Looking for Small 38 Special Revolver for Carry

[SigFan07]

I'm into the outdoors and I love spending time at parks walking on trails or fishing. Recently I've discovered I enjoy spending time alone at parks or while fishing. However, I worry I might run into some trouble maker or two while alone. That is why I'm thinking of carrying a handgun. I have a license and I have a 9mm Sig Sauer. But my Sig is a little too big to fit in my pocket or tackle bag. I've decided I want a small 38 Special revolver.

I'm not looking for a fancy one with a big name. Anything that is solid and works and can take abuse will do. Any recommendations for a low cost revolver in that caliber? Can they be picked up used at a low price? I'm not interested in 357 Mag/38 Special revolvers. 38 Special is enough for my needs and I don't want to mess with 357 Mag in a small revolver.

Thanks!

 

[bwframe]

My fishing/canoeing/woods/garden revolver:

 

[lucky4034]

Taurus 85FS Ultra-Lite 38 Special Revolver 2 Inch 5 Round Blue

 

[Glock10MM]

I would recommend a S&W 642.

Smith & Wesson 642 No-Lock Revolver S&W $30 Rebate : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

 

[chezuki]

An older Charter Arms snubby might fit the bill. They can be found for $200-$250 if you look hard enough.

 

[Lectric102002]

An older Charter Arms snubby might fit the bill. They can be found for $200-$250 if you look hard enough.

+1 I carried a Charter Undercover Special for years. Loved that little gun.

 

[derrickgoins]

I would recommend a S&W 642.

Smith & Wesson 642 No-Lock Revolver S&W $30 Rebate : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

I'd second the S&W air weight revolver. 642 or the 442 in the black finish seems like would fit the bill.

 

[Destro]

I would recommend a S&W 642.

Smith & Wesson 642 No-Lock Revolver S&W $30 Rebate : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

6-4-2 (no lock)! It's pretty much the "glock 19" of snubby 38's

 

[swmp9jrm]

My EDC is a Ruger LCR - about the same price and a bit lighter than the 642. Fits in my jeans pocket.

 

[wesnellans]

I'm assuming the OP has seen this?
https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...8826-smith-wesson-442-no-lock-pro-series.html

 

[dirtfarmerz]

Taurus 85FS Ultra-Lite 38 Special Revolver 2 Inch 5 Round Blue

I sold an unfired one of these to a friend last week for $200. Mine was the 2-850021UL, no FS designation. They are okay for the price, but he has to send that one back to Taurus because the cylinder locks up. We didn't know that until he fired it. He's still my friend.

I would recommend a S&W 642.

Smith & Wesson 642 No-Lock Revolver S&W $30 Rebate : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

A few years ago I bought three model 637's with the exposed hammer, one with a laser grip, and one 638 with the concealed hammer, 2.5" barrel and laser grip. I regret not purchasing all concealed hammers. Their price was almost the same, but I just didn't think about the exposed hammer at the time. A S&W 642 is a nice pocket gun. I know where you can get a deal on an unfired model 637, if you don't mind an exposed hammer.

 

[dleak]

i absolutely LOVE my s&w airweight bodyguard ... about $400 , but after 6 or 8 years together i have nothing bad to say about it ... super-light & shoots str8 ... model 640 or 642 , cant remember w/out looking

 

[BehindBlueI's]

On the low cost end, its tough to beat the Taurus 85. The stainless version would meet your criteria. Bonus if you can find a concealed hammer version. You should be able to find one new for $330 or so, used in the mid to upper $200s depending on age and condition.

 

[9mmfan]

Another vote for the 642! A truly great little gun!

 

[mrjarrell]

I'll second the Taurus or Charter Arms. Charter has quite a few and they all come at a nice price point. Ditto the Taurus line. Both leave a few bucks left over for ammo and/or range time.

 

[SERparacord]

I'm assuming the OP has seen this?
https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...8826-smith-wesson-442-no-lock-pro-series.html

It's sold.

 

[wesnellans]

It's sold.

Wasn't when I posted

 

[45fan]

I will have to agree with those that are recommending the 642/442 Smith. I picked a used 442 up a few years ago for much the same reason that you are looking for one now. I think it was around $300 ( at GM, so I am sure that you can find them for even less if you shop around). Originally it was strictly intended as a woods/beater gun that didnt weigh as much as my 1911. Now I have a few different J frames, and tend to have at least one on me or close by, no matter where I am or what else I might be carrying.

My wife even fell in love with the little 38s, and has for the most part switched over to her Ruger LCR for daily carry.

If cheap and goes bang is all you are after, the Charter and Taurus will probably work, but if you want a quality piece that you might even slip into the EDC roll, spend a few extra dollars, and adopt a Smith & Wesson into your family.

 

[whitetailbowhunter]

another vote goes for the S&W 642. They are great little revolvers that could be pocket carried if needed.

 

[hammer24]

My dedicated tackle bag gun is a CA bulldog in .44. Is it the best gun? Absolutely not. But for knocking around in the bottom of a boat, and going bang when you want it to, it works.