I want
1. Reliable
2. Small easy to conceal (Live in the south so few months a year I wear a t-shirt and shorts)
Not looking for a full size . Want something that will fit in the pocket or inside waist band holster etc.
3. Reliable, I don't care about looks, I just want it to go bang everytime

Get a S&W 5 shot J frame snubby in 38 Special or 357 Mag.

Get the Airweight version.

My favorite is the S&W mod 38 Bodyguard. I have been carrying the same one since 1972.
I carried it today when I went to town.

As a No 2 of course, a Wilson 1911 in 45 ACP was my primary.

THE MOST RELIABLE, LIGHT SMALL HANDGUN is a S&W Airweight 5 shot revolver.

I NEVER leave home without one.

S&W Model 60 stainless steel J frame revolver, 38 Special caliber. Fugggiitttabout any alloy snubnose revolver; recoil is fierce. Stainless also resists rust when worn next to the skin.

There are so many nice small guns out there now.

The j frames are just one of the options nice as they are.

The small semi autos are another.

Ruger S@W small semi autos work well along with others.

Jarrod, I too live in Tennessee and understand wearing shorts and t-shirt, yet wanting a more easily concealed handgun.

After looking around at quite a few different models and styles, I decided on a semi-auto Diamondback DB9. It's a polymer frame, striker fired 9mm. I carry mine with a full 6 round magazine and one in the chamber. I use 115 grain hollow-point bullets and this gun has fired any and all ammo I've tried without a failure to feed or a misfire.

http://www.diamondbackfirearms.com/product?id=22

This weapon is 5.6" long, 4.0" high, 0.80 wide and unloaded weighs only 11 oz. It has a very consistent trigger at 5.5 lbs. Although the trigger pull is long (no safety), it is consistent and reliable.

Just another to look at....

Ruger LCR in 38 spl. I have one. I carry it more often than any other gun. Fits in a "pocket holster" and slips into a pocket. I wear shorts most of the year. Trigger is DAO but is amazing.
Peter.

Right now I am carring a Ruger SP101 hammerless, in a Galco SOB (small of the back) holster. Easily covered with a summer shirt. A very nice setup.

Honestly the light weight Ruger LCR with laser grip in .38 special would be difficult to replace. I have numerous options and I carry it more than the rest.

Springfield XDs 45 ACP is pretty good ... goes in the front pocket of cargo shorts and doesn't print.

I was carrying an SP101 but felt it wasn't as concealable and heavy when in shorts. I switched to a Sig P938 and am really liking it.

For summer carry I have a J frame in .38 Sp and a Kahr PM9. They are both about the same size, but the PM9 is slimmer at 0.9" thick. J frame is 5 rounds Vs. 6+1 with the flush mag. in the PM9

I would be best if you could try out several different ones. Everyone has different preferences for grip size/angle, type of trigger DA,SA, or combo DA/SA, sights, etc.

Ditto. I have the cheaper CM9. Great trigger, goes bang every time, and easy to carry in a Remora holster.

Is there any difference in the reliability of the S&W revolvers vs the Ruger LCR or is it just a matter of personal preference? Also is it worth it to get a 357 mag over a 38 special in a snubnose or just get a 38 and be done with it?

quote:

Originally posted by Jarrod:
Is there any difference in the reliability of the S&W revolvers vs the Ruger LCR or is it just a matter of personal preference? Also is it worth it to get a 357 mag over a 38 special in a snubnose or just get a 38 and be done with it?

They both well function well I buy would by mine with the 357 just so one could shoot that if he would want or need to.

I carry mime with plus P 38s I find the recoil and muzzle blast from a short light weight 357 to be a bit much.

But if all I had available was a box of 357 I could use it.

Here are a couple of facts

If it is to big
If is to heavy
If I can only shoot the gun reliable from a certain position

Then it will not be with you over the long run

If you want a gun that is small, light weight dependable and able to shoot from any situation, ie from your pocket purse or whatever and do it more than once Then you want
a S&W lightweight centennial,model 642, or similar made revolver no exposed hammer,
To get a 357 is a waste of money and more difficult to control and might start your coat on fire if you shoot it inside your pocket, a 38 special is more than adequate

I have a Ruger LCR in 357, it is 4oz heavier than the 38sp. Ruger sells "Boot Grips" for the LCR which lowers it's profile in your pocket. I have a friend with a LCR in 38sp and we did a ammo test one afternoon shooting 129gr Hornady's in 38sp, 38sp+p and 357. I am a big fan of carriability vs shootability. The 38sp shot well with the 38s but became a handful with the +p's and the 375 shot the 38's and the 38+ps well but became a handful with the 357's. this test was shot with the boot grips which are smaller and harder than the Hogue factory grips.
Good shooting

Nothing against the Rugers, don't know them. I like the Smiths. I'd get it it .357, you can always shoot .38's, but not the other way around.

My .357 M60 Smith is one of my favorite carry pistols.

I live in southern Arizona where shorts and knit shirt are more or less year round. I have carried a Kahr Mk9 for years in a front pocket and it's close to perfect. Only real downside is when sitting down. Rather hard to get to. As I say I carry the Mk9 which is SS, the synthetic frame model is much lighter. Reliability is total,accuracy is superb and trigger pull is fantastic. To say I like it would be a gross understatement.

Just picked up a Glock 42 for concealed carry with minimum clothing. New Mexico same as Arizona in the warm months. I know the .380 might not be every bodies choice, but the "new" bullets/loads out there seem to make up for the smaller calibers deficit. I am carrying this in a Vedder ISWB holster. Working great so far.

Larry Sellers

I,too, carry a G42, I have carried everything from a Glock 23, a Ruger LCR .357, a micro .45 and a Sig P230...the G42 is by far the most comfortable.

Karl

I ended up going with the S&W 642. Thanks for all the advice

quote:

S&W 642

Great choice check out pocket accuracy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V3x_7OZw84

S&W 342 PD
10.5 oz empty
Hammerless and easy to carry in shorts.