Looking for a revolver as my backup weapon...

[CoastGuardSAI]

Anyone have some good advice on a nice small revolver as my backup weapon that I will be keeping on my ankle? I think I want it calibered in .38. Thanks for your time...

-Dan

[UNION MADE]

My vote is for the Ruger SP101 (.357). A Great reliable piece!

[Pizza Bob]

Any of the airweight J-frame Smith's. Keeps the weight to 15 oz. (unloaded). I prefer the 638 - but that's just me.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

[normanvin]

Originally Posted by Pizza Bob

Any of the airweight J-frame Smith's. Keeps the weight to 15 oz. (unloaded). I prefer the 638 - but that's just me.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

Yep the 638 is a good choice.

[Shawn.L]

I dont like light little guns myself. And I dont find a few ounces in weight a big difference in ease of carry.

get a smith and wesson, pre-lock J-frame.
and put it in a quality holster and belt set up. Or a quality ankle rig for a BUG

[CoastGuardSAI]

Whats pre-lock? I was a firearms instructor in the military, but only dealt with the beretta 92, and the sig 229...my service pistol now is a Glock 37...and my off-duty is the glock 38 or springfield xd sc .40. As you can see in my trend, I have stuck to the normal semi-auto pistol style. This will be my fist revolver, and don't know much about them....

[normanvin]

Originally Posted by CoastGuardSAI

Whats pre-lock?

Several years ago Smith started to put locks on the hand guns. Ones with out the locks would be pre-lock.

[RoyJackson]

Originally Posted by UNION MADE

My vote is for the Ruger SP101 (.357). A Great reliable piece!

Great revolver...got one. But too heavy for ankle carry...probably a bit too large too.

I'd suggest looking at one of the lightweight Taurus 85's (or the derivatives of the 85). Also, suggest you focus on the shrouded hammer or DAO only models.
Another one to check out would be the new Ruger LCR. Read some great things, but I haven't even seen one yet.
Unless the OP is determined to go for a revolver, the Ruger LCP is a great gun for back up and is quite thin and light enough for ankle carry.

[PirateSteve]

Any smallish revolver you can shoot well is a good choice.

I carry a Colt Detective Special, but it is heavier than the Smith J frames. The trade off for the weight though, is that it's less punishing to shoot, and it carries a 6th round.

[normanvin]

Originally Posted by PirateSteve

Any smallish revolver you can shoot well is a good choice.

I carry a Colt Detective Special, but it is heavier than the Smith J frames. The trade off for the weight though, is that it's less punishing to shoot, and it carries a 6th round.

You have hit upon something there. This is a backup weapon. It will mostly be carried.

I was out shooting this weekend with my 638. I ran half a box of ammo trough it. I did not think that it was that bad to shoot at all.