Author Topic: Best 38/357 snubbie ? (Read 1669 times)

CraigJS · « **on:** June 05, 2005, 03:41:09 AM »

I'm looking for a 38/357 snubbie with either the shrouded hammer or internal hammer. My question is, which has the best trigger. I will be putting on or buying with Crimson Trace grips. It will be for "around the house" or if I get my carry permit. I haven't shot a wheel gun for 20 years (TrooperIII 6"). All of my shooting has been semi autos, in 22lr target matches (Bullseye & Gallery) The runners are:
S&W 442,640,642,649,638.
Taurus 650cia,651protector,850cia,851

Opinions please on THESE revolvers, I know what I'm looking for, but don't have the experience with wheel guns...
Thanks, CraigJS

Mikey · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2005, 04:22:37 AM »

CraigJs - get the 638. I have the M38, Airweight Bodyguard and it is the snubbie of choice for me.

Now, you said DAO but the M38/638 is a SA/DA with its shrouded hammer, but I was going to recommend that revolver specifically.

The DA pull can be improved with a set of springs from Wolffe and a bit of polishing - mine is smooth as buttermilk. Five shots DA will group to the palm of my hand at 15m. SA she groups one hole off the bench with my favorite carry load - 200 gn swc over 3.8 of ww231 (factory duplication load) - they don't go too fast but they hit like a ton of brick. HTH. Mikey.

TNrifleman · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2005, 04:56:53 AM »

Please take a good look at the 640. I have carried one for over 15 years and find it to be an exceptional carry gun.

dawei · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2005, 09:16:42 AM »

Quote from: CraigJS

I'm looking for a 38/357 snubbie with either the shrouded hammer or internal hammer. My question is, which has the best trigger. I will be putting on or buying with Crimson Trace grips. It will be for "around the house" or if I get my carry permit. I haven't shot a wheel gun for 20 years (TrooperIII 6"). All of my shooting has been semi autos, in 22lr target matches (Bullseye & Gallery) The runners are:
S&W 442,640,642,649,638.
Taurus 650cia,651protector,850cia,851

Opinions please on THESE revolvers, I know what I'm looking for, but don't have the experience with wheel guns...
Thanks, CraigJS

A lot depends on what you can shoot comfortably. As a example I routinely carry a S&W Mdl 37 Airweight®; at 14.5 oz it's great for concealed carry. As for shooting it's 21 oz counterpart is far easier to hit with.

Having worked in a gunshop since 98 I KNOW FOR A FACT we send a heck of a lot more S&W® back for warranty repair than we do Taurus® (REVOLVERS). A lot of folks bash Taurus® but they make a good product at an AFFORDABLE PRICE.

I have both S&W® and Taurus® wheelguns; both are good products, both have built in locks. The Taurus lock is better IMHO, mounted on the hammer or backstrap, not the side of the frame. The 650/850 sries will serve you well.

rockbilly · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2005, 10:18:59 AM »

:-) I have been packing a Smith for more years than I care to remember, I have put thousands of rounds through several different guns and never had a problem, or cause to seek professional help in repairing a Smith. That said, my recommendations for an around the house/carry wheel gun are:

1. S&W, model 60-9. Stainless .357. Enough power to do the job, small and easy to conceal. Down side, it's a five shot gun. (Fits nicely in the front pocket of my jeans.)

2. Colt, Lawman III, snubby (2 inch) stainless, .357. Great gun, it seems a little heavier than the Smith, it is a six shot and also easy to conceal.

The Smith and Colt hold their resale value much better than the other wheel guns. If you look around, there are lots of good wheel guns on the market due to the trend of most folks going to the hi-capacity autos, and the prices are good too.

Old Griz · « **Reply #5 on:** June 06, 2005, 08:19:28 PM »

:cb2: Ruger SP101. They have one with a bobbed hammer. Very solid (to say the least), and they are easy to shoot with .357 loads. And you can get the CT grips for it. My wife loves hers and the CT grips.

I know I'll probably get battered for saying this, so I will preface it by saying I love my 2.5" S&W K-frames, but (here it comes) when you get to the smaller J-frames they can be punishing to shoot with .357s. The Ruger is so much easier to handle.

OK, I'm ducking for cover now!

rockbilly · « **Reply #6 on:** June 07, 2005, 10:07:39 AM »

:-D
If an ya gets up and eats ya "Wheaties" every morning. ya ain't gots any problems holden one of dem little ole guns.

I prefer to Smith 60-9 because it has the full hammer with spur. I practice cocking the gun as I remove it from my pocket or from a holster. I think I have better control and better accuracy firing the first shot SA. Course, if you have to, DA is not that bad.

