38sp Revolver for Concealed Carry

[u04601]

I purchased the S&W 642 Airweight after looking/testing it and the Ruger LCR. Ruger trigger was a bit smoother but not enough difference to pay $200 more. I changed the grips with some from Houge that are about 1/2" longer.

I bought in to the "don't let the trigger catch on your pants" point of view. But I am not so sure that is as bad as perceived. If I purchase another revolver for CCW, it will be with an exposed trigger that I can pull back if desired.

I had to "qualify" with it for my OC CCW by shooting 20 rounds. I certainly knew I had been shooting a snub-nosed .38, but I could have shot more. I did not buy this gun to be a favorite range shooter. I usually only run 15-20 rounds for each trip to the range.

[Dr.Lou]

Actually the 342 PD is lighter yet at 10.7 ounces, but only .38+p. I routinely carry my 342 or 640 with great confidence.

[Gooseman]

I figure if I need more than 5 (or maybe 6 if I get the kimber 6s) shots, I'm in way over my head and/or have too many bad guys to handle on my own. But that's just me/my opinion.

Appreciate all the feedback! I'm going to rent a 642 at Reeds tomorrow. Hopefully I can find a Ruger LCR or a S&W bodyguard so I can compare.

[Dano3467]

With practice any gun can be shot well enough for SD (close quarters)

I carry an ultra light J-frame, it shoots real good for me, I toped with a laser, an it even better.

I have 7 on permit, this is my EDC choice. Gold dots for the win.

[Dougbert66]

If you can deal with a couple of extra ounces, the Ruger SP101 in .357 magnum is another option. 26oz in 2.25" barrel length. It is also available in .38 sp +p, but the size and weight are the same as the magnum, so better to have the additional cartridge option, IMO. It has enough mass in the full underlug barrel to help tame recoil. You can get it with a regular or bobbed hammer. Also has a transfer bar which is nice if you get the normal hammer model. I like mine a lot.

[gunsandrockets]

Go for it! Go light!

Buy that .38 LCR you have your eye on.

Don't worry about recoil. Just experiment with some of the vast variety of .38 loads out there, till you find the loading which has recoil you feel comfortable with. Even if it turns out the only thing you like is something as low powered as a .38 lead wadcutter target load.

It all depends on what you think you are getting out of a handgun. The simple fact is too many people fetishize handgun ammo, as if some mystic combination of caliber and bullet provides a magic death ray. The truth is it doesn't really matter much, and accurate placement of hits on the right anatomy is what really matters.

Selecting the best fitting grips for you, and the best sights for you, is much more important than maximizing the power of the cartridge.

[bergmen]

I figure if I need more than 5 (or maybe 6 if I get the kimber 6s) shots, I'm in way over my head and/or have too many bad guys to handle on my own. But that's just me/my opinion.

Appreciate all the feedback! I'm going to rent a 642 at Reeds tomorrow. Hopefully I can find a Ruger LCR or a S&W bodyguard so I can compare.

My wife and I both have LCRs and Airweights for CCW (she has the 642, I have the 442). We find either one to be very manageble as far as recoil and they can be surprisingly accurate with practice.

These are our fun shooters as well, we take them out for defenisve as well as recreational practice. With familiarity, they point very naturally and the hammer release is very easy to predict. I find that I can shoot just as accurately DAO as I can with my other .38s in SA.

I handload to .38 Special +P for all of our range shooting. No problems and my wife is somewhat recoil sensitive.

Dan

[4GLOCK30]

I have the Ruger LCR .38 shrouded hammer. Perfect, for me, pocket pistol. Have a Mike's inside the pocket holster sleeve. Keep loaded with 38+P

In a SD situation which is typically at very close range....for me I found it to be very effective.

As mentioned try a few models if you are on the fence about which one. For me I wanted the LCR and happy with it as a CC, SD gun

[stormvet]

Doesn’t matter what you get in that category, your going to feel it. Especially with .38+P, not fun to shoot. After 20 to 30 rounds you’ll be done for the day, of course the lighter the gun the more you’ll feel it.

[Notpc]

If you are considering the LCR, I would get the .357 model. It has a little more weight, so would handle the .38 +P stuff better. It also gives you some flexibility in ammunition choices.

[M1NM]

I generally find myself carrying my S&W 642 just due to weight and size vs my Glock 26. Of course if I have to go to the hood it's the 26.

[4GLOCK30]

IMHO under a SD situation....recoil is not a factor. The adrenalin mutes it

Yeah if cracking off a box 357's or 38+P at the range...gets old with a less than 2" barrel gun.

Always trade off's on smaller guns. IMHO if its SD CC you want small but a gun you can control and be accurate with. Within 5' of the target....you just need to hit body mass and it will stop the problem to a point the next round can close the book....if it needs closing.

I did carry my G30 at 4 o'clock. Yeah 45 cal is bad a## and will stop a tank but moving the gun from the 4 o'clock IWB to drive the car, then put back when out of the car was "awkward" in public

The 38 LCR, or similar, in front pocket is undetectable and very easy to access

[Calif Hunter]

I am kinda old school - I like my Detective Special. Not a lightweight but it holds 6. I also have a Colt Cobra which is super light. Mine has a 4-inch barrel but is still concealable. I don't carry either as my XD-9 subcompact is about the same size and holds 10 9mm. I also shoot that XD as well as I shoot most of my full-size handguns.

[P5Ret]

I bought in to the "don't let the trigger catch on your pants" point of view. But I am not so sure that is as bad as perceived. If I purchase another revolver for CCW, it will be with an exposed trigger that I can pull back if desired.

I sure hope you mean exposed hammer not exposed trigger.

[ThePlinker]

Kimber K6S here, wheels leave no brass behind. 357 magnum will ventilate anything it meets.

Research has proven the rule of 3’s.

Most engagements are about 3 feet away, over in under 3 seconds , less than 3 rounds dispensed.