Help me pick out a revolver

I would opt for the Ruger LCR 38 special, for a few bucks more.

No question for me, ported 3" or 4"made by Taurus. Tracker is nice bug too big, probably an older 3" ported 85 would work if I could find one...kinda rare.

My CCW is a Smith Model 36. I have the 3'', but the 1 7/8 might fit the bill for you--just another model you might look at.

By the way, this would be a used gun, so I'm not sure if you have gun shops around you that have a good used (especially revolver) inventory or not, but I'd recommend giving one a look for sure if at all possible.

I happen to live close to a gun shop that specializes in used revolvers, and I paid $350 for mine, which is a 60's vintage and 90% in terms of wear.

I've used several 'pocket pistols' before acquiring the model 36, as I could not get comfortable with them at all.

Good luck!

JERRY said:

you can get a new Charter Arms for that price

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+1. Charter Arms makes a good revolver, and its in your price range. Take a look at the Charter Arms Police Undercover 38 Special. Its unique in the fact that its currently the only 6 SHOT small frame revolver being made today. All the others are 5 SHOT. That makes a BIG difference in my opinion. The Police Undercover weighs 20 oz, which is light enough to carry, but helps to tame recoil much better than Charters lightest 38 Special, which weighs 12 oz. Another nice thing about the Charter revolvers, they make one grip frame for all the different revolvers, so all the grips interchange. There are many different grip shapes, styles and sizes available.

My wife wanted a revolver for her peace of mind, when I wasnt home. I bought her a Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrel. She decided it was too big, and heavy. Most women dont want a big revolver. I bought the Charter for her, and she is very happy with it. Im happy its a 6 Shot.

And don't forget the .44 Bulldog either.

Same size as the above mentioned Undercover Police, but you get 5 shots of .44 special. Round per round, it's going to be more effective, but will have one less shot and more recoil.

Something to chew on OP.

Just a thought but I seem to recall reading that the compact revolvers tend to have a heavier trigger pull in stock form than something like a K frame 10, 15 or 19 also in stock form. If that's the case and given that he mentioned that his wife has trouble with racking the M&P perhaps a 4 inch K frame revolver would be better than the smaller frame options.

It'll be up to her of course but if she can DA a K frame but has a bit of trouble with a J frame or SP101 or LCR then it might be worth taking into consideration.

Are there any options for easy trigger pull "hammerless" small frame revolvers? That might be an option.

My wife ended up with a 32 H&R magnum revolver with a 3" barrel. She shoots it well and the recoil doesn't bother her weak wrists. She usually practices with her dad's light-shooting 32 long reloads.

My wife ended up with a 32 H&R magnum revolver with a 3" barrel. She shoots it well and the recoil doesn't bother her weak wrists. She usually practices with her dad's light-shooting 32 long reloads.

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+1

Mine is the Model 731 Taurus Titanium. 6 shots , Pocket carries well, recoil is very managable with .32 S&W Longs, and the H&R magnum delivers near the same FP's of energy as the .38 Special with less recoil.

You have to look on the used gun market for the Taurus. Other companies made revolvers near this size in the .32 H&R caliber. You can also look for the .327 Federal Mag which will shoot the lower power loads.

the Ruger LCR should fit the bill nicely in 38/357. It's about 3 oz heavier than the LCR 38, and will handle 38, 38+P , and 357 mag. The little bit of added weight takes away a lot of the recoil of the 38 spc loads. Load it with WC's for the wife at home. And +P's or 357 for carry.You should be good to go.Even the kids should be able to handle shooting the WC's with no problem.

Zendude said:

If you want a revolver that your wife could use for concealed carry, consider a Charter Arms 5 shot in 32 H&R Magnum caliber. The price is in your range. It has a fairly soft double action trigger and a soft recoil. I would bet that she would not like the recoil of a 38 in any revolver weighing less than a pound. Defense ammo is not hard to find in 32 H&R although less expensive practice ammo is. I have one and I don't feel like it is too feeble for self defense at all.

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I have a SP101 in .32 H&R Mag. I use 32 S&W Long for cheap practice. My gun likes them and I can easily find a box of 50 for $17-$20.

It is a nice gun and I highly recommend the 32 H&R Magnum cartridge.

JSH1 said:

I have a SP101 in .32 H&R Mag. I use 32 S&W Long for cheap practice. My gun likes them and I can easily find a box of 50 for $17-$20.



It is a nice gun and I highly recommend the 32 H&R Magnum cartridge.

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That's a good point. With the high demand for small cc pistols today, I don't know why there aren't more 32 caliber revolvers being offered. A S&W air weight in 38 special is way too snappy and not enjoyable to shoot

Have you considered a LCR in 22 Mag? Less recoil, but more noise.

Honestly I would be comfortable with a LCR in 22LR, but certainly there are better home defense/defense calibers.

In-laws came and got the kids so we had a free day. We went to Gander Mountain for her to look around and see what she liked. Out of all the guns she liked a 637 best. Obviously she wasn't able to fire anything, but this is what she liked.

