looking for advise on a snub

[djturnz]

I want to get a snub nose .38 for pocket carry. I also plan to use an ankle holster as well.

requirements:

1. 38spl
2. small
3. must be from a reputable comapany
4. 5 shot
5. Inexpensive
6. I'd prefer it to be compatible with a set of crimson trace grips.


I was thinking a Taurus 85 or something like that.

Can anyone make a suggestion? It doesn't have to be built like a tank (like my ruger) I don't plan to use anything too hot. I just need something small that can go anywhere. It also needs to be cheap.

[SSCUSTER]

I had a .38 Ruger Sp101 that I liked. I think you can get a used one for arround $300. New is just a bit more.

I personally would get one chambered for .357 as it gives you more options for ammo. I don't think the came in .357 when I got mine.

[LastManOut]

I want to get a snub nose .38 for pocket carry. I also plan to use an ankle holster as well.

requirements:

1. 38spl
2. small
3. must be from a reputable comapany
4. 5 shot
5. Inexpensive
6. I'd prefer it to be compatible with a set of crimson trace grips.


I was thinking a Taurus 85 or something like that.

Can anyone make a suggestion? It doesn't have to be built like a tank (like my ruger) I don't plan to use anything too hot. I just need something small that can go anywhere. It also needs to be cheap.

I like my S&W 642 w/Crimson Trace.

[JustinM]

Smith and Wesson 340PD

[omnibus]

smith 642 or a taurus 85 in steel. seems the taurus in ultra light materials has some problems. but the steel ones seem to be quite good.

[D-FENS]

ARGH!!! I had a huge post all typed out for you with a bunch of crap and I killed the tab on accident. I hate that!

Here goes again...with a little less love this time.

I have a Smith and Wesson Model 36 "Chief's Special" in .38 Special. It's a small 2" J-Frame, 5-shot pistol. I carried it for a while before replacing it with a Glock 36 as it's a shade-bit slimmer. It was built well and I've never had a problem with it. I picked it up used for $275 but you should be able to get one in the $225-$250 range.

Although, I might suggest a .357 so you can use both types of ammo. With that said, he's some more info on it.

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/prod...ducts_id=99514

http://www.snubnose.info/docs/Model_36.htm



(mine has Hogue rubber grips on it so I imagine it's much more comfortable than pictured)

Mine looks like so


Here's a generic link to "Smith Model 36" on google image search
http://images.google.com/images?um=1...smith+model+36


EDIT: I have to agree with LastManOut posting about the Smith 642. It has an internal hammer and built-in laser that shines when you grip the pistol. Very nice and I would have gotten one but they're in the $600 range when I looked and the Model 36 was less than half that so I went with it. Although, the internal hammer would probably be nice for an ankle holster.

[Azzy]

+1 on the rubber grips, that same weapon is my girls main carry piece.

Only problem is finding her a decent holster for it, she doesn't wear belts and IWB wont work.. a good paddle holster would be peachy but we are skeptical unless we can fit before we buy.

[D-FENS]

a good paddle holster would be peachy but we are skeptical unless we can fit before we buy.

It's a very common/popular size and fit. Any holster for a 2" J-Frame should work, FYI.

[djturnz]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I want to stay with 38spl because it would be smaller. This is not a main carry piece. It is for when I need to conceal better than an untucked shirt over my XD. I may also carry on my ankle as a BUG.

Small is really the key here. I was going to go with a Kel-Tec 3AT, but decided the versatility and reliability of the revolver was a better deal.

I have a 357 4in already, so 38spl is just fine. I would like to stay under $250 if I can. Not counting the crimson trace of course.

[God's Country]

I have a S&W 637 airweight. I prefer a hammer. Paid $338.00