best .357 snub.

The S&W pre lock 2.5" 66, if you must have a 357. Superb snubby. Little large for a BUG though, IMO.

Personally I prefer the Colt Cobra, and Detective Special as BUG revolvers. TJ

I love my Ruger sp101, rugged and its weight helps tame the recoil. I wear mine IWB, you would probably want something lighter if pocket carry is your thing.

Mooseman, he said he wants the snub as a BUG. I don't really see a SP101 in that role, given it's relatively size and weight compared to the j-frames and the LCR.

So, I'll say he should get a LCR in .357.

S&W 360, S&W 340 or Ruger LCR in .357. All light weight guns in .357 Mag, and all will slap your hand pretty good with the .357's. You could always load them with .38's though if you find that they have excessive recoil.

Although I like the 357 in any gun, I think for a BUG a good 38 is plenty. Think about the role the gun is playing, think about the possibility you will have to shoot it with the weak hand; with the 357 you may only get off one shot but with the 38 you will be more in control with one hand weak side shooting. Also just like the 9mm the 38 HP +P ammo that is available is excellent for example Speer GDHP 135gr +P short barrel IMO is the best round for SD in a snubbie 38. I will be carrying my SP101 as of Friday as a primary with full power 357 loads but I can shoot it with two hands to keep more control, as a BUG it will most likely be shot one handed. I guess what I'm getting at is a light 5 shot revolver that can pack a pretty good wallop is a great BUG just be sure it's the right BUG. The Ruger LCR in 357 or 38 is tough to beat. I also recently got rid of a S&W442 which was awesome I should have kept it.

LCR in 357. It will shoot 38 for target.

For .357mag in a small frame snubbie I'd go with an SP101 ... lots of other options in .38, but the extra weight of the overbuilt Ruger will be nicer with full house .357 loads.

If you don't mind a larger frame gun than a S&W 686 or a Dan Wesson (I happen to pack a DW 14-2 snubbie) would be good choices.

S&W J frame, K frame or L frame. 5, 6 or 7 shots in the same order. That smaller Ruger seems decent but for weight to size ratio and the better trigger the S&W's are hard to beat.

Seven For Sure said:

S&W J frame, K frame or L frame. 5, 6 or 7 shots in the same order.

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Or N Frame and get 8 [insert maniacal laughter here] (that S&W Night Guard 327 is a sexy beast)

I do agree on a SP101 as a good (tho heavy) BUG. The wife has one and we both like it a lot for CC. (She shoots .38 + P's in it, which she didn't like in an airweight). I myself am saving up for a .357 SP101 w/3 1/16 barrel to use as a BUG. I thought about a Bond Arms .38 derringer but decided on the SP101. Nearly the same price. The IWB holster I got her for her 2 1/4" barrel .357 is for a 3 1/16 model and we see no difference in ease of carry with the longer length.

I have shot a few different airweights and had even .38 spc. sting a little. Each size weapon is a trade-off. Is there a rental range close where you can try different models?

I like the LCR in .357. Same size as the J frames and LCR in .38, but has a stainless steel frame. At a little over 17 oz. it's just a tad heavier than a 642. The Hogue Tamer grip really helps with recoil. It's going to be my next firearm purchase.

BUG is a relative term. I carry multiple SP101 snubbies frequently, and almost never need something as small as a J-frame, though I have a couple of those, too. I don't EVER want to fire a magnum from a alloy-framed J-snub! From an SP101, magnums are no problem.

Ruger SP101................

I am really not that big of a guy so a BUG period is a stretch in a large caliber for me. BUT, One of my primary carry weapons is a 2.5" 686+ pre-lock. Pretty large for the barrel size but accurate, reliable, and sturdy. No issue's in 10 years and thousands of rounds. Also I live in the PNW so stainless steel is a big plus for me. I would say find a nice classic #19 ir #66. They are still to be had for around $400 or so. Anything .357 by ruger will last you a lifetime as well.

I prefer the Ruger SP 101.

Enough weight to make .357 magnum recoil seem mild with any full power load.

Not so heavy that it is a chore to carry.

My 357 snub is a J frame Colt, specifically a Lawman Mark III. Big, heavy, 2" round butt and can shoot the heaviest, hottest 357 round and still be easily controlled and back on target for follow up shot. Smooth a silk!!!!!!!!!!

For a good .357 Magnum BUG I would choose either a S&W M640 or S&W M649. The M60 is also a good revolver but the exposed hammer might be a problem when drawing. Those revolvers are ~23oz which isn't ultra light but not that heavy either. They are easier to shoot well than a 12oz Aitlite. I own a M640 and it's a very good revolver even when shooting full house Magnum ammo. (couldn't find a M649 lol)

For a good .357 Magnum BUG I would choose either a S&W M640 or S&W M649. The M60 is also a good revolver but the exposed hammer might be a problem when drawing. Those revolvers are ~23oz which isn't ultra light but not that heavy either. They are easier to shoot well than a 12oz Aitlite. I own a M640 and it's a very good revolver even when shooting full house Magnum ammo. (couldn't find a M649 lol)

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649 rocks! Love mine.

The Speed Six is about the best shooting snub-nosed magnum around this side of a Python. The SP-101 is also great. I would NOT want to have to rely on a magnum LCR under an circumstances. The recoil with magnums is going to be horrific, which means you won't practice enough with your carry loads and if the worst case happens you'll be lucky to hold onto the thing in recoil.

Everything else sounds like great advice.

Also might consider a Chiappa Rhino. I haven't handled one personally but heard great things from people who own them.

Only thing to be slightly concerned about is that it hasn't been as time-tested as the other choices out there, but I haven't heard of anything going bad yet.

Have you considered the S&W M&P 340? At 13.3 ounces it makes for a reasonable weighted pocket carry.
If you don't plan to pocket carry I would probably lean more towards the S&W K Frames for a little more heft and less felt recoil.

It's worth a look. I typically carry mine with Plus P though. Nice with a Crimson Trace grip.

Lighter yet....340PD.