Mastrogiacomo
Member
Just curious, looking at a few snubbies but having a hard time finding out the major difference between the guns and which is the better choice. Suggestions?
The better snubbie?
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Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I voted for the Smith & Wesson model 60. 
That is the Old Model 60, in .38 Special; NOT the larger
J-magnum frame 60 in .357.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
That is the Old Model 60, in .38 Special; NOT the larger
J-magnum frame 60 in .357.
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
Sistema1927
Member
642, hands down. Great with Speer 135 gr. Gold Dots.
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Mastrogiacomo
Member
I had a 442 hammerless and sold it. I hated the gun with a burning, red hot passion. I don't want double action. I want something with a hammer that I can *someday* use as a BUG and have fun with at the range. The hammerless models just don't appeal. I plan to get a 3" 60 but I'd like to get a snubbie too. For that, the 60 in a 2" looks to be a good choice but I'm curious what other guns are out there that I should be looking at.
I understand the sentiment, but firearms are mostly highly specialized tools. When we attempt to compromise their use among purposes, we inevitably wind up disappointed. It seems to me that a BUG is a last ditch need-it-right-now gun on which an exposed hammer might be a liability.
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Mastrogiacomo
Member
Perhaps, but it didn't help that I couldn't pull the trigger on the gun to save my life. At least with the single/double action, I can get in more practice time with less frustration. BTW, being a lady, maybe women in general struggle with DOA only -- or it could be just me...
Black Snowman
Member
DA on most snubbies are going to be very heavy. You might have to try some out to find one that works for you or pay to have one modified to your liking.
I 2nd taking a look at the shrouded hammer models like the S&W Bodyguard or Taurus Protector lines. The only thing holding me back from getting one of this design is they're noticably bulkier.
I 2nd taking a look at the shrouded hammer models like the S&W Bodyguard or Taurus Protector lines. The only thing holding me back from getting one of this design is they're noticably bulkier.
Harbinger
Member
Bodyguard.
The Goose
Member
649 Bodyguard .357
Dry fire practice is the key to gaining the strength needed for DA revolver shooting. Start with 20 shots in the AM and 20 more at night. Add 5 per day or every other day until you can do 100 while maintaining a decent sight picture. This is NOT hard and it doesn't take very long, not nearly as long as you might think. I've never seen a woman or even a early teen age child that can't get it in 3 weeks or less, and EVERY SINGLE person that has ever listened to me on this and actually done it has noticed a dramatic improvement in their shooting regardless of platform. Thats right, they shoot their auto chunkers better too as a result. It works, try it.
BTW, for a snub I like the M38, with other hidden or hammerless guns following. BLUE guns will always be my preference, and shrouded or hammerless snubs make a lot more sense than a snub with a hammer.
BTW, for a snub I like the M38, with other hidden or hammerless guns following. BLUE guns will always be my preference, and shrouded or hammerless snubs make a lot more sense than a snub with a hammer.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
My main carry gun is a pre-agreement Smith & Wesson model 60, but the best snub-nosed revolvers of my experience are the Colt Detective Special and Colt Python with 2.5-inch barrel.
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Mastrogiacomo
Member
I'm actually in the process of trying to buy the Colt Detective Special... just wanted to maybe pick up another good gun as well.
just wanted to maybe pick up another good gun as well.Captain Bligh
Member
I have a .357 Model 60. I think it's a great revolver.
I have all three of the choices, although my Model 66 is a four inch. I also have a Colt Detective Special, and a S&W 642.
If I was going to carry one as my primary, it would be the Ruger SP101. Why ? Because it is chambered in .357 and is heavy enough to make that a practical thing.
That being said, the only one that I actually carry is my model 60 (the older one chambered in .38 Special). I only carry it when I can't carry something larger and do so in a pocket holster.
There is nothing wrong with any of them. They are all terrific guns. I enjoy them all and am blessed to own them.
If I was going to carry one as my primary, it would be the Ruger SP101. Why ? Because it is chambered in .357 and is heavy enough to make that a practical thing.
That being said, the only one that I actually carry is my model 60 (the older one chambered in .38 Special). I only carry it when I can't carry something larger and do so in a pocket holster.
There is nothing wrong with any of them. They are all terrific guns. I enjoy them all and am blessed to own them.
RON in PA
Member
To me a snubbie is a pocket gun, light in weight, to be carried irregardless of dress. For me that's Smith 642.
Hmmm, not really a fair comparison, so I didn't vote.
For carry, I'd rather pick the M60 (because its lighter and easier to carry), but when I am in the most unlucky situation of a gunfight I would gladly take the somewhat bigger and easier-to-hit-with M66 Combat Magnum from your list.
Almost any J Frame shines in the role of the perfect "back-up" weapon, although I personally prefer one of the various Bodyguards (M49/38/638) or Centennial Airweights (M442/642) chambered for the .38 Special cartridge.
The Ruger SP101 (provided its chambered for .357 Mag.) would be my choice if I'd use hot .357 Mag. 125 grs. SJHP ammo for training and self-defense exclusively.
I can't really decide which one is the "best".
For carry, I'd rather pick the M60 (because its lighter and easier to carry), but when I am in the most unlucky situation of a gunfight I would gladly take the somewhat bigger and easier-to-hit-with M66 Combat Magnum from your list.
Almost any J Frame shines in the role of the perfect "back-up" weapon, although I personally prefer one of the various Bodyguards (M49/38/638) or Centennial Airweights (M442/642) chambered for the .38 Special cartridge.
The Ruger SP101 (provided its chambered for .357 Mag.) would be my choice if I'd use hot .357 Mag. 125 grs. SJHP ammo for training and self-defense exclusively.
I can't really decide which one is the "best".
Rob96
Member
For snubby carry, I like my 2.25" Ruger SP-101. Great handling and accuracy.
Marshall
Member
Model 60, the SA trigger is very nice to have!
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
My snubbie is a S&W 940, all Satinless Steel Centennial in 9mm. I would like to have it as a 942 stainless cyl/ aluminum frame but they only made 2 so... I was thinking about getting a 642 and having a 940 cylinder fitted, too much money allotted for other guns, so this works for me.
sigma40sw
Member
S&W Model 60
My vote is for the 2" S&W Model 60. But, it has some modifications.
Mine has had the trigger face smoothed and rounded for DA shooting and the hammer spir has been removed. Because I still want to retain the single action feature, the top of the hammer has been checkered. By starting the hammer to the rear with the trigger, I can use my thumb to cock the hammer for the SA shot. The only other accessory is a Tyler-T grip adapter whis allows me to have maximum concealment in many modes of carry.
Sigma40sw
My vote is for the 2" S&W Model 60. But, it has some modifications.
Mine has had the trigger face smoothed and rounded for DA shooting and the hammer spir has been removed. Because I still want to retain the single action feature, the top of the hammer has been checkered. By starting the hammer to the rear with the trigger, I can use my thumb to cock the hammer for the SA shot. The only other accessory is a Tyler-T grip adapter whis allows me to have maximum concealment in many modes of carry.
Sigma40sw
I jusst acquired a 1994 issue Taurus 85, concealed hammer etc. It is a hoot to shoot...pretty also. And, yes, the 250# trigger pull is tough! (OK, maybe 12 pounds, but that still is alot)... I will be dry firing a lot....besides, that is fun anyway
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