Flash · « **Reply #7 on:** June 07, 2005, 03:28:03 PM »

SP-101 hands down!

Old Griz · « **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2005, 06:35:37 PM »

:cb2: Now I wishes I had a Colt Detective Special. Now that was a mighty fine snubbie nose. The only ones I've seen for sale in the last few years must have been the solid gold models for as much as folks are askin' fer 'em.

AZ223 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2005, 03:28:35 PM »

I have the SP101, and love it. Even with it's 2 1/4" barrel it's very accurate and fits my hand well. I used to have a 642, but couldn't shoot it well at all; it didn't fit my hand right. My SP101 has a full hammer, but because I normally carry IWB behind the back, it's never been an issue. In a pocket that may be a problem, but here in Phoenix we dress pretty light. The spring is a little stiff, but $14 for a Wolff kit solved that. I still use the factory grips, but have seen others that look good.

My only problem with the Ruger was using CCI magnum primers; they're hard enough that after I put the lighter spring in, they didn't always detonate. Factory ammo and regular primers work fine.

Whatever you do, find one that fits well. If you can't shoot it accurately or have to fumble around to get the grip "just right," keep looking.

Good luck!

mikedb · « **Reply #10 on:** June 14, 2005, 02:13:22 AM »

for the best trigger go with Smith. For the most durable go with Ruger SP101. If you want pocket carry go with Smith.

cvixx · « **Reply #11 on:** June 24, 2005, 02:30:30 PM »

I have 2 that I have carried on and off duty for over 30 years (now that is a LONG time), a Smith Airweight Bodyguard and a Colt Detective Special with a shroud. Both serve the same purpose of concealed carry, although neither one still has the original grips, way too small.

The Smith is much lighter and easier to carry. Does not cause your pants to sag and is smaller. The Colt has an extra round but has a lot more weight. Neither one is usable in a lot of holsters because of no place to wrap a thumbstrap. Whice one I carry depends on where I am going. Both are short range propositions, across a room at best, but both are reliable. Since my department mandated that all wheelguns be altered to double action only, distance accuracy is not a concern.

TScottO · « **Reply #12 on:** June 24, 2005, 05:07:27 PM »

I vote for the 640 or 642. Dandy lil guns.

Take Care,
Scott

Old Griz · « **Reply #13 on:** June 28, 2005, 06:52:27 PM »

:cb2: With a 2.5 inch barrel, and weighing in at only 21.5 ounces, does the 325PD count as a snubbie? :eek: Think that's gonna be my next purchase.

oso45-70 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 28, 2005, 09:10:10 PM »

Griz,

If I was as big as you I would carry a itty bitty switch. Ruger SP 101 would work just great. The main reason I say that is they are the toughest thing going besides a rock, Welcome back Griz, Now we can get back to Bizzz..............Joe..........

BillH · « **Reply #15 on:** June 29, 2005, 04:07:58 AM »

I have the 642 and it is sweet.

Old Griz · « **Reply #16 on:** June 29, 2005, 05:45:53 AM »

:cb2: I love the SP101, but Joe, that's what Beth carries. It would hurt my manly image if I didn't carry something bigger than what my wife carries! :eek:

Of course, all I really have to do to destroy my manly image is pass by a mirror!

oso45-70 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 29, 2005, 12:15:17 PM »

Old Griz,

I belive your manly image is firmly in tact, Like i said a itty bitty switch.
For years i carried a mod 49 S&W then i picked up a 649 S&W which i like
real good, Its in 357 mag. My favorite carry gun now is one of them tupper ware guns mod 22. 40 cal. I will probably get flamed for say ing it.
Take care Griz.......Joe.......

papajohn428 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 01, 2005, 05:52:06 PM »

After telling myself I don't need any more guns, :-D I still have a major fixation on the Smith 640. The combination of good looks, power, concealability and good handling tell me this a gun I could love to shoot, carry and shoot some more. Magnums are usually pretty brutal in a snub, but the low bore axis on the 640 makes this my pick for the most shootable baby magnum on the planet.

There are a lot of good candidates, but to me, the election was rigged the day Smith brought this one out!

Papajohn

Mr.Niceguy · « **Reply #19 on:** July 03, 2005, 02:42:09 AM »

I would say the SP101 is a nice snub. Built like a tank, you shoot the bejesus out of the gun and it would ask for more. I regret selling mine as I loved the gun alot. Hehehe 180gr. Part. Gold rounds were a hOOt to shoot thru the gun btw