[ARCHIVED THREAD] - What snubby?? (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 9/12/2010 9:01:51 AM EDT
| What do guys recommend for conceal carry?? |
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What is your price range and preferred method of carry? I see that you are in Florida, so I am guessing you might want something light enough to pack without having to use a belt rig. I have a S&W 340 PD that is great for pocket carry, especially when wearing shorts. They are a bit pricey though (I got mine used)...
I would check out the S&W 442 or one of their other aluminum frame models. Charter Arms also makes some decent 2" revolvers. I have owned two over the years and they worked great. They are not finished as nicely as the Smiths, but they were serviceable.... |
Love my S&W M&P340 has the XS front sight on it  very happy w this thing
$665 S&W M&P 340 |
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^^^Yep^^^^ |
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Not enough info given to say.
Mode of carry? Pocket carry demands features like hammerless and very low capacity. OWB allows heavier snubbies with bigger capcity. Caliber? Some folks like .22 Magnum wheelguns, but others have .44 Specials. The classic choice is .38 Special, but don't overlook the (uncommon) 9mm revolvers. From snubby barrels, 9x19mm is often running faster with similar bullet weights compared to .38 Special. Budget? My only absolute - do not carry a "lightweight magnum" with a S&W onboard lock. |
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Not enough info given to say. Mode of carry? Pocket carry demands features like hammerless and very low capacity. OWB allows heavier snubbies with bigger capcity. Caliber? Some folks like .22 Magnum wheelguns, but others have .44 Specials. The classic choice is .38 Special, but don't overlook the (uncommon) 9mm revolvers. From snubby barrels, 9x19mm is often running faster with similar bullet weights compared to .38 Special. Budget? My only absolute - do not carry a "lightweight magnum" with a S&W onboard lock. explain to the OP.....best carry revolver light weight magnum snubby........S&W 340/360PD 12oz each.......load with corbon 38 110 +P DPX.....or Speer gold dots 38 135+P you dont even know its in your pocket |
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My only absolute - do not carry a "lightweight magnum" with a S&W onboard lock. explain There have been reports that the super light revolvers in magnum calibers with the internal lock may engage the lock "automatically" due to harsh recoil. Could be bad in a self defense situation. |
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I am surprised that nobody has mentioned the Ruger LCR. I used to have a S&W j-frame and could not shoot it for nothing. I sold it in about 2 weeks. I recently bought a Ruger LCR and I love this gun. You may wanna give this gun a good looking at. This, I just bought an LCR due to the great trigger, it is a lot better than the new S&W triggers. There are trade-offs though, the ruger is a bit larger (not by much) and you can get a smith with the ability to fire single action (I like the 638). Both are great guns, you need to try them both and see what you like. Can't go wrong with either. |
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I like the new SW Bodyguard 38. Purchased one a month ago and, so far, I am happy with the purchase. It's lightweight; DAO trigger is pretty good. Ambi cylinder release is neat. And you have an integrated laser (not a major selling point for some, but I like it). It is rated .38spl +P, but that's not a problem for me. I would never shoot .357 mag through a snub-nose anyway.
My 2 cents... |
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Can not go wrong with a steel or stainless steel revolver starting from a modest Taurus to the smith and wesson.
