Best backup wheel gun?

[cmace22]

So Im looking for a good backup style revolver. Ive never been that in to revolvers in the past and have no idea on where to start. What i do know is I want ceratin feachers, like:

Hammerless
1.5-2" barrel
Blued or dark finish
As light weight a double action trigger pull I can get
Small to medium size frame.
At least a .38, .357 would be a plus but not needed
Its not gonna be concealed carried unless I move and that wont be for a great while.
Dont want to break the bank either 500-800 is my range

I like the S&W revolvers but Im open to others

Thanks for the help

[jkchan83]

The Ruger LCR sounds just about what you are looking for. Can you get that in CA?

[PutTogether]

The Ruger LCR sounds just about what you are looking for. Can you get that in CA?

I voted for the 340 without reading your requirements. If you dont' want to break the bank - I'd go for the 442. I have the 442 because I didn't want to spend double for the 340, and figured I'd never shoot magnums out of a 13 oz gun anyway.

Having read what you were looking for, I'd change my vote to the 442

[9mmlaw]

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=14760&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

[tomd1584]

I have a 442 , thing is a beauty, lightweight, and shoots great.

[lunde]

M&P 340. I have an M&P 360, and love it.

[cmace22]

M&P 340. I have an M&P 360, and love it.

Real nice, is that the 360 or the 340 or are they basically the same? I dont know lol.

[lunde]

The 340 is hammerless. The 360 has an exposed hammer.

[ojisan]

442...reasonable cost, nice size, reliable, 38+P is OK.
The super-light Ti and Scandium revolvers may have bullet pull problems with heavier 140-158g bullets. Bullet pull can tie up a revolver worse than any auto pistol jam. 442 reliably shoots any ammo you can find.

[cmace22]

442...reasonable cost, nice size, reliable, 38+P is OK.
The super-light Ti and Scandium revolvers may have bullet pull problems with heavier 140-158g bullets. Bullet pull can tie up a revolver worse than any auto pistol jam. 442 reliably shoots any ammo you can find.

Ya I was just reading that about the lightweight frames... Not good.

[Greg-Dawg]

GP100.

[BillCA]

Another option, if you can find one, is the S&W 432PD chambering the .32 H&R Magnum round. Lightweight at 15oz, six shots, and low recoil.

I use this as a back-up gun or in a jacket pocket during cold winter months in Nevada. Some will look down on the .32 H&R but it allows fast controlled-pairs and it's just as accurate as my lightweight Model 42. But much easier to shoot well.

Nothing wrong with the 442, other than they can be somewhat uncomfortable to shoot with heavier loads. The 432PD is simply another option.

[Legasat]

Gotta agree with the S&W M&P

[cmace22]

I like the 340 alot, but is this one of the revolvers that had bullet pull problems?

[CapnHawk]

When I began my LE career in 1975, I bought a brand new .38 Special Colt Agent. Blue, with the hammer shroud, and holds six rounds. Carried it as my back-up for 33 years, without fail.