The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: JoeG on February 23, 2013, 09:41:52 AM
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I've been reading Mas Ayoob's book on concealed carry and he makes the point that everyone should own a snubbie revolver as a back up gun. Not a new argument, but he got me thinking that I have a hole in my arsenal.
Got me looking at the .38spl +p polymer units; specifically the Ruger LCR, the S&W Bodyguard and the Taurus Protector. Just wondering what y'alls experience is with them.
I am disinclined to the .357 versions just because I think that is more power than I care to handle in such a light gun, not to mention the flamethrower effect in such a short barrel.
Joe
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I own the LCR in .38 and it's a great little gun. I handled most every snub on the market and the trigger on the Ruger is what sold me on the gun. It's really, really good! I actually wanted the .357 but couldn't locate one at the time. Maybe later and they're a bit heavier in .357.
Never handled the Bodyguard though a guy I work with has one. I'll ask him on Monday what he thinks of it though I don't think he carries it much. I talked him into a little .45 a few weeks ago and it hasn't let his side since.
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Joe,
I can't comment on poly frame revolvers, but I do shoot a J Frame - It is one of my carry guns. If you can purchase a .357 magnum I would do so. That does not mean you must shoot magnum loads, but it does mean the components are built to handle the load. There is nothing wrong with having more integrity than needed in a firearm.
My J Frame has slim wooden grips that I chose and keep for a reason. I like the grip configuration, because it keeps the gun slim as possible for carry, and it slides easier for drawing from tight areas like a pocket. A Hogue style grip is bulkier and sticks to cloth. I have no problem controlling this handgun with .38 spl +p, and many women shoot this gun at our Women On Target events with no problem.
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The LCR does have a good trigger. It's lack of weight makes it a great carry gun.
What it doesn't have is enough weight to make it comfortable to shoot. Not a big deal for most but I like to shoot the crap out of carry guns.
CT grips are hard plastic. The Hogue grip would make it much more to shootable, 'course you would lose the laser.
I see in M58's post that his rubber grips grab cloth. I've never had that problem in years of IWB carry.
The LCR won't win any beauty contests but the S&W Bodyguard IMHO is butt ugly...and it needs the trigger worked on to make it as good as the LCR out of the box. It's the only gun that makes my Glock 27 look graceful by comparison.
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I've got an SW642 and an LCR and am inclined to prefer the LCR due to the better sights as I have the version w/ the XS Sight.
A .357 is no fun to shoot in one of these small things. A buddy has an SW360PD in which we fired some full house 125gr. .357 Mag. loads. Not fun at all. I'd stick w/ the .38 Spl. +P's instead. A .500 S&W Mag., .480 Ruger, .44 Mag., etc. is easier to handle and easier on the hand.
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Federal 125grain NyClads (.38 special non plus P) have a good reputation down here for the J Frame sized snubbies..very easy to make follow up shots... we don't have to worry too much about penetration of heavy winter clothing
(http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz180/LesSnyder/DSC00385.jpg)
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You can get critical defense in non +P as well. I use them as I have an old Smith .38 that isn't +p rated. As far as carry I have acess to my old man's Colt Detective special and its sweet. But as far as a BUG, I will once again preach the the book of Bond Arms. These little two shot derringers will handle anything you feed them (including cor-bon hold my beer and watch this rounds). Its two shots, but they dissapear in the front pocket of your jeans. It will never replace my G-26, but I love that little gun for when I can't carry anything else.
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Thanks Guys,
I was leaning toward teh LCR but it seems like I keep coming back to buying Ruger (SR9 and SR9C) and I wanted to see if there an argument to look for something else. I am very happy with both of the SR9s, great guns, comfortable, easy to shoot well and reliable. They share magazine bodies. Personnally i like the thumb safety.
Didn't want to get locked in on Ruger's even if I am very happy with them. I do want light weight so a J frame is less attractive. I worry with shooting 357 in such a small gun about permanent hearing loss and loss of night vision during an actual shooting. Even in a 6" 686 I inherited they are impressively loud.
I got a 4" Taurus Tracker in 44 mag as a wolf gun for deer hunting and like it a lot. I shot some 300 grain Hornady critical defense style rounds through it and they are stout! Ouch after the third round! Nice shooting gun with lighter loads. I tad big for a BUG though :)
One thing I like about Mas Ayoob is that he is willing to evaluate alternate carry styles more than most I have read. He seems to like ankle carry for these small revolvers which without ever having tried it seems awkward to me. Any thoughts?
I love having an excuse to buy another gun!
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Joe...
This is the article that I read that let me decide whether I would even consider the S&W. I will touch base with my co-worker tomorrow as well as mentioned..
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/08/ralph/gun-review-smith-wesson-bodyguard-38-and-bodyguard-380/
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"We have all heard the expression, “there’s a lawyer attached to every bullet.” Smith & Wesson must feel that there’s also a lawyer attached to every trigger; they make their revolver triggers heavy enough to hoist a n entire bench of lawyers with each pull. Clocking the BODYGUARD’s laser on target, I watched the little red dot jump by eight to ten inches with every trigger pull. To be evenhanded (if only), there there was no trigger grit or creep. And that’s that."
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Colt cobra for the win. By far the best carry snubby... I mis mine, damn theifs.
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There are always the Smith airlights in titanium or scandium (if you win the lottery). These are "carry a lot and shoot a little guns", and you can practice with low power .38. Honestly, its an across the room gun. I may get contradicted, but if you're a decent shot and shoot it enough to know shot placement with that weapon and your SD load, most of your practice can be drawing and firing with snap caps. Seriously, you're looking at a 7-10 yard gun tops. I wouldn't sweat hearing damage or recoil in SD. You'll never notice till its over, the cops will own the gun anyway, and a little ringing in the ears beats the alternative. Just my .02.
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the SW442 is still a good compromise for a lightweight Centennial without going to the exotics and expensive Ti and Sc pistols
(http://i825.photobucket.com/albums/zz180/LesSnyder/DSC00269.jpg)