Small Frame Revolver - recommendations [Archive]

darklight943

09-21-2006, 05:14 PM

Gun-people. I don't know a whole lot about revolvers, but I'm looking to purchase a small frame soon for personal / home defense. I've been looking at the S&W Model 42 (http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14760&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15704&isFirearm=Y)

Can any of you 'gun-nutz' advise me on a certain company or caliber or style to concentrate on? I'm partial to small frame and looking at around the .38 caliber. This particular model comes in 3 different variants: Chief's Special (exposed hammer), Centennial (fully enclosed hammer), and Bodyguard (shrouded hammer). Can anyone also shed light on these different styles, other than the obvious - hammer exposed or not.

Here's another that has caught my eye - Taurus CIA Model 650

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=267&category=Revolver

Thanks in advance! :D

VWTim

09-21-2006, 05:54 PM

442's and it's brother model the 642 are excellent guns. Myself I prefer the 442/642 hammer style as it would be occationally pocket carried. Can't go wrong with S&W's. Taurus also makes some good revolvers that are similar, but I have no direct experience with them. If you want a full steel revolved Colt Detective special's and Ruger SP101's are also good options.
FWIW the 442 is on my list of next new gun purchase.

webley445

09-21-2006, 05:59 PM

either of the two you chose are great options. go to a shop and check them out. Best bet is to see what feels good in your hands.

darklight943

09-21-2006, 06:33 PM

Thanks folks! Now, as for 'fully enclosed' and 'shrouded' hammers - what is the pros/cons? I understand that either would be good for pocket carry, but what would be best? Maybe I don't fully understand these options - anyone?

JonSidneyB

09-21-2006, 06:42 PM

On small short barrereled revolvers. I am parial to the Centenials.

Thier is one less path for dirt to get into the gun. There is less to snag, and if you have to the gun can be shot though a pocket.

Goldtanker

09-21-2006, 06:46 PM

For home defense, hammer/hammerless is not really a strong consideration. Go with whatever you are comfortable with. If carrying on your person a hammer is a problem and should be avoided. I carried a Model 49 Bodyguard for years as a "raincoat gun" in the winter because your "serious" gun is inside your suit jacket under your overcoat/parka. So a snagless gun that you could carry and even shoot in the pocket was a real plus when standing at some front door in a snowstorm with your hands in your coat pockets. Of course the old 49 was very heavy and you could reach the hammer inside the shroud so some small object or piece of clothing could jam it. Fully enclosed systems are utterly reliable. The new light weight models(I use a 340PD) are perfect for carry. If you are not going to carry it, a steel gun would be easier to control and practice with at the range.

JonSidneyB

09-21-2006, 06:51 PM

good point.

if it will be a home gun. something the size of a K-frame, L-frame, or N-frame would serve better. Or another companies revolvers in those sizes.

I always think of small revolvers as my backup gun when I am on the street.

kwg020

09-21-2006, 09:50 PM

Colt Diamond back 38 special. Smaller than the Smith K-frames. You might find a 2 1/2 inch but you'll pay dearly for it. Go with a 4 inch. I love mine. kwg

0dBm

09-22-2006, 01:13 AM

I have a great deal of experience carrying (concealed) and firing the S&W Model 640 Centennial .357 Revolver and it is my recommendation for both men and women needing a reliable, hard-hitting, compact, tough, easily maintained, easily concealed, self defense firearm.

I have carried this firearm in more holster types than any that I have owned. It is absolutely brutal during sustained, rapid fire, reload, rapid fire using the smaller grips when using the 125-grain .357 Magnum loads.

My favorite loads are the Corbon 110-grain .357 and the 115-grain 38+P. These two loads allow me to have better control over the cartridges with the heavier bullets.

This is a carry a lot, shoot less frequently firearm. I shot 100 rounds intially for familiarity, Since then, 50-rounds every 3 months to stay proficient. I practice with the loads that I intend to use should I be UNlucky enough to find myself having to use it in a self defense scenario.

colubrid

09-22-2006, 01:51 AM

Most every gun nut I know carries either the S&W 642 or 442. These are the same people who own 20- 40+ guns . But that is the gun they carry.

Should tell you something.

JonSidneyB

09-22-2006, 02:57 AM

I have a 442 or 640 with me all of the time.* It lives in my pocket.* If it is the only thing I have on me it is in the right pocket.* If I am carrying something else with it the other gun will be behind the right hip and the 442 or 640 moves to the left pants pocket.* In winter the 442 moves to a jacket pocket and something larger is always behind the right hip.

