Have an itch for a light .38 special

[yqtszhj]

I have a really bad itch for a super light .38 special. Don't know if I'll have the money at the moment but it's time to start pondering anyway. If I get one it will be carried and lighter is better.

I've seen the S&W 340PD (11.4 oz. and if I want to be punished it will shoot .357 too) and the LCR (13.5 oz.) The 340PD has a titanium cylinder that makes it lighter.

Yeah I know the light weight will make shooting challenging but I like light powerful pistols.

Anyone have experience with either of the ones mentioned above or any others? The S&W airweight at 15 oz. is getting heavier than I am looking for. I guess I could throw the .38 bodyguard into the mix at 14+ oz.

[Alfonse]

I have an LCR. I understand it is better with the standard Hogue Grip, but with the CT laser on it is not much fun. A box of 50 rounds, even spread out a bit, is pretty brutal. I don't shoot it much. The original grip is bigger, makes speed loaders difficult, but is much softer shooting. If I ever get another little revolver, it will be all stainless.

[yqtszhj]

That's kinda what I thought about the grip's. I put a Hogue LCP grip on my LCP and it's a breeze to shoot now. Seems like the more grip area the better control and less recoil regardless of weight

[Barth]

I have a S&W 342 ti.
On my digital scale it's 11.1 oz empty.
13.5 oz loaded with five 135 gr Speer GDHP Short Barrel 38 +P.
It's definitely a carry a lot shoot a little gun.
In a DeSantis Nemesis holster it disappears in the pocket.
And It's so light I forget it's there.
I've got a action job on it with a XS Big Dot on the nose.

It's a sweet carry gun and shoots POA at close range.
It's my preferred pocket pistol over the current .380 craze.
http://randywakeman.com/SpeerGoldDotTests.jpg

[yqtszhj]

You know I was told they don't make the 342 anymore only the 340 although it only weighs slightly more. It's not cheap though but I like it for the same reasons you mentioned.

[pbagley]

I've got a Smith 642-2. Recoil is stiff with 158 gr standard 38 sp and 125 gr +P, more felt recoil than the cm9. With CT grips it is slightly worse, not a lot. Before the CT's I noticed the recoil in the trigger finger most. With the CT's I feel it at the base of the thumb more. After 65 rounds in January I had a flapper at the base of my thumb. That said, it does carry IWB very well. Light and does not aggravate a pressure point in my hip like the cm9 dies.

I hope that helps.

[yqtszhj]

I've got a Smith 642-2. Recoil is stiff with 158 gr standard 38 sp and 125 gr +P, more felt recoil than the cm9. With CT grips it is slightly worse, not a lot. Before the CT's I noticed the recoil in the trigger finger most. With the CT's I feel it at the base of the thumb more. After 65 rounds in January I had a flapper at the base of my thumb. That said, it does carry IWB very well. Light and does not aggravate a pressure point in my hip like the cm9 dies.

I hope that helps.

Thanks for that info. As for the flapper at the base of the thumb that is when I know I've had a good day, but I'm kinda sick like that though.

After 100+ rounds of .380 like I used to do with the LCP I called my wounds "blisters of joy"

[pbagley]

Thanks for that info. As for the flapper at the base of the thumb that is when I know I've had a good day, but I'm kinda sick like that though.

After 100+ rounds of .380 like I used to do with the LCP I called my wounds "blisters of joy"

Funny. My 738 TCP has never wounded me. Neither has either Kahr. The only two that have caused injury have been the 642 and my T/C Contender with the 45-70 barrel. 5 rounds, 400 gr cast bullet hand loads. The blood blister lasted over a week.

[b4uqzme]

I actually carry a Ruger SP101. At 2oz more than my MK9, it's light enough to be comfortable but heavy enough to shoot well. No flappers. And it's tolerable to shoot .357. I guess it comes down to why you want such a light revolver.

