.38 revolver

[161]

I am going to purchase a .38 revolver to carry off-duty. I am looking at the ultra light .38 s&w with no hammer, but I am interested to hear what you all have to say about what you like or dont like when it comes to revolvers. I am not stuck on the s&w but I can get one for $350.

[511R]

I carry one. I chose it because it's light enough to slip into my pocket no matter what I'm wearing. I say go for it.

[fyrdog]

My personal preference, I won't carry an ultra light revolver, I prefer the heft of steel. Having said that, I absolutely love my S&W 640 which is a stainless steel hammerless J-frame, and carry it almost every day. So if you like the ultra light go for it.

[k9 max]

I've been carrying a Model 60 off duty for probably the past 15 years. No complaints, I think you'll be well served with your choice.

[reils49]

I won't carry an ultra light revolver, I prefer the heft of steel.

I agree. I have a little Taurus 85 and love it.

[billtex213]

I'm with K9 Max, 15 years here too, and with a model 60! Love it!!! Whatever model you choose though, go for someting in .357 mag.! It's good to have the option of .357, .38+P, or .38+P+. I had an ultralight for awhile and had to buy these special 110gr. aluminum rounds It wasn't worth the savings in weight!

[161]

Is there a big difference in the kick and accuracy between the ulta light and the steel?

[Nightshift va]

Is there a big difference in the kick and accuracy between the ulta light and the steel?

I frequently carry my airweight smith. The only problem I have is my wife always uses it. There is a noticable difference in any scandium,alluminum aircraft alloy or other titanium type frame vs the heavier steel framed small wheel guns, but it isn't enough to not use one.

[Ten-32]

In my opinion, both the 640-series and 340-series revolvers from S&W are great for off-duty carry.

I've used both, and the 340 is lighter but has a heavier recoil. The 340 is also considerably more expensive than the 640. Both can be easily and comfortably concealed.

I currently carry a 342PD with the HiVis sight, and I love it.

Make sure you go with the hammerless model, whatever you choose.

[dkuz]

I carry my S&W 642 every day. On duty in my ankle holster and off duty in a pocket holster. Can't say enough good things about this gun.

[Gene L]

I like the 642 as well, and carried one for years. Pocket portable. It's an up close and personal gun for sure. Hard to hit beyond 15 yards, but do-able if you practice.

I got rid of it and went to a Kahr in 9mm for a pocket gun. It's the same weight as a 642, carries two more rounds, and is very accurate.

[SoCalSheriff]

Make sure you go with the hammerless model, whatever you choose.

Don't automatically dismiss an exposed hammer. While hammerless has its benefits (less chance of snag) I have never had a problem w/ my traditional hammered S&W model 36. All comes down to practice of your draw stroke. With a rounded hammer spur and proper hand placement, it is a moot issue. Also the "body guard" models have a shrouded hammer that still allows for SA use.

I however prefer the heavier steel models. I had an airweight, but sold it because I could not shoot it as accurately as my all steel model at more of a "rapid fire" pace. (double-tap drills). At the gun counter, the difference in weight seems immense, But over the last 10 years of carrying my model 36 daily, I don't even know its there. I'll trade the few ounces for the ability to have faster, more accurate follow on shots.

[pulicords]

I carry a S&W Model 342 as a backup when working uniformed patrol. I added a "Big Dot" tritium night sight (from Ashley Express) and "Crimson Trace" laser grips. Although very light and compact, for off-duty I prefer to carry a small 9mm/.40 S&W or .45 ACP semi-auto. The ones offered today by companies such as Glock, Sig-Sauer, Walther and Kahr are nearly the same size and weight as the indicated revolver, but offer more powerful cartridges and more rounds available if needed.

Here's a pic of my S&W Model 640. It's equipped with the same sighting devices as my Model 342, but is constructed of stainless steel and is obviously more heavy.

[Ten-32]

Don't automatically dismiss an exposed hammer. While hammerless has its benefits (less chance of snag) I have never had a problem w/ my traditional hammered S&W model 36. All comes down to practice of your draw stroke. With a rounded hammer spur and proper hand placement, it is a moot issue. Also the "body guard" models have a shrouded hammer that still allows for SA use.

I however prefer the heavier steel models. I had an airweight, but sold it because I could not shoot it as accurately as my all steel model at more of a "rapid fire" pace. (double-tap drills). At the gun counter, the difference in weight seems immense, But over the last 10 years of carrying my model 36 daily, I don't even know its there. I'll trade the few ounces for the ability to have faster, more accurate follow on shots.

Yep - no argument.

My main reason for my opinion was the ability to reliably shoot from within clothing, i.e. a coat pocket, and the lighter weight.

For rapid fire, a heavier gun is probably better, as you say.

[hapc]

Smith makes an excellent .38. I carried the 642 for years before switching to the M&P 340 a few months ago.

Never had any problems with it.