New to revolvers, good BUG?

[Big Boy]

This would be my first revolver. But I am starting to like the one's I've fired, and I definitely think it would be the best thing for a back up gun.

I'm looking for the biggest caliber in the smallest package, and light if I can keep it that way. I've found a S&W 642 in .38 special +P. It looks pretty good, but I was wondering what else is out there.

As I said, trying to get as small as possible, but I'd like to keep as much power as possible.

 

[KBintheSLC]

Its hard to beat a S&W J-frame as far as snub 38's go... other good options are Ruger LCR or Taurus 85UL.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Smith pre lock 642 may be the best

I opt for a pre lock model 60 in 38 Spl.

 

[rd2007]

I'm loving the SP101 I bought a few days ago. I'll take the extra weight for the stability and long life it gives in return.

 

[wrs840]

The S&W 642 or 442 are widely highly regarded. IMO you would never regret owning either one. That said, they require practice for any level of proficiency, but no more so than any compact snub.

Les

 

[Big Boy]

Biggest caliber, smallest size, light weight?

S&W 329 Night Guard. 29.3 oz.

Here's mine...

Ooh! pretty. Is it any bigger than the 642? Very attracted by the round it fires, but yet again, trying to keep small and concealed as a back up.

 

[wrs840]

^^^
Well, it's heavier. My 442 weighs 17.5 oz loaded with 125gr JHP +Ps.

Les

 

[gunnutery]

I too vote for sp101, S&W may have some smaller models, but the ruger is very solid and will last forever.

 

[frankiestoys]

Smith and Wesson make great snub's,but i recently traded my 642 for a 357 sp 101, i like it better.
Yes it does weigh more,and is a little larger, but also soaks up recoil better and is far more pleasent to shoot at extended range trips IM0.
Try them both out if you can, you cant loose with either one.
Also Ruger makes the LCR , iv'e seen good reports on that as well.

 

[danbrew]

well, yeah, it's big. It's a N-frame revolver. But it's not that heavy and it is generally the largest caliber you'll find in a snubbie. If you're a big guy, you can find room for it.

 

[Big Boy]

Lol, actually not that big. I know, the screen name, been around forever. I only weigh about 170, 5'10. So printing would be a concern.

I appreciate the suggestions, keep em coming if there are more. I just wish the gun shops around here had more stuff I could actually get my hands on and see.

 

[Palu]

I've shot the SW airweights (642?). I did not enjoy shooting it at all. Very jumpy. I'd go for a little heavier modellike the SP101.

 

[gwalchmai]

I only weigh about 170, 5'10. So printing would be a concern.

Not necessarily. If you dress for it you can hide a revolver easier than many of us "big boned" guys.

The size/power ratio can be tricky. I like a .38 J-frame as it can disappear, esp in a Smartcarry holster. It's pretty concealable in an IWB or belt-slide under a T-shirt, too.

 

[InkEd]

442 or 642 proven and trusty favorites for generations

 

[jad0110]

Quote:
I only weigh about 170, 5'10. So printing would be a concern.

Not necessarily. If you dress for it you can hide a revolver easier than many of us "big boned" guys.

The size/power ratio can be tricky. I like a .38 J-frame as it can disappear, esp in a Smartcarry holster. It's pretty concealable in an IWB or belt-slide under a T-shirt, too.

I agree. I'm 6'7" and about 205-210 lbs and regularly carry the following guns IWB (in addition to a S&W 642 in the pocket): S&W Model 15 2", Model 15 4" and a 5" M1911A1. The key is a nice gunbelt and a quality holster. The cheapest IWB holster I use set me back $75 and the priciest cost around $110, so that gives you an idea.

As a side note, most people I see in gunshops seem to drop huge bucks on a shiney new gun (like $600 and up), then scrimp on the gear with cheap crappy holsters and $10 K-Mart belts. I like to do it the other way around by buying high quality, reliable, solid used guns (like my 2" Model 15 for $375, my 4" Model 15 for $309 or my just acquired 4" Ruger Sevice Six 357 Mag for $275) and splurge on nice gear.

