.357 Snubbie suggestions

[TennJed]

I want to add a .357 snubnose to my collection. I am leaning toward the new Ruger LCR, but have not been able to find one to hold.

Any other suggestions. $500.00 would be the top of my limit. Would like to keep it under $400.00 and not opposed to used.

Taurus 617 seems interesting b/c of the 7 chambers

Thanks

[Beachcomber]

I own both Smith & Wesson j-frame (640) and k-frame (66) size snub noses revolvers.

While I can shoot .357's out of my Model 640-1 I find them a bit stout for my liking... I prefer to shoot 38 +p for a little less tingle in my hand and more rapid follow up.

Whereas I find shooting 357's out of my 2-1/2" Model 66 quite manageable.

[Rob228]

The SP101 might fit what you're looking for, they make a 2 1/4" barrel length.

[Alaska444]

My .357 SP101 is a very versatile creature that I can pocket carry and OWB equally well and it handles the hottest loads, well as much as your hand can stand that is.

[MADISON]

My thought is a Ruger SP-101

[MLeake]

... and it had a very nice trigger. The Tamer grips worked pretty well, and recoil wasn't too bad. After shooting a box or so of ammo, I would notice a blister starting to rub on the lower part of the first joint of my trigger finger, but it wasn't a big deal. Bear in mind, however, that this was a .38+P LCR, not a .357. I suspect I would not like the recoil of that little gun in .357.

In any case, I didn't shoot the LCR as well as I shoot some other small guns; and, a close friend really liked it and wanted it, so...

Unfortunately, after he had it a while it developed a crack or flame cut in the topstrap. Apparently, some LCRs have had this problem in the .38+P; haven't followed the .357 LCRs to see if its the same with them. Anyway, Ruger repaired it for free, but he lost some confidence in the revolver.

My friend also found that he preferred his SP101, as far as actual shooting went, and that the reduced weight of the LCR wasn't a big enough advantage for him to choose it over the SP. So, the SP101 is his primary CCW, and he occasionally practices with the LCR.

[Kreyzhorse]

Taurus 617 seems interesting b/c of the 7 chambers

If this is for CCW, the bigger chamber may or not make a difference in your ability to conceal and or carry it easily. Just something to think about it.

But, for the money, you can't go wrong with a Ruger SP101. Great, well made reliable guns. Triggers can be a bit gritty at first but they do smooth out with use.

[yakfish]

I am looking for something along the same lines for ccw. I actually just got home from gander mountain to look and handle a few to see what I wanted. I handled the taurus 617 and a couple others and I am not sure about a gun with grips that small firing .357 I felt like I was holding on to it with 2 fingers. have any of you had trouble maintaining a firm grip while firing? I have never fired a gun that small with anything larger than .22 so I am not sure if I am going to want something like that or not. any feedback?

[langenc]

Whatever you decide on-shoot it before you buy it.

[bigghoss]

the sp101 is a great choice but heavy for a snubbie. the extra weigh translates into less felt recoil from a stout .357 load and they're also very durable. I'm very interested in the magnum LCR. the sp101 often gets left behind in favor of my LCP due to size and weight.

[TennJed]

Thanks for the suggestions. I know that the weight of the SP101 is more than the LCR, but are they pretty close in size?

I play on shooting one before I buy, but the 2 ranges near me have neither the LCR or the SP101

[thegiantmidget]

Sir,

My feeling, while entirely subjective, is that Ruger revolvers are among he finest defensive choices a man can make. Utterly reliabe, & typically over-engineered, & all at a price average hard-working folks can afford. I'm going the long way to say, I'm a fan of anything Ruger.

That said, I prefer the old 2.75" Ruger Speed Six to both the SP & the LCR. Check 'em out.

[SadistAssassin]

I carry an sp101 2inch 357...love it..this gun will probably outast my kids

[MLeake]

TennJed,

The LCR fits in J-Frame holsters; the SP is midway in size between a J and a K. There isn't much size difference, but there is a little bit. The big difference is in the weight.

Note: The Tamer grip on the LCR felt a bit larger than the stock grip on the SP101. When I had an SP101, I had the CTC grip on it, which (in addition to the laser) is slightly bigger and fills the palm better. Other friends who own SP101's have tended to put aftermarket grips on them, as well.

Note2: You can also get the CTC grip on the LCR.

[henryfrapp]

S&W model 19 combat is one of the best 357 s made.

[KyJim]

I have not shot the LCR so this is not an entirely informed post. However, shooting .357 magnum from a 17 ounce gun is going to be difficult for many to control and uncomfortable for many to shoot. The extra 10 ounces on the SP 101 is going to come in handy for that reason.

Just something to think about. You may ultimately decide the lighter carry weight is worth it and there are some good .38 special loads if you get the LCR and decide you don't want to shoot .357 magnum out of it.

I would also stick with Ruger or SW.

[9mm1033]

It sounds like you are a Ruger fan and that's not bad. Like yourself I was looking for a .357 'snubbie' and found this used for slightly over your $500.00 limit. Maybe because the below S&W M640-1 is hard to find. I must admit however, I carry .38 rounds over the more powerful .357. But it's nice to have that option. I also like this model with the concealable hammer. No hang ups if one chooses to carry it under a garment.

[bikerbill]

I have a Taurus 617 and like it a lot; I had a custom holster built for it and it conceals well, tho it is a tad heavy and is not a regular carry item ... I had to spend $85 with a 'smith to open up the barrel-cylinder gap and clean up the trigger, but it was money well spent and you might be lucky and not get one that needs help ... I hate that I had to spend the extra dough, but the gun is now a great shooter ...

[gmfeier]

SP-101 as far as I'm concerned. I have the DAO model. If you go DAO, though, be prepared to get the trigger worked over by a competent gunsmith. New springs are a must.

[38superhero]

SP-101

[AcridSaint]

SP101 or the Security/Service Six line for your price range and needs.

[MosinM38]

The SP101 is my recomendation.

Nice gun, tough enough to use .357's regularly, light "enough", and yet heavy enough to shoot good.

[Doc Intrepid]

my experience agrees with beachcomber and henryfrapp...

I own an older S&W Mdl 19 2.5" bbl snubbie, have had it for over 20 years, and it has been completely reliable.

having shot both the Ruger SP-101 and the Mdl 19 snubbies side-by-side, the slightly larger size of the S&W k-frame felt better to me in terms of both function and recoil with heavy .357 mag loads.

But between the two the differences are likely going to be personal preference.

[thegiantmidget]

The Ruger Speed/Service/Security Six series have a serious sweet spot with me. For carry, the 2.75" DAO IWB or 4" under a jacket in a shoulder rig is just what the doctor ordered. Best of all, you can get a good Security Six or Service Six for $300.00 or less. The Speed Six costs a bit more, but should still keep you well under $500.00. Use the $$$ saved to get a press & some dies if you don't already reload. The first time you crank out 1,000 rounds for $95.00 & they shoot as nicely as the Wal Mart stuff, you'll know what I'm talking about.

[roaddog28]

SP101 or the Security/Service Six line for your price range and needs

Plus 1 on this. Both can take 357s. Both are heavier but that is a advantage for shooting 357s. If you don't plan on shooting 357s a J frame S&W M36 is a good option. I have one. All of my suggestions should be under $500 in most places.

Good luck,
Howard