would in the variety/utility department...

From a pleasure at the range standpoint, I haven't had the chance to shoot the LCR but the S&W 642 is roughly the same weight (.38 only, though) and I just don't care for it a bit. That's just me. I wouldn't trade my SP101 for any other snub. I've shot it a good bit and a box of .357 doesn't phase me in the least at the range. And I carry .357 quite happily!

I will say that whatever you do at least get the .357 so you can shoot either caliber.

[Barth]

Lots of ways to look at it I suppose.

From a "place in your carry rotation" standpoint, considering you have a CM9 that you aren't looking to replace in its role I think a .38 snub would be a fairly minuscule change in the firepower department - not to start a caliber war, but a .38 out of a snub vs. a 9mm out of a short barrel ain't gonna give you the same sort of "range" a .357 would in the variety/utility department...

From a pleasure at the range standpoint, I haven't had the chance to shoot the LCR but the S&W 642 is roughly the same weight (.38 only, though) and I just don't care for it a bit. That's just me. I wouldn't trade my SP101 for any other snub. I've shot it a good bit and a box of .357 doesn't phase me in the least at the range. And I carry .357 quite happily!

I will say that whatever you do at least get the .357 so you can shoot either caliber.

+1
Opinions vary.
But I really don't think of any Air Weight as range fun.
More carry a lot and shoot a little weapon.
My S&W 640-1 is an all stainless 357 and weighs 22.6 oz.
Even in that gun, for me, full house magnums are not fun to shoot.
An Air Weight 357 would have to be brutal.
And I don't enjoy shooting 38 +P out of my titanium 11.1 oz 342 either.

If possible, go to a range and rent a few revolvers.
You will find out immediately what you favor.

It's hard to go wrong with a Ruger SP101 or S&W 640.
You really can't lose with one of those pistols.

[mr surveyor]

and, if you just have to have a compact J frame....get all steel.

[Barth]

and, if you just have to have a compact J frame....get all steel.

+1
Also for ease of care and maintenance, make that steel the stainless variety.

[arizona98tj]

To toss in some chrono data.....

PM9 shooting Remington Golden Saber 124 gr JHP -- 1055 FPS.

LCR shooting Speer Gold Dot .38 Spl +P 125 grain GDHP -- 913 FPS.

That isn't too bad a velocity out of the 1 7/8" LCR....and those loads are not "short barrel" designed.

I have an LCR and when I carry it, it is in an Galco ankle holster. Very comfortable and with the cut of pants I wear, as easy access as one can get drawing from the ankle. Practice.....just like any a presentation from any other holster....is necessary. My PM9 is carried OWB which works wells for me with a typical cover garment.

[jeepster09]

Ok.....maybe you just LIKE PAIN if so shoot a 329PD with hot load 44 magnums. Shooting my Magnaported "no muzzle flip" is like shooting a RPG in your hand, no flip.....BUT bruttle straight back wallop. :eek:

[addictedhealer]

Love my .38 LCR. I can take recoil with no problem but I shot 150 rounds one day and my hand was stiff for two days. Thing shoots great, and super light weight.

http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy290/ThroopA/guns/2012-08-22_18-11-15_87.jpg

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Chogers]

Does Ruger do an airweight snubby like the Smith 638? With a shrouded hammer? I like the 638 since its a little more fun at the range then the 642 is just because you can shoot it single action or double action. Not likely that you would shoot it single action in a self defense situation but im just saying for long range shots and challenge fun.

[JFootin]

I slip it right down in the very front of my pants, and they never pat down that area.

Too much information Tom - LOL.

I went to an amusement park with a friend and his mom.
Walked right in with a titanium 38 in my pocket.
As they pulled mommy out of the line to go through her purse.
I think she had shifty eyes.

Barth, where did you find that post by Tom in this thread?

Tom, I carry my 638 in the AIWB position in a Stays-Put Ultra (http://www.concealmentspecialties.com/products.html) pocket holster. It is perfectly comfortable and the tension of the belt makes it stay put all day with no worry. It is thin, drawing is very fast and easy, it conceals well. Best $14.95 (shipped) I ever spent. This is currently my favorite carry setup.

[greyhoundafw]

Well I took the plunge and bought the LCR in .38. Shoots great POA for me. 50 rounds of cheap no name range ammo threw it. Loved it. Stings a bit but not to terrible. Carrys great with the MIC holster I made, AIWB. Thanks to all for the advice and input.

[Chogers]

Well I took the plunge and bought the LCR in .38. Shoots great POA for me. 50 rounds of cheap no name range ammo threw it. Loved it. Stings a bit but not to terrible. Carrys great with the MIC holster I made, AIWB. Thanks to all for the advice and input.

How much you pay for your LCR? Ball park is cool if you dont mind me asking? Are there any good deals on em right now?