[kerby9mm]

I bought a new 340 m&p about a year & a half ago. Scandium frame stainless cylinder & I was lucky that it is one with no lock. 13.4 oz empty XS big dot nite sight. At first the trigger pull was a little stiff but now it is not bad at all. With 357 loads it stings & raps my middle finger knuckle but I have a glove for practice that cured that with 38special not too bad. I also have a 329Nightguard 44mag that with the larger grip does not hurt even with 44mag. I carry the 340 5 days a week in a leather holster & the finish is like new.

[Barth]

Of all my handguns only my S&W 629-2 44 Mountain Gun (38 oz),
with full power 240 gr Magnums, would leave a mark.
At around 50 rounds it would draw blood - LOL.

I did shoot box after box of 357 Magnums with my 65-3 K and 640-1 J frames testing various ammo.
No blood or blisters, but my hand was sore for a week.

[RxDoc]

IMO, check out the Rger KLCR .357mag, shoots .38spl, .38spl+P, and .357mag, whichever you prefer to carry or practice with. I added a XS Big Dot, and stuck with the Hogue Tamer Grips. Very manageable with .38spl, even +Ps, and I personsonally don't have any problems shooting .357mag loads, especially the CorBon DPX 110gr, less recoil than 125gr loads. Sweetest trigger in it's class by far, and accurate even at longer distances. Fun gun for me.

[getsome]

As much as I love my PM40 I find myself pocket carrying my Smith 642 most of the time....I almost forget it's there and I know it's going to go bang every time and even though the PM40 is more powerful and accurate I think I'm better off with 5 for sure 135 Speer Gold Dots if God forbid the SHTF...

[ltxi]

I have a really bad itch for a super light .38 special. Don't know if I'll have the money at the moment but it's time to start pondering anyway. If I get one it will be carried and lighter is better.

I've seen the S&W 340PD (11.4 oz. and if I want to be punished it will shoot .357 too) and the LCR (13.5 oz.) The 340PD has a titanium cylinder that makes it lighter.

Yeah I know the light weight will make shooting challenging but I like light powerful pistols.

Anyone have experience with either of the ones mentioned above or any others? The S&W airweight at 15 oz. is getting heavier than I am looking for. I guess I could throw the .38 bodyguard into the mix at 14+ oz.

My answer, as always, is classic J-frame Smith in your choice of flavor.

My thought on weight is to not get too wrapped around the axle over a couple of ounces. My M&P 340 weighs about 13.5 oz....empty. Loaded it's a pound, 16 oz even. My pushing 20 year old 442 goes just under 2 oz over that Can't tell the difference in carry reality and having done this so long either gun goes unnoticed during daily affairs. My bobbed hammer model 60, also an older version, goes a pound and 7+ oz and I can notice the difference...enough that my u&c is the trusty ole, slick trigger 442.

Also, fwiw, I think carrying a lw J-frame with .357 mag for offense/defense is a not good idea. I'm sure there are folk who can handle follow up shots with that set up, but I'm not one of them. .357 turns something like my 340 into a one shot wonder, for me, under "real" conditions. I carry 125gr std pressure Fed NyClad in my 442 and 135gr Gold Dot SB in the Model 60.

[yqtszhj]

My answer, as always, is classic J-frame Smith in your choice of flavor.

My thought on weight is to not get too wrapped around the axle over a couple of ounces. My M&P 340 weighs about 13.5 oz....empty. Loaded it's a pound, 16 oz even. My pushing 20 year old 442 goes just under 2 oz over that Can't tell the difference in carry reality and having done this so long either gun goes unnoticed during daily affairs. My bobbed hammer model 60, also an older version, goes a pound and 7+ oz and I can notice the difference...enough that my u&c is the trusty ole, slick trigger 442.

Also, fwiw, I think carrying a lw J-frame with .357 mag for offense/defense is a not good idea. I'm sure there are folk who can handle follow up shots with that set up, but I'm not one of them. .357 turns something like my 340 into a one shot wonder, for me, under "real" conditions. I carry 125gr std pressure Fed NyClad in my 442 and 135gr Gold Dot SB in the Model 60.

