Pocket revolvers

[StudioDison]

I'm looking to buy a small pocket revolver. I need some input. What I'm looking for is a .38/.357 I'm nit totally opposed to just a .38 but would prefere the other. I want it as small as possible as much like the Ruger LCR. It also needs to be able to have Crimson Trace Grips. It also needs to be availble in black color. It needs to have the internal hammer like the LCR. Thanxs for all inputs.

[B.D.Dubloon]

I got this for around the house carrying and like it. I can't hit much at distances (but that is true with just about any weapon):

http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=298&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=PR2

Light, hammerless, and I think a 38 is plenty for what I got it for, although the 357 one would be nice.

[We Are Apocalypse]

This Smith and Wesson 340 PD

+

This Crimson Trace Laser Grip

= What you need

[Cokebottle]

".357" and "lightweight" generally don't belong in the same sentence.
The Taurus .38 is almost 17oz, the DAO "CIA 650" and 651 .357s are 25oz.

The Ruger LCR is the model that I will probably get for my wife... it's only about $30 more than the Taurus .38.

If you go with the Taurus .357, be sure and at least dry-fire a few different models first. The Taurus/Rossi lines have a very heavy DAO trigger pull... too heavy for my wife. She had no problem dry-firing the Ruger.

The lightweight .38's get a lot of their weight reduction from heavy fluting of the chambers... that mass is needed on the .357, so even with an alloy frame, you're still going to have a lot more steel in the wheel.

[StudioDison]

This Smith and Wesson 340 PD

+

This Crimson Trace Laser Grip

= What you need

I handled this gun the other day at my local shop. I cant belive how light it is. I have seen plastic toy guns the same size wiegh twice that.

[Miltiades]

S&W J frame airweights

Probably the most commonly used pocket revolver is the airweight J frame Smith & Wesson with 2 inch barrel. The model 642 is stainless and the model 442 is black. Either will take the Crimson Trace laser grip. These guns weigh 15 ounces empty and have an internal hammer to prevent snagging. They are double action only and are commonly carried in a pocket with a pocket holster. The 642 is shown below:

[M47_Dragon]

I have the S&W 340 M&P. (w/o the laser grip)

Here it is with the Crimson Trace.

Beware that with a light gun like this, when shooting full power .357 mag loads, the recoil is south of friendly.

".357" and "lightweight" generally don't belong in the same sentence.

Exactly, but when they do end up in the same sentence, the next sentence usually begins with "Ouch..."

[DougJ]

Probably the most commonly used pocket revolver is the airweight J frame Smith & Wesson with 2 inch barrel. The model 642 is stainless and the model 442 is black. Either will take the Crimson Trace laser grip. These guns weigh 15 ounces empty and have an internal hammer to prevent snagging. They are double action only and are commonly carried in a pocket with a pocket holster. The 642 is shown below:

I picked up a 642 recently for the wife, and it's a great little gun. The one I have is absent the trigger lock, and shoots very nice. Surprisingly accurate and you can withdraw it from any pocket with no fear of it snagging on something. Heck, shoot it from inside the pocket if you had to...

[rivviepop]

With the right .38 ammo for a 2" barrel (there's a lot of threads on CGN here about that), you'll not *really* need a .357 and can save the weight as others point out. The Ruger LCR, S&W 642 or 442 and Taurus 851 are good options -- my theory is that if you ever have to use it, it's going to get taken away from you as evidence so why spend more than $500 on it. Cheap, utterly reliable and easy to pocket.

[Icarus]

If you look at the picture of the S&W642 you will notice the sharp edge at the bottom of the cylinder release latch. This caused injury to the knuckle of my thumb during rapid fire until I had it beveled by a gunsmith.

[Mr. Beretta]

Can't go wrong with either a S&W 642, 442 or 342Ti !!!

[smittty]

I'm looking to buy a small pocket revolver. I need some input. What I'm looking for is a .38/.357 I'm nit totally opposed to just a .38 but would prefere the other. I want it as small as possible as much like the Ruger LCR. It also needs to be able to have Crimson Trace Grips. It also needs to be availble in black color. It needs to have the internal hammer like the LCR. Thanxs for all inputs.

The Ruger LCR or S&W 442, both can be ordered with CT grips and imo, these two are the only practical choices. +P 38sp is plenty powerfull and still manageable in either of these guns. 357 mag in this size/weight gun stings the hands so much that you'll end up loading 38 sp in it.

The shape of the CT grip improves the feel of both the LCR and 442. Either would make an ideal pocket revolver.

[fairfaxjim]

Beware Taurus!

I've had this one for a couple of years now.
Taurus M605

I can shoot it pretty well, and the double action isn't horrendous as many seem to be. Unfortunately, the reliability is MISERABLE! I no longer carry it or use is as a home defense weapon. It has had to go back to the factory once, and I had to order parts and fix it myself too. I have seen a lot of similar failures reported on various forums & boards regarding the Taurus revolvers.

I would recommend avoiding Taurus revolvers for any serious or self defense use. JMHO, but I've been there, done that.

[flatovercrest]

Unfortunately, the reliability is MISERABLE!

And that's what keeps me away from that particular make.
It's such a shame, as some of their products are interesting..but the reliability..wow.

[Bryan16]

Ruger LCR!