Pocket Wheelgun Advice

[Gadgetmonster]

I have a Bodyguard 38 and like it very much. No issues at all. Here is a comparison on YouTube S&W 642 vs. S&W bodyguard. Two great .38 special revolvers! - YouTube

 

[cosermann]

... Inconvenient if you plan to use it. ...

That's kind of the whole point I think. BTW, has anyone seen the huge thread(s) on the S&W forum about catastrophic lock failures on S&W revolvers?

OP, if you like the 642/442, Smith does a run every year (or has for the last few anyway) WITHOUT the lock. None of my Smiths have locks. Never will.

 

[Rooster_Cogburn87]

OP, if you like the 642/442, Smith does a run every year (or has for the last few anyway) WITHOUT the lock. None of my Smiths have locks. Never will.

I was unaware of this. How easy are they to find?

 

[Amishman44]

I've had a 2.25" Ruger SP101 since December 1994...and I love it! I had an LCR for a while...but ended up selling it as I prefered the SP101!

As far as it being a 'pocket' gun...it's a mite heavy at 25 oz. empty...but it'll sure shoot the blazes in .357 mag that's for sure!

 

[Amishman44]

I was unaware of this. How easy are they to find?

Probably the best way is to keep an eye on the gun sales sites (gunbroker, auction arms, etc.) and buy when you see one!

 

[Allenicomp]

I've been looking at the Model 60 3". I'm thinking that the additional inch of length makes very little difference as to concealing (just an inch more in the pocket) but will make a tremendous difference in shootability, accuracy, and recoil. One of my favorite revolvers of all time was a Model 66 (K Frame) with 3" barrel and round butt. It was virtually the perfect gun for my purposes. I'm wanting to buy a couple of Model 60s in 3" for my wife and daughter. Awesome weapons.

 

[Glock10MM]

I was unaware of this. How easy are they to find?

Here you go.


S+W 642 No Lock Airweight 103810 S/N 6666 new : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

S&W 642 No Lock 38spcl+p 103810 NIB! : Revolvers at GunBroker.com



New Smith and Wesson 150554 442 No Lock 38 spl : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

S&W 442 .38SPL BLK No Int/Lk 150544 NIB : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

 

[cubstuff]

I have both a Ruger LCR38 and a S&W Bodyguard 38. Both are great guns, and neither have failed me. The grip on the Bodyguard is a little thinner/longer. Almost identical size though. I do like how the LCR has a more traditional cylinder release on the side. The Bodyguard has a plastic cylinder release that is on the very back top (Worried about the reliability of the plastic release / It is better for either hand use though).

 

[Snapdragon]

I replaced the stock grip on my LCR with the bantam/boot grip, and the gun has a slimmer profile now. It also doesn't have that "sticky" rubber feeling.

 

[Caldad]

I love my LCR. The recoil depends on the ammo... I've had some over-powered Fiocchi ammo that would kill my hand after only three shots with my LCR. I reload my own now, and can shoot it all day long. Great trigger!! =)

 

[Birds Away]

I use a 442 (no lock) that I bought locally. I have heard great things about the LCRs and I wouldn't hesitate to own one if I had the need. My 442 is an excellent gun for its intended purpose and within its designed envelope.

Trust me, it is a 442.

 

[swmp9jrm]

Another vote for the LCR - I like the Hogue Tamer grip. And in the other pocket is a North American Arms Pug in .22WMR as a backup.

 

[jaybird_123]

I have a SW 642. I honestly don't know how many rounds have been through it in its life, but it has never failed me. I shoot everything from light bunny loads to full power +p loads. The only thing I changed on mine was switching out the rubber boot grips for the old school magna grips with a Tyler T grip. The rubber boot grip kinda hung up in the pocket for me. You can't go wrong with the 642/442

Didnt know you could change the grips on the 642. I have one also and love it but dont care for the rubber grips. Cool.

 

[VERT]

Didnt know you could change the grips on the 642. I have one also and love it but dont care for the rubber grips. Cool.

Yep. J frames have almost an unlimited choice as far as grips are concerned.