Stopped by my local shop today and they were telling me about one of their customers that decided to load their 340 with .357 and the guy obviously didn't have a good grip and it ripped one of his fingers open. I had a King Cobra at one time in the past and even as heavy as it was the .357 has some punch to it too.

[jeepster09]

I have had all of the "lite" S&W's and I prefer the 640, it is a little longer and heavier but shoots fantastic. I also like my new RUGER "BOBBED" SP101. I prefer 357 over 38 and the lite weights can be brutal.

[Tilos]

HAD a 340, bought to carry cross country when I could not find a PM9.
I shot some 38s thru it and made the trip, then got stuck in orygun and started shooting it as it was the only gun I brought with me.
It was painful as a range gun and when I finally put 5 factory 357 in it the 1st time, I shot 3...and took the other 2 out.
That gun has very little to hold onto and if you add a big grip, it's not a small gun anymore, not to mention the noise and muzzle flash.
I flew home to Florida and brought back 4 handguns, then traded the 340 for that PM9, once I had lived in orygun long enough to buy a gun.
jmo

[ltxi]

Stopped by my local shop today and they were telling me about one of their customers that decided to load their 340 with .357 and the guy obviously didn't have a good grip and it ripped one of his fingers open. I had a King Cobra at one time in the past and even as heavy as it was the .357 has some punch to it too.

I get along fine with .357 in my K-frames. Just don't work for me at all in J's.

I have a like kinda thing going on with my Glocks. I converted my G27 to 9mm 'cause I was having real issues with .40 on follow up rapid fire shot placement. My G23, on the other hand, gives me no problem.

[Barth]

I get along fine with .357 in my K-frames. Just don't work for me at all in J's.

I have a like kinda thing going on with my Glocks. I converted my G27 to 9mm 'cause I was having real issues with .40 on follow up rapid fire shot placement. My G23, on the other hand, gives me no problem.

I really like the medium velocity Remington Golden Saber 357s in my all steel J & K frames.
That's the max power I can use with fast followup shots.
Plus out of a 2 or 3 inch barrel full power magnums seem to have
lots of flash and noise with diminished velocity.

The Sabers only lose ~30 fps going from 4" to 3" (1,190 vs 1,220)
Where full power magnums typically lose ~150 fps (1,300 vs 1,450)

Going to a 2" snub from 4" Sabers lose ~120 fps (1,100 vs 1,220)
Where full house mags lose ~250 (1,200 vs 1,450)

My S&W 342 is not fun for me to shoot with 38 +P.
A 357 mag air weight has to be brutal.

I too found my G27 hard to handle for followup shots.
Switching to HK P2000Sk 40 solved that problem.

[feedramp]

If you prefer a very light .38 revolver, the Ruger LCR and S&W 642 airweight are a couple good choices.
I had a S&W 642 for a couple years, and it proved to be perfect for everyday running around. Light and accurate, to a certain point.

Any revolver larger than a .38, for your intended purpose, and you might as well go with a 9mm.

Although nice for carry, I sold the snubbie, once the Colt Pocketlite .380 arrived on scene .... :cool:

[340pd]

I have owned, and often carry, a 340pd. I have CT LG 405 laser grips on it. I shoot it with light handloads in .357 cases. I have shot full power .357 and it does get your attention but recoil is subjective. My carry load is 38 sp. 135gr. Gold Dots.
I practice my short barrel shooting with a 640 because I have respect for the fact alloy frame guns have limitations and are usually intended for last ditch self protection.

I believe every oz. you can shave off your carry gun is a benefit and the 340 fits that bill perfectly for me.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/gnystrom_photos/340pd.jpg

[berettabone]

Don't forget about the S&W 637..............................

