S&W 640/60, LCR .357, Taurus 605

[TomkinsSP]

"Bob" (a pseudonym which will protect him from relentless ridicule should he choose the wrong revolver), is considering these options for his first concealed carry weapon. He has fired all four, and is mostly interested in reliability and longer term issues with these four options. He is committed to .357 (even though we all know .38 spl is more than adequate), and I have agreed not to disavow him if he chooses poorly. What say you impartial members of the SMITH AND WESSON 640 FORUM.

 

[Jimmyjones]

LOL, what can I say ?

 

[Ray1970]

You can tell Bob I said pick anything other than the Taurus.

While I know some people have them and never have a problem that wasn't the case with the one I had. Mine went back to Taurus three times for repairs under their lifetime warranty. When it came back the last time I promptly got rid of it.

Friends don't let friends buy Taurus.

 

[Ziggy2525]

Haven't owned or shot a Taurus 605, but have owned a Taurus. Not again if there's another choice.

"Bob" needs to shoot the 640 and LCR and see which he prefers. I chose the 640 although I was tempted by the LCR in .327 Federal Magnum (I know, it's not .357, but I liked the idea of 6 vs 5 in a concealed hammer snub).

 

[Cal44]

I have an LCR 357 and like it.

It weighs about 17 oz empty.

He can pocket carry it with less weight than the 640 or 60.

To my thinking, the LCR 357 is the best magnum snub.

The 340/360 are so light, they are difficult and painful to shoot.

The 640 can be heavy if you carry all day.

The 357 LCR is just right.

 

[haywood]

I've had them all. Never had a problem with any of them. I ended up liking the Smith's best. It is a personal choice. I pick a lightweight for the pocket and save the heavies for the waistband. But, some pockets can handle heavy and the lightweight of corse can do waist band duty. This took me about 40 years.

 

[ContinentalOp]

If it were my choice it would be the 640.

I belt carry 99.999999% of the time, so the extra weight of steel over aluminum wouldn't be a big issue. If I knew I was going to be primarily carrying it in a pocket or ankle holster, I'd go with the 642.

For concealed carry revolvers I prefer either the enclosed hammer of the Centennials or the shrouded hammer of the Bodyguards. If I were to get a 60 I would have the hammer bobbed and converted to DAO. If I got a Bodyguard I would most likely have it converted to DAO, too, so Centennials win out since they're already DAO.

I never cared for the trigger on the LCR. Yes, it's light and smooth, but not enough "oomph" on the trigger return for my tastes. I prefer the S&W trigger return, even if it is heavier and not-as-smooth.

People have been happy with their Taurus revolvers. People have been unhappy with their Taurus revolvers. QC seems to be really hit-or-miss, with "miss" seeming more common. Customer service also seems to be a mixed bag. For these reasons, I would pass on Taurus.

 

[haywood]

If it were my choice it would be the 640.

I belt carry 99.999999% of the time, so the extra weight of steel over aluminum wouldn't be a big issue. If I knew I was going to be primarily carrying it in a pocket or ankle holster, I'd go with the 642.

For concealed carry revolvers I prefer either the enclosed hammer of the Centennials or the shrouded hammer of the Bodyguards. If I were to get a 60 I would have the hammer bobbed and converted to DAO. If I got a Bodyguard I would most likely have it converted to DAO, too, so Centennials win out since they're already DAO.

I never cared for the trigger on the LCR. Yes, it's light and smooth, but not enough "oomph" on the trigger return for my tastes. I prefer the S&W trigger return, even if it is heavier and not-as-smooth.

People have been happy with their Taurus revolvers. People have been unhappy with their Taurus revolvers. QC seems to be really hit-or-miss, with "miss" seeming more common. Customer service also seems to be a mixed bag. For these reasons, I would pass on Taurus.

That was my only complaint of the LCR357. I didn't like the trigger return.

 

[colt_saa]

I would suggest one of the Smith and Wesson revolvers in his list. Which one is dependent on how "BOB" intends to carry the firearm.

If "BOB" is gong to pocket carry, there is no better choice than the Model 640. The Centennial design has no hammer to snag on the draw and no large openings for stuff to work their way into. You might gather from the above photograph that I am a Huge fan of the Centennial design, especially for purse/pocket carry.

If the firearm is to be carried in an ankle or belt holster, I would choose the model 60. While a self defense situation where life is on the line is not going to offer time to cock and carefully aim the firearm, this feature is handy in other areas than SD. Such as out in the woods having to dispatch a snake or some other threatening animal. I carried a Model 60 as my ankle BUG almost everyday since 1980. In 1985 I switched to the Chief's Special Target and in 1996 I switched again to the J-Magnum Chiefs Special

Since long term reliability is one of "BOBs" stated goals, I would stay away from the plastic revolvers. They have not been on the market long enough to show us how they hold up over time. The 357 LCR was only introduced 8 or 9 years ago. Stainless Steel Smith and Wesson snub nosed revolvers have over half a century of ownership and use behind them, they have earned their reputation for a long service life

I have no problems staking my life on a Taurus revolver. I just prefer the fit, finish and lines of the Smith and Wessons. I even own and carry several Taurus snubbies, but those are in configurations that Smith and Wesson has never offered. Like this Titanium 45 Long Colt wheelgun or 41 Magnums

 

[eb07]

You can tell Bob I said pick anything other than the Taurus.