[TheTman]

J, that barami hip grip works very well, it holds the gun in place along with the tension of my belt, the very slim grips make them very easy to conceal, and I don't worry about the gun going off, I'm sure I'd feel the cylinder rotating if the trigger got caught on something. And I am extremely careful when putting the pistol in place. The bad part is shooting the pistol with those hard slim grips, it's a little painful, but I doubt that would be an issue if it was ever needed. There is plenty of grip to control the weapon, and it works well for me. Usuallly it's carried over towards appendix position, but goes elsewhere when I want to sneak it in someplace where they pat you down. It's very rare that I do that, usually only at places downtown, where we have people of questionable character hanging out on the streets, and you have to park sometimes blocks away from the venue. If it were somehow detected, they first have to ask you to leave, and if you don't they can call the cops and you get a small fine to pay.

[Barth]

Well I took the plunge and bought the LCR in .38. Shoots great POA for me. 50 rounds of cheap no name range ammo threw it. Loved it. Stings a bit but not to terrible. Carrys great with the MIC holster I made, AIWB. Thanks to all for the advice and input.

Highly recommend Speer 135 gr GDHP 38 +P Short Barrel for Self Defense.
It's arguably the best load available.
http://www.speer-ammo.com/images/bullet_test/HeavyCloth.jpg
http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/large/493/493508.jpg

[muggsy]

S&W makes the revolvers by which all others are judged. You can't go wrong by buying the best.

[JustinN]

I looked at an LCR yesterday, .38 +p. Gun is used, belonged to my FFL's girlfriend and she swapped it for a Glock. It looks new, comes with everything from the Factory, an HKS speed loader, and a box of Hornady Defense ammo. He's asking $420 on it...is that a fair price, or what would be a good offer on it? He has a brand new Taurus 605 (poly and stainless) in 357 for $350, but I liked the feel and trigger of the LCR more, and in a package that size, I reckon 38 +p would work just as well as .357.

[Flincher]

I usually opt for the 357.
You can shoot 357 or 38.
Options Options Options.

This is a 38, but one I like to recommend.
(out of stock I wonder why - LOL)
S&W M642 38 1 7/8 No Lock Stainless $363
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/70713
http://www.slickguns.com/sites/default/files/Smithm642.JPG
+1 Absolutely, the finest snub nosed revolvers on the planet, by far, are the S&W 637 and 642. With a trigger job, they shoot like a dream:)

[addictedhealer]

Check my paint job out.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/01/etudaha9.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/01/u7atygus.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/01/u8uvajym.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/01/e7abepuh.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/01/6u2y5e4y.jpg

[MW surveyor]

The only reason that I got my 638 rather than the LCR was that the 638 is definitely smaller. Trigger on the LCR is way better than the 638 (unless you've had a trigger job done like JFootin). Still can't figure out exactly how his gunsmith was able to get a 4 1/2 pound pull out of it and still ignite the primers.

[addictedhealer]

More questions. If I get an airweight is it worth $60 more for a .357? Seems everyone shoots .38+P so why not just get a .38 +P, either LCR or S&W642. Looks like a SP101 is the minum weight (26oz vs 17 oz for LCR in.357) to reasonably use .357, am I wrong? Again looking for CCW and range fun.

I do understand the appeal of the 357, however I chose 38. Here is how I looked at it. It is a backup/pocket gun. I'm not taking it to war. 38+p have a little less velocity, but a hell of a lot less recoil, muzzle flight and flash. I knew I wouldn't shoot 357 so why waste weight and expense.

If shtf I have other guns, snubby is sure as **** not my first choice.

[JFootin]

The only reason that I got my 638 rather than the LCR was that the 638 is definitely smaller. Trigger on the LCR is way better than the 638 (unless you've had a trigger job done like JFootin). Still can't figure out exactly how his gunsmith was able to get a 4 1/2 pound pull out of it and still ignite the primers.

My theory: The trigger mechanism was very smooth from the factory, and Ahlman's polished the internals for 3 hours. Ahlman's then tried lighter springs from a spring kit, got misfires, put the original springs back in it and tried to charge me for a trigger job even though it was still pulling 11 lbs DA. My gunsmith said it didn't need any more polishing. He did like old fashioned gunsmiths did before there were ready made spring kits - he cut a little off a spring and tested the results, continuing doing this with the hammer spring and the trigger return spring until he got it to 4.25 lb. Apparently, the original springs still work after being shortened as long as the internals are polished smooth enough. I lucked out and found a guy who can do a trigger job like they did generations ago! I'll link anyone up with him who wants his trigger job for a revolver. Be warned, his turnaround time is at least 6 weeks. I have very weak, crippled hands, so 4.25 lb is more like 6-7 lb would feel to healthy hands. I would advise that you ask him to leave it at a higher poundage for safety's sake.

[MW surveyor]

Thanks for the offer JFootin, but I'll just do some more polishing on my own. Since I've got a bunch of springs from Wolff for the gun, may start cutting coils too.