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Old 01-01-2013, 12:22 PM   #1
BulletArc47
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Default Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

When it comes to revolvers; I'm about as knowledgeable as a monkey with a wrench.

So, do any of you know of good models? It would be as back-up CCW. I would probably carry it on my boot, or leg; somewhere in that area.

I know some will recommend a 357 snubbie, but I already know I don't want that; just one in 38 special that is plus p rated.
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Old 01-01-2013, 01:27 PM   #2
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

Smith and Wesson 315 NG
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Old 01-01-2013, 01:50 PM   #3
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

I like both the Ruger LCR and the S&W 638. I'd lean to the 638 because it can still be fired SA.
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Old 01-01-2013, 01:53 PM   #4
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

S&W 642 is my favorite and the new Ruger LCR would be my first choices for hammerless; if hammer didn't matter, it would be an SP101 all day long.
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Old 01-02-2013, 07:34 PM   #5
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

Smith, Ruger, or old Colt Detective Special model. My personal favorite is an older S&W M36. I'd shy away from lightweights, with all steel recoil is dampened a bit and the snubbies aren't that heavy to start with. Depending on carry method, you might take a hard look at the hammerless versions.
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Old 01-02-2013, 08:49 PM   #6
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

Ruger LCR would be my first choice. There are many good ones on the market.
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Old 01-02-2013, 09:54 PM   #7
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

Quote:
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S&W 642 is my favorite and the new Ruger LCR would be my first choices for hammerless; if hammer didn't matter, it would be an SP101 all day long.
I bought a 642 for my wife--- she won't carry it until she goes through a 'real' course and obtains her CCW permit (not required in this state)--- but she shoots it well, and I carry it instead of my G27 or G22--- a lot lighter and just as accurate.

great little gun for $400
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Old 01-02-2013, 10:11 PM   #8
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

i have carried a taurus model 85 for many years with no problems,it is plus p rated.they now make some ultra lites in 38 special and thats what i would buy if my model 85 ever let me down. old semperfi
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Old 01-02-2013, 10:25 PM   #9
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

Quote:
Originally Posted by JTofGPD View Post
I bought a 642 for my wife--- she won't carry it until she goes through a 'real' course and obtains her CCW permit (not required in this state)--- but she shoots it well, and I carry it instead of my G27 or G22--- a lot lighter and just as accurate.

great little gun for $400
That's what I'd like to get my wife but there are a lot of small revolvers out there, Ruger, Taurus.
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Old 01-02-2013, 10:27 PM   #10
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

Also what's the real differences between the S&W 642 and 442?

Color? Both $449 MSRP (+/-)

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Old 01-03-2013, 12:22 AM   #11
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

Ruger and colt. .357 and .44 mag . dont know if colt makes a .44 mag. id say those 2 for sure. s&w is good too
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Old 01-04-2013, 07:37 AM   #12
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

I carry my wifes 642,when she can't, loaded with +p's..Remington Golden Sabers...very large hollow point.
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Old 01-04-2013, 07:45 AM   #13
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

Quote:
Originally Posted by BulletArc47 View Post
When it comes to revolvers; I'm about as knowledgeable as a monkey with a wrench.

So, do any of you know of good models? It would be as back-up CCW. I would probably carry it on my boot, or leg; somewhere in that area.

I know some will recommend a 357 snubbie, but I already know I don't want that; just one in 38 special that is plus p rated.
Spend as much money as you want, or as little as you want. I can not think of a single modern .38 pistol that will not shoot +P ammo. Some might not do well in the long run with a steady diet of hot rounds, but they will all shoot the +P for SD. And please, find another place to carry your BUG. The ankle/boot carry is the worst way to carry. It's a back up gun! That means you should be able to get to it very quickly!
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5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest.
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Old 01-04-2013, 02:28 PM   #14
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

I've been pocket carrying a S&W 342. It's a Titanium 38+P, 5-shot, hammerless revolver. A little pricier than the 642 but lighter than any other snub nose. It's actually as light or lighter than my Kel-Tec P3AT.
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Old 01-04-2013, 03:28 PM   #15
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

