Which would you choose?

.45Beast · #1 02-08-2011, 02:22 AM

Ok Im gonna get my ccw soon, and I need a suitable weapon for it. Im sure its blasphemy to even think of anything besides a Smith on here but my price range is kinda limited... so I am between a S&W bodyguard .38 or a Ruger LCR .38.... Just asking for suggestions.... Dont flame me too hard please haha. Ive shot both and they both interest me just kinda taking a poll.

jrd1976 · #2 02-08-2011, 10:05 AM

Consider the S&W Model 438, or Model 638.

And add Crimson Trace grips when your budget allows.

mg357 · #3 02-08-2011, 10:18 AM

go with the s&w bodyguard .38

44 Shooter · #4 02-08-2011, 10:42 AM

+1 Bodyguard.

Maximumbob54 · #5 02-08-2011, 10:48 AM

I would try to find one of the new production 642's they are finally making without the lock.

photoman · #6 02-08-2011, 01:27 PM

On a budget... The last J I bought was a used (looked like new) 1995 factory nickel Model 38. Was $380 out the door. Before that, I bought a used no-lock Model 642 and that one was $310 out the door.

The Highlander · #7 02-08-2011, 01:56 PM

Either will be a fine gun. I'd go to a gunshop and handle both and let that determine which you purchase. If it doesn't fit your hand, the price is irrelevant.

For what it is worth, I like both of the two you have mentioned.

GKC · #8 02-08-2011, 03:38 PM

Personally, I prefer S&W products...but if you are going to get the LCR, get the .357 model. It's a little heavier (17 oz vs 14 oz, if I remember correctly) but not too much so. The little added weight will help with recoil, especially if you just shoot .38 + P, and you can shoot .357 if you choose. I've owned both, as well as several other J-frames (including a M38) and I've finally arrived at a 649...that's where I am staying for my backup carry.

wnr700 · #9 02-08-2011, 07:13 PM

I've tried many.

Started with a 442.

Tried keltecs in .32 and .380 and they certainly have their advantages.

Tried a Glock 26. The Glock 26 or 27 would be a great choice, but a tad bit heavy and blocky.

I keep coming back to a 442.

It is the perfect combination of size, weight, man stopping power. In a coat pocket or IWB it is almost not there. It just works best for my situation.

.45Beast · #10 02-08-2011, 08:40 PM

Wow! Thanks for all the responses! Im now looking into the 642, just saw one at my local dealer and its darn near perfect! Id rather have the smith product so its between that and the body guard now! Thanks again gents!

rljohns · #11 02-10-2011, 12:33 AM

I'm very happy with a Mod 60 2in 5 shot .357. It was very reasonable priced and the trigger action is great.

J.P.60 · #12 02-10-2011, 08:16 AM

I am partial and prejudiced and always recommend S&W, first. I am also the same way about frames... steel, first. Still, and in the end, it depends on what fits you and what feels best when it's being shot.

Frizzman · #13 02-10-2011, 11:19 AM

To become competent enough to defend yourself and loved ones with a 5 shot snub .38/.357, you are going to have to spend some range time shooting and practicing reloading with that revolver. You will need to do some weak hand shooting too. With that in mind, an all steel revolver would be more comfortable to shoot with the type of concealment stocks on it that you will probably want on it. The idea of a lightweight, alloy framed revolver that you carry alot and shoot a little sounds good for an experienced shooter who is very good with a five shot snub. Otherwise, I would advise the all steel. I don't pocket carry revolvers and on the belt or in the waistband the difference between the steel and alloy gun isn't that important. A five shot snub is a minimal weapon and to make up for that you need to get very good with it. I don't count on the idea that an attacker will see the gun and just run away. I also don't count on them being armed with a stick or rusty knife. They may be very well armed and know how to use it. Between the S&W and Ruger, I don't think it matters that much. Both companies make excellent revolvers. Pick the one that fits your hand and you will spend time shooting.

Old cop · #14 02-10-2011, 12:01 PM

442, 642, 638 or 438 not necessarily in that order.

NE450No2 · #15 02-13-2011, 01:30 AM

Go with the S&W.

Somerled · #16 02-13-2011, 02:08 AM

I carry a S&W 642 with LG-105 Crimson Trace grips everywhere I go. It rides in a rough-side-out leather holster in a front pocket. I have it with me when I'm able to wear another belt gun, too. The closed frame doesn't gather as much pocket lint. It's no problem to draw except when sitting in a car while wearing a seat belt.