Rugers LCR has a different sort of trigger. It is a good revolver but the trigger MUST return fully forward. Or it will fail to revolve smoothly. Ska jam ... sort of like a melted trigger. The fact that it can be broken from too strong a pull is a flaw. |
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not to hi-jack, but how many rounds can a 642/442/etc. handle? infinite number of 38spl? just wondering how much you could practice with it with out wearing it out... Standard pressure .38? You will never wear it out. +P+ Corbon loads? Probably still last thousands of rounds without noticeable wear. Remember, some of these frames are also used for .357 so .38 rounds won't hurt them. |
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Rugers LCR has a different sort of trigger. It is a good revolver but the trigger MUST return fully forward. You know, I have been hearing this a lot lately and I find it odd. The classes I have taken have always taught me to release the trigger fully forward on ALL revolvers. I have never tried to short-stroke any trigger on my S&Ws and certainly don't notice and problems with my Ruger. I think this issue is way overblown by some. If anything, the Ruger has a better trigger than my S&Ws. (Not directed at 1IV, he was just putting the info out there, I just didn't want the OP to worry about this.) |
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Quoted: As another LCR owner, I'll throw my two cents in to the discussion. I purchased the LCR .357mag. After only 5 rounds of Speers Gold Dots in .357mag, I came to the conclusion that just because it can chamber .357mag doesn't mean it should. I have since switched back to just shooting .38 +Ps through it. The recoil was a bit too much for such a small, light revolver. I've shot hot loaded .44mags that didn't recoil as bad as .357mag in the LCR. I haven't put the LCR on a scale, but just going by feel, it must be less than a third of the weight of my other .357mag, which is a S&W Model 13 with 4"barrel.Quoted: Rugers LCR has a different sort of trigger. It is a good revolver but the trigger MUST return fully forward. You know, I have been hearing this a lot lately and I find it odd. The classes I have taken have always taught me to release the trigger fully forward on ALL revolvers. I have never tried to short-stroke any trigger on my S&Ws and certainly don't notice and problems with my Ruger. I think this issue is way overblown by some. If anything, the Ruger has a better trigger than my S&Ws. (Not directed at 1IV, he was just putting the info out there, I just didn't want the OP to worry about this.) Once I got back to shooting .38s, I was a very nice revolver. It felt very smooth and accurate. This was my first experience with snub-noses. This is my only revolver with with less than a 4" barrel. I set my target out to about 9 yards. I was shooting on a man-sized target (Bin Laden with an AK to be exact). Out of 55 shots, only 3 were not within the print on the target. I figure give time and practice I will be able to to tighten this down to a more respectable pattern. The biggest issue will be getting used to sigthing with the short barrel.
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I find the all steel guns too heavy for pocket carry. I also prefer a traditional revolver with an exposed hammer. I have a S&W 337 (discontinued but similar to the model 637) that is my favorite. I also have a 642 that carry sometimes, the 442 is the same gun with a black finish.
337 - Aluminum frame with Titanium cylinder 
637 - Aluminum frame with stainless steel cylinder 
642 - - Aluminum frame with stainless steel cylinder 
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I've used a 5 shot Charter Arms .38 since the mid 70's. It's small and lightweight. I have to agree. I picked up a charter 3" cheap at a sale. The gun was NIB probably manufactured in the early 70s. We took it out yesterday and from 7 yrds were shooting cloverleaf groups dead center. I was actually pretty amazed as I've never shot any of the Smith's I've owned over the years anywhere near that tight. I don't know as much about the newer ones, but this one is a keeper. |
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My son got my DIL one of the new Charter Pink Lady 2" .38s. No issues with it as far as reliablity and I was nailing the my dueling tree 6" plates at 20yds firing DA only. One thing I forgot to mention on my new 442 Pro is that the cylinder is stainless steel (at least according to the spec sheet).
CD |
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Best snubby? Well, my test is this . . . "Is The Gun One That Can ALWAYS Be Carried With Comfort and Utter Concealability," no matter the wardrobe. Frankly, any guns that can't do this are "Sometimes" guns . . . and "Sometimes" carried guns are "sometimes" not on you when trouble surprises you. What good is an "always" companion if it ain't on ya when needed?!!! Thus . . .
Any S&W with an aluminum frame (aka "Airweights") are optimal for "Allways" guns! This weight type offers the very, very best compromise between carry weight + speed/accuracy of any further needed followup shots. At roughly 15 oz., this combination in .38 Special has proven itself best to the vast majority of experienced shooters. Centennial, Chief's Special or Bodyguard versions are all great. Whatever floats your boat. I recommend a pristine USED, pre-lock Smith to maximize your dollar investment and also maximize your reliability . . . for they don't have that damn lock which HAS locked up many firearms so far by surprise. Mine ended up being a like-new vintage Model 37 Airweight Chief's Special. I love it in a DeSantis Nemesis holster OR an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. With these two holster choices, it can be carried in any shape pocket I have. 