[Barth]

I should add that both my J-Frames (342 ti / 640-1) are Centennials.
Really believe being DOA, with a concealed hammer,
is a real advantage with pocket carry.
Ergonomically, with Hogue Bantam grips,
I really prefer J-Frames to autos for pocket carry.

[ltxi]

I should add that both my J-Frames (342 ti / 640-1) are Centennials.
Really believe being DOA, with a concealed hammer,
is a real advantage with pocket carry.
Ergonomically, with Hogue Bantam grips,
I really prefer J-Frames to autos for pocket carry.

Dead On Arrival?? :spider:

[DeaconKC]

I am a confirmed S&W snob, but I have to throw another gun into the pile for your consideration. I had a Taurus 85 Ultralight I picked up on a whim [it was in a trade and dirt cheap] and it turned out to be a fantastic little gun. If I ever find out who wound up with it in a later trade, I WILL get that little beast back.

[yqtszhj]

too bad. not a bad price for all titanium.

TOTAL TITANIUM MODEL 85 .38 SPL. REVOLVER
The models listed below are no longer in production and/or imported by Taurus International Mfg.

[Armybrat]

Well, for little wheelguns, my Smith Model 38 Airweight is pretty sweet. The shrouded hammer can still be cocked for single action shootin'.

Doesn't weigh much more than a Tinkerbell fart.

http://i522.photobucket.com/albums/w349/ScoPro/SWrevolver002.jpg

[Barth]

Dead On Arrival?? :spider:

Everybody knows I'm dyslexic - LOL.

[Planedude]

I've been hauling around my S&W 642 for some time now. It sports VZ grips, rides in a super thin Masters pocket holster (think "leather envelop") and with it's 5 spare rounds in a speed strip, the kit comes in at a pound and an oz. Only my summer carry P380 beats the combo on weight.


Last Saturday I carried it in the pocket for our range day while also carrying the K9 in its Bullard IWB holster. Once set up, I ran the target out to 7yds then did a draw and fire from both. The K9 was shot center of mass, quickly, keeping all eight rounds well inside the 8ring. Then I did a draw and fire from the pocket with 642, shooting only at the targets head. All five of my Hornady CD 125grn (standard pressure) bullets hit center around the "nose", in a palm size group. They might not be "hyper-sonic-magnum-plus-ity-plus-super" rounds, but Mr. Paper Badguy was having a rotten day.
Very satisfied with the accuracy of the J frame.


Oh, and I do forget the old 642 is on me after a while.

[yqtszhj]

Well I dove in. Got a good deal S&W performance center 637 this afternoon at a local pawn shop. 14oz. and loaded right at 16 oz with 129 gr. +P. Nice pocket pistol.

It has a cheesy Gunsmoke logo on the side but it was a good price and the trigger is really smooth like a Kahr only a little heavier. I figure that painted logo will wear off one day or if it gets roughed up I'll get it duracoated or polished or something.

The other bad (or maybe good) thing about it is as soon as I got in the door with it the wife grabbed it and said she liked it and we may have to get 1 or 2 more for her and the daughter. She already wants to shoot it this weekend. Maybe I'll load it up with +P so I can keep it for myself.

Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions.

[berettabone]

I see lots of those for sale.........................good choice.

[jg rider]

I have a 342 that I had to modify before I liked it. I didn't like the boot grips that came with it, which allowed for the open, grooved back strap.And I didn't like the grooved trigger guard that always bit the top of my middle finger when I fired the piece.
So I modified a set of Uncle Mikes or maybe they were a set of Butler Creek grips that were shaped like banana.
No more open back strap and now there's enough rubber between my middle finger and the trigger guard.
It also seems to point more naturally.
I installed a set of Hi Viz f.o. sights. Smoothed out and lightened the trigger pull.
After testing a bunch of differen ammo I settled on the now extinct Fed. 125 gr. Nyclad ammo. IMHO, it's an explosive, very light felt recoil round.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p100/jgriders/DSC00018.jpg (http://s126.photobucket.com/user/jgriders/media/DSC00018.jpg.html)

