Lightweight .38's

[naganthunter]

In hopes that I'll get my CCW, I'm starting to research some lightweight .38's I'd consider buying if approved.

I've looked at a few, and I'm down to two - and weight is my main consideration between the two. One is 13.5oz, the other 17oz. The 17oz'er
is much less expensive than the 13.5'er. Dimensions are the same.

Both seem to feel good in the hand, and about as heavy as my "George Costanza" wallet in the pocket or on the belt. At this point I've only had the opportunity to shoot the 13.5'er, which wasn't comfortable by any means - it bit the hand pretty hard. I'd have to think that the 17oz'er would be a bit more comfy on the hand - but not much?

So anyway - here's my question. In the daily carrying of the pistol, do those 3.5oz's make that big of a difference?

Your thoughts....? Any input is appreciated...

For anyone who would like to know specific models/stats:
(Also please note, I've looked at, shot, and excluded the S&W's at this point - but if someone has some adverse info on the performance of the Taurus, please let me know)

Model: 85CHULT (the lighter of the two)



Caliber: .38 SPL +P RATED
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 2"
Action: DAO
Grips: Rubber
Weight: 13.5 oz
Construction: Ultralite-Alloy/Titanium
Frame: Small
Front Sight: Fixed
Rear Sight: Fixed
Trigger Type: Smooth
Length: 6.5"
Width: 1.346"
Height: 4.28"
Rate of Twist: 1:16.50"
Grooves: 6
Safety: Transfer Bar

Model: 85B2UL (17oz'er)



Caliber: .38 SPL +P RATED
Capacity: 5
Barrel Length: 2"
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Blue
Grips: Rubber
Weight: 17 oz
Construction: Ultralite-Alloy
Frame: Small
Front Sight: Fixed
Rear Sight: Fixed
Trigger Type: Smooth
Length: 6.5"
Width: 1.346"
Height: 4.28"
Rate of Twist: 1:16"
Grooves: 5

[El Gato]

we have the ultra light 38 spl... the alum/titan... with cor-bon 115 gr rounds it is ok to shoot and practice with ... the ports in the gun and the stocks take up much of the recoil... I had to send it back to Taurus as the end shake got to be too loose and the cyl was draggin' the barrel... taurus fixed it and now it has a great trigger to boot!

It is so-so accurate.. good enough and with 130 gr. practice loads it is very pleasant to shoot...

I find I carry it occasionally as a backup in an ankle holster and don't notice it at all...
In a pocket, without a pocket holster it is not too comfortable as it is a revolver... put a pocket holster on it... now problem.. .comfy

I think the Taurus product kicks substantially less than the smith.. they have a great warranty and if you like it, buy it...

It ain't a smith, won't keep it's value as well as a smith but it is a very functional revolver...

[1buba]

Originally Posted by El Gato

we have the ultra light 38 spl... the alum/titan... with cor-bon 115 gr rounds it is ok to shoot and practice with ... the ports in the gun and the stocks take up much of the recoil... I had to send it back to Taurus as the end shake got to be too loose and the cyl was draggin' the barrel... taurus fixed it and now it has a great trigger to boot!

It is so-so accurate.. good enough and with 130 gr. practice loads it is very pleasant to shoot...

I find I carry it occasionally as a backup in an ankle holster and don't notice it at all...
In a pocket, without a pocket holster it is not too comfortable as it is a revolver... put a pocket holster on it... now problem.. .comfy

I think the Taurus product kicks substantially less than the smith.. they have a great warranty and if you like it, buy it...

It ain't a smith, won't keep it's value as well as a smith but it is a very functional revolver...

I can't quantify it yet, but i've heard a LOT of guys complaining about delay in repairs on Taurus guns due to a shortage of parts. I haven't researched the details, but when I was looking for a .44 mag, i was looking at the S&W, Tauras and Ruger. I really wanted the Tauras - cheaper, looked NICE. Problem was the # of bad Tauras reviews out there.

YMMV.