As a BUG, a small enclosed or shrouded hammer J Frame is a solid choice. When I carry a BUG, I like to do so by pocket carrying, and the 15 or so oz J-Frames sans exposed hammer excels in this role. Unlike tiny autos, the grip is prominent enough for me to find easily in an emergency, God forbid one ever comes, but is not too big to be uncomfortable. They are not too heavy so as to be flailing around in your pocket, and not so light as to be too painful to practice with. My S&W 642 is perfect for me in this role, but for IWB carry, I prefer something a bit bigger/heftier like my Model 15s that are still easy to carry/conceal with good gear and are more pointable/easier to shoot. And the extra round is a nice bonus.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // What is your primary?

642 or 442 are great as BUG for 357/38 /Here are my Primary: S&W 586, 357/38, 6" and BUG: S&W 442 airweight, prelock, 38+p, 1 7/8"

IMHO spare ammo(38+p in my case) should work in both primary and bug.
Also I think SD/HD weapons should be black/blue.

 

[Big Boy]

I carry a XD45 or 1911 as primary. I would want this purely as a BUG so that is why I am leaning more toward something light and small. I'm kind of thinking gun grab scenario, or possibly disarmed when someone got the jump on me and have to pull from a concealed place a bit later.

I want a revolver for this role for a couple reasons. One, I don't have a revolver yet . Two, people have talked about how you are going to be using a BUG most of the time on the ground, or in a gun grab scenario, and I don't want an auto that can go out of battery when pressed against someone point blank. Also, stove piping can be a bigger issue when there are so many things, and hands going on so close to the gun.

As far as pocket carry, I've heard a lot of people talking about this lately. Are there holsters and rigs for this, or are people just walking around with a gun in their pocket? However, I would probably look to hide it somewhere a bit more inconspicuous.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Both holsters in post #17 can be used for J-frame pocket carry.

The brown soft leather Quest works with 442 in either left or right front pants pocket or IWB left side.

The Black stiff leather Eric Wisnat(under 442) is for right front pants pocket carry. Smooth on outside, cylinder imprint on inside, no clip. Even without extended grip the butt can show in front pocket of some pants though.

IMHO, IWB BUG is good for all day / pocket carry when BUG becomes primary, ... around house... trip to store. Be safe... content

 

[armoredman]

Yes, a small wheelgun CAN fit in a front pocket by itself easily enough - I do it with this gun,



Carpenter's jeans, nice big front pockets, holds it upright quite well without printing. STILL waiting on my Mika's pocket holster I ordered about 5-6 months ago...

 

[Big Boy]

No concerns about just carrying a gun around free float in your pocket?

 

[gwalchmai]

Bad idea. It'll always be upside down when you try to get to it. And it'll be full of lint, trash, and junk. Plus, in GA it's against the law. And it can go off if your keys get in the trigger.

 

[jglcolosprgs]

Bad idea. It'll always be upside down when you try to get to it. And it'll be full of lint, trash, and junk. Plus, in GA it's against the law. And it can go off if your keys get in the trigger.

Now there is lots of good info.....:banghead:

How about power - 357

Size Smith J frame.

Not to heavy - but rugged stainless steel.

S&W Model 60



I use a DeSantis (sp?) Nemesis for pocket carry. Just to keep from printing to much. Jeez I can carry my Glock 27 in cargo pants. This is my "out for the evening" gun. Dress for the occasion!

I upgraded the grip from the factory (pictured above) to rose wood Bantam grips to draw without sticking in the pocket.

 

[jad0110]

Bad idea. It'll always be upside down when you try to get to it.

I tried holsterless with my unloaded 642 and experienced the same issue. It takes only a few moments for the butt and the barrel to switch places, with the muzzle pointed in the general direction of your head.

Not to mention the gun prints more without a holster. With my Robert Mika, it just looks like a large wallet in my pocket. Holds it in the same place every time for optimal consistency. You do need fairly deep pockets, which may require sewing in pocket extensions. I need new shorts and pants anyway, so I just brought along my 642 and holster and tried stuff on.

Pocket holster or no, don't put anything else in the pocket with the gun. Just to much risk of a foreign object finding its way into the wrong place (inside the trigger gaurd).

 

[Big Boy]

Bad idea. It'll always be upside down when you try to get to it. And it'll be full of lint, trash, and junk. Plus, in GA it's against the law. And it can go off if your keys get in the trigger.

Exactly what I was thinking.

If you are disarmed wont the pocket be a pretty likely place for someone to look for a BUG though?

 

[gwalchmai]

I don't know if people would look for a BUG. Most people don't carry a gun at all, much less a BUG.