Again if you are not going to CCW this gun. I personally would go K or L or N frame but there are a ton of good choices.

gadgetjunky

09-22-2006, 11:47 AM

I have 640s, 642s and a 940. Can't go wrong with Centennials ! O0

If you are not going to carry it, I would strongly recommend going with a stainless steel model. The extra weight will help keep recoil more manageable, and the durability is also better if you do decide to shoot it on a regular basis.

darklight943

09-22-2006, 01:38 PM

Great great info guys ;D Thanks a ton!

JoeBob

09-29-2006, 05:17 PM

I vote for the Ruger SP-101.
Mine is the 3 1/16" barrel, .357 mag version.
It can shoot .38 special or .357 rounds, and though it is larger than some of the others, it soaks up recoil rather well.

jggonzalez

09-29-2006, 08:38 PM

I'd go for the Ruger too, especially in DAO with a good trigger job. Tell the gunsmith to make it smooth and not to worry about pull weight. Some guys go for a really light trigger like the pros use in match conditions and get accidental discharges or failures to fire. If the gunsmith focuses on keeping everything smooth and reliable, then the weight problem should solve itself and you'll have a gun you can trust. I've had several Rugers and all of them were built like a bank safe.

Grits

10-07-2006, 09:02 PM

Colt Detective Special. Hands Down. One of the best pistols that I've ever bought. I got one used for the wife. Colt makes a sweet action and nothing is prettier the blue of Colt "blued" steel.

hatchetjack

10-07-2006, 11:48 PM

Any of these will serve you well. If it is going to spend most of the time in a nightstand as most home defense weapons do, then save a few bucks and go with a blued, all metal Taurus M85. Weight is not an issue since it won't be carried. No reason to blow a wad.

Look on the secondary market for one. Lot's of 4" Police Specials out there too that you can find used for a decent price.

The 640's and Centennials are great if you plan to CCW one.

hatchet-

Dave in PA

10-08-2006, 07:04 PM

kamkazmoto

10-08-2006, 10:02 PM

I suggest that you find the biggest gun range in your area and you try the guns that you are interested in. Colt, S&W, Taurus are all great brands. While you are there you might try some 9mm or 45 ACP autos too.

VWTim

10-09-2006, 04:49 PM

For carry it's hard to beat the 442 or stainless version, the 642. Put on a Barami Hip Grip and a Tyler T-grip adapter and you can tuck it into your waistband in the appendix area, blouse your shirt and no one will be the wiser.

I'm pretty sure the 642's aren't stainless, just a matte silver colored Aluminum. The cylinder might be stainless tho.

FWIW I'd never consider carrying a gun without the trigger guard covered, but that's just me.

Dave in PA

10-09-2006, 07:56 PM

I'm pretty sure the 642's aren't stainless, just a matte silver colored Aluminum. The cylinder might be stainless tho.

FWIW I'd never consider carrying a gun without the trigger guard covered, but that's just me.
.

You are correct about the aluminum frame on the 642, which is the same as the 442, with a different anodized finish on it. The 642 has a stainless cylinder and barrel and seems to resist rust quite well for me.

I have carried the 642 in my waistband for many hours, even with strenous activity and have had no problems at all. The trigger pull is long enough that it would take some kind of extra-ordinary circumstances to fire a round. I can't think of anything that fits those criteria. If a person has doubts, just tuck it into a thin IWB holster for peace of mind.

RemingtonBPD

10-11-2006, 06:31 PM

I have a great deal of experience carrying (concealed) and firing the S&W Model 640 Centennial .357 Revolver and it is my recommendation for both men and women needing a reliable, hard-hitting, compact, tough, easily maintained, easily concealed, self defense firearm.

I have carried this firearm in more holster types than any that I have owned.* It is absolutely brutal during sustained, rapid fire, reload, rapid fire using the smaller grips when using the 125-grain .357 Magnum loads.

My favorite loads are the Corbon 110-grain .357 and the 115-grain 38+P.* These two loads allow me to have better control over the cartridges with the heavier bullets.

This is a carry a lot, shoot less frequently firearm.* I shot 100 rounds intially for familiarity,* Since then, 50-rounds every 3 months to stay proficient.* I practice with the loads that I intend to use should I be UNlucky enough to find myself having to use it in a self defense scenario.

