Help me pick a pocket revolver

dbledoc · Dec 6, 2016

I am looking to acquire a pocket revolver. The revolver will be used for concealed carry and self defense. Posting this here to get some collective wisdom and experiences.

Criteria:
1) Bobbed hammer-i.e. can fire in my jacket pocket
2) 38 special or higher caliber
3) Want a lightweight gun (Ruger LCR, S&W bodyguard or airweight)

I have concealable semi-autos, but I see a role for a small revolver. I do plan on renting/borrowing a few and shooting them before I purchase. However, there are a lot choices out there and was hoping to use this resource to narrow the field. Thanks.

StantonCree · Dec 6, 2016

S&W 642 based on your requirements.

llkoolkeg · Dec 6, 2016

S&W detective special is the one I personally like but the airweight fits your requirements.

outrider58 · Dec 6, 2016

outrider58 · Dec 6, 2016

Or, if you want a pocket rocket...

fidelity · Dec 6, 2016

mpdc4511 said:
S&W 642 based on your requirements.

A 640 or 649 is on my list.

I kind of like the concealed hammer set up on the 649.

I also want an LCR and a Kimber K6S in this category.

Makanik · Dec 6, 2016

Got my wife the old tried and true Ruger .357 SP101.

dbledoc · Dec 6, 2016

mpdc4511 said:
S&W 642 based on your requirements.

Have been looking at these and the 442. Any experience with the ones with or without the internal lock?

python · Dec 6, 2016

A 649 in 38 special is the ultimate pocket revolver. Forget it in 357 magnum if you want to hit anything. Stainless steel and heavier than many but in the right pocket holster a really good choice. The stainless is easy to maintain. I have an older dash two. It was the first one rated for +P ammo. Gives you the option to thumb the hammer. Never snags. A decent caliber without a huge muzzle flash.

lkenefic · Dec 6, 2016

I carried a 642 for years when I lived in AZ. I loved it... I lived in Flagstaff, so during the colder months I'd put it in a leather holster in the inside of my coat... poof! Gone... during warmer months, it went into a nylon Uncle Mikes IWB holster... again... poof! I sorely miss that little gun...

TLL · Dec 6, 2016

I carry a lcr 38. Love it ,great trigger

alucard0822 · Dec 6, 2016

You won't want to shoot 357 with any regularity in a snubby, it's brutal, even 38+p hurt. Have a S&W 442 and it's a fine wheelgun, supremely accurate, and small/light while being controllable. The LCR is a smooth shooter, smoother lighter/longer pull compared to the S&W, and the slightly larger grip makes it easier to shoot.

AssMan · Dec 6, 2016

LCR. I generally prefer S&W, but the LCR is a better "shooting" gun than any of my J frames.

Boom Boom · Dec 6, 2016

S&W 442 or 642. I own both. No preference. Both rock. My next choice would be Ruger .38+P LCR, which is also very nice.

Boom Boom · Dec 6, 2016

alucard0822 said:
You won't want to shoot 357 with any regularity in a snubby, it's brutal, even 38+p hurt.

Yep. I practice sometimes with .38 +P 158gr LSWCHP (old FBI load) out of my 442. Recoil is vicious. Every bone in my firing hand feels the sting. One or two cylinders of it is plenty for me.

lkenefic · Dec 6, 2016

Yeah... a friend of mine had a S&W m19 with a 2.5 inch barrel. The recoil was very stout. In addition to the 125 gr bullet... the flame coming out of the barrel would put a serious hurt on someone too...

pop-gunner · Dec 6, 2016

I have owned a handful of J frames and still have a model 60 but recommend the LCR.
I picked one up a few years back in .38 and love it. I changed the front sight to a green fiber optic and may change the grip away from the stock rubber but I'm not sold on that idea quite yet.
Out of the box the trigger is way better than the Smith w/o any of the stacking felt in a J frame.
Smith is a great gun but I think the Ruger is a better carry piece.

ClutchyMcClutcherson · Dec 6, 2016

I have a S&W air weight in 38 that I used to carry on my ankle and in a soft holster in my pocket. I really liked carrying it but now I carry my sig 290 semi auto since it's about the same size. I'd recommend it though. I still have mine in my safe cause I just like the gun. The recoil is pretty significant, which should be expected given the size and the caliber. I didn't have any issues with accuracy though as it sat in my hand pretty good.

highli99 · Dec 6, 2016

I'll throw a curveball. What about LCR in .22LR?

Rack&Roll · Dec 6, 2016

Sure, and give him an ice pick to double up on the little holes.

Help me pick a pocket revolver

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