While I know some people have them and never have a problem that wasn't the case with the one I had. Mine went back to Taurus three times for repairs under their lifetime warranty. When it came back the last time I promptly got rid of it.

Friends don't let friends buy Taurus.

This about sums it up.

 

[M29since14]

The 640 & 60 are too heavy to pocket carry, IMO, so Bob needs to plan on getting a good belt and holster. A good, sturdy 1-1/4" dress-style belt will be sufficient to handle either of these. As for Bob's other "choices," no comment.

If Bob is planning on pocket carry, he either better be a big dude, wear sloppily fitting clothes, or look to something less powerful, smaller, and lighter - probably an autoloader in .380.

 

[Cal44]

That was my only complaint of the LCR357. I didn't like the trigger return.

I had a problem with that on my LCR 9mm.

Someone on the Ruger forum commented that sometimes the LCRs are shipped from the factory dry.

A couple drops of oil solved the problem.

 

[iPac]

You can tell Bob I said pick anything other than the Taurus.

While I know some people have them and never have a problem that wasn't the case with the one I had. Mine went back to Taurus three times for repairs under their lifetime warranty. When it came back the last time I promptly got rid of it.

Friends don't let friends buy Taurus.

Hmmm? Three times back for repairs, then sold it. That sounds awfully familiar to many S&W buyers too. Maybe you shouldn't be so biased, because the quality difference isn't as large as you may think.

I think all of Bob's options are viable, but as always, properly assess each example to assure quality. Won't have any issues if that is done. As for choice, it all depends on what your needs are, and only you know that.

When it comes to 357mag snubbies, I would personally go with a larger framed gun though. The compact frames aren't my cup of tea for magnum calibers. A K frame or similar would be the smallest I chose.

 

[Ray1970]

Hmmm? Three times back for repairs, then sold it. That sounds awfully familiar to many S&W buyers too. Maybe you shouldn't be so biased, because the quality difference isn't as large as you may think.

I will admit you can get lemons from any manufacturer from time to time. The experience I had with my first (and only) Taurus revolver just left a bad taste so I have just swore off of owning another one. I figure the price difference between a Taurus and something like a S&W or Ruger really isn't all that great and I've personally never had issues with any of the ones I've owned so I just stick with those.

I wasn't here to bash Taurus but, since the OP asked for opinions, I gave mine based off of personal experience.

Bob can buy whatever he likes regardless of my opinion.

Whatever he ends up with I wish him the best and may it suit his needs and make him happy.

 

[dubshooter]

I have owned an LCR and still own a 640. 640 (j frames in general) fit my hand better. LCR wasn't bad. But wasn't great.

Give me a steel j frame any day. I'm not picky on the model

 

[dubshooter]

Oh, especially when you can get a 640 trade in for the price of a Taurus 605.

 

[GeoJelly]

At risk of engendering the same ridicule as Bob might receive - I have a 60, 640 and an LCR - although it's a .22 - and I recommend an LCR. The .357 LCR has a steel frame so it is/would be heavier than my LCR .22. I would suggest he at least test fire an LCR - maybe at a rental range. I really like the trigger on the LCR - and I believe the .22 trigger is heavier than the .38/.357's. I frequently pocket my LCR because the factory grip and trigger feel just right. It won't win any beauty contests - but it'll keep on tickin' - and Ruger does a great job of supporting their handguns after sale ... should anything go wrong with it. I, too, will have to say Taurus is out of the question...

 

[mgriffin]

A 640 for belt wear and 442 for jeans pocket if 'Bob" want to pocket carry.

 

[Scorpion520AZ]

He has fired all four, and is mostly interested in reliability and longer term issues with these four options. He is committed to .357.

Snub nose CCW revolver + long term reliability + .357 = Smith & Wesson IMO

 

[TomkinsSP]

At risk of engendering the same ridicule as Bob might receive - I have a 60, 640 and an LCR - although it's a .22 - and I recommend an LCR. The .357 LCR has a steel frame so it is/would be heavier than my LCR .22. I would suggest he at least test fire an LCR - maybe at a rental range. I really like the trigger on the LCR - and I believe the .22 trigger is heavier than the .38/.357's. I frequently pocket my LCR because the factory grip and trigger feel just right. It won't win any beauty contests - but it'll keep on tickin' - and Ruger does a great job of supporting their handguns after sale ... should anything go wrong with it. I, too, will have to say Taurus is out of the question...

No ridicule here, someone who is very special to me has LCRs in .22LR and .357. She shoots off a couple boxes of .22s to practice, and then a couple cylinders of .38 SPL PDX+p which is her carry ammo.