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Which snubbie would you recommend?


Religious Shooter

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Don't have a snubbie.  Don't have a covered hammer revolver.  For some reason I just want one.  

Once in a great while I would like to shoot it at a match.  But primary practical reason I would want one is for pocket carry.

Of these revolvers that are available at my LGS, which one would you recommend?

Thanks.

Smith & Wesson M+P340 .357Mag 1.87" Barrel

https://www.turners.com/smith-and-wesson/smith--wesson-mp340-357mag-187-10718

Smith & Wesson M638 Airweight 38Special 1 7/8" Barrel

https://www.turners.com/smith-and-wesson/smith--wesson-m638-airweight-3-407872

Smith & Wesson M442 .38Special 2" Barrel

https://www.turners.com/smith-and-wesson/smith--wesson-m442-38special-2-415730

Ruger LCR 9MM 1.875" Barrel

https://www.turners.com/ruger/ruger-lcr-9mm-1875-barrel-277355

Smith & Wesson M642 .38Special 2" Barrel Stainless with Crimson Trace Grips

https://www.turners.com/smith-and-wesson/smith--wesson-m642-38special-2-10729

Ruger LCR .357 Special 1.875" Barrel

https://www.turners.com/ruger/ruger-lcr-357-special-1875-bar-13557

 

 

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I have had the M&P (the first one listed for several years) carry it all the time. Haven't shot a match with it yet but it's on my list of things to do. I will tell u that I don't shoot 357 out of it. Once you try it you will know why. That thing kicks like a mule with 357 in! I just carry 38's in it. 

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I like the 642, it is my goto carry gun. I had my steel cylinder swapped for a titanium one after a while (kinda sorta makes it a 342). That saves a few ounces but makes it a bit more abusive to shoot with warm ammo. In retrospect i probably would't have bothered with the cylinder swap. Hard to go wrong with a J frame.

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I like the 638.  I like the shrouded hammer and the ability to cock it, it makes a great pocket gun and a great kit gun.  So three people  and three different guns, choice isn't getting easier.  That said, I had an LCR, the original one, and while it was a good gun, prefer the Smith.  Good luck in your hunt

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I think you go with whichever j-frame you like best. With .357 option if you really think you want/need it. You're going to shoot greater than 99% .38's thru it. Save $ and weight...

Edited by wgj3
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The 442 is my pocket gun.  Pocket carry with a Mika pocket holster is a good option.  Drawback is pocket carry for me has done a job on the finish but pretty doesn's matter t me.  It is a tool.

340 was not worth the added price since 357MAG was brutal on the hands with the 15oz gun.  My pocket carry 357Mag is a Ruger SP101.  Little beefier frame.

638 allows lint etc to get into the hammer channel so for pocket carry that was out for me.

The 642 with lazer grips adds the stainless feature which I wish I had kept.  Had one less the lazer grips but gave it to my Son.  THIS would be my choice with the Mika holster.  Worth the wait  https://mikaspocketholsters.com/shop/

 

No familiarity with the Ruger LCR models. 

 

Hope this helps

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I think the LCR is really ugly, but the grip and the trigger are great if you ever need to shoot it.  I would get the .357 for the capability but shoot 38's.  You can get one from the factory with a night sight or change yours out. 

Just a thought but look at the LCR in .327 mag.   You get 6 rounds in the same size, but the ammo is not as available and as expensive as .357.

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I think the Ruger LCR series has a good DAO and is available in a selection of calibers.  .38 Special is the lightest to carry, .357 is steel to hold down the recoil with .38s, but I would not shoot magnums in a pocket gun.  9mm takes cheap ammo but gets you into the wonderful world of moon clips, .327 gets you an extra shot but you have to scrounge ammo. 

What I have is an elderly S&W M38. 

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Of the ones mentioned, the LCR in 9mm.  I'm going to throw this in, you may also like the RIA M206, stainless steel bobbed hammer revolver.  RIA copied a later Colt Detective Special.  Six rounds of .38 Special in a tidy little package.  Or wait for Colt to send your guy a new Cobra.

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Have a 642, it's nice and light but the velocity is lower than a Taurus M85 (older version) and the weight difference isn't noticable.

I know it's heresay but I like the Taurus it is accurate and easy to carry.  For the price it's a good deal.

I added good hogue grips on both and it helps the recoil and handling without making it harder to conceal.

Edited by pskys2
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Find a S&W 342. I carry one and have one NIB as a spare. They're kinda hard to find now but I still think they're the best of the snubbies to actually carry. Scandium and titanium, 38 special. If you want a gamer BUG for matches the all steel ones are better (MUCH nicer to shoot) but to really carry a 342 is hard to beat. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

The 340 has the best sight of the bunch.

But honestly the LCR is a better gun if you can get past the ugly.  Better more modern design and materials, smoother lighter trigger, and you can replace the front sight if you wish.  I had 2 of them in .38SP.  Don't know that it would be worth the extra weight to go 9mm or .357 so if .357 is what you want I'd go 340PD.

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