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p100/jgriders/Smith%20Revolvers/01Jframegrips.jpg (http://s126.photobucket.com/user/jgriders/media/Smith%20Revolvers/01Jframegrips.jpg.html)

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p100/jgriders/Smith%20Revolvers/02Jframegrips.jpg (http://s126.photobucket.com/user/jgriders/media/Smith%20Revolvers/02Jframegrips.jpg.html)

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p100/jgriders/Smith%20Revolvers/Jframegrips1.jpg (http://s126.photobucket.com/user/jgriders/media/Smith%20Revolvers/Jframegrips1.jpg.html)

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p100/jgriders/Snubbie%20Test/SWTi-125Nyclad588labeled.jpg (http://s126.photobucket.com/user/jgriders/media/Snubbie%20Test/SWTi-125Nyclad588labeled.jpg.html)

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p100/jgriders/Snubbie%20Test/SWTi-125Nyclad667labeled.jpg (http://s126.photobucket.com/user/jgriders/media/Snubbie%20Test/SWTi-125Nyclad667labeled.jpg.html)

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p100/jgriders/Snubbie%20Test/SWTi-125Nycladlabeled.jpg (http://s126.photobucket.com/user/jgriders/media/Snubbie%20Test/SWTi-125Nycladlabeled.jpg.html)

[ltxi]

...............
After testing a bunch of differen ammo I settled on the now extinct Fed. 125 gr. Nyclad ammo. IMHO, it's an explosive, very light felt recoil round.............



Fed Nyclad has been my preferred carry round in lw J-frames for decades, literally. It is no longer extinct, as I was delighted to discover a few years back. Returned to production circa 2009.

[jg rider]

Fed Nyclad has been my preferred carry round in lw J-frames for decades, literally. It is no longer extinct, as I was delighted to discover a few years back. Returned to production circa 2009.
How? Where?
After limited familiarizing, we're down to our last 200 rounds

[chrish]

Planning a .38 purchase at some point as well. I had been really leaning LCR, but I was at the range the other day and a guy had his 442 w/ him (black version of the 642) and he had spent all of $9 customizing it (Wilson Combat spring) and boy was that a pretty decent trigger for $9. Said he hadn't polished it or anything, not that many rounds thru it either. It probably wasn't quite as good as the LCR triggers I've tried at gun shows, but I like the grips and feel of the 442/642 better than the LCR. Just something to ponder for those considering a .38

[340pd]

That is a really nice gun and of the snubbies available that is certainly one of the best. Be careful swapping springs as there is a fine balance that you have to maintain to keep it reliable. On a SD gun smoothness is great but I doubt you will notice a great trigger job if, god forbid. you need to use the gun for its intended purpose. Remember this is not a range gun. Most of the ones that come into our range are shot only a couple of times per year and then very few rounds pass through them. Not for recoil avoidance as much as usual wide group spread on the target at 30'.

[CharlieW]

I am partial to Colt revolvers, and I just came a cross a classic Colt Agent, with a lightweight aluminum frame. It is a six shot pistol, equivalent in size to a J-frame. Similar Colt models are Courier, Detective Special, etc.

[jg rider]

Planning a .38 purchase at some point as well. I had been really leaning LCR, but I was at the range the other day and a guy had his 442 w/ him (black version of the 642) and he had spent all of $9 customizing it (Wilson Combat spring) and boy was that a pretty decent trigger for $9. Said he hadn't polished it or anything, not that many rounds thru it either. It probably wasn't quite as good as the LCR triggers I've tried at gun shows, but I like the grips and feel of the 442/642 better than the LCR. Just something to ponder for those considering a .38
Those kind of kits consist of a lighter hammer and trigger return spring.
My pistol smithing experience with them has shown that the lighter hammer springs will cause misfires with certain primer brands if you're using reloads. They're work OK if only shooting single action.
Remember the hammer only travels almost half the distance backwards in d.a. mode, then when it's cocked, his causes less forward force.
And there has to be some polishing done to the bottom, inside wall and the top lobe of the trigger return block, or else the trigger won't return at times with the lighter trigger return spring.
First I'd start by polishing all rubbing surfaces and contacting parts, except.....
Don't, I repeat don't touch the sear and the hammer hook that make contact in single action mode. If you do you'll find that if you cock the gun you'll be able to push the hammer forward with your thumb.
Duh ! I just realized we're talking about a hammerless, dao gun !
Well no matter. What I wrote applys to all S&W revolvers.
Sorry for the confusion