My back up is a Charter Arms Undercover. +P ammo. Light, dependable, easy to conceal. And it was affordable.
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Old 01-04-2013, 03:56 PM   #16
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

I agree with gun runner.....357
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Old 01-04-2013, 11:19 PM   #17
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

The S&W 642 is a really nice revolver, shoots 38spl and 38spl +p and is light enough to carry comfortably, all day long.
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Old 01-05-2013, 01:49 AM   #18
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

I like my S&W 637 a whole lot and I thought I wouldn't when I got it. It is not just a back up, but also good on the trail or fishing. It does a job on snakes with CCI shot loads. I call it my " Booger Blaster". Is it better than the others? Idon't know but I like it.
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Old 01-05-2013, 08:30 AM   #19
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

Quote:
Originally Posted by mjp28 View Post
Also what's the real differences between the S&W 642 and 442?

Color? Both $449 MSRP (+/-)
642 is a stainless cylinder and barrel. 442 is carbon steel barrel and cylinder with black finish. Just a tip with the smiths, if the model begins with a "6" its stainless.
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Old 01-05-2013, 08:45 AM   #20
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

This article from Guns & Ammo might help some of you out. This article is from Nov. 2010, so the information has been out there for a while. http://www.handgunsmag.com/2010/11/1...olvers_111610/ That snuby .38 you carry will get the job done!
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Lamentations Chapter 5:
1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach.
2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.
3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows.
5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest.
16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned!
21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.
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Old 01-05-2013, 10:26 AM   #21
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

I've carried and shot an older (1967 vintage) Charter Arms Undercover with both factroy and reloads for over 30 years. It has never failed to fire with standard or +P loads. It used to be somewhat lighter (16 ounces) than comparable S&W or Colt's and uses a transfer bar instead of a firing pin on the hammer.
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Old 01-05-2013, 10:35 AM   #22
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

My BUG. At 16 oz., this five-shot, 2" barrel, .38 Special revolver is easy to carry in your pocket, and it will get the job done.
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Lamentations Chapter 5:
1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach.
2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.
3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows.
5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest.
16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned!
21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.
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Old 01-05-2013, 05:23 PM   #23
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

I own and sometimes carry the S&W 642 airweight. I normally carry full 1911. Anyway I am very good with my 1911 and thought that it would be the same with the 642....wrong. I was surprised when I missed the paper plate target at 3 yards. Normally I can hit a silhouette at 100 yards with my 1911 5 out of 7 shots.

Being hammerless and very light weight as my model is the airweight the long trigger pull and the recoil from the +p rounds made for a very lousy and inaccurate pistol in my hands. I solved the problem with crimson laser grips which as a bonus has a longer grip which allows for all fingers to be on grip and a comfortable hold.

I also have an old brand new rossi that was purchased in 1993 which was given to me by my father in-law. The model m68 with a 2" barrel. I find the trigger to be smoother on this hand gun and since it does have a hammer when I cock the hammer and use my pistol as a single action I am very accurate to 10 yards with it. The fact that it is a regular weighted pistol the recoil from this handgun is very pleasant, plus the handgrips are very large which accommades up to six fingers if you fall in that category.

In summary with the 642 model the trigger is becoming smoother as I purchased some caps for it and dry fire the gun constantly. Having a laser allows me to train well and drive the cat crazy. So far I have accomplished in killing every object in my house. This gun is easy to conceal especially when I wear shorts in the summer and use a pocket holster. Regardless of what is mentioned remember to practice,practice, and practice shooting your carry gun.
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Old 01-05-2013, 06:16 PM   #24
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y
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Old 01-05-2013, 09:43 PM   #25
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Default Re: Snub nose revolvers 38 special +p .

Quote:
Originally Posted by Helix_FR View Post
642 is a stainless cylinder and barrel. 442 is carbon steel barrel and cylinder with black finish. Just a tip with the smiths, if the model begins with a "6" its stainless.
Thanks, I've wondered about that....I just like the look of the 642s.

I've got to get the sweetie into our local gun store.

.....oh I'm the gun nut, she just thinks I'm nuts. Seriously I want her to get her carry permit, she thinks about it then backs out. Also never fired a gun, I've shot .22s since I was 11.

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