Soooooo.... she's wanting a little J-frame.

Do I tell her, "No! I know best. You only think you want that gun. I'm buying you this one that you don't want because I know it's better for you."?

Thoughts?

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Yes. Either go to a range that has loaner guns or talk to a friend who has a number of them. And ask her to try shooting them. If she's hesitant, ask her if she'd buy a pair of shoes without trying them on.

I did that with a friend of mine. The gun she originally liked, when she got to hold it, was a LCR . That went away when she got to shoot one, for she didn't like the recoil. A 4" round-butt Model 10 was enjoyable for her to shoot, but she didn't like the weight of the gun. The gun that worked best for her was a 3" Model 60.

Sorry, I was thinking of another thread.... move along... .nothing to see here.

Zendude said:

That's a good point. With the high demand for small cc pistols today, I don't know why there aren't more 32 caliber revolvers being offered. A S&W air weight in 38 special is way too snappy and not enjoyable to shoot

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Ruger is currently offering the 4" SP101 in .327 Fed Mag
http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/models.html

They also offer the Single Seven in .327 Fed Mag. You can pick from 4.63, 5.5, or 7.5 inch barrels
http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelSingleSixDE/models.html

Don't forget, there are light recoiling .38 Special defensive rounds specifically made for women. They would be suitable even in a lightweight J-frame. They don't deliver the energy of a heavier bullet, but would be much more controllable and accurate for the recoil sensitive. And they're pink!




Unaffected by thick and heavy clothing, including denim and leather.
Patented FTX bullet delivers superior controlled expansion and large, deep wound cavities over a wide range of velocities.
Clean burning and stable propellants reduce recoil in lightweight handguns, and perform consistently in all temperatures.
Minimal muzzle flash protects night vision.
Feeds reliably in all pistols.
Shiny silver nickel plating prevents corrosion, and is easily visible in low light situations.
Bullets are cannelured and crimped to avoid bullet setback.
Bullets are custom designed for individual loads.
The most effective, consistent, and reliable self-defense ammunition available today!

1. Armscor m206
2. Armscor m206
3. Armscor m206
4. Armscor m206
5. Armscor m206

6. Ruger lcr
7. Used smith and wesson

With your intended purpose I would go with the SP (in 2.25" or 3").

IMO the Security Six is the best GP (general purpose) revolver and the SP (special purpose) is the best for packing all day.

After a Wolff spring kit, deburring, and some polishing my SP has the best trigger out of all my revolvers: nice, clean, crisp, 8 lb brake in DA mode.

As you can see there is a difference in size when comparing these three models. My least favorite is the GP with it's bulky frame and grip stud. It throws the weight to the front end effecting the balance. (the GP is better for recoil, but remember this is a 357, not a 44).

My wife opted for a Ruger LCR in .22 LR. It's light, has zero recoil, is relatively quiet, is reasonably accurate and holds 8 rounds. This is what she carries when she's in a hurry and wants to pack something quickly. She also put a laser sight on it.

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I know .22LR sucks as a self defense round. I also know laser sights on a revolver are ridiculously "tacticool", but that's what she wanted. I've been married a long time. I don't argue.

On her nightstand she has an old Smith & Wesson police revolver in .38SP with a 4" barrel and hogue grips.

Andy John said:

My wife opted for a Ruger LCR in .22 LR. It's light, has zero recoil, is relatively quiet, is reasonably accurate and holds 8 rounds. This is what she carries when she's in a hurry and wants to pack something quickly. She also put a laser sight on it.



Yeah, yeah, yeah... I know .22LR sucks as a self defense round. I also know laser sights on a revolver are ridiculously "tacticool", but that's what she wanted. I've been married a long time. I don't argue.

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If it is the gun she wants and likes to shoot it, then it is definitely the right gun for her.

Tluxtele . After purchasing a Ruger LCR 38/357 ,and having it out to the range, I can tell you, the light revolvers KICK . Anyone who is recoil shy may be better served by a heavier revolver, or a smaller caliber . A 327 fed mag. maybe the ticket . Shoots 327 mag . 32 mag ,32 and 32 short . Much less recoil than the 38 caliber
family of cartridges.

When your wife racks your auto, is she holding it across her body, slide immobile and strong hand pushing the grip forward? Or does she like most of us hold the grip steady and pull back the slide? If she's using the second (improper but I do it, too) method, have her try the "right" way. Maybe she can handle it, after all, and you don't need a new blaster. Using correct technique nearly anyone can rack a slide, and it's easier than shooting a revolver DA.

If the new revolver is primarily "her" gun, you might send her to a range, rent and shoot several of her choice, see what she likes. Or shoot her dad's guns. Or, if that doesn't work for you, locate a good store with friendly, knowledgeable staff, and send her by herself. Most women shooters of my acquaintance who started with 2" lightweights either switched or quit after about 200 rounds down the pipe. I don't blame them - +p loads in 12-16 oz revolvers is more perceived recoil than hot 357's in my 686. Just don't make the common mistake of starting her with a light, hard-recoiling handgun that she will hate training with.