[CAnnoneer]

Alright boys and girls. I got me a hankering for a snubbie. Desired specs:

1) 357mag or 38 special
2) reliable
3) reasonably rugged
4) covered or spurless hammer
5) stainless
6) rubber grip, the larger the better

Intended use is comfortable carry for self-defense. I also thought about a semiauto, particularly Walther PPKS and its brother the little SigSauer, but I hate the idea of slides cutting my skin, as well as would like to be able to fire from a confined space in an emergency. Thus the snubbie with covered or spurless hammer. Rounded contours would be nice too, to prevent catching up in clothing.

All my other stuff is full-size/large-frame, so I am a snubbie-newbie. Ruger SP101 looks nice but S&W had the light ones and a large variety. Tauruses have not even been looked at yet. Thus please share your opinions and the reasons for them.

Many thanks!

[boredelmo]

I'd suggest going to shoot one first before you make such a purchase.

Make sure you like/can handle the .357 in a snub. Some are put off by it.

I will just assume you are new to revolvers in general so keep in mind: DA only, esp hammerless. Also, you mentioned the "light ones". These are more uncomfortable to shoot.

With that out of the way, the Taurii are not bad examples, and they have plenty of models to choose from. From what I recall most (if not all) have rubber grips. A lot of people like the Taurus 85 for CC. I know a few gun buffs that carry this piece.

My Rossi (Rossi=Taurus) hasn't failed me and seems to be solidly built.

[Sistema1927]

S&w 642

[wuchak]

If you want .357 the Ruger SP101 is the highest evolution of the species IMHO. It has just enough weight to be comfortable with magnum loads, is built like a tank (put one next to a comparable S&W and the little J frame, just 3 ounces lighter seems delicate), and takes down like an auto-pistol for cleaning. The factory grips are ok but I swapped them out for a < $20 pair of Hogues that I like much better.

If you want 38 Special +p and a lighter weight for comfortable pocket carry (the SP101 is a little on the heavy side for this duty) the king, with good reason, is the S&W 642.

[SlamFire1]

I could not decide which, so I got all three!

Well, actually for inside the pocket, the "BodyGuard" M638 or the double action only M642 are the best choices.

Hogue grips on the "Chief's Special".

These pistols are sighted in for 125 grain bullets. They are rated for +P. The most high tech +P rounds are 125/130 grains. S&W J frames are very compact and the airweights are very lightweight.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/SlamFire/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Pistols/ReducedCheifSpecialCentennialBod-1.jpg

[jt1]

CAnnoneer - Take a good look at the S&W 642/442. Add a set of Hogue Bantam or Monogrips. Best all around SD revolver available, IMO. Come visit us at the 642 Club Part Duex.

[Cosmoline]

I would not get a .38 Special under 19 oz or a .357 under 25 oz. The ultra light revolvers are fine to carry but nasty to shoot. I've never found anything better than a Detective Special or an old Model 36. If you want a covered hammer you can get the shroud or an old Bodyguard model Smith. Then just put Hogue wraparound grips on whatever you get.

[Hikingman]

Here's my 2 ¢

After reading many posts:

1. Many shoot mostly .38 spl. out of their .357 revolvers.
2. Many with .357 revolvers don't 'carry' .357 in the revolver.
3. Many are concerned-possible hearing loss if the .357 is fired indoors (SD).

The .38's have lots of popularity. Lots-not all of the .38 revolvers can operate safely with hot loads (+P). I like the versatility of the .357, and I've got lots of size and strength in my hands, arms. Do most .357's handle hot .38loads, uh, yeah!

Like they say, you might fire off enouth to help your decision, and really consider what you are going to really be happy with...

[kmrcstintn]

from a guy who went down the same path:

S&W 642 or S&W 442 (internal hammered .38 spl +p aluminum framed 5-shot revolvers) or Taurus or Charter Arms equivalent for lightweight carry; .38 spl +p has come a long way since .38 spl 158 gr lrn was the mainstay; you get good penetration balanced with good expansion while maintaining controlability for followup shots and not alot of muzzle flash or audible report; there are @ a dozen loads worth looking at with several from Buffalo Bore and Double Tap worth looking at; two major manufacturer loads are Remington 158 gr lead semiwadcutter hollowpoint .38 spl +p (FBI load; tried-n-true) and Speer Gold Dot 135 gr jhp .38 spl +p (NYPD load; designed for snubbies w/ good test results & awaiting its street reputation)

gotta cut this short for now; I'll addendum this later

[gym]

I have a Taurus ulralight titanium, I like it for the Fl weather. I had a S&W 60, for years up north, liked that also. They are great for concealment and worry free "no possiblity of jamming", and are accurate for what they were meant to for. When possible I take a big gun, but for hot sticky days with just a pair of workout pants or shorts, and a tee shirt, they are a good choice.