Now . . . the other two lesser options for "Always" pocket snubbies - The all steel snubbies are a tad too heavy for always carry and are best carried in a pocket holster. One usually learns this in time and ends up carrying the steel frame in a belt or IWB holster . . . and buying an Airweight as their "always" pocket snubbie. This is what I did! My nickel plated steel snubbie is a Model 36, and my holster is a Rosen UPL that carries the revolver snug against the body. It is on a different level than any holster I've ever owned as far as how it both secures and babies the gun. Amazing. When I'm carrying this revolver, it does NOT replace my Model 37 in the pocket as my "Always" revolver either. 
-As far as those "lighter than aluminum" Scandium, Titanium and Tupperware ones? . . . 
They are an incredibly TERRIBLE choice for EXPERIENCED handgunners of skill and experience . . . totally brutal little beasts that torque immediately out of one's perfect double action grip and thus become impossible to shoot effectively in a fast and furious manner when your life is instantly threatened. To the novice shooters who typically are the ones who get them (and who also buy them in .357 Magnum caliber), I know this seems like a great idea to the clueless, but it is one's worst ever purchase and waste of money. IMHO, It ought to be criminal to market them just to part suckers from their money. |
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....-As far as those "lighter than aluminum" Scandium, Titanium and Tupperware ones? . . .
They are an incredibly TERRIBLE choice for EXPERIENCED handgunners of skill and experience . . . totally brutal little beasts that torque immediately out of one's perfect double action grip and thus become impossible to shoot effectively in a fast and furious manner when your life is instantly threatened. To the novice shooters who typically are the ones who get them (and who also buy them in .357 Magnum caliber), I know this seems like a great idea to the clueless, but it is one's worst ever purchase and waste of money. IMHO, It ought to be criminal to market them just to part suckers from their money. 
My 337 is very controllable with the grips I have on it. I don't carry it for plinking, I carry it as "get off me" gun. It's going to be close quarters if I pull the trigger. I don't know what you want out of a pocket gun but I know this 337 will work if I want to save a few ounces over my 442. |
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S&W 242Ti.
7 shots of +P .38Spl, 18oz unloaded. 
gunleather 009 by zer_cool, on Flickr It's for sale for the right price. 
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I have been thinking of getting the GF a pink lady. How does you DIL like it? Does Charter it hold its own against a similiar Smith? I've been putting it off because I don't know too much about Charter. I'd get her a Smith but she realy likes pink. She likes it and shoots it well. It was an ounce or two lighter then my 442 Pro. I couldn't compare them directly as my son and DIL left the day before I picked up my Smith. The Charter are good servicable guns, I just prefer Smiths quality and features. Only problem I ever had with my old CA Bulldog is that the ejector rod will start to unscrew. No big deal as you just screw it back tight. On mine you can release the cylinder by either pushing forward on the cylinder release or pull forward on the ejector rod. The Smiths have a stop infront of the ejector rod. On the new Charters they have a shourd. CD |
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I have been thinking of getting the GF a pink lady. How does you DIL like it? Does Charter it hold its own against a similiar Smith? I've been putting it off because I don't know too much about Charter. I'd get her a Smith but she realy likes pink. I took a look at a pink lady today in prep for an article about Charter. Yes, I think it would hold it's own against Smith. Their alloy frame is light but solid and the trigger was excellent. |
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Quoted: I have been thinking of getting the GF a pink lady. How does you DIL like it? Does Charter it hold its own against a similiar Smith? I've been putting it off because I don't know too much about Charter. I'd get her a Smith but she realy likes pink. She'll be more likely to carry/practice with a gun she likes, I think it's a good idea. Charter revolvers are good enough.....S&W would be ideal. The Pink Lady is extremely light, so even with .38's, she'll need to expect very solid recoil. |
