suggestion for small revolver

[JustMe]

I currently have a Glock 19 and will soon have a Glock 26 also. I am interested in getting a small sized revolver without spending much money. I am interested in taking some classes that will require me to use a revolver also, so it will be primarily for that purpose. What would be a good direction for me to look at? I have small to medium sized (female) hands and it would need to be a large enough caliber to use for qualification purposes.

Thanks

[aaangel]

LCR and 442/642. a whole lot of guys and gals here would agree with me with these 2.

[JCole]

If it's just for qualification purposes, I'd go for a K-Frame Smith and Wesson. It will be much easier to shoot than an Airweight. Bud's Gun Shop (online) has police trade-in Model 10's for $269 in either round or square butt. I think that would be hard to beat for your stated purpose.

[mr surveyor]

In my opinion, the best "fit" for small hands ... at least short fingers ... is the Ruger SP101. I've been through quite a few small framed revolvers for daily field carrry over the years and finally discovered the SP101 to be the best hand fit for shootability of all of them. The grip angle, in conjunction with the "cut-away" on the upper grip frame, and length of pull (from backstrap to trigger) just seem to fit my chunky, short fingered hands better than any others on the market. Most detractors complain about the extra weight of the stainless SP as compared to the ultra light j-frames. I'm more concerned about getting rid of the extra 20 pounds of me. I'll take the more comforting gun I can shoot best over the gun that I may be able to carry more comfortably and not shoot as well. And, I think most would agree that the heavier framed guns are much easier to control with multiple shots. jmo

surv

[stroguy]

I am partial to my S&W 442. Light and thin. The catch on the thinness is 5 shot cylinder. But I like her a lot and she is backed up'd with an LCP.

[Salty1]

Since you mentioned "small sized" revolver I would suggest, hands down, the Ruger LCR, although the S&W J frames are nice as well it would take gunsmith work to make the S&W trigger comparable to the factory one of the LCR. The SP101 is a really nice revolver and you cannot go wrong with one, I thing the weight keeps it out of the small revolver catagory.

[CC Italian]

Well when you say "small" do you mean that you can pocket carry it or do you mean that you don't mind if it has a little weight to it but still fits your hands well? If you want a short barrel snub nose less than 2 inches then the S&W 442 and LCR are good recommendations for light weight easy to carry weapons. The down side is that recoil in these light weight revolvers can be brutal with even non +P .38 special. I was at the range the other day and a nice lady who was about to get her CHL just got a S&W bodyguard .38 as a Christmas gift. Her hand was swollen from only 50 rounds of non +p .38 special. I have the same gun and I can tell you that after 100 rounds my hand will hurt for two days and it feels like I have arthritis for those two days.

I would whole heartedly recommend a Ruger SP-101 in a snub nose or 3 inch barrel. You can shoot them all day and yes I also have a SP-101. It is my finance's weapon of choice in .32 H&R mag.
Here is what I recommend if you plan to shoot a lot and want to conceal it in a holster on your body, not pocket. http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/spe ... /5718.html

What all the others have said like "stroguy" and some of the others are also good recommendations but just know that snub nose revolvers are not pleasant to shoot for most people after so many rounds myself included.

If you want a light weight snub nose that won't have a lot of recoil and still be a good self defense caliber I recommend this. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/2SW163664FC-1.html

Personally I think I am going to get rid of my Bodyguard .38 and get a snub nose SP-101. They are a joy to shoot and are still not that bad with .357 mag loads. You can't pocket carry them but I can't draw a snub quick enough from my pocket in my opinion anyways.

[JustMe]

Well when you say "small" do you mean that you can pocket carry it or do you mean that you don't mind if it has a little weight to it but still fits your hands well?.

I'm really not looking necessarily for a carry piece--just something that fits my hand well. I really like my 19--and that is why I have the 26 on it's way, for carry purposes. My hand is small enough that I can't get a proper grip on a 17 if that gives you an idea. And, honestly, since I have just spent the money for the 19 & 26 in the last month--I'm really wanting something that is a little less expensive--but still reliable & good(is there such a thing?) I wouldn't even object to a good used one

me

[CC Italian]

Let me put it this way my fiancee is 4 foot 10 inches and has hands the size of a 10 year old girl and she can easily shoot the SP-101. Well if you want a new firearm Taurus and Charter Arms are cheaper but I know nothing about them. I have always owned S&W and Ruger revolvers. Before I start listing off gun options, how much do you want to spend?

This will tell us what is in your range.

Also, I know you probably don't want to here it but if you have a Glock 17 and 26 you could sell one or split the difference and get a 19. This would give you more money for a good revolver. Just a thought!

Edit: Sorry you have a 19 and can't hold a 17 well. Got it! Either way there isn't anything you can't really do with a 26 that you can't do with a 19 as long as you can conceal the 19. The half inch in barrel length is negligible.

[speedsix]

...I think you couldn't beat a K or L frame with 2"-2 1/2" barrel, round butt, and Pachmayr Compac Pro grips(shorter than the Compacs)...if you go to a J frame or Colt D frame snub, steel or stainless will be worth the extra weight when shooting it...same grips...pawn shops often have good prices on gently used Smiths...

[CC Italian]

My guess is that my better half's hands are a little smaller then yours because she can't hold a 19 well but can hold my 27(same as your 26 just in .40 S&W). She shot it once and then put it back down!! A little to much for her. in recoil but in all honesty my Glock 27 and even my Glock 20 (10mm) have less recoil then my snub S&W.

[aaangel]

I'm really wanting something that is a little less expensive--but still reliable & good(is there such a thing?)

Yup! and it looks good too!!!

[CC Italian]

Nice can2boy! Love those Rugers. Never noticed your avatar before. Are you a Jersey transplant by any chance?

[JustMe]

thanks everyone--gives me a spot to start looking

[aaangel]

Are you a Jersey transplant by any chance?

born in brooklyn.....but a long island transplant.