[The_Shootist]

The Ruger is pretty much a belt gun - tough, reliable, accurate a joy to practice with (I have the 3" bbl in the .357 flavour). Its as close to an "allround" snubby as you can have.....but...

...its the Taurus that get carried the most. Stuffed with the FBI load. I have every bit of confidence its adequate for SD. Its just so compact and confortable weight wise and easy to drop in a pocket on the way out the door ...summer or winter (winter is kind of a misleading term here in coastal Tx ).

Get a Taurus or similiar J frame type for carrying - the SP 101 for occasional carry, range work and mostly bedside duty .

[Snubby 38]

I guess beauty is in the eyes of the beholder... I've got two S&W's, one model 649 (new 357) and a 1950's model 38. The model 38 was given to me by a friend who is a retired NYC Detective. It's had about 100 rounds run through it, weights next to nothing and can be concealed just about anywhere. I've always felt that a well placed shot from a 38 is better than a cop on the phone.

Also have a S&W model 60 357 with a 3" barrel, another one of my favorites. Lots of decisions to make, cost, reliability, feel and of course you've got to like the way it looks. Go to a range and look around, if you look interested in someone's gun, most guys will let you handle it and maybe squeeze off a round or two. Good luck and don't rush into anything until you've had an opportunity to look around, there's lots to see...

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't go anywhere without my S&W M638. No matter what shoes it's wearing it's still with me.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/DSCN2208.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/DSCN2054.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/DSCN2203.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/DSCN2082.jpg

[magnumcarry]

Snubbies are just sexy, I love them. I want to trade my Glock 17 in for a Ruger SP101. I have wheel gun fever.

[Bellzy]

It's true that an sp101 is for the belt but the way I see it if your new to snubbies a sp101 in 357 is a good start. It's tough as nails and will allow you to practice with a lot of different types of ammo to find out what do or do not like, and at a lower price than a Smith it's just a wise choice. If for some reason you decide you dont like a snubnose for carry your not out so much money and you still have a nice durable range gun and if you decide you do like snubbies for ccw then you can move up to a nice light weight Smith :)

[Legionnaire]

Another vote for the SP101. Check out this thread (http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=222712&highlight=sp101+picture+thread).

[Black Adder LXX]

and at a lower price than a Smith it's just a wise choice.

I'm a ruger fan but:

642 at bud's: $386 delivered http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/31/products_id/26498

sp101 at bud's: $425 delivered http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/369/products_id/70236

[Bellzy]

I stand corrected. ;)

[Landlocked Pirate]

Between me, my wife, and my two sons we have a S&W model 640, a S&W model 642, a Ruger SP-101, and a Taurus CIA model 650. I actually like the Taurus the best of all of them, but it's always best to handle a Taurus revolver and check out things like the cylinder timing before purchasing it because their quality control tends to be spotty. Of course it's advisable to check out any revolver before buying it, but maybe more so for the Taurus.

[Rob96]

For Christmas this year my wife bought me a S&W 340PD. It is a 357maggie, but I don't think I will try them out in it. With 125gr+p loads you know you are touching one off, but it is easy to control.

[bub]

Depends on what you want to carry. If you plan on carrying .38 ammo only, an Airweight S&W might be your best bet. If you plan on carrying .357, the SP101 is your gun. The SP is a tad bit heavier than the all steel S&W snubs and the stocks are also a tad bigger. However, when shooting .357 ammo, the weight and slightly larger stocks mean the SP controls WORLDS better than the S&W. I have an S&W 649 and a 2 1/4" SP, both in .357. The S&W got retired as soon as I got the Ruger.

The Ruger is not a light gun. It wouldn't do for pocket carry and, honestly, I can't see it doing very well for ankle carry. But, for IWB carry, which is how I carry mine off duty, it's perfect. Although the stocks are slightly bigger than the Uncle Mike's Boot Grips on my S&W, it doesn't hurt concealment at all and, for me, allows a full three-finger grip, enhancing it's controllability. I just wish I wasn't restricted to .38+P at the PD I work for. If I wasn't, I'd be carrying .357 ammo in this little jewel (Win .357 110gr JHP out of the SP feels like the Dept issue Win .38+P 125gr Silvertip out of the S&W). Even though I'm restricted to .38+P ammo, I'm still never giving up the SP. It shoots like a dream and, for me, conceals like the smaller S&Ws. What more could you ask for?

Bub

[Bboomer]

I would offer either a S&W Model 60 or Taurus M605 (love them both). There is maybe 100 bucks difference in the used Smith and a new Taurus. I prefer the 357 frame myself, its like having to guns in one (38/357).

Either choice, you have a good smooth trigger. I have both, the 605 has proven itself to me over the last 3 yrs with heavy loads and range use. To me, its all about the trigger.

My main carry is the Taurus... I would hate to loose a Smith in any unknown event or circumstance.

You however will have to make the final decision, what works/feels best and fits your budget....

