tjblue

I have an old charter arms undercover 38spl. thats been a great gun. Not my favorite gun to shoot, but is always reliable and is accurate enough.

Ruger Redhawk

For everyday pocket carry you can't beat a S&W "J" frame. I've carried the LCR and compact semi autos (G27).I keep going back to my S&W 442.I forget I even have it in my pocket. Watch for sales.I got this brand new 442 for 349.00.

bobkk

Surprised no one mentioned Colts. I have a Detective special and a SFIV. Both are good but a little heavy. The SF is stainless and out shoots the DS. Both are rated +P. Not range guns and I would rather shoot my Kimber ultra carry in 45APC.

GJH77

I can't speak to the Rugers, but the S&W's are great. If you can find a 19 or 66 at $300 BUY IT!
Personally I like the size and weight of the K frames better than the J frames, and I got both a 2" S&W 15, and a 2" model 10, off Gunbroker for $340 and $240 respectively including shipping. They are out there, just have to keep looking and that is half the fun. Good Luck.

IndyHD

Recently picked up this S&W 642. I love it! It's lightweight and it shoots great. I installed hip-grips and a t-grip adapter and just stick it in my waist band. I hardly notice it's there sometimes. Going to shoot it and my Montado today actually.

Mark IL NM

Lotta Smith fans here on S&Wforum.net ... oh, wait ... Seriously, if you're shooting a few and can wait a couple of months and save a few more bucks, don't forget the LCR-if CCW is your need and you're willing to put in the time to be skilled with a snub. Trigger is something to write home about and that matters in a snub. If you get the KLCR you can experiment with a wide range of loads and see which works for you (that's short barrel gold dot 357s for me). Most people find LCR easy to carry.

Rob

I currently carry a S&W 637 with a 2.5 inch barrel and enjoy it however I will soon be replacing it with a 3 inch barrel sp101 as others have said it is pretty much the best snub going and really hard to find. I was able to find the 637 barely used at a much reduced price, that's the nice thing about the lightweight guns people buy them shoot them once then bring them back to the gunstore to be sold again. I've bought most of my handguns this way but I had to order the 3 inch sp because I grew tired of waiting to see a used one.

Highhawk1948

I have had good luck buying used guns at pawn shops. Just check them out very carefully.

danbrennan12

Well thanks for all the suggestions i have been to the range a few times since my original post and found that the ruger lcr in 357 is the way to go. I actually thought about a small semi auto, but then slapped myself out of it and am going to the local gun show this weekend. I cant wait to get it!

mk34techrep

What local range do you shoot at?

Jtiv19

You will not be disappointed in the LCR.

papadave

I bought a Taurus 85 poly protector in 38 spcl. It is a fun gun to shoot and I carry
in a pocket holster. Works good for me.

weblance

I have a Ruger KLCR, SP101, Taurus 905 and S&W 638. I carry the Smith all the time. The LCR is nice, but I shoot the Smith better. It has a shrouded hammer like the LCR but also allows Single Action shooting if need be. Its cheaper than the LCR and is also a bit lighter than the KLCR .357. I paid $369 + tax. NIB. Cant beat that. Take a look at the 638 if you see one at the GunShow.

3482jl

S&W Airweight J-frames go new for $425+-, but good used are in the $350 range. The best "true" snubnosed on the market. SP101s are also good, but are larger guns.

brimic

The S&W 642 is my favorite as well. It goes with me everywhere.