Going to get a free revolver... cant decide!

[dom1104]

Hey, if you could help me out, I did some work for a gunshop, so they said "pick out a gun and its yours".

I was unprepared for this, so I asked for the weekend to think it over.

I would like a pocket gun of some sort, wondered if anyone had any suggestions? maybe something other than the 442 / 642.

M&P 340 maybe?

The new Smith Bodygaurd 38 that seems to be on the verge of being released.. might be nice.

Anyhow, I am at a loss. I hated the trigger pull of the Rossi and Taurus, loved the trigger on the LCR, but am worried about its limited round count / bad recent reliability issues.

Is there an all steel 38+P centennial revolver that is currently made?

Sorry for being so vague... but .. FREE GUN! and I want to make a good choice.

 

[GRIZ22]

For a free gun (not worrying about price) in a small frame revolver I'd pick a S&W 640 or Ruger SP101. I am not a fan of lightweights or 357 in a J frame gun, this doesn't preclude getting a 357 and carrying +P or +P+. I carried a 640 for a few years and loaded it with +P+. Many will say say steel frame revolvers are too heavy, personally I prefer the extra weight and durability even if I'm going to pocket carry it.

My take and I'm sure you'll get more opinions.

 

[Oro]

+1 to Griz22. Go for a steel frame; you won't regret the weight when shooting it and if you decided to daily carry it, you'll know why it has a few extra ounces. The original J frame is still one of my favorites, the 36 (available now in the Classic line), or it's stainless twin, the 60.

 

[frankt]

I am a big fan of the 442 and you probably will be too since you mentioned pocket gun.
I had a 36 but found it too heavy for pocket carry, the 442/642 fits the bill.
I am not a fan of small frame 357s either. I practice at the range with my 442 shooting milder handloads and then finish with two or three cylinders of my carry ammo.

 

[Guillermo]

if it doesn't have to be new get a Python

 

[btg3]

Consider picking the most expensive gun, say $600+. Sell it. Find a used 442/642 for $400 and buy ammo with the difference.

Or choose a 442/642 with laser grips, which is rather pricey.

Regardless, stick with S&W.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // A 3" S&W Model 60, .357, 5 shot for carry or a 5" ,S&W Model 627 performance, .357, 8 shot , for carry and everything else.

 

[Kernel]

If you like a Bodyguard, nothing wrong with the current 638. Light weight, Smith quality, shrouded hammer good for pocket carry, but can still be thumb cocked to fire single action. I like the ones that have the longer 2.5" barrel (which includes a full length ejector) and pinned blue-steel front sight blade. The longer barrel is worth it, and that black front sight is WAY easier to pick up than the stainless blade that's on the 638 models that come with the stubby 1-7/8" barrel.

 

[Cosmoline]

Guillermo beat me to it--what used ones are there? If he has a Python, forget the new stuff. Likewise a Speed Six.

 

[dom1104]

He does have a python, but there is no way I would ask for that. I am going to keep it reasonable.

I am thinking either a all steel smith 38 or like someone suggested 357, but more likely I think I will ask him to order one of those new Bodygaurd 38s with the laser, new trigger mech and polymer frame.

Might as well be a guinea pig.

I think I might ask him to let me borrow a steel revolver, walk around with it for a day or so and see if it bothers me.

If not, go for the new poly smith.

thanks for the tips guys.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I commend you dom for not wanting to gouge him. You know what the work you did was worth and it sounds like you're not wanting to try to get the best of him. That's rare these days.
If you're looking at a .38, you may as well go .357, then you can shoot either. Even if you never shoot the .357 stuff, you have the option.

 

[ewayte]

Hmm... How about something new that's been discontinued and is somewhat hard to find? I just picked up a fluted cylinder S&W 610 today after learning that they've been discontinued (again).

 

[savit260]

any other nice used Colt's in the case other than the Python?

A nice used Detective Special would be a nice choice, and not likely to drop in value like the others

 

[pikid89]

sp101

 

[degunner]

take the python and give him the cash difference if it will make you feel better, understand not wanting to gouge the guy, but if you want the python maybe the cash difference is a nice way to get a great gun at a very nice price. is just an idea

 

[mossytrigger]

My vote's for the sp-101, if you're set on a compact. but if there's a Colt that your conscience will approve of asking for, I say go for it. Hard to beat a Colt

ps- does he have any more work he needs done?

 

[EMC45]

SP101 3 inch in .357Mag. Small enough to carry and enough weight to absorb "some" recoil.

 

[rd2007]

If I wanted something small and money wasn't an object, either an Alaskan or a 329 Night Guard. I've never actually shot either, but a coworker owns an Alaskan and claimed it was smoother than my SP101 and I consider mine about as smooth as you can get in a 3" .357 Magnum.

 

[gordy]

It needs to be asked,
What is your time worth? If you only worked say for $200 and you pick a $900 gun you will get no more work from them.
If you worked say for $700 and take a $300 gun you are not getting your money.
If you worked for say $500 and you pick a gun that you can say was a good deal for both parties, Then they may call you back for more work.
Taking advantage of a good deal is not good practice and can not help you in the long run.
Pick one that you earned.

 

[pmeisel]

For a "pocket gun" -- well, peoples' builds and pockets are different, but I would be looking at an SP101 or a S&W J frame. Although I think if it were me I would go for a K-frame size and then get an IWB holster for it....

And I would definitely consider the quality used stuff. Often better than new.

Enjoy, whatever you pick.

 

[Guillermo]

Often better than new

Often?

 

[ruger1228]

I have a SP 101 2 1/4" barrel and love this gun. I carry in front pocket with Uncle Mike pocket holster. Mine has CT Laser grips. I shot 100 rounds of 357 ammo through it today. The more I shot it the more I love it. A joy to carry. Sure it is only 5 rounds but if you practice frequently, that should be all you need for SD situation.

 

[W.E.G.]

What?..., nobody thinks he should get "The Judge?"

 

[KevininPa]

S&W 60 or SP101.

 

[robbor]

guns

I have been looking at Kimber 1911's in Stainless in 38 super or 40, or maybe a s&w 686 in 357 with atleast a 6" bbl, they make a 7 shot also.