I Want A Revolver... for the Wife

[Bug44]

I am looking to get a snubby for the Wife for home protection. Also it will substitute in for a Hiking/camping gun.

I have narrowed my search to the following in order of interest.

1. S&W Bodyguard 38 Special

2. Taurus 85 38 Special

3. Ruger LCR .357/38

4. Ruger LCR .22 Mag

If anyone has any input on any of these, please share.
Price range anything under $700

Thanks

[QuackXP]

Ask your wife what she thinks. Mine hates revolvers.

[cruzans]

I own a S&W bodyguard and am not overly impressed. The ambi safety makes cylinder lock up a bit sloppy - not sure why. I find myself having to close cylinder a few times and re-checking it to be sure it is locked in place because it pops open often. The lasers are also poor quality on the bodyguards. I have sent mine back to be replaced already, they opted to use a cheaper unit to keep costs down - a mistake. I had S&W check the cylinder closing when it was there for the laser replacement, and they said it was "normal".

I don't think you can go wrong with one of the Rugers - they are quality. Many say 22 mag isn't a great personal defense - but it's got some pop

If you like the Taurus, check out the Taurus Poly in 38 +P. I bought one for the heck of it and I really like it. Very light, very accurate and locks up tighter than the S&W.

Good luck - try as many of them if you/she can !!!

[cruzans]

Ask your wife what she thinks. Mine hates revolvers.

My wife can only use revolver - just not enough hand strength to rack a slide. She loves my S&W 12-2 ultra lite

[mpyingling22]

I would go with the Taurus light weight snubby. ive seen them new for under $300 and I don't think the S&W is worth the extra $$$

[raxar]

Do not get a snubby for home defense. You loose a lot of velocity (.357 mag is only a bit faster out of a 2" barrel then 9mm out of a small auto) but gain a lot of noise and recoil, for no benefit. Not to mention the reduction in accuracy due to shorter sight picture etc.

Small concealable pistols are made to be concealed, if you're in your house you don't have to conceal it, therefore get a full size gun. Ideally something with as long of a barrel your wife is comfortable with. The benefits of a 5 or 6" barrel in terms of shootability and power are well worth the extra heft.

Get a full size gun.

[Armor Snail]

If your budget is $700. Look for a used S&W 340PD.
Forget that plastic. Get a scandium.
Here is one for $800 buy it now.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=365823399

After reading the op again, a Model 10 can't be beat.
158g +P LSWCHP will get the job done plenty out of a 4" barrel.

[harold63]

Is this the kind of gun she wants or what you want her to have? Nothing wrong with it, IMO, but make sure it's what she wants for herself.

[amnesia]

My wife's nightstand gun is a ruger LCR. First time ever shooting a gun she put 5 down range 1 inch away from the bullseye in a group the size of a 50 cent piece.

The bodyguard lasers suck to activate with smaller hands. Hope this helps.

[Bug44]

Thanks for the info.
Raxer. I have plenty of guns to pick from... but she is to small and inexperienced to work my 40 and 9mm. My .380s she can handle. My issue and concern is in a high stress situation, will she know how to fix a jam, rack the slide or change a mag..

I want a revolver for her becusae its simple and reliable... also I want to take it hiking and not worry about water and dirt. Semi autos are great, just not an option for this issue.