Looking for a nice revolver?

Question

I own a Springfield XD and i just got my conceal and carry permit in PA. The Springfield is just a little to big for me to carry around on my body so i was looking for something a little smaller just to carry, and keep as a back-up home defense gun. I was looking at some .38 revolvers and i was wondering what some people think about them in general and specifically what i should look at. Cost is a concern so I would kind of like to keep it in the $400 and under range...any recomendations, or anything else i should check out?

Answer 1

Ruger is usually the best buy for the money. Get an sp100 or an sp101, both are small framed and will conceal easily. Avoid Rossi etc

shoot safe

Answer 2

In my opinion if the gun is going to have anything remotely to do with home or self defense go with the auto loader as for size Glock has a few nice compact pistols being that you currently already have an XD the compact .45 glock offers would be an excellent match for about 600 dollars however if your sure you want to downsize a Glock .380 or 9mm or even .40 would do the trick. Hope I helped

Answer 3

"Nice" revolver?....... When I think of nice I think Ruger... The .38 is a little light weight but its fine for concealed carry... I wouldnt use a .38 if I was a cop or security type but for other use its fine.....

Ruger in .38 special....

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/F...

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/F...

Answer 4

38 special, concealable and under $400= Taurus

http://www.taurususa.com/products/produc...

Look at: Compact Revolvers, Small Revolvers, Instant Backup Revolvers and Lightweight Revolvers.

Taurus has a Lifetime Guarantee.

Answer 5

get a .38

Answer 6

Revolvers are a little more difficult to conceal because of the cylinder.  A semi-auto is more easily concealeds because it is easier to lay flat against your body.  However, if you want a revolver, I would recommend a stainless Taurus with a 2 1/2 inch barrel.  Go to the Taurus website and look at what they have that is chambered for .357 mag and has a 2 1/2 inch barrel.  The reason that I say look for a .357 mag. is because you can shoot .38 Special ammo in it if you want but you can also shoot .357 mag ammo if you wish.  it's like having two guns in one.  I have a hammerless Taurus .357 mag with a 2 1/2 inch barrel that I often carry, especially in the winter when it is easier to conceal.  I chose the hammerless model because it doesn't have a hammer spur to catch on your clothes when you try to take it out.

I own several Taurus revolvers and am very satisfied with the quality and the price.  You will run into some people who bad mouth Taurus but that is because they have their favorite brand or because they have never shot a Taurus and have no actual knowlege about them.  Taurus is well made and is a good shooting gun.  I have never had a moments trouble from any of my Taurus revolvers.  I have also owned several Smith and Wesson revolvers and had more trouble from them than I have ever had from a Taurus.  Both the S&W Model 19 and the S&W Model 29 gave me problems when I tried to shoot a steady diet of .357 mag in the 19 and .44 mag in the 29.  The top strap on both stretched and resulted in serious end shake.  I had to return both to the factory for repair.  The factory did an excellent job in repairing my guns but recommended that I not shoot too much mag amo in them.  they were chambered for the mag ammo but just would not hold up under the pounding.  Never a problem with Taurus.  Do the math.

Answer 7

The 357 Magnum has been tried, true, tested, and proven to be the Best self-defense caliber preferably in a Smith & Wesson Brand with 4 inch barrel.* You can also shoot 38 caliber ammo in a 357 Magnum.* You get two (2*) handguns for the price of one (1*)... Use 125 grain jacketed hollow points for ammo.. It is a no-nonsense man stopper.* Buy New or Used.* I bought one that was in like New condition for way under $400.00 dollars.*

Answer 8

I am very fond of S&W J-frame revolvers, both the .38 SPL models and the .357 Magnum models.

After over 30 years of packing a handgun on a daily basis, I've come to the conclusion that the two absolute best pocket revolvers are the S&W Bodyguard Series (M-49, M-638 & M-649) and the S&W Centennial Series (M-40, M-442, & M-640).  The Bodyguard Series have a shrouded hammer, thus retaining single-action capability.  The Centennial Series are true hammerless revolvers.

Both models offer a smooth profile with a snag-free draw.  Both may be fired reliably from within a pocket  or purse without the lining interfering with the hammer.

I strongly urge you to ignore the skeeterweight titanium, scandium, unobtanium or some other weightless metal.  Especially if you opt for a .357 Magnum model.  My Always Gun, an S&W M-640 weighs almost 25-ounces and recoil is pretty danged stout.  I can't imagine how painful it would be to squeeze off a full-power magnum load in a revolver weighting 13-ounces.

Doc

Answer 9

I like the Ruger gp100 in .357.

Answer 10

My pocket revolver is a .38 Special Smith & Wesson "Bodyguard", but it is too costly for you. I have found that Rugers are good values, so look at them, if you cannot afford an S&W. A pocket .357 is not a great idea. It loses much accuracy and power in a short barrel, and has awful kick and muzzle blast. My "Bodyguard' has an integral hammer shroud, so it will not snag on clothing, yet it can be pulled back for more accurte single-action firing. It is quite accurate. I can easily keep all bullets in the kill zone on a man silouhette at 50 yards. I would consider saving up money for it.

Answer 11

I myself am looking to purchase a Smith & Wesson Model 642 "bodyguard edition" (5 shot revolver .38 + P) with the enclosed hammer and a stainless steel frame for concealed carry.  The enclosed hammer is a great safety feature for concealed carry since there is no exposed hammer to snag when drawing the weapon.  Stainless steel won't corrode they way many other materials eventually will when regularly carried next to the body and exposed to salty sweat.  5 shots should be more than enough, any realistic gunfight out on the street will probably be over in seconds.  Loaded with high powered semi-jacketed hollowpoint .38 +p rounds, the gun will provide more than sufficient stopping power.  Smith & Wesson is a good brand.  I saw one at a local gun show awhile ago brand-new for $399.  I am kicking myself for not getting it then.  I called a few gunstores recetly and the cheapest one currently available was going for about $460.

Answer 12

I have a Taurus Model 605 with the 2.25 barrel and it is a very nice 5 shot revolver. Would make an awesome backup gun. I generally shoot .38+P through it as I do not care for the recoil of .357 from this particular weapon. Put some after market grips on it and it is a great, inexpensive gun.

Answer 13

You can purchase a Rossi snub nosed revolver .38 special for as little $329 at www.gunsamerica.com. I own one myself and they are very easy to conceal and they have 6 shot cylinder.

Answer 14

a nice 9mm glock will do the trick