38sp Revolver for Concealed Carry

[Che762x39]

... As always I appreciate all of your thoughts and opinions.

I have a CCW and I had a 2 inch in 1982. {Edited}

I bought a Browning High Power the next day. Now 37 years later I EDC a Glock 19. And yes, several more times over the years I had to draw my pistol.

So embrace Glock Perfection and get yourself a Glock 19.

[jstert]

[BrokerB]

1 of my 3 is a sw 442. I carry with 1 - 6hole speed strip loaded 2-space then 3 rounds as you can load first 2 rounds at same time

I shoot it pretty dam well on my re quals. Some times better then g19/lc9 at 15 yds

I generally only carry when im mountain biking. 95% time its g19 with 16 rounds of lethal defense

[dfletcher]

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.

If it matters to you, the 442 can be had without the lock. Most CA stores carry the lock version, but the non-lock is CA OK also. Got mine at Bay Area Gun Vault, IIRC paid about $349.00 for it. I suppose most use rubber grips nowadays, I use 70's era wood stocks with a "TGrip" and it works fine. Practice with 148 HBWC and use 158 LSWCHP +P for carrying.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I recommend the LCR in 38. Special. I have one and have carried it and shot it extensively. It is vastly superior out of the box to the 442 and 642, both which I have owned and carried also. The Ruger is comically light, yet easy to shoot, good stackable trigger and absorbs recoil well

[KahrMan]

You might want to consider the SW Bodyguard 38. It usually comes with a CT laser pre-installed.

[RaffiD]

I have a Taurus model 85 snubbie in black and it's one of my favorite guns to shoot. Not too snappy surprisingly.

[Lead Waster]

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.

People always say that "If you can't get the job done with 5/6 rounds, then you can't get the job done" but what if you miss because you are being shot at, or are otherwise under extreme duress? Like if you are shooting at someone while at the same time trying to get your loved ones to cover, or whatever.

I mean, everyone has their comfort level, and if I could carry, I'd carry as many freedom fries as I possibly could.

[GreggieBoy]

My dad carried a S&W Model 36 for a number of years. Served him well.

[B.J.F.]

If your shopping for a CCW Revolver, just get the .357 version and run .38spl in it. The lightest smith revolver shooting .357 is hand punishment with stock grips. Just remember, the lighter it is.... the more recoil your going to feel. Same for reducing the length of the barrel.

[Gat Man]

The difference between the LCR and 642 is negligible in terms of weight and recoil. However, there are a lot more grip options available for the S&W. Handle and shoot both then buy the S&W.

[Ron-Solo]

I love my Smith and Wesson Model 60 .38 Special. It’s steel rather than alloy. Shoots great and is suprizingly accurate for a 2” barrel.

Best quote of the day:

The difference between the LCR and 642 is negligible in terms of weight and recoil. However, there are a lot more grip options available for the S&W. Handle and shoot both, then buy the S&W.

[bk23103]

I started out with a used Charter Arms .38 Undercover which I carried in a Sticky holster for about two years. The trigger was garbage, but it went bang every time and it was generally pretty accurate.

I came upon a used S&W 642 for a good price and picked it up. It took me a range trip or two to get used to the long DAO trigger, but I became pretty good with it. Haven't carried the Charter since.

I've got 10 guns on my permit, but nothing carries like a J-frame.

[mlentzner]

Any consideration for the 2 inch Rhino (20D, 20DS)?

I have the 4" version and it shoots 38sp so sweetly. I'm very seriously considering getting the 2" now.

I guess it's a little bulky although it's mostly aluminum so not that heavy at 24 oz - which is typical for a .357 snubby.

[Wicked Pete]

S & W Model 60, on my permit. So nice and easy to carry.

I use standard pressure factory loads, not Plus-P. Nice to have some JHP's but usually just train with the standard.

This gun separates the "men from the boys" when it comes to shooting accuracy. There is no real sight, you have to look down the groove on top and its a "guess" when it comes to elevation.

I love mine, I call her Jezebel, known for her wicked action. Carry three speed loaders.