Looking for a pocket revolver ...recommendations.

[zip]

We I think I have decided to add a pocket revolver to my collection. However I don't know much about revolvers, in fact the only revolver I have fired is a colt python 6 inch, so I don't have much to compare. So I thought I would ask ingo for some advice.
So far I am looking at the new S&W bodyguard .38 and the Ruger LCR. I am leaning toward the bodyguard because of a) the laser b) the ambi cylinder release (I shoot lefty). While a lack of either of these will not be a deal breaker, they seem pretty nice.

After looking at the S&W I know some of the J-frames are similar in size, would one of these be better?

I have also noticed some have a shrouded hammer, is this any better than a internal hammer

I was just wondering what else I should take a look at before making my choice.
also I would like to keep it around $500 in price.


Thanks in advance

 

[SEIndSAM]

My MIL has the S&W .38 ultralite. The laser was a little hard to light, you have to hit the button just right. But for a pocket carry it is very lightweight and comfortable. It is snappy when fired, but that is to be expected with such a lightweight revolver. I still recommend it. It's not a fun range toy, but for self defense it would be fine.

 

[hps]

I'll cast my vote for the LCR, OUTSTANDING!!! lil pocket revolver.

 

[sloughfoot]

All of your choices are good. I like the 442 and 642. A friend loves his Ruger. Another friend loves his bodyguard.

Fast reload is not something I consider when choosing this type of pistol. If I think I might need to reload, I just carry a second one in addition to a speed strip.

Get a quality holster and you are GTG with any of your choices. You want to feel comfortable when gripping the gun while it is in your pocket. Sometimes, it just is comforting to have your hand on your gun and nobody knows what you are doing.

 

[mrjarrell]

There are a number of smaller pieces from Taurus that fit the bill. Well made and work just fine, with a great price point. There's also Charter Arms. I love and frequently carry my .44 Special. It's an older model and you can find them for around 3-350 in some places. They have a load of newer models at a variety of prices. Sizewise there's bound to be one there in your price range.

Charter Firearms Products

Taurus International Manufacturing Inc

 

[sbcman]

We I think I have decided to add a pocket revolver to my collection. However I don't know much about revolvers, in fact the only revolver I have fired is a colt python 6 inch, so I don't have much to compare. So I thought I would ask ingo for some advice.
So far I am looking at the new S&W bodyguard .38 and the Ruger LCR. I am leaning toward the bodyguard because of a) the laser b) the ambi cylinder release (I shoot lefty). While a lack of either of these will not be a deal breaker, they seem pretty nice.

After looking at the S&W I know some of the J-frames are similar in size, would one of these be better?

I have also noticed some have a shrouded hammer, is this any better than a internal hammer

I was just wondering what else I should take a look at before making my choice.
also I would like to keep it around $500 in price.


Thanks in advance

I would not recommend either of your choices- although if you're not familiar with revolvers, my issues with the BG probably won't bother you (weird cylinder latch system, strange laser controls). I can't recommend an LCR because I had one and the return spring snapped on me in short order.

I would recommend a Smith 442, 642 or M&P340, although the 340 is a bit out of your price range. If you want a laser, save up and get CT grips.

External and Internal hammers really have more to do with how you carry. If you plan to pocket carry, the internal hammer is the only way to fly as it helps prevent the hammer from "catching" on your clothing and the sealed system prevents all the fuzz and stuff from your pockets from messing up the action.

Do not expect the trigger to be as smooth or lite on a j-frame as it was on that Python you shot

 

[zip]

There are a number of smaller pieces from Taurus that fit the bill. Well made and work just fine, with a great price point.
Charter Firearms Products

Taurus International Manufacturing Inc

Thanks for pointing out Taurus I had not thought of them

Get a quality holster and you are GTG with any of your choices. You want to feel comfortable when gripping the gun while it is in your pocket. Sometimes, it just is comforting to have your hand on your gun and nobody knows what you are doing.

