Snub nose Battle

[Scrapmaster87]

Well, it's that time again and I'm looking for new gun to add to the collection.

I'm looking for a compact gun for concealed carry (my sig SP2022 is just too
big and fat). I've settled on a small frame revolver, a s&w 637 (the smaller
one).

Now, I want a second revolver in .22 for practice and plinking that is similar to
the 637. The two contenders for that role are the s&w 317 and the taurus 94.
The 317 is outside of my price range for now so if I were to get it, I would get
it 4+ months from now, making my current choice between the 94 and 637.

Seeing as I will still be a college student for another 3 months, I won't be
doing much carrying, but still plenty of shooting. My main question is if I
should get the 637 first or the 94, and my second is if I should get the 317
over the 94 if I get the 637 first.


So here is how I see the 94 vs the 317:
*Weight vs. 637
-94: 20% heavier
-317: 39% lighter (where's my gun.....nevermind)
*Capacity
-94: 9 rounds
-317: 8 rounds
*Material
-94: Aluminum frame, steel cylinder (like)
-317: Aluminum frame and cylinder (don't like)
*Cost
-94: ~385
-317: ~600 (ouch)
-637: ~460

Right now I'm split between getting the 637 and the 94 now and whichever I
don't get maybe a month or two later, I'm really turned off by the 317 but
It's out there.

Of course, here are the pictures for reference.

Taurus 94 (model 94SS2UL)


Smith and Wesson 637 (model 163050)


Smith and Wesson 317 (model 160222)

[Biggfoot44]

Other variations not mentioned : more better clothes / holsters to dress around 2022, it can be done.
Tarus 85 in steel ot "plain ol " Ultra Lite. Even people not particular fans of Taraus say the 85 is the one they have perfected. The price break on the .38 will free up more for other gun or accessories.

[Steve_NEPhila]

Since you intend on concealing the .38 snubnose, the sharp hammer thingy is going to be a bit of a problem for a draw. Have you shot some examples of these revolvers?

Spend some trigger time with them and make your decision.

[GeorgeF]

OK, I have fired .22 from S&W revolvers and from Taurus revolvers. S&W has a far better trigger pull, hands down. Buddy bought a Taurus .22 and its trigger pull is gritty and painful (in DA) - SA is OK.

As far as aluminum cylinder goes - its a .22! Aluminum is just fine for this application.

I like Taurus semi-autos for their price and innovations, but my experience with revolvers has me leaning towards the S&W revolvers. They have crisp trigger pulls and dont require much in the way of 'breaking in.'

Good luck!

[pred]

I would go with the S&Ws,
I carried a lightweight S&W for a couple years and now carry a steel J frame,
Seems like I prefer the 19oz over the 14oz for some reason.
Here is a model 63.
.22lr

And here is a model 60. 38 special that I converted to shoot 9mm,38 super and 9x23 rounds,,,,

Same look and feel.
And then I graduated to the 624,~ 44 special then the 629, 44 mag
I just love Stainless steel S&W snubs!
(44 mag is unfluted) Both 3" barrels.

Cant go wrong with a Smith.
And if you buy the Taurus and a Smith,
You'll sell the Taurus for a Smith anyway,
So may as well just get the Smith first!

[Scrapmaster87]

With regards to carrying my sig, I'm a very simplistic dresser, the few times I
have carried my sig, it has been noticeable, it's just a large gun for what it
is. For a semi auto I have been considering a bersa T9UC to replace it carry
wise.

As for the taurus 85, I've found it to be nearly as comfortable as the 637
beside it, but I like the ejector design, weight, and very smooth non-gritty
trigger of the trigger on the s&w. I have a blue taurus 608 with a 6.5" barrel
and I'm very pleased with it, the cylinder gap is a bit tight but I've had no
problems with ~50 rounds through it at a time. Trigger is smooth, good
balance, comfortable grip.

As for the exposed hammer, I don't see it becoming an issue with an IWB or
ankle holster. Due to how I carry my keys, wallet, and phone, a pocket
holster is out save for in a jacket. I wear a T-shirt year round so there
won't be much for it to catch on, especially with practice, same thing with a
shoulder holster.

My first gun is a 4" .38spl and I have fairly strong hands so I'm not
concerned with recoil, though I have no experience with a similar snub nose.
One of my friends just picked up a glock 26 this weekend for his 21st
birthday so I somewhat use that as comparison.

As for my gripe with the aluminum cylinder on the s&w .22, I'm not
concerned with it being able to handle the pressures, but more for handling,
aluminum is just a softer material than steel any way you spin it. I've read
bout marring and pitting? on the cylinder face. Also worried about the inside
walls getting scratched from stubborn cases and the lockup groves getting
worn, aluminum is very rarely used in a wear application.

I intend to shoot the .22 very frequently at 100+ rounds per session, I don't
see the break in as much of a deal. On top of that, I'm an engineering
student and I love to tinker so I believe the taurus would get cleaned up if it
needs it. I really don't mind doing things the hard way, I usually come out
more knowledgeable, sometimes I prefer it.

I've been wanting the .38 pretty badly the last few days and I've been
looking for a reason to change my mind and get the .22 first.

[ithinkimamedic]

Smith's and be done with it...

[Albert1234]

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[LastManOut]

I would suggest the 638CT and a second S&W steel frame for practice or as a New York reload.

Stay with the same mfg. for muscle memory. The steel of course will offer less felt recoil with the same/similar fit and function.

I like the shrouded hammer models though I carry a 642 for 10 years now.

[TJB63]

I went with the 637 Now -- I have one and it's a great gun, Right now my wife has "Borrowed' it, indefinately. ~ So I'm kinda intrigued by the Ruger LCR - Someday when I have some spare cash I think I might get one.

Good Luck with whatever You end up with, But try and get out and Shoot before you buy, That will be the overall deciding factor.

TJ