I have the same gun, and would mirror all said above. The one thing that you might want to consider for carry is the weight. It is a little heavier than some other hammerless revolvers. In that case a Airweight SW model might be better, albeit a smaller caliber

10-22-2006, 03:17 PM

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_5040.jpg

One like those pictured above.... :D

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy

RGNY

10-23-2006, 06:58 AM

another recommendation for hammerless S&W.

on duty i carry a Glock19 w/ a G26 backup, but for 'going out, gotta carry' it's a Scandium 'Smith. the ammo weighs more than the gun. brutal on the hand, but it'll be there. only thing more 'carryable' is the NAA/Seecamp .32's, which are woefully underpowered.

VWTim

10-23-2006, 11:24 AM

Man, I was at the gun shop last week and saw one of those overrun M37's in black finish, bobbed hammer, and no-lock. I wanted one bad, just think a regular 442 would fit my needs better.

TKC

10-23-2006, 04:31 PM

I have been very happy with my S&W 342 PD!! GREAT gun!!

Gakker

11-03-2006, 12:05 AM

I like my S&W Model 638, .38 +P Hollow point = good enough
http://www.fileden.com/public/2006/11/2/454acc5f7ef11580924568.jpg

squid

11-09-2006, 11:37 AM

S&W 442 or 642 for me. In fact, any j-frame will do. I must admit, however, that I've been on a Ruger kick as of late...just picked up an SP101 and it rocks! It'll most likey become my daughter's when she moves out of the house.

Goldtanker

11-09-2006, 12:03 PM

Hi squid-

Welcome to EDCF!

Denny

squid

11-09-2006, 01:51 PM

Thanks, Denny! :highfive:

I've been lurking a while. Having a hard time keeping up with all the boards I'm registered on! Because of that, I post rather infrequently. I came over from CPF.

TKC

11-09-2006, 01:52 PM

Hi squid!! Welcome to EDCF!!

I like S&W J frames myself.

JonSidneyB

11-22-2006, 10:09 PM

If it is for defense and might be carried in a pocket. J-Frame hammerless or shroaded all the way.

John Frederick

11-23-2006, 03:55 PM

Hey Jon, is that a Milt Sparks PCH? How well does it conceal? I've been considering it or the PCS No-see-um.

JonSidneyB

11-24-2006, 04:29 AM

John,

I think the holster is fantastic. I typed up somthing awhile back in this forum that included concealment.

I can carry a J-frame revolver in a front pocket better than a NAA Guardian.

On some areas of the body things hide better if they are flat, on some areas they hide better of they are round.

With this holster you can kind of tell there is something in the pocket but you would never guess firearm. It looks more like yo have a folded up handkerchef or something like that.

What I like most about it is how much easier a J-frame comes out of the pocket than a small auto. I have tried almost every thing out there from tons of different autos and j-frames. The j-frame in this holster is the only one that is not hard to get out of the pocket.

The grip of the J-Frame makes a nice little hook to start the draw, the Automatics make you cram your whole hand into the pocket to get at the grip.

Even with the revolver is is hard to get a good fireing grip while in the pocket but it is very easy to get it started out of the pocket. Once the revolvers is halfway out of the pocket it is easy to shift it one handed to a fireing grip. I can have the revolver out and already have a hit on a target before I can get a Guardian clear of the pocket.

I like this holster so much that I have given up on small automatics completly. A small auto is just too hard to go from concealment to use.

I have two of these holsters. I am a firm believer in having a weak hand gun.

JonSidneyB

11-24-2006, 04:44 AM

John,

if you get a Milt Sparks PCH, certain grips seem to work better than others.

I prefer to shoot with the Houge J-Frame grip but I have found that the Boot Grip designed by Craig Speagle that is coming standard on some J-Frames works better in this holster. The Houge grip is a bit sticky to the pocket leaves a tiny secondary lump that the boot grip does not leave. I have been told I will like it even more with the wooden boot grips. I find it hard to believe that will make a difference but I have been surprized before. I will someday try a Craig wooden one and see how it works.

For the longest time I used to avoid J-frames but for the last 10 years I am likeing them more and more each day.

My fovorite J is that 3 inch custom 60 with the hip grip, it vanishes almost completely.

There are so many that think a flat auto is easier to conceal but I do not believe that anymore.