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My only absolute - do not carry a "lightweight magnum" with a S&W onboard lock. explain There have been reports that the super light revolvers in magnum calibers with the internal lock may engage the lock "automatically" due to harsh recoil. Could be bad in a self defense situation. Wrong The fear of the internal lock is not just for the lightweight revolvers only.....its for them all. Its the reason why alot of people turned away from S&W years ago for adding the clinton lock. There is also a youtube video that shows how to disengage it. The only concern that you need to have is printed right on the scandium lightweight 357 revolvers(340/360PD) no 357 rounds under 125 grains.....as the kick MAY unseat the round from the case causing the cylinder to lock up. This has never happened as I dont use to many 357 rounds in mine and I follow what it says by using 125gr or more if I do run 357. I stick to corbon 110+p DPX 38 rounds.....or Speer gold dot 135 +P rounds. In my opinion best carry snubbie ever. |
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Best snubby? Well, my test is this . . . "Is The Gun One That Can ALWAYS Be Carried With Comfort and Utter Concealability," no matter the wardrobe. Frankly, any guns that can't do this are "Sometimes" guns . . . and "Sometimes" carried guns are "sometimes" not on you when trouble surprises you. What good is an "always" companion if it ain't on ya when needed?!!! Thus . . . Any S&W with an aluminum frame (aka "Airweights") are optimal for "Allways" guns! This weight type offers the very, very best compromise between carry weight + speed/accuracy of any further needed followup shots. At roughly 15 oz., this combination in .38 Special has proven itself best to the vast majority of experienced shooters. Centennial, Chief's Special or Bodyguard versions are all great. Whatever floats your boat. I recommend a pristine USED, pre-lock Smith to maximize your dollar investment and also maximize your reliability . . . for they don't have that damn lock which HAS locked up many firearms so far by surprise. Mine ended up being a like-new vintage Model 37 Airweight Chief's Special. I love it in a DeSantis Nemesis holster OR an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. With these two holster choices, it can be carried in any shape pocket I have. http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/415/415871/folders/305997/2454596IMG1153pcropped10.004t.jpg Now . . . the other two lesser options for "Always" pocket snubbies - The all steel snubbies are a tad too heavy for always carry and are best carried in a pocket holster. One usually learns this in time and ends up carrying the steel frame in a belt or IWB holster . . . and buying an Airweight as their "always" pocket snubbie. This is what I did! My nickel plated steel snubbie is a Model 36, and my holster is a Rosen UPL that carries the revolver snug against the body. It is on a different level than any holster I've ever owned as far as how it both secures and babies the gun. Amazing. When I'm carrying this revolver, it does NOT replace my Model 37 in the pocket as my "Always" revolver either. http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/415/415871/folders/305997/2454701MitchRosenholster.jpg -As far as those "lighter than aluminum" Scandium, Titanium and Tupperware ones? . . .
They are an incredibly TERRIBLE choice for EXPERIENCED handgunners of skill and experience . . . totally brutal little beasts that torque immediately out of one's perfect double action grip and thus become impossible to shoot effectively in a fast and furious manner when your life is instantly threatened. To the novice shooters who typically are the ones who get them (and who also buy them in .357 Magnum caliber), I know this seems like a great idea to the clueless, but it is one's worst ever purchase and waste of money. IMHO, It ought to be criminal to market them just to part suckers from their money. BS the internal lock has NOT locked up many firearms...if this was the case there would be a huge recall and as for your bottom quote......Its called practice my friend......if your a newbie your going to have to get used to shooting a snubbie period.....especially double action only models. To an experienced shooter there is no difference in my grip between a lightweight or a snubbie that weighs 3 oz more......I do my part and the snubbie will do its job......and I am sorry but clean consistent follow up shots are very easy. I carry and practice with my revolver so if my life is ever threatened I know what to do........if you dont practice with what you carry....you have no business carrying. |
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My first handgun was a Charter Arms Undercover (16oz) with the factory wood grip. I started off shooting it only with wadcutters. I got pretty good with it. Wish I hadn't traded it off. Well, after this weekend, my wife is not getting this 3" back. I'm going to try to find her another one at the upcoming show. |
Yes...Colt's Cobra...mine's from 1967...you can use +P sparingly but why when you can find standard velocity (with some looking) rounds with a good record...Federal is again making the 125GR Nyclad which is what I use in my snubbies... Bill (just not what you see in the speed loaders in that pic...they are for a Colt's Python )
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