[Justaguy]

Originally Posted by 1buba

I can't quantify it yet, but i've heard a LOT of guys complaining about delay in repairs on Taurus guns due to a shortage of parts. I haven't researched the details, but when I was looking for a .44 mag, i was looking at the S&W, Tauras and Ruger. I really wanted the Tauras - cheaper, looked NICE. Problem was the # of bad Tauras reviews out there.

YMMV.

Here's a qualified opinion about Taurii:

Why I don't work on Taurus revolvers | Revolvers, Gunsmithing, Personal opinions | GRANT CUNNINGHAM

[nomustache]

I carry a .38 S&W 442 ultralight. I forget it's in my pocket, it's so light. I don't trust Taurus revolvers as I had 2 out of 2 bad ones. My Pt-111 pro is solid, though.

[Hoser]

Taurusarmed.net is a popular Tarus site you can get more info from.

But like the poster above, I have a S&W 642 (the silver version of the 442.) I'd spend just a bit more and buy a Smith...you'll be glad you did. I'm not Taurus bashing...I have a PT145 that's been to the shop three times.

[K-dog.v3]

I have a 37 airweight .38. It is the 15 oz model. It is about as light as I would want to go.

[BonoVox]

Originally Posted by Hoser

Taurusarmed.net is a popular Tarus site you can get more info from.

But like the poster above, I have a S&W 642 (the silver version of the 442.) I'd spend just a bit more and buy a Smith...you'll be glad you did. I'm not Taurus bashing...I have a PT145 that's been to the shop three times.

The 642 seems to be a popular choice. I have shot a couple of them. For what they are they seem to get the job done and seem to be reliable.

[Dutchman]

My brother in law has a Taurus (9mm semi-auto) that he has had to send back several times. Even though they repair it, the darn thing has to be sent back once every couple of years (maybe 100-200 rounds every two to three months is what he shoots)

I'd get a S&W if you want one of the light weight 38's and give the internal lock mechanism a reliability package (my package is a zip lock bag that holds the lock safely in my gun safe). A Ruger SP with a bobbed hammer might be nice too. I would never trust a Taurus with my life...JMHO, based on observation.

[Glock32]

I will replace my old model 37 with semi bobbed hammer with a 442-1 (pre-lock!). The old lady will be retired. She has a pinned barrel and no dash.

Buy American!

[Akzl]

I have a 642 on my permit and yes the weight makes a difference, I took off a 649 bodyguard at twice the weight but same body size. The 642 as a pocket carry or holster you don't even know it's there. If you have back or lower disc problems it is the only way to go! The 642 gets some taking used to, but is very accurate.

[naganthunter]

It would appear that the general opinion here is that "friends don't let friends buy Taurii."

It seems each and every one of you have had reliability issues/repair issues. I'd done a lot of reading, and saw these types of comments from time to time, but figured they were mostly anecdotal - but with the info from Justaguy, it seems there may actually be more to it than just your typical internet complainers...

I guess I'll just need to save a few more pennies, or drive the truck a little slower to save gas $$ and get the S&W. I have to admit, I did like the feel of the Taurus better, but what good will it be if it's always back and forth to the shop?

As usual, you all rock. Thanks!

[naganthunter]

Thoughts on this 'lil guy??

Smith & Wesson 638 .38 Spl+P 1-7/8


Type: Revolver
Action: Single / Double
Caliber: 38 Special
Barrel Length: 2"
Capacity: 5 rd
Safety: No Manual Safety
Grips: Synthetic
Sights: Integral (Front); Fixed (Rear)
Weight: 15.1 oz
Finish: Matte Silver

Priced at $397 (delivered) NIB from Bud's Guns. Good price? If not, anyone have a better source - or a local one here in Orange County? I'd prefer to support the local little guy....

I have a birthday coming up here next month. I can't think of a better gift for the wife to buy me

[Glock32]

bodyguard has always been a good choice. nothing wrong with it.

[Bombard]

Originally Posted by naganthunter

Thoughts on this 'lil guy??

My personal taste only - I like the fully enclosed hammer Centennial style more than the shrouded Bodyguard style. The Centennial is a *little* smaller and lighter, and to me just looks better. The Bodyguard lets you fire single action - but are you really going to use that little gun single action?