Torn between two snubbies

[buckstir]

Next on my purchase list is a lightweight .38 snubnose revolver suitable for pocket carry...my current EDC is a Ruger SP101 .357 2-1/4" with CT grips...love it...have decided to keep it... but still crave a lighter more concealable option. Have basically narrowed my choices to the M438 ($399) or the Ruger LCR ($409). I'd call the weight about even, giving the LCR the nod on trigger feel and the Smith the nod on looks and overall fit and finish, plus the SA option is nice. The LCR has the pinned front sights and XS sights are high on my want list.....so am leaning towards the LCR today, yesterday the 438 humpback was the answer....I seem to waffle every hour on my choice...if the LCR had a shrouded hammer or the 438 had interchangable sights then I could choose without compromise....Is there any way to get tritium sights on a 438 by a gunsmith or ????...are any other S&W snubbies available with decent sights without jumping to the $700 plus range. Cripes, the LCR has the nicest trigger and sights available....so is the SA option on the 438 that important...see, I'm going in circles here.
Also, for the first time a counter guy at my LGS asked me not to dry fire any revolvers. I know not to dry fire the rimfire but had previously been actually encouraged to test the triggers when comparing models at both this shop and the local Sportman's Warehouse????

Regards,
Buck

 

[white cloud]

my 2cents. get the 438. i have jumped through many hoops to obtain a stainless version of the same gun 649. i like having the single action option. i don't like plastic guns.

 

[RussellD]

I vote for the 438. Then you can pickup an all steel counterpart for range practice...

 

[GKC]

I have gone through the same decision process myself...and I have owned S&W models 442, 40, 38, and the Bodyguard 38. I've owned the Ruger SP101 and the LCR in .357 Mag. Now, I have the S&W 649...and that's where I am staying. My rationale: I liked the LCR trigger the best, but I just didn't like the polymer frame. All the other S&Ws were nice, but were either too light or were not chambered for .357 Mag. Now, I don't plan to routinely shoot .357 Mag in my carry revolver, but I want the ability to do so if I choose, and for the added durability. I like the SA option that the 649 offers, as well as the shrouded hammer makes pocket carry easier. Yes, it is heavier but with a good belt it works fine...and I don't go out in public in shorts anyway. (Not a pretty sight...)

I have semi-autos, and I like them. I like the 649 as my backup or packet carry when I need to do that.

 

[moxie]

Love my LCR. Great choice for pocket carry. As you have stated, its trigger and sights are superior to the J-frames. As far as single action goes, what for? And who cares what the gun is made of if it does the job? The LCR is a superbly designed and made tool for a specific purpose. You know, I love my 625, but I just can't fit the thing in my pocket.
BTW, the LCR's owner's manual specifically states dry-firing is OK.
Carries nicely in a Nemesis or Uncle Mike's #3 in slacks, jeans, or shorts front pocket.

 

[augy]

No need for sights

....I seem to waffle every hour on my choice...if the LCR had a shrouded hammer or the 438 had interchangable sights then I could choose without compromise....Is there any way to get tritium sights on a 438 by a gunsmith or ????...are any other S&W snubbies available with decent sights without jumping to the $700 plus range. Cripes, the LCR has the nicest trigger and sights available....so is the SA option on the 438 that important...see, I'm going in circles here.
Regards,
Buck[/QUOTE]

IMHO, if your using it for a concealed carry gun, I wouldn't worry about sights. Its a matter of point and shoot.

The 438 would be my choice.

augy

 

[southchatham]

I had both. I had an lcr last summer, traded it to a guy for a Glock. I just bought the 438 a couple of weeks ago. Size advantage goes to the 438. Weight goes to the LCR, but not by much. The LCR trigger is smooth and lighter, but has a longer weaker reset; the 438 has single action which is sweet. The sights go to the LCR because you can change them. I bought laser grips so this did not matter to me. Recoil feels the same, to be honest I liked the LCR but love the 438. The 438 will never be traded away.

