first time 38 spl revolver buyer

[s rosenthal]

First time home protection 38 spl revolver that wife can also feel comfortable with. Looking for lite weapon with easy trigger for wife. On a price/value basis, any best suggestion(s)?

[Taurus Fan]

Get one of these:

Taurus International Manufacturing Inc

[Triggerjerk]

I would suggest going to several dealers and having both of you handle some used Smith & Wesson .38's. They are top of the line. The fit of the handgun to the hand is important. Make sure that you and your wife can cock the hammer easily and can also pull the trigger through a complete double action stroke. If the gun is too large or in other ways uncomfortable, you will not shoot it as well as one that fits your hand.

I also like Ruger firearms. Also note that a .357 magnum revolver will shoot .38 Special cartridges. So if you see a deal on a nice .357, you can shoot any .38's or .357 magnum rounds out of it.

Tell your dealer what you want, and expect a reasonable level of attention. He should be willing to spend 5-10 minutes explaining how the gun works to you, and he should let you see if it fits your hands.

Also, if there is an indoor range in your area, you can rent guns to try out on the range. I wanted a Glock...until I shot one and found that it really fit my hand poorly.

[lorcin25]

If you want something to just get the job done....Taurus or Ruger. Smith and Wesson is excellent quality but they are expensive. Ruger has more of a button that releases the chamber which your wife may like. Either way, try them out. Do not just buy. Pay close attention to trigger pull. (I didnt when I bought my .38 and because the pull is so hard, it makes me more inaccurate).

2 important factors: Feel and trigger pull. In that order.

[Bookman]

+1 to the above. Remember with a revolver you can easily change the grips for a better fit and feel.

I agree that a used S&W Model 10 or Model 15 would be an excellent choice. The Rugers are good also. Even an older Charter Arms .38 would do for a home protection gun.

[madcratebuilder]

I'm with Bookman, you can find used M10 or M15's in 95% or better for $350 and under. A M19 for $400 would be considered an investment. S&W's well continue to increase in value.

[ArkansasHunter]

Does it have to be a Revolver ?

Theres some mighty fine semi-auto's available to fit most budjet's and are you planning to get a concealed carry permit where you can carry your pistol in public ?
If the answear is yes you need to know that in most states if you use a revolver when you go to qualifie at your concealed carry class you'll be limited to only being able to carry a revolver when you get your licsens.
On the other hand if you qualifie with a semi-auto you can carry either one.
Yep that's stupid but that's how it is in some states.
Just thought I'd tell you this and forgive the mis spelled words please.

Now WELCOME to GUN and GAME feller !!!Were delighted you joined and we thank you for your question.
We also hope to see you around often, so don't run off, stick around because there's much to learn here.
See you later...A.H

[nighthawk80]

Also, since it's for your wife, have her come with you. She needs to hold them to see how they fit her hand. Plus, you don't want to go to light. It will cause more of a bark.

[TXplt]

Rugers (sp 101) are strong but heavy. Both an asset and liability. Smiths are well-made but sometimes pricey. Tauruses work well and are value priced. Shoot em all and see what fits best and buy it. I own an SP-101 as well as Smith 340 PD and new model 40 in the snubbies. All fine revolvers.

The good thing about snubbies is that you'll tote them everywhere you go. This satisfies the first rule of gunfighting: have a gun. The bad thing is that they are "expert" guns. They demand alot of training and shooting to be able to employ and shoot well. (This is also a good thing if you enjoy shooting !). If it ever comes down to a choice between do I carry this or can I shoot this well I'd recommend the do I carry this..........for reasons cited previously. But you want both. And a revolver is an excellent choice.

Charter also makes the Bulldog .44 -- quite alot in a small package. Quality and trigger pull issues. Excellent customer service though.

And welcome to the site, by the way.....alot of great folks here......good political discussions as well (and we DON'T agree ).

[big boomer]

If you can find a ladysmith it would fit her the best but you have been given many good ideas. I would suggest you stick with a revolver for the first gun. In times of stress all you have to do is pull the trigger. Its amazing how you can forget about the safety in times of stress.

[Triggerjerk]

Just a price check here. I was at one of the gun shops that I patronize yesterday and they had a very nice used Model 10 with a 4" barrel for $239. (I am resisting this deal fiercly.)

[madcratebuilder]

Originally Posted by Triggerjerk

Just a price check here. I was at one of the gun shops that I patronize yesterday and they had a very nice used Model 10 with a 4" barrel for $239. (I am resisting this deal fiercly.)

That sounds like a good price if 90% or better. They are going up in value, and make great shooters.

[mjames834]

Dittos on most of the replies. It's an absolute must that your wife accompany you to the store, because if it isn't comfortable to her, she won't have confidence in the gun.
Revolvers & semi's have their good & bad points. On a semi, she'll have to be able to cycle the action to extract a defective round. Revolvers simply require another squeeze of the trigger. Revolvers hold 5, 6, or 7 rounds; semi's hold 10 or more (unless you're talking small ones)
J-Frame Smiths will take at least +P ammo, while many Taurus & Rossi won't. Lady Smith revolvers usually have a nicer grip & are available in .38 & .357. Price is also higher. Rugers are great & any .357 will take a .38. Replacement grips like Hogue & Pachmar cost about $25.
Don't know your state, but a gun for concealed carry changes requirements. If it's just for the home & car, size isn't so important (where have I heard that before). I also don't know if she's a shooter, so her choice of round is important.
Cabela's has an extensive selection of handguns. Bass Pro (at least in St. Louis) has stopped carrying the 'more controversial' small pistols. And Cabela's folks will take the time to show you all possibilities & let you make your decision. You have lots to consider.

[Triggerjerk]

Originally Posted by madcratebuilder

That sounds like a good price if 90% or better. They are going up in value, and make great shooters.

Well...it's in my den right now!