The best light weight 38 spl revolver

Tool · March 28, 2025, 12:32 PM

What is your favorite light weight 38 spl revolver? My main use case is to shoot snake shells and I'd want something that is light weight.

Below is my current list under consideration:
- SW 642 or 637
- Kimber K6 XS

Thanks.

John D · March 28, 2025, 02:15 PM

3" Ruger LCR. Bought this to replace the S&W 66 snubbie I carried around my ranch for rattlesnakes and such. The weight difference is amazing.

74A95 · March 28, 2025, 02:51 PM

Our favorite might not be your favorite. Pick the one you want.

Tool · March 28, 2025, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the replies. Glad you mentioned Ruger LCR. I already have one for 22LR, and always felt like I missed something since it is not a SW :-)

Please don't assume everyone has the same knowledge about guns as you guys. It's true that sometimes the favorite guns of one person may not be the same as the other, but more likely than not, a great product will be favored by more people.

Recycled bullet · March 30, 2025, 09:54 AM

The lightest one that I'm aware of is the 340 PD by Smith & Wesson. It's a 357 Magnum that weighs 12 oz.

Nathan · March 30, 2025, 09:57 AM

IMO, one should look at S&W revolvers mostly. I’m not sure what you mean by light. IMO, Revolvers are sized by frame size, caliber and material.

If I wanted snake shot to pattern at all, I would look at a 4” gun. I would probably look at a 19 because the 357 chamber may offer some walkers in snake shot loads. A 15 is also a good choice.

I think there is a 4” model 60 for a smaller gun. 315 or 386 might be good lightweight choices. 342 would be smallest and lightest.

S&W revolvers basically divide into:
- frame size:I,J,K,L,N,X
- Use: Combat, Carry, Target, Competition, Hunting, Other
- Material: Carbon Steel, Stainless, Aluminum, Scandium alloy, Titanium
- Barrel Length:1.## thru 8.5+
- Revision Level: -1-12

So, I have a 19-3. It is a K frame, lightened (taper barrel, short ejector lug), carbon steel, blue finish, combat type, adjustable sights, target grips, pinned & recessed revision level.

I also have a 340. It is a j frame, scandium alloy frame SS cylinder, 1.875” bbl, 357 mag, black finish, fixed tritium sights.

Recycled bullet · March 30, 2025, 09:57 AM

I have handled several of these in the gun shops they feel so light it feels like a toy.

Nathan · March 30, 2025, 09:59 AM

Shoot that with 357mags….that toy feeling goes away. I would argue that it is uncontrollable.

Jim Watson · March 30, 2025, 12:07 PM

If buying new, I would look at a Taurus, the 856 Defender is a 17 ounce sixshooter for less than half the price of a Smith. I don't need an expensive snake gun.

Of course what I would really do is just load up an existing gun with shotloads, but not everybody has a model 12.

Recycled bullet · March 30, 2025, 12:08 PM

Hello Nathan. I'm sure that we both may have had entirely different experiences with lightweight revolvers.

I would like to ask if you have ever felt heavy recoil from a snake shot load. All snake shot loads I have ever shot felt extremely light as in recoiling unusually light for specific caliber. My experience may just be limited I've only ever shot 22, 9mm and 38 snake shots cartridges.

I definitely agree that 357 magnum hunting loads border on uncontrollable out of a gun that light. They're definitely an exciting handful out of my Model 60 357 Magnum snub.

Pumpkin · March 30, 2025, 02:19 PM

Way back when I had an aluminum frame Colt Cobra 38spl with a 2” bbl.

It got replaced with a 2-1/4”? SP101 357.

Now for the last 10 years or so my son and I have been carrying either a 642 or 637 Smith with 2 shot shells and 3 158 SWCHP’s.

Can’t even remember how many copperheads and rattlers have gone down because of these 4 snubbies.

I have found that the shorter the bbl the less spin is put on the shot shell.
The patterns are tighter than a longer barreled pistol.

The 642 is probably my favorite.

MC 1911 · March 30, 2025, 02:40 PM

Hard to beat a S&W 642 or 442.

Bill DeShivs · March 30, 2025, 03:06 PM

When shooting shotshells from a handgun, shorter barrels are better.
When shot loads are fired from a rifled barrel, the shot load spins and forms a doughnut-shaped pattern.

Shorter barrels do not impart as much spin to the shot.

That said, in many areas, it's illegal to kill snakes-even poisonous ones. If left alone, snakes will generally not bite.

rock185 · March 30, 2025, 03:43 PM

I have no experience with the Kimber revolver. My light weight revolvers have been the 642 and LCR. Both reliable, trouble free little light weights. I don't know how either would handle snake shot though.