The majority of trigger pull pressure you feel is caused by the trigger return spring.
If you try to use the factory hammer spring and the lighter return spring the trigger will not return because of the added pressure put on the return block lobe.
After polishing I'd suggest people use the factory hammer spring, flat or coil, and cut 1 1/2 coils off of the factory trigger return spring. This works most of the time. You may may be able to cut more but that leaves a mushy trigger return.

This is what works for me, John

OK everybody can wake up now, I'm done

[TucsonMTB]

. . . After polishing I'd suggest people use the factory hammer spring, flat or coil, and cut 1 1/2 coils off of the factory trigger return spring. This works most of the time. You may may be able to cut more but that leaves a mushy trigger return.

This is what works for me, John
Thank you, sir!

IMHO, this is great advice for anyone with a S&W J-frame and mirrors my experience.

I would add that Midway carries the "Wolff Trigger Rebound Spring S&W J, K, L, N-Frame 11 lb Reduced Power Package of 3" for a measly $7, plus shipping of course.

I wanted to keep all my factory springs to put back in the revolvers if I sell them. So, these worked out better for us.

The Wolff 11 lb spring still gives a fairly crisp reset but helps reduce trigger effort nicely.

By the way, I still occasionally see Federal 125 grain Nyclad in 38 special on GunBroker dot com from time to time. We have about the same inventory as you do which keeps me watchful.

Haven't seen any bargains . . . :o

[ltxi]

How? Where?
After limited familiarizing, we're down to our last 200 rounds

I bought a bunch of it when I discovered it was back two to three years ago. Pretty sure I got it from Ammoman but it could have been from Ammunitiontogo. That was before this last freak out run on ammunition. Neither of these vendors nor a three others I quick checked show it in stock. I did check Feds website before I posted and it shows up as current production there.

Being quite used to it, I rarely shoot it anymore Other than to do some old to new comparative shooting when I got the new stuff to make sure nothing had changed. Also 50-100 rounds down range in a new M&P 340, the only new J-frame I've bought in the last maybe 15 years, a year and a half ago. American Eagle 130gr ball works well as a substitute for routine practice practice and I have a ton of that.

[TheTman]

If weight is your main concern, I don't think you can get any lighter than this 38 special from Taurus. It's not +P rated, but advertised weight is only NINE oz. I don't think you'll find anything lighter. I guess they use a clear plastic cover to allow you see part of the insides. Barrel length is only 1.41.
Certainly is a strange looking gun. They claim they sell a quite a few to LEO's for BUGs.


Weird looking isn't it? I suppose it's ok for an ankle/boot gun. Or for use when weight is very important. Like with stretch waist shorts or sweatpants or other pants without a belt, and you just want something to put in your pocket and go.
http://kartalk.pccomps.com/85VTA-1.jpg

[leftysixty]

Is that picture of the tortus a display model, or a production piece?

[gb6491]

Is that picture of the tortus a display model, or a production piece?
It's a production piece (Davidsons has them listed, but allocated) and you can get it in pink: Taurus 85VTAP http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=898&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=VTA
Regards,
Greg

[leftysixty]

Greg! I couldn't own that one, I'd be to busy watching the works to be able to hit any thing:D

It sure is cool look'n:D:D

[Pointblank]

The S&W 642/442 are the hot setup. Hogue makes a new Tamer grip for them that really makes them nice to shoot.