Choose a Chiefs Special over a BHP?

[Dave Williams]

In this months Combat Handguns, Ed Lovette(former CIA agent, and author of The Snubby Revolver, http://shop.paladin-press.com/Store/prodinfo.asp?prodid=4382), relates a story about being in an overseas posting that required that he be armed. Presumably this was a high risk environment.

He was given a choice of a Chiefs Special or a Browning Hi-Power. The BHP was a military version with small sights, small thumb safety, and reliability only with FMJ ammunition. Lovette chose the Chiefs Special as his carry gun.

How many of you would choose the snubby and why/why not?

Dave

 

[Mark IV Series 80]

I would take the M36 or M60, 2 inch over a Browning Hi-Power.

I can conceal the snubby more easily, and carry it in more places on my body.

Also, I can use any load that is safe to fire in the gun....... My choice: Winchester .38 Special +P, 158 grain LSWCHP.

 

[Ala Dan]

I, too would choose the Smith & Wesson models 36, 37,
or 60; if given the choice. The S&W 2' barrel (old model)
60 .38 Special with the "R" serial prefix would be the most
logical choice for me. Besides being an excellent concealment
firearm; it's stainless steel fabrication would be my deciding
factor, for a firearm that must be carried 24-7!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Wildalaska]

Id take the BHP, because thats what I carry now..

Easily concealable, almost 3 times the firepower, far more accurate

WildlovesBHPsAlaska

 

[Marshall]

Having a Hi Power now, I would have to say that I would choose it. If I need to be in a "High Risk" enviroment, I am going to want fire power! Now, with the high concealablity of that revolver, combined with going into an enviroment like that, I see no reason as to why he didn't insist on both and why they didn't insist on sending him with both. Someone wasn't thinking.

What would you choose Dave?

Marshall

 

[Dave Williams]

well,

I'd probably carry both also if allowed to. But if I had to carry just one, I'd choose the snubby for the same reasons as Mark IV Series 80. If the Browing was a custom version like a Novak, or just a stock model with an enlarged thumb safety, well then, that's a different story, they wouldn't need to be carried in Condition 3, as I believe the military version needs to be. But even the current production Browning thumb safety is too small for my taste.



PS btw, Lovette's book looks pretty good. Here's the description:

SNUBBY REVOLVER
The ECQ, Backup, and Concealed Carry Standard
by Ed Lovette foreword by Bert DuVernay, Smith and Wesson Academy
In this book, former CIA operative and Combat Handguns columnist Ed Lovette pays homage to the short-barreled revolver, or snubby, holding it up as the timeless standard in concealed carry, backup and extreme close quarters (ECQ) defensive weapons. He addresses the four most common complaints about the snubby – grip, front sight, trigger and ammo capacity – and presents viable ways to remedy those issues based on his personal experience. Lovette devotes the second half of the book to defensive tactics, running the gamut from basic personal defense to strategic planning for extraordinary situations such as surveillance and carjackings to considerations specific to the use of the pocket revolver. This book is a must for anyone seeking objective, practical insight into the snub-nose revolver’s enduring value. 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 softcover, photos, 120 pp.
ISBN: 1581603827
Publisher code: SNUB
Price: $15.00

I think I'm gonna pick it up.

Dave

 

[Marshall]

Dave, thanks! I think I'll look at that tomorrow, have to run close to a bookstore here anyway. I'll see if they have it?

 

[Kahr carrier]

Sounds like a book worth reading,I would chose the Chiefs its easier to conceal.

 

[jar]

Got lots of HPs, carry a Colt Dective Special or SiG 230. So I guess I'd go with the CS in that case as well. Love my HPs but it sure is nice being able to just stick it in the pocket and go.

 

[DeltaElite]

BHP all the way, unless you need a very small gun, then the chiefs special.

 

[labgrade]

I know nothing about Chief's Special-stuff. I do carry a BHP every day however - flat, very concealable & 14+ versus what? 5 - 6?

Personally, I'd go for reliability. No tellin' what one would get from some "take yer pick" gun-dump far as a "gun." Hopefully, he had a chance to actually shoot something through 'em before he had to bet the bank on a shooter .....

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Well considering I own and carry several BHPs and my one experience with a Chief's Special was missing the head of an IDPA target from contact distance

I guess I would go with the BHP. I am just not a revolver person.

 

[Poohgyrr]

Boy is this difficult.

Definitely both, with good ammo is my first choice.

The J frame can be hidden in places the Hi Power cannot and wins that contest. That's why so many have been sold.

But load each gun with comparable ammo and the Hi Power wins with easier shootability, more shots per load, and less recoil. That's why so many have been used world wide.

Ball 9mm is probably better than the old LRN .38 ammo.

Good JHP's are better. :banghead: