.38 spl revolver with "light" trigger pull

[toddlinder]

I have a friend in her mid sixties (just got a CHL) and she has decided to buy a revolver (.38) due to ease and maintenance. Her biggest challenge has been the heavy trigger pull. I have heard S&W K frames are pretty good, but what are you'all thinking - what has a "relatively" light DA trigger out there? Thanks.

[G.A. Heath]

I would suggest looking at the ruger LCR, while its trigger is not light, it does seem like it is. Additionally a good pistol smith can take care of the trigger on a gun that you already own/prefer.

[CC Italian]

Smiths are usually great for me. All the models I have shot are smooth to me. It is hard to beat a S&W revolver but I prefer the Ruger Sp-101 for hip carry. Weighs a little more then an airweight Smith but less then a K frame. Plus I personally think the sp101s and G-100s are the best bang for your buck in a double action revolver. I would stick with S&W or Ruger for quality and a smoother factory trigger pull. Just my 2 cents.

[CC Italian]

Well not to step on GAs toes but I would not recommend an LCR to your friend unless she could deal with increased recoil or wanted a pocket carry. This is why I mentioned the sp-101. It weighs 25-29 ounces depending on the caliber and barrel length which will soak up the recoil and could be carried in your friend’s purse or on her hip. Does this friend of yours have arthritic hands or have any physical limitations? I just say because most girls I know but not all prefer not to shoot a snub nose .38 special that is so light; just some things to think about.

[The Annoyed Man]

I have a 640, and the trigger on it is significantly better than the trigger on the 642 I used to own. By "better," I mean that the trigger pull is smoother, and the impression is that it is lighter. Also, it doesn't stack up so much at the end of the stroke like the 642 does. The trigger on the M&P340 falls somewhere between those two pistols - better than the 642's, but not as good as the 640's.

The only drawback of the 640 is that it is an all steel gun. It's a J-Frame, but it does weigh noticeably more (23 oz) than a 642 (15 oz) or a 340 (13.3 oz). Because of the larger grips and greater weight, it is at the upper end of "pocket-ability." But, it would easily fit in a purse or "man-bag," and it is light enough to carry easily in a holster. Also, because of the greater weight, it is really soft shooting. Even pretty hot .357 loads aren't that hard to shoot in this pistol. Standard pressure .38s feel almost anemic in it. Your friend could keep +P .38s in it and shoot it all day long like that. Here's a pic of the 640 and the 340, side by side:


EDITED TO ADD: If you can make it to the meetup at Elm Fork range in Dallas on 10/2, I would be glad to let your friend try out my 640.

[mr surveyor]

If she plans to "purse carry", I would stick with a steel J-frame, 2-1'2" to 3" barrel, and have a smith do the minor magic to smooth the trigger down to "arthritis tolerable" level. I just let go my 2 year old 637 Airweight in favor of a 3" SP 101. I consider myself to be a fairly experienced shooter (been handling and shooting firearms for nearly 50 yrs), but I never could feel like I had good command of the Airweight. The steel frames never were much of a problem (other than the poor grip fit on most revo's in my hand), but the light weight, 1-7/8" 637 just didn't work. Now, the trigger was smooth as silk, although the DA part of the DA/SA 637 was a challenge for most of the women that tried it, but that could be fixed. The added weight of the steel models lends itself to much better control, particularly after the first round. Reduced recoil also reduces the chances of flnching.

Considering the lady's age going into this endeavor, I would strongly recommend evaluating not only her current needs, but also those that are possibly to come in the next few years. The "Itis Boys" are sure to make their presence known at some point in time.


surv

[Salty1]

The LCR has less felt recoil than any of the S&W airweights, the trigger is also much better. My wife shot my J Frame, 3 rounds and she was done, she shoots and carrys the LCR with no issues. The S&W's trigger can be greatly improved with a quick trip to a gunsmith, around $40.00, if you look at the price then the LCR stands out as a very good value. If it will not be carried I would second the SP101, just too heavy to carry IMO, I am not a fan of pocket book carry, most time the thugs just want the purse, if they get it they also have your gun.

[RECIT]

I would say the SP101 with the DAO trigger or a Smith like TAM recommended. The DAO revolvers triggers feel smoother and easier to operate in my opinion. I helped my mother with the same delima and she was pretty set on a .357 revolver after a long search. She now carries a 3" Ruger Speed Six or a S&W 637. Neither are DAO but that is what we went with. The airweight revolvers are a little tough on the hand when firing potent ammo, but the all steel guns are a breeze.

[A-R]

Would help to know if this is for home defense or carry, and if for carry how will she carry.

The simple answer is to find a pre-1999 Smith &Wesson with firing pin on hammer (usually smoother, lighter trigger pull in my experience).

For home defense, a used K-frame like a Model 10 or 64 with 4-inch barrel and some trigger work would be good. http://www.jgsales.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; has police trade-in S&W 64 with hammer spur cut off (double-action only) for less than $300. A trigger job and that gun is ready to go. Ask member "fenster" about his 64 - seen him shoot it in IDPA.

For carry, an all steel J-frame like a Model 60, or 640 would be good. Trigger work can be harder to come by on these guns.

Also as mentioned already, Ruger SP-101 is a good heavy all-steel revolver in a 5-shot J-frame size.

For purse carry a snub-nose K-frame would work too, but are harder to find than 4-inch K frames.

On any of these revolvers, be sure to try aftermarket grips to find one that fits her best.

[toddlinder]

Thanks for the info so far. She will be carrying with a fanny pack, so the weight issue is not as big a deal. Certainly need to add the SP-101 to the list along with the S&W products. The LCP was already on the list for her. Right now there are no health challenges for her, but you'all are correct they may be around the corner at some point.

[glbedd53]

Unless they have changed design in recent years, J frame S&W has a coil spring and not a leaf like the other frame S&Ws. I don't think there is any way to make it feel as good as a K, L, or N. Maybe a gunsmith could do it but I've never felt one. I put a wide target trigger on my Mod. 36 and it helped.

[glbedd53]

The bigger gun will have a lighter trigger mainly for the reason I stated above. The leaf spring just feels better than a coil. Compare a Python to a Trooper if you don't believe it. All my S&W revolvers are 20+ years old and if they have not changed the design the K.L.and N frames leaf spring tension is adjustable. The more you loosen it the better the trigger feels but if you back it off too far it won't hit the primer hard enough.

[A-R]

hope you don't mind, but I'm going to publicize a used gun for sale by a member here because I've met lkd and he's a good guy and this gun might work for the OP

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=37975" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I had a non-Lady Smith version Model 60 for a while and it's a great revolver. Nice triggers (as J-frame triggers go). Decent heft to it as well (not as heavy as a Ruger SP-101 or a newer .357 Model 60, but definitely heavier than an airweight).

[rdcrags]

Someone on another forum E-Mailed me instructions for ordering and changing the trigger spring (coil) in my S&W Airlite. Worked out fine. But this revolver is too light (12 oz empty) for most ladies, in my view. If a revolver that size is the goal, get a heavier one.