These are the ones I carry. The Micro 9 has pretty much replaced the LC9S. If I know I will not be going in a Gun Free Zone I carry the Ultra Carry. If I want to just stick something in my pocket and not know it's there it's the Guardian.
My wife carries a LCR 327 loaded with 32 H&R magnum. The 32 H&R compares favorably to .38 spl having a little more velocity and pressure it has about the same muzzle energy. It is a pleasure to practice with 32 SW long which has less recoil than shooting .38 spl from my 605. Even though not...
The specs say Finish: Blued. But it is not the deep blued finish of the past. It may even be a cold blued process. The finish is worn off the top side corners of slide, top of rear sites, slide lock and and safety on mine. Basically where it contacts my pocket holster.
It has been my experience that even when I find a good deal nib. By the time I add 3% non-cash, shipping, and xfer fee I can get it locally for the same or less. Sometimes a little more but less hassle. I do use it for as one of my price comparisons.
We went through this with my wife when she was replacing her Mod 85. She wanted a lighter less recoil revolver for simplicity of operation but was willing to consider a semi auto for size and concealment. I did some research to narrow it down and spent some time in the gun stores testing slides...