I've not tried out the Ruger LCR. It looks as if the front sight would be a lot easier to pick up, something that's not as easy as it once was for me to do with the 642 as I'm moving closer to 50.

DanWales · #17 02-13-2011, 03:02 AM

I carry the 642 with lasers. Great little pistol hugs the body with a superbreed cross tuck holster.I absolutely do not feel under gunned.

You will also be surprised how accurate you can be with just a little practice.

There's plenty of ammo that works great in this pistol.

Dan

.45Beast · #18 02-15-2011, 12:27 AM

Went to the dealer today and went with the 642 in stainless steel. Hate the 10 day wait but really excited! Thanks for the help everyone!

OLDFED · #19 02-15-2011, 02:27 AM

.45 Beast....you can get a CCW permit in SLO County? I have family in Santa Barbara Co. and the sheriff there won't even listen to them.

Ivan the Butcher · #20 02-15-2011, 07:12 AM

I have an old 49 [no dash] that is with me everywhere but the shower, the action is wonderful. I also have the 6 something offspring complete with lock that sits in the box. Maybe if I watch a month or two of TV and dryfire my trigger finger off, it might get smooth. If you need a firearm now, buy the best can find: but don't stop looking for perfection. Remember, your pocket holster won't care what the finish looks like.

Maximumbob54 · #21 02-15-2011, 07:20 AM

Nice choice. If it has the lock keep in mind you can always buy the plug from a forum member here. If it is a problem, of course.

.45Beast · #22 02-16-2011, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLDFED

.45 Beast....you can get a CCW permit in SLO County? I have family in Santa Barbara Co. and the sheriff there won't even listen to them.

Im actually in the process of moving back to Fresno county... My meeting with the sherrif isnt til september when Ill be back anyway. I work on my familys farm in the summer and Im out there til midnight sometimes so I am hoping thats a good enough reason for them.

.45Beast · #23 02-16-2011, 05:11 PM

So new question, what holster do you guys reccomend? Id like an ankle one and a belt one as well... Looking for something that will keep it in place really well. Maybe a paddle style, but not bulky, im a pretty small guy at 5'9 170. Any help is greatly appreciated.

photoman · #24 02-16-2011, 06:34 PM

For ankle, most recommend the Renegade or the Galco. For belt carry, I like the Galco Concealable or Galco Stinger for off-the-self leather.

seagill · #25 02-16-2011, 08:54 PM

I was in the same boat. I was leaning toward the Ruger LCR when I found a S&W 908 for $300. Compact, reliable and accurate. I have more experience with auto's, plus I like the higher capacity.

Mule88 · #26 02-19-2011, 08:23 AM

Id get the bodyguard.

Srigs · #27 02-19-2011, 04:34 PM

I would choose the bodyguard myself of the two.

Of course, I really like my 442 with CT laser grips.

GyMac · #28 02-19-2011, 08:55 PM

I'm sure either gun would be fine, but I would consider this. It might be good to get a gun that is not only fine for concealed carry, but also fun to shoot. I'm not sure that the Bodyguard or the LCR fit into that category.

russp1 · #29 02-19-2011, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .45Beast

So new question, what holster do you guys reccomend? Id like an ankle one and a belt one as well... Looking for something that will keep it in place really well. Maybe a paddle style, but not bulky, im a pretty small guy at 5'9 170. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I like the Blackhawk Speed Classic for my 442. It's an OWB that only fits the J frames and holds really well without any strap or retention screw. I'm 5'4" and about 150 and it's barely noticable even under a T shirt. Search You Tube for a video on it.

JIM5938 · #30 02-20-2011, 01:55 PM

Try a 642 with Crimson trace. The grip is larger and more comfortable without compromising conceal-ability.
Also dry fire with snap caps teaches smooth trigger pull by watching the light/red dot, move when dry firing.
by doing this I am able to reach out to 75 feet, in a 3 in circle with a 1-7/8 in barrel EVERY time.
Also I am 64 years old.

Goffman · #31 02-21-2011, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .45Beast

Went to the dealer today and went with the 642 in stainless steel. Hate the 10 day wait but really excited! Thanks for the help everyone!

I love how people keep posting recommendations for particular firearms when the OP has stated clearly that he already has purchased his firearm of choice.