Good Luck

[FranklyTodd]

Yeah, it's an "ultralight" .357 (scandium alloy frame, stainless cylinder) with really tiny stock grips - the Crimson Trace 405s do add padding on the back without adding length. Others without concealment qualms have put full size Hogue Monogrips on them and found them very comfortable. Too big for me; I pocket carry, and the light weight and short grip is terrific. Practicing with .38 loads is enjoyable.

It's kind of pricy ($605) so an Airweight may be a better value, but I love mine. Currently carry it with .38 +Ps, but have shot full load .357s (C'mon Rob96 you know you want to try it :evil:). With the stock grips (pre-CT) they hurt my hand (for about a week), but I would not hesitate to carry with .357s, the control wasn't bad, it just stung a bit. I haven't tried some of the "light" loaded .357s designed for short barrels, might give those a shot.

What's this about hearing loss?? Obviously any pistol touched off indoors without hearing protection is going to ring your bell, but is there such a difference that 38+Ps will cause temporary hearing loss, but a .357 will cause permanent loss?? :eek: I hadn't heard that line of thinking. What about .40cal, that's my main HomeD caliber?

[wuchak]

Quote:
and at a lower price than a Smith it's just a wise choice.
I'm a ruger fan but:

642 at bud's: $386 delivered http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/26498

sp101 at bud's: $425 delivered http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/70236

Not a fair comparison since the S&W is 38+p and the Ruger is 357. A more accurate comparison to the Ruger would be the S&W stainless 357 Lady Smith at $510 delivered. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/72/products_id/26261

[wuchak]

duplicate deleted

[tubeshooter]

The Ruger is pretty much a belt gun - tough, reliable, accurate a joy to practice with (I have the 3" bbl in the .357 flavour). Its as close to an "allround" snubby as you can have.....but...

...its the Taurus that get carried the most. Stuffed with the FBI load. I have every bit of confidence its adequate for SD. Its just so compact and confortable weight wise and easy to drop in a pocket on the way out the door ...summer or winter (winter is kind of a misleading term here in coastal Tx ).

Get a Taurus or similiar J frame type for carrying - the SP 101 for occasional carry, range work and mostly bedside duty .


This is my exact situation also, and I have come to the exact same conclusion. Both have been great for me.

[Rob96]

(C'mon Rob96 you know you want to try it ).

I probably will just to say I did.

[FranklyTodd]

I didn't plan to shoot any .357s, ever! When I took it to the range, the counter guy offered me a handful for free just to watch me shoot them (sadist!). There was plenty of recoil, but I was so afraid of it that it wasn't nearly as bad as I feared... Here's a range report I wrote from that day if you care.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=3944723&postcount=238

I love the 340 and it is quickly becoming my full-time carry, rather than splitting time with my G27.

Best, FranklyTodd

[Rob96]

I love the 340 and it is quickly becoming my full-time carry, rather than splitting time with my G27.


It does make carrying really easy.

[nelson133]

I own a 442 and an SP101 and carry both. The 442 is just right in an ankle holster for a back up and the short barreled hammerless SP101 rides in a fanny pack. Self defense may mean multiple rounds fired and the light .357 take too long to come back on target for me. The SP101 is very controllable with any .357 load I have tried.

[CH47gunner]

I had had no intension of ever buying a "snubbie" revolver for any reason. They just don't have any "sporting" value/ability.
Then I saw a very slightly used S&W Model 60 (no dash) 2", at my local store. Love at first sight & bought it - this J Frame is just a nice, small, relatively light, RELIABLE, self-defence gun.
My wife really likes shooting .38's, she doesn't have to worry about the gun beating the heck out of her hands. No slide, no safety, no fuss. She's very confident with this gun, which means she'd use it, if needed.
If I wanted a .357, I'd buy a K frame or maybe another N frame - the J frame w/ decent loads, works for me.

Bruce

[tension]

All proven performers.
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x188/tension_photo/DSC00647.jpg

[sammy]

Tension, what is that middle revolver? Looks like a stainless frame, very nice! :)

[wcwhitey]

I have a 640 no dash. Been my mandated 24/7 gun for 15 years now. I shoot it every time I go to the range and am lucky enough to be issued the 135 +P short barrel so I usually have a few boxes around. But I will say that after a practice round of 50 (old ammo) then a qualification round with new ammo of 50 I am ready to clean it and put it away. I would easily go to an air weight just for convenience and put up with the discomfort with .38 +P. I would not subject myself to a full house .357 load in my 640, let alone and air weight J frame and god forbid an air-lite. I think it goes against the first rule of CCW, carry the most powerful round you can effectively deploy. LOL Bill

[Srigs]

Smith Model 60 or 640 (hammerless).

My choice is the model 60.

[tension]

Tension, what is that middle revolver? Looks like a stainless frame, very nice!

Middle gun is a 640-1.