Snub Nose Revolvers

[buster2209]

I know this has been probably been hashed out a couple million times, but I am interested in people's opinions and experiences.

I will be eligible for a LCTC permit in a couple of months and have been looking at possible concealed carry guns.

I own a Ruger SR-9 but it's too heavy and big, especially in the summertime when I wear shorts and t-shirts.

I have narrowed my choice down too a snub nose revolver as opposed to a semi-auto as no semi-auto is 100% free of jamming whereas revolvers are. I want something as 100% reliable as possible + revolvers have a lot less moving parts, safety devices, you don't have to worry about chambering a round, etc, etc. These are things I don't want to have to deal with if I have to use it or everytime I make the weapon safe.

To that end, the logical choice seems to be a s&w j-frame or a Ruger LCR.

Can someone explain to me what the difference is between all the j-frames?
360, 337, 342, 640, etc.

Is the LCR any good?

I have had a look around the net wanting to know the opinion of the LCR vs a j-frame but there doesn't seem much too cut it except that the LCR is newer so hasn't really been tested yet.

Any ideas and (especially) experiences will be helpful!!

[donm]

Targetmaster has an LCR in their rental guns. I shot it back-to-back with a Smith airweight and liked it better. A little less recoil and for me follow up shots were quicker.

[buster2209]

Targetmaster has an LCR in their rental guns. I shot it back-to-back with a Smith airweight and liked it better. A little less recoil and for me follow up shots were quicker.

You liked the LCR better?

[Corn Flake]

I use a S&W model 60, loaded with .38 Special Federal Hydrashock, daily and love it.

[solrac7]

HI ! I have both a glock 26 (small 10 round 9mm) and a Smith and Wesson 638 airweight snubbie (small 5 shot "humpback" -shrouded hammer - which allows single action if I want or need it) Both are flawless performers, and great pistols. The Smith is lighter loaded, the Glock holds twice as many rounds. Neither is a small pocket pistol (compared to something like a kel-tec 3AT ) I find myself carrying the SW638 more lately. I really like both. Cb

[buster2209]

I use a S&W model 60, loaded with .38 Special Federal Hydrashock, daily and love it.

At 23oz though, it's only a few ounce lighter than my SR9 and 10 oz heavier than either the 342 or LCR.

That's just too heavy for carrying in the front pocket of my jeans or shorts.

I want something that will be virtually unnoticeable to carry but has adequate stopping power.

[Steve_NEPhila]

I favor small sized revolvers (like the J frame) myself and perhaps I can help you with a few of your questions.

With Smith and Wesson Revolvers the first number of the model number designates what material the frame is made out of.
3 = lightweight Scandium alloy
4 = lightweight aluminum in black
5 = carbon steel blued
6 = stainless (or aluminum and stainless, varies)

For example the 642 has a stainless cylinder, aluminum frame and is of a silver color. BTW, I highly recommend the Smith 642 as it is my personal favorite deep concealment revolver.

The LCR is ok. I handled on recently and the fit and finish was not what I expected from Ruger. This LCR has not stood the test of time and I would not quite yet get one. However, the Ruger SP-101 is a very fine revolver. However, it is heavy at approximately 25 ounces, where as a Smith 642 is about 15 ounces.

The J frame in its various forms has been around for decades and is battle proven. I have seen 642's go for about 425 or so at local shops, a used one could be 50-100 less. As far as custom work goes, I have had my 642 slightly worked over by my local gun smith with an action job and chamfered charge holes. She shoots about 1.5 inch groups at 15 yards in my hands.

As for ammo, this is a very hot topic. I like both the Hornady Critical Defense standard pressure .38 special (not +P) and the Federal Premium Defense low recoil .38 110 grain hydra shok load. These are both solid performers.

If I did not address a question, let me know.

[buster2209]

I favor small sized revolvers (like the J frame) myself and perhaps I can help you with a few of your questions.

With Smith and Wesson Revolvers the first number of the model number designates what material the frame is made out of.
3 = lightweight Scandium alloy
4 = lightweight aluminum in black
5 = carbon steel blued
6 = stainless (or aluminum and stainless, varies)

For example the 642 has a stainless cylinder, aluminum frame and is of a silver color. BTW, I highly recommend the Smith 642 as it is my personal favorite deep concealment revolver.

...........................

If I did not address a question, let me know.

What is the difference between the x42 and x38?

Do s&w j-frames come in ;

1. can't see the hammer - DAO
2. shrouded hammer - DA/SA
3. see the hammer - DA/SA

[granuale]

Steve, do you ever rock a Tyler T-grip? I have been thinking about putting one on my 342PD. That, and maybe Mag-na-porting it and a trigger job are on my list. Do you always get a lighter trigger when they come back from a trigger job? Mine is very heavy and I want to keep it that way.

[donm]

You liked the LCR better?

Yes. And as noted elsewhere here, the trigger on the LCR is very good.