**Aguila Blanca** · March 30, 2025, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan

Shoot that with 357mags….that toy feeling goes away. I would argue that it is uncontrollable.

But this thread is specifically about lightweight .38 Special revolvers, so opinions about .357 Magnum are irrelevant here.

Nathan · March 30, 2025, 06:41 PM

I’m sorry, my comment about 357 recoil doesn’t help.

Anybody know how snake shot patterns in 2-3” barrels vs 4-6”? I do not.

Hawg · March 30, 2025, 08:09 PM

S&W 637 Airweight.

2damnold4this · March 30, 2025, 09:37 PM

I've dispatched several snakes with a J frame but not with snake shot. I don't think carrying a round of snake shot in a limited capacity revolver makes sense for me.

JasoninSD · March 30, 2025, 11:15 PM

I generally take a live and let live stance with snake unless they get too close to the house. That said, the S&W 638 is a great little light weight 38. It is about 3 ounces heavier than the 340 mentioned above, but it is also about 1/2 the price. The shrouded hammer still allows for single action firing but it is not likely to snag on anything.

Pumpkin · March 30, 2025, 11:53 PM

Coachwhips and black snakes are more than welcome.
They can have all the rodents they want.
Copperheads are sneaky little buggers, rattlers scare me, especially if you are by yourself.
I have zero use for poisons snakes.
Snake shot avoids ricochet’s and blowing a big hole in something important.

skoro · April 1, 2025, 07:38 AM

Smith and Wesson 642/442 are proven pieces.

USMCGrunt · April 1, 2025, 09:08 AM

I’m going to go with my S&W 642.

jrothWA · April 5, 2025, 08:30 PM

S&W M37-1. with Pachmayr' professional grips.

The a M36-1, and M60-1
.

Sgt127 · April 7, 2025, 10:14 PM

I carry a Kimber K6xs almost exclusively now. 6 shots and sights you can actually use. 642. M38. SP101 are all in the safe.

Drm50 · April 8, 2025, 08:15 PM

I had a S&W model 38, light and hammer is shrouded but spur rides just high enough it can be thumb cocked. I messed up and traded it off, now have a S&W M37 about same weight as the M38, basically a light weight M36, Chiefs Special.
There is lighter revolvers but I draw line with m38 & m37 for durability and function.

March 28, 2025, 12:32 PM	#1
Tool Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2024 Posts: 200	The best light weight 38 spl revolver What is your favorite light weight 38 spl revolver? My main use case is to shoot snake shells and I'd want something that is light weight. Below is my current list under consideration: - SW 642 or 637 - Kimber K6 XS Thanks.

March 30, 2025, 03:06 PM	#13
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 11,098	When shooting shotshells from a handgun, shorter barrels are better. When shot loads are fired from a rifled barrel, the shot load spins and forms a doughnut-shaped pattern. Shorter barrels do not impart as much spin to the shot. That said, in many areas, it's illegal to kill snakes-even poisonous ones. If left alone, snakes will generally not bite. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

March 30, 2025, 03:43 PM	#14
rock185 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2001 Location: Out West in Rim Country Posts: 1,115	I have no experience with the Kimber revolver. My light weight revolvers have been the 642 and LCR. Both reliable, trouble free little light weights. I don't know how either would handle snake shot though. __________________ COTEP 640, NRA Life

April 5, 2025, 08:30 PM	#23
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,529	I like my... S&W M37-1. with Pachmayr' professional grips. The a M36-1, and M60-1 .

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

March 28, 2025, 02:15 PM	#2
John D Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Location: No. Arizona Posts: 442	3" Ruger LCR. Bought this to replace the S&W 66 snubbie I carried around my ranch for rattlesnakes and such. The weight difference is amazing.

March 28, 2025, 02:51 PM	#3
74A95 Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2016 Posts: 1,665	Our favorite might not be your favorite. Pick the one you want.

March 28, 2025, 07:59 PM	#4
Tool Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2024 Posts: 200	Thanks for the replies. Glad you mentioned Ruger LCR. I already have one for 22LR, and always felt like I missed something since it is not a SW :-) Please don't assume everyone has the same knowledge about guns as you guys. It's true that sometimes the favorite guns of one person may not be the same as the other, but more likely than not, a great product will be favored by more people.

March 30, 2025, 09:54 AM	#5
Recycled bullet Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2022 Posts: 478	The lightest one that I'm aware of is the 340 PD by Smith & Wesson. It's a 357 Magnum that weighs 12 oz.