John Frederick

11-24-2006, 11:34 AM

Thanks Jon. I'm already convinced of the J's superiority I just like to experiment with different carry options. My current pocket holster is an Uncle Mikes but believe it or not the UM is not the best :P However it does work fine when carried in a cargo pocket. BTw, as far as grips go, I'm using the new Crimson Trace 405's. They are probably the thinest grips on the market and they conceal very well.

JonSidneyB

11-24-2006, 04:34 PM

No, Uncle does not make a very good pocket holster. Ick.

Do you pocket a 640 or 442? maybe one of the others?

John Frederick

11-24-2006, 09:33 PM

642-2. I just couldn't stand the thought of not being able to lock my gun's action :(

JonSidneyB

11-25-2006, 07:12 AM

Here is a better picure

shao.fu.tzer

11-29-2006, 01:10 AM

S&W 638 Airweight Bodyguard in a Galco ankle glove all the way! Loaded with MagSafe SWAT 68 grain loads it is completely unoticeable and completely consealable if wearing bootcut jeans or straight leg slacks. Snag-free with the option of single-action - light as a feather and relatively inexpensive. You can't go wrong!

Shao

oceanbeamer

11-30-2006, 12:45 AM

* Well hello EDC,just* joined and I'm a bit surprised to find my first post dealing with edc weapons instead of flashlights but what the heck! personally I"ve owned dozens of handguns, but two of my favorites are the taurus* model 85 in titanum with federal hydroshocks,,,several good friends and a son in law all recommended nothaving ANYTHING IN MAGNUM CALIBER FOR HOME OR PERSONAL CARRY,,,THEIR ADVICE WAS DON'T GIVE THE OTHER SIDE A "DIRTY HARRY MAGNUM DEFENSE TO USE IN COURT"* MY OTHER FAVORITE IS THE TAURUS* *MILLENIUM PRO IN 45 ACP* .BOTH VERY LIGHT AND EASY TO CARRY CONCEALED..I usually carry them in a insde the pants holster....any way* *try em all and then decide,best of luck

JonSidneyB

11-30-2006, 03:30 AM

Welcome Ocean.

I do hope we see more of your posts here.

minkling

11-30-2006, 11:02 AM

My father carries the Taurus Protector in .357. It is nice with the shrouded hammer that you can cock for a single action shot if wanted. It isn't too bad to shoot with the factory grips. He usually just has it in a pocket. You can get them in Titanium if you would like and they all have the internal lock for storage safety. Personally I am an auto fan and carry the P3AT in a front pocket holster or a neck holster.

TKC

11-30-2006, 11:29 AM

Welcome Ocean!!

oceanbeamer

12-01-2006, 01:14 AM

TKC&JonSidneyB,,Thanks for the welcome, and Jon I really do miss my naa 22 mag/mini mag....well someday I,ll replace it.I'm here to stay on EDC ,very friendly site with much usefull and intresting info on a pleathera of subjects. enjoying the edc for weapons&flashlights etc. I like the walther p22 for plinking. sold a calico 105 . 22 with 3..100 rd mags go to the range with 6 boxes of 22 loaded up..lazy plinking with no reloading .best regards to all.

TKC

12-01-2006, 08:57 AM

You are welcome Oceanbeamer! Yeah, this is a GREAT site!! It has alll my interests covered, and it is very friendly.

Have you ever thought about a Seecamp Oceanbeamer? How did you like your NAA 22 mag/mini-mag? What made you get rid of it? I almost got one of those a few years ago.

darklight943

12-01-2006, 11:41 AM

Wow, thanks a lot EDCers! Lots of great info and cool pics. I haven't been around to check on this post for a few, but was surprised to see the responses today! I haven't got around to purchasing my wheelgun yet, but will have a decision some time after the new year. Again, thanks all. ;D

Roadkill Bill

12-03-2006, 01:44 AM

The little J-frames are lighter and easier to conceal, however they are harder to shoot than a K-frame. For home defense a Model 13, 19, 65, 66 or 686 with a 2.5 inch barrel would be perfect. You have the option of .357 or .38s. They are not going to comfortably fit in your pocket like a J-frame, but they are no problem to carry concealed. The small Ruger SP101 is great, too, but heavy for such a small gun. It isn't a pocket pistol either. A couple of folks have mentioned the Colt Detective Special. Yes it is a great little snubnose, but good luck finding one (they've been out of production for years, and you are going to have to pay a lot more than they are worth to get one).

However, you did ask about the difference between the Bodyguard style and the completely enclosed model. If you know something bad is going down, you have the opportunity to cock the Bodyguard for a smoother first shot. Hopefully, you won't require a second (but shoot until the threat is nullified). I kinda like the 638 Airweight.

