I am looking to purchase a revolver to add my primary CCW (M&P9C)...

- .38 S&W 442
- 9mm Taurus 905
- .357 Ruger LCR

If you ignore the cost difference between these models which one of these you vote for my #2/Backup concealed carry???

While I am not familiar with the Taurus, and have only seen the LCR, I don't think you could go wrong with the 442. It's small, light, and packs a good punch with the right ammo. The hammerless design also makes for a snag free draw.

The 442 is the best of the three listed, and a proven CCW revolver. For practicality, the Taurus is the choice due to it using the same ammo as your primary.

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I'm with the banned ...

OK I am an old school fart, but if you are asking what gun to use as a BUG, I would opt for a gun that functions exactly like the primary. In a time of high stress the last thing you want to have to do is remember which gun is in your hands and how it operates. Keep it simple.

Some Examples:

Primary Gun: M19
BUG: M60
same exact operating controls

Primary gun: Large Cap. Glock Pistol
BUG: Small compact Glock
again, same operating system.

If you are just looking to replace your current CCW, then I would go with the M442. Personally, my choice is a M60-7 but that was not on your list.

I look at things a little differently then most folks.

I let my wife pick a backup for me. If the shiesta hits the fan, I am in a position to give her my backup so she can defend herself if need be. I live in New Jersey so her getting a CCW is next to impossible for now.

We have a Sig 238 just for her.

I carry the LCR .357

I chose it over the 442/642 because of the additional option of .357 and I was concerned about the finish issues reported on the 442/642.

I carry it appendix style in a Galco IWB.

Never knows its there.

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Wake me when it's over...

I do not own any of these three listed but I think if I were choosing one, I would choose the 38 S&W 442. I do own a S&W 38 Spl air weight stainless steel revolver and I really like it.

Steely,
While I do NOT own a Ruger LCR, one of my friends does and I have shot it at on at least 4 separate occasions. I will say that it is the MOST punishing revolver I have ever shot in 38 special. Shooting .357's from a 2" barrel is all but a waste anyway because that round was truly designed for a 4 - 6 inch barrel and from a 2" tube too much of the powder is being burned outside the short barrel. You would be better served shooting Buffalo Bore 38 special HEAVY +P 158 grain LSWCHP's which will produce 1025 fps or 368 foot pounds of energy from a 2" bbl. That is just about what a .357 will do from a 2" tube, but the major advantage is that it won't have the recoil, muzzle flash and will be a little easier to hold onto. Quite honestly, even that load in a LCR is punishing! IMHO the heaviest load that I would want to shoot from the LCR is a Remington 158 grain +P (FBI LOAD) which I consider to be a "pussy cat" but yet effective. If you can handle and hit with full house .357's out of an LCR - you are better than I. Quite honestly, the last time my friend brought the LCR to the Range and asked me if I wanted to shoot it, I gracefully declined. I'd rather shoot the S&W 500 Magnum or a .44 Magnum then that. I know it's just my personal opinion, but I never thought a 357 Magnum should be shot from out of a 2" J Frame sized gun. Just my .20 cents of course.......

Regards,
Chief38

I shot the 442 and the LCR side by side, and chose the LCR. The LCR handled the recoil better and the trigger is awesome. I chose the .38 model because it weighs 3.5 ounces less than the .357.

Agree with seagill. I have a 442 and like it fine, but after trying them both if I were buying one today I would go with the Ruger LCR. Much gentleer recoil w/38s, a friendlier trigger feel, etc. Might look at the new S&W Bodyguard revolver also.

I've had no issues with the recoil.

.38's are soft, no issue.

.38+P have a little snap.

.357 is a handful but not painful.

My wife (5'2", 130lbs) had no problems with the .357 cartridges.

The hogue grips (with the gel insert at the web of the hand) coupled with the poly frame absorb a lot of the recoil.

The trigger is so smooth, my wife can s l o w l y squeeze off a shot with no issues.

I've read you can adjust the .442 trigger. I'd rather have it smooth out of the box with no adjustment. The LCR delivered that.

I'm very happy with it.

When my wife gets her CCW, we will probably get another one.

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Wake me when it's over...

Steely:

Well if you are interested in buying her a 6 month old LCR in 38 Spl. +P with a Factory Laser PM me. It's my friends (the one I was talking about) and has had less than two boxes of ammo through it - total, and in 100% condition. My friend has already bought a replacement and last I spoke to him he wants to sell it.

I've had an LCR and was not impressed. I carry a 642 as a BUG and like it a lot. It's a true pocket gun, accurate, light and easy to shoot well. What's not to like?

Thanks for the tip. Sounds great.

Not ready to get a gun right now. (Planning on paying my house off in December )

She really likes shooting my MP40 but she can barely load the magazines and she can't rack the slide. That's why I'm want her to carry a revolver.

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Wake me when it's over...

Which one can you get your pinky on? Would be my question. I can't get it on the LCR, I haven't tried the 442, but if it is anything like my old 640 I could. Skip the Taurus, they're not that great IMHO and it doesn't look nearly as neat.

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Still just a kid at heart

Go with the 442, it's proven technology and if the grip doesn't fit your hand right you can always change it out.
It's solid dependable and proven. Works for me.

Attached Images

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Glock 19 and a J frame here.


Pick either the Ruger or the 442. Either will serve you well.

I am not concerned about ammo compatibility. If I have to go to the j frame then I need to get outta dodge or end the fight real quick.

My J frame quite often becomes the primary if it's in a pocket. Which it normally is.

Another thought: There are a lot more choices in holsters for the 442.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

I carry the same setup a lot in the summer. Both guns conceal well and are dependable. +1 on your setup.

Currently I am leaning towards

1- .357 magnum Ruger LCR... Reason choosing the 357 instead of 38 is not the recoil or the price but the 2nd hand sale value...

2. 442 because of the $ price... This is not a +P model but used and 95% for the price of $250....

3. Taurus for the recoil management and the ammo compatibility with my M&P9C...

Thanks guys...

#2 the 442 hands down. Great little gun and you can't go wrong with that price as long as there's no functional issues. Plenty of choics in holsters and grips to tailor the gun to suit you.