March 30, 2025, 09:57 AM	#6
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,792	IMO, one should look at S&W revolvers mostly. I’m not sure what you mean by light. IMO, Revolvers are sized by frame size, caliber and material. If I wanted snake shot to pattern at all, I would look at a 4” gun. I would probably look at a 19 because the 357 chamber may offer some walkers in snake shot loads. A 15 is also a good choice. I think there is a 4” model 60 for a smaller gun. 315 or 386 might be good lightweight choices. 342 would be smallest and lightest. S&W revolvers basically divide into: - frame size:I,J,K,L,N,X - Use: Combat, Carry, Target, Competition, Hunting, Other - Material: Carbon Steel, Stainless, Aluminum, Scandium alloy, Titanium - Barrel Length:1.## thru 8.5+ - Revision Level: -1-12 So, I have a 19-3. It is a K frame, lightened (taper barrel, short ejector lug), carbon steel, blue finish, combat type, adjustable sights, target grips, pinned & recessed revision level. I also have a 340. It is a j frame, scandium alloy frame SS cylinder, 1.875” bbl, 357 mag, black finish, fixed tritium sights.

March 30, 2025, 09:59 AM	#8
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,792	Shoot that with 357mags….that toy feeling goes away. I would argue that it is uncontrollable.

March 30, 2025, 12:07 PM	#9
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,134	If buying new, I would look at a Taurus, the 856 Defender is a 17 ounce sixshooter for less than half the price of a Smith. I don't need an expensive snake gun. Of course what I would really do is just load up an existing gun with shotloads, but not everybody has a model 12.

March 30, 2025, 12:08 PM	#10
Recycled bullet Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2022 Posts: 478	Hello Nathan. I'm sure that we both may have had entirely different experiences with lightweight revolvers. I would like to ask if you have ever felt heavy recoil from a snake shot load. All snake shot loads I have ever shot felt extremely light as in recoiling unusually light for specific caliber. My experience may just be limited I've only ever shot 22, 9mm and 38 snake shots cartridges. I definitely agree that 357 magnum hunting loads border on uncontrollable out of a gun that light. They're definitely an exciting handful out of my Model 60 357 Magnum snub.

March 30, 2025, 02:19 PM	#11
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 939	Way back when I had an aluminum frame Colt Cobra 38spl with a 2” bbl. It got replaced with a 2-1/4”? SP101 357. Now for the last 10 years or so my son and I have been carrying either a 642 or 637 Smith with 2 shot shells and 3 158 SWCHP’s. Can’t even remember how many copperheads and rattlers have gone down because of these 4 snubbies. I have found that the shorter the bbl the less spin is put on the shot shell. The patterns are tighter than a longer barreled pistol. The 642 is probably my favorite.

March 30, 2025, 02:40 PM	#12
MC 1911 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 416	Hard to beat a S&W 642 or 442.

March 30, 2025, 06:41 PM	#16
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,792	I’m sorry, my comment about 357 recoil doesn’t help. Anybody know how snake shot patterns in 2-3” barrels vs 4-6”? I do not.

March 30, 2025, 08:09 PM	#17
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,371	S&W 637 Airweight.

March 30, 2025, 09:37 PM	#18
2damnold4this Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 2,605	I've dispatched several snakes with a J frame but not with snake shot. I don't think carrying a round of snake shot in a limited capacity revolver makes sense for me.

March 30, 2025, 11:15 PM	#19
JasoninSD Member Join Date: March 21, 2006 Posts: 96	I generally take a live and let live stance with snake unless they get too close to the house. That said, the S&W 638 is a great little light weight 38. It is about 3 ounces heavier than the 340 mentioned above, but it is also about 1/2 the price. The shrouded hammer still allows for single action firing but it is not likely to snag on anything.

March 30, 2025, 11:53 PM	#20
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 939	Coachwhips and black snakes are more than welcome. They can have all the rodents they want. Copperheads are sneaky little buggers, rattlers scare me, especially if you are by yourself. I have zero use for poisons snakes. Snake shot avoids ricochet’s and blowing a big hole in something important.

April 1, 2025, 07:38 AM	#21
skoro Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,971	Smith and Wesson 642/442 are proven pieces.

April 1, 2025, 09:08 AM	#22
USMCGrunt Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2000 Location: Somewhere in 14T NT Posts: 735	I’m going to go with my S&W 642.

April 7, 2025, 10:14 PM	#24
Sgt127 Senior Member Join Date: May 14, 2002 Posts: 1,068	I carry a Kimber K6xs almost exclusively now. 6 shots and sights you can actually use. 642. M38. SP101 are all in the safe.

April 8, 2025, 08:15 PM	#25
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,484	I had a S&W model 38, light and hammer is shrouded but spur rides just high enough it can be thumb cocked. I messed up and traded it off, now have a S&W M37 about same weight as the M38, basically a light weight M36, Chiefs Special. There is lighter revolvers but I draw line with m38 & m37 for durability and function.