A good holster is def a must, I have a LCP and use a Desantis Superfly with it, which is a nice holster

I would not recommend either of your choices- although if you're not familiar with revolvers, my issues with the BG probably won't bother you (weird cylinder latch system, strange laser controls). I can't recommend an LCR because I had one and the return spring snapped on me in short order.

I would recommend a Smith 442, 642 or M&P340, although the 340 is a bit out of your price range. If you want a laser, save up and get CT grips.

External and Internal hammers really have more to do with how you carry. If you plan to pocket carry, the internal hammer is the only way to fly as it helps prevent the hammer from "catching" on your clothing and the sealed system prevents all the fuzz and stuff from your pockets from messing up the action.

Do not expect the trigger to be as smooth or lite on a j-frame as it was on that Python you shot

Thanks for the advice, since I have little experience with revolvers, I doubt the BG's cylinder release will be an issue for me. As for the trigger, I would think it would be similar to the trigger pull on my LCP

 

[oneshotonekill]

Smith 442...or 340 PD....done and done.

 

[sloughfoot]

Smith 442...or 340 PD....done and done.

I gotta agree with this. Got one in my right front right now and every day.

They can be smoothed up a LOT but don't lighten the springs, especially the trigger return spring. that is where the lint in the pocket will stop it from working.

 

[3point5]

I have the bodyguard .38, and was set on an LCR. The LCR has an awesome hogue tamer grip on it BUT that makes it more bulky, harder to pocket carry. I picked the bodyguard for that reason.

It took me over 100 rounds to get used to the snubbie from my auto pistols.

 

[tskin]

I carry the LCR as my pocket gun w/ a Desanti Nemesis pocket holster & it carries great in a pair of khaki's or loose fitting jeans.

 

[mwg]

I had a s&w 642. it had a heavy trigger but it was acurate and reliable

 

[forthehousew]

s&W 640, 442, 340pd all good for pocket carry and will work when needed. i keep 640 stainless for practice and carry the light ones. good to have so many choices. Probably most of the used ones were carried a lot shot a little.

 

[JohnP82]

I have a S&W 442 and I absolutely love it!

It works great for me for pocket carry.

 

[gohard43]

I've been carrying the LCR pocket carry on and off for a few months now....no complains, it's extremely light and carry's well in jeans or a jacket pocket.

 

[mbaza3]

I had a Ruger LCR and S&W 442. If I where to buy one back it would be the 442 since I liked being able to easily stage the trigger. The LCR trigger is much different than the 442 so I would recommend checking them both out if you are interested in either of them.

 

[gglass]

Thanks for pointing out Taurus I had not thought of them




A good holster is def a must, I have a LCP and use a Desantis Superfly with it, which is a nice holster



Thanks for the advice, since I have little experience with revolvers, I doubt the BG's cylinder release will be an issue for me. As for the trigger, I would think it would be similar to the trigger pull on my LCP

The trigger on the LCR is NOTHING like the LCP. Those are two completely different platforms, and nothing about them has anything to do with the other, except for the Ruger name.

The LCR simply has the best out of the box trigger of any of the small framed revolvers. Before you buy either of your choices, you owe it to yourself to get some trigger time with them. You will quickly see that the LCR is in a class of its own. If you need a laser, you can simply opt for the LCR that comes with a laser grip from the factory.

 

[Cam]

I really like my M&P 360. Pretty much any of the ones you've mentioned would be fine.

 

[knot4reel]

+1 on the LCR. Light weight is great, but by far the trigger is what sold me on one. I have the 357, I prefer the steel frame over the aluminum on a 357.

 

[IndianaBuckeye]

I am in the exact same spot.... I'm a lefty considering the same two (.38 BG and LCR....also liking Taurus)
I have loved every Ruger that I have ever owned, or even shot, but the ambi-release on the BG is swaying me that way.
To add to the original poster's question.... do any of the recommendations that have been mentioned have a lefty friendly cylinder release?...or do we just need to adapt to a right-handed world?