.38 Hammerless recommendations

I'm looking for a gun for my wife. Something super easy that she doesn't have to cock or fumble around with clips. So I've narrowed it down to a .38 hammerless. Any recommendations??? It will be used for home defense.

 

My dad has a Smith and Wesson 642 hammerless (stainless with a 1 3/4 snub nose) and it's been a great gun. I've shot it many times and I'd recommend it to anybody.

 

Just went through the same thing for my wife. The lightweight guns didn't work for her - just kicked too hard. (by lightweight i mean aluminum, or some of the titanium-whatever combo's)

After a lot of research and borrowing of friends weapons, we ended up going to Springfield MA to visit the Smith and Wesson facility. She tried out quite a few of their weapons (they have a range and rentals, and if you buy there - they take off the price of the rentals).

Ended up getting her a model 60 j-frame in .357, with a custom grip (of which they have hundreds to choose from, including lady smith grips). The weight of the stainless .357 makes it easy to shoot .38. (basically a lighter load in a heavier gun)

I had to work to convince her carrying the slightly heavier frame was worth it. I pointed out that as bad as the lighter ones kick - she would never practice with it. Which is important, if you don't practice with it - it's no use as a defense. Turns out, she got used to it no problems.

We just shoot cheap ass .38 target rounds, and she keeps .38 hollow point defense rounds when concealing. Nice finish, pretty rosewood grip - she loves the thing. Even I'll admit, .357 magnum out of it is a beast - .38 is cake though.

oh - and there is a "shrouded hammer" - but it costs more, and i don't see the reason. part of the beauty of a revolver is if it misfires - just keep pulling the trigger. no need to use a hammer.

 

Make sure she goes with you when your out looking for one.

 

A)Find a couple of gun ranges and/or clubs in your area.
B) Make sure your wife is actually wanting to get a gun, and that it's not you pushing it on her. Your first sentence: "I'm looking for a gun for my wife" (emphasis added)
C) Let your wife shoot the bejeezus out of everything she can get her hands on
D) Let your wife make the decision on what to carry. Offer your opinion only when asked for it.
E) Get her lessons at some accredited place on firearm safety, self defense, etc.

 

Personally I like the ruger lcr's.
The great thing about hammerless is woman dont even need to pull them from the purse. Just pull the trigger. You can replace the purse along with the lipstick, eyeshadow and tampons. You can't replace your life.
Reach in, point in the general direction and let er rip.

 

I like the idea of lightweight revos.
SW 642/442 is my first choice.
Don't get sold that you need a 357magnum.
NOBODY wants to pull the trigger on a full-house 357magnum cartridge out of a 13oz snubbie.

 

Its all about the Ruger LCR. I've got one with the crimson trace laser grips. Love it!

 

Can't go wrong with the Smith 642/442 or the Ruger either one.

I have the 442 with the Crimson Trace laser grip - great defensive weapon.

The laser is available for the Ruger LCR as well, but it's pretty light.

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There is always a Ruger SP101 too. Much heavier (but stronger) than the LCR and it is available hammerless too.

 

Be careful with getting a 640 or 642 thats too light, they flip a lot and sting a bit with plus P plus rounds (for a woman shooter)

 

Don't underestimate women shooters. Some can handle recoil well. I'm not talking about a butch, either.
She has to shoot it to see if it works well for her. If she can hit the target reliably and is comfortable practicing with it, it's a keeper.

 

Ruger Lcr for sure. I have one for fun, and my wife carries one. Awesome guns.

 

Ruger Lcr. That is my daily carry.

 

S&W 642/638. Put some black hills 148 gr wadcutters in it until she's ready to step up to a +p load. Those black hills wadcutters are laser-accurate and mild as mother's milk.

Might consider a Wolff reduced power spring pack if you're a gunsmith or know one. Makes that DA pull more manageable, but still safe and reliable. Think more like 7 lbs vs. the 12 lb+ factory pull.

 

My wife has a Taurus 85. She wanted one with a hammer, but they are sold both ways. I suggest going all steel over the lightweights. My wife did not like the recoil of the 85 ultra-light.

 

Thanks for all the input. Time to do some shopping.

 

S&W 642 or 442 (all black model-hope the model number is right )

 

If it's only for home defense and no carry, go for something bigger. Just my $0.02. Don't get me wrong, there's a time and place for a lightweight hammerless 5 shot wheelgun, but it wouldn't be my first choice for home defense.

I think a revolver is still a good choice for simplicity's sake, but maybe something bigger.