I know I'll take some heat for saying this, but I wouldn't get a Taurus today for anything. Their quality control is crap. Some guns may be fine, but they are making too many lemons these days. Life time warranty means you can keep sending it back, as many times as it takes to finally get the gun right, and you'll never know if going to malfunction again. And it costs you about $25 each time you have to send it in. Sure they're cheaper than a S&W, but you get what you pay for. Stick with S&W, Ruger, or Colt, and you'll live to tell someone about it. I've sold guns for years, and the only thing I've had to send back to the factory as often as Taurus, was Browning shotguns.

darklight943

12-04-2006, 10:30 AM

Thanks for the info, Roadkill. I wouldn't mind something that could be concealed, if I needed to do so, plus I want something that is small enough for my wife to get her hands around, too. J Frame S&W is probably the one that I'm going to go with, but I'm still keeping an open mind about the medium frame S&Ws (like the 686 2.5").

oceanbeamer

12-04-2006, 03:08 PM

h Howdy Darklight,well for some reason your question about seecamps just came up...go figure,,,first I do definately miss my naa mini mag in 22 mag though the new ones in superfast .17 look great,,,seecamps were great but price gougeing by dealers on the long wait lists kind of turned me off..better now..but the north american arms in 32naa is a big step up from 25&32 silvertips and about the same size and cheeper....hope this info is still of intrest to you.. sincerly , Jon

jamz

12-04-2006, 07:32 PM

Here's a perfect recipe for self defense in a firearm:

Take 1 S&W 642

add 5 rounds of Speer Gold Dot 135 Grain .38spl +p rounds

Mix with a whole lot of practice

Serve in a pocket holster.

Lots of people who have carried for years, eventually come around to just this.

oceanbeamer

12-04-2006, 10:01 PM

Well sorry tkc kind of somehow got you and darklight mixed up...but to answer your question about the naa minimag ,,I sold it for two reasons..1. I was moveing from ny[syracuse] to palm coast fl and between giveing up my long time concealed carry ,. ny And applying for concealed carry Fl. it was just cleaner legally to start fresh. 2 .Although I,m ex-marine and a vietnam combat veteran ,my wife hated the thought of me carring the mini mag which uses a notch between rounds on the back of the cylinder as the only form of safety.she was always afraid that in a self defense situation I might alter my gender by accident...so thats why...do I miss that great little pocket rocket..you bet and it's like a swiss watch a thing of beauty.....everything condensed down to necessity in a finely jeweled package....I had the 22mag and although it's only thought of as a belly shot gun..I put in a lot of practice with it and learned to be fairly accurate with it at reasonable range.

TKC

12-05-2006, 02:25 PM

That is a bummer that you got rid of that little pocket rocket. It sounds like a great little gun. Have you thought about getting another one?

oceanbeamer

12-05-2006, 07:47 PM

Every day TKC, every day.

oceanbeamer

12-08-2006, 12:49 AM

At one time I owned a Walther tph 22lr. It was a jewel.extremely accurate for a short barrel auto. My wife loved the gun and shot it frequently,,It's not a small revolver but it was light and fit my wifes hands perfectly.I took her out on windy days and turned her facing away from me..I blewup and released balloons ,moved out of danger and had her turn and fire at the quick moving balloons ,6stingers in the clip and one loaded,7 shots,enough in most cases.

shao.fu.tzer

12-10-2006, 01:24 PM

I like my S&W Model 638, .38 +P Hollow point = good enough
http://www.fileden.com/public/2006/11/2/454acc5f7ef11580924568.jpg

I agree... Carried in a Galco ankle glove.

Shao

JonSidneyB

12-10-2006, 01:48 PM

what a J-frame .357 can do in 4 seconds at 30 feet.
This is very hot double tap ammo 125 grain and can take a bit of a toll on you.* I pulled one of the shots really bad.

oceanbeamer

12-15-2006, 02:33 PM

Pretty respectable shootin Jon

grayelky

12-17-2006, 12:20 PM

If you insist on a small .38, the Colt has 6 shots, not 5. I am surprised no one has mentioned the Charter Arms. 44 special or the Charter 2000 Bulldog .44. They are the same size as the 38's but have a lot more bullet. If it is not going to be a carry gun, go with a medium frame .357 and practice w/ 38's, but stoke it w/ .357 mag.