 

[Cdnbacon]

I have both the LCR and 638. I agree with the observations that the LCR has a smoother, lighter trigger but has a weaker, longer feeling reset. It makes it feel a little less positive for rapid fire as I like a firm reset. The sights are better on the LCR as noted. Consequently, I find little practical difference at very close range such as out to 10-12 yars. After that the advantage goes to the Ruger. I consider the weights too close to worry about any difference. I find the hogue grips on the LCR feel better and soak up recoil compared to the standard Smith grips. However, the smith comes in and out of a pocket just a little slicker and smoother as a consequence. I find the Ruger to be an ugly although effective tool, whereas the smith is an effective tool that has some grace. By the way, whatever Ruger did to finish the barrel and chambers works well because it seems to clean up leading easier than my other revolvers. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice.......give it some time and you will probably get both.

 

[jrd1976]

Either a used Model 38, if you can find one, or the newer Model 438 or 638---and a set of Crimson Trace laser grips.

 

[IraIII]

It depends on how much lighter you want to go, and what caliber you desire. Your SP weighs about 25 oz and is 357, a model 38 is 14 oz and is 38 special. I replaced my model 38 with a 649 357 20 oz, and mine has a pinned sight. I don't notice the extra 6 oz much, although I do miss the model 38.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I own a 638 and have (only) handled the LCR (on several occasions when they first came out.) Here is my 2 cents based on my exposure.

Trigger: I have to agree on the LCR trigger. It is SMOOTH and feels good at first but suffers in the reset department. Maybe because I've owned near 100 smith revolvers, but I still think the feel of a broken in S&W J frame trigger is comforting. I'm not so convinced the LCR trigger will fair as well after 20 years of use.

Sights:, The removable sight is a nice option ( I have it on my 360PD) but I'm not wacky about the factory night sight as issues on the LCR. It seems to stick up allot and have a square profile. i.e snag prone. Besides, I'm betting that a decent gunsmith (or S&W themselve) could scratch your itch for a S&W sight upgrade.

Grips: LCR advantage out of the box but S&W J frame grips are sold in hundreds of shapes, materials and styles for cheap $. Replacement LCR grips will be more limited and can be more expensive . which brings me to my last point..

Ownership experience: A S&W J frame is finely built, long lasting and highly respected. In short it's set the bar in "snubbies" for longer than most of us have been on earth. The LCR is a newcomer and it's longevity , resale and public acceptance is still comparatively unproven.
I'd also argue, ( JMHO here) that the poly framed, odd looking LCR will leave most lacking in the "pride in ownership" department after the thrill of the initial buy/coolness factor is gone. Let's face it, she's no beauty and never will be.


FWIW, here is my 638 as she carries. One of my favorite S&W's of all times.

 

[GKC]

Very nice...

May I ask about the holster and the grips? I like them, and think they might go well with my 649.

 

[buckstir]

Thanks.....brought her home today!!!!

Some well thought out comments...thanks for the input. Finally went with the M438 and am very pleased, going to the range Saturday...now if only Ruger would release a LCR22LR 8 shot
Attempted some photos today and struggled with upload, hope they suffice. Thanks again.
Regards,
Buck

 

[ISOM]

Can not make up my mind

Ruger SP101 .357 2-1/4
In addition to many S&W, I have three SP-101's.
The are stronger guns.

 

[cjtraining]

The holster is a Bianchi 55L Lightin'. It is a well made holster made for the Bodyguard and Centennial. A Chief's Special will also work. The draw back for me, with mine is, it will not accomdate a J frame with a Tyler T Grip or any other grip that will prohibit the safety snap from fastening.

 

[oldgun]

I carry the 649 and love it. I did buy the Crimson Trace grip, but afterwards wish I would have saved the money for something else besides the laser grip. You don't need one on this gun IMO.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Very nice...

May I ask about the holster and the grips? I like them, and think they might go well with my 649.

Thank You. The grips are real stag bought off Ebay. They were custom/small shop production and I can't remember the name. I didn't pay allot though.

The holster is a Bianchi Lightning 55L " S&W Chief". Also snagged of Ebay. I like this holster as it goes on off the belt easily and secures the gun by the trigger guard vs hammer (which obviously wouldn't work with a 38/49 series revolver).

 

[airman]

I dithered for two weeks between two Ruger SP101s and one with a laser light and two Airweights. The big guns were gone by the time I chose and settled on a little pocket S&W 642. It's probably better for my ancient hands.

Do you smell the sour grapes?