Concealed Carry Snubbie?

Well... if we're doing pictures...

I don't know if anyone else will have one of these. I bought a Japanese Miroku revolver a couple of weeks ago and finally got the chance to shoot it yesterday. It seemed about the same size as my S&W Model 10, and shot every bit as well. The SA and DA triggers are both very nice. It's pretty much a copy of the Colt Detective, IIRC.

Somethingbenign is suggesting the right approach to finding a revolver for concealed carry. Go to a gun range that rents different manufacturer's models and spend the money to try all of them out before buying.

Additional suggestions to consider-

1) Caliber-you've been shooting 9mm in a full size. A revolver chambered for 38 special, 38 special +P, or 357 magnum will give you a far more effective self-defense round than a .380. Recoil is manageable, depending on the gun frame and design, which leads to-
2) Gun frame-as mentioned by some of the guys in this thread, lightweight revolvers chambered in an effective round (my favorite is 38 Special +P) are a challenge to handle. For some shooters, putting 200 rounds down range in a practice session, leaves your hand feeling like you hit it continuously with a ball peen hammer! You won't be motivated to practice enough to be good with your firearm. Some of the guys here carry steel frame revolvers (S&W, Ruger make good ones), and in the right holster, the additional weight won't be noticeable. But the recoil absorbing nature of a heavier frame will make it easier to practice with, and shoot better. When I carry a revolver, it's a Ruger SP101, hammerless 2.25 barrel. The steel frame easily handles 357 magnum loads, and handles the 38 SP +P even better. S&W revolvers mentioned here are also great guns. While I don't own any Taurus firearms, I have shot their revolvers and really like the construction and feel, and consider them good value for their price-take a look at the Model 85 series (steel frames). You'll probably find a new one fits your budget the same way a used S&W or Ruger would.
3) Trigger management-lots of folks who shoot semi-auto very well find the trigger pull length a challenge on revolvers. You may find you have the same experience when renting and shooting revolvers as you search for the one you want. You'll find it takes lots of practice to get used to the revolver, so that's why you want a gun that dampens recoil so you enjoy shooting.

Hope this helps.

Have fun looking for your next gun.

I can attest to what gerrym526 is saying. I have a spurless SP101 in .357 that I shoot .38+P's 125 grain JHP going thru around 100 at a time when practicing. It absorbs the additional recoil and my hand is no worse for the wear. Now my LCR .357 is a different story. A long session of .38+P's takes it toll. When I practice with it, I prefer .38 FMJ 130 grain.

I would just like to add...

The DA trigger on a revolver doesn't HAVE to be challenging. Some of mine are pretty nice and no trouble at all. Some are beastly. Most are in between. It partially depends on the make and model, and partially on how lucky you get with that particular specimen.

Good point

Go to a range that rents guns and find out if a light weight or full steel pistol is more to your liking. Once you've tested and figured what suits your needs best get a good holster. There are many choices and styles from shoulder to ankle and every pocket, and cavity on your body. Don't buy your first holster on line. Try your weapon in as many types, styles and materials as you can. Over the years, if you're like 95% of us, you'll have accumulated drawers or boxes of novelty holsters. AND PRACTICE.

My three S&W's .38 SPL+P 638-3, M&P BG, & 442-2. Ruger LCR .38 SPL+P

My choice is a S&W Model 640 no dash.
I prefer steel---easier to shoot (manage recoil) so I can train longer at the range.
Do I want a pistol so light I can forget I'm carrying? No!
YMMV, of course.

I carry a Smith 642 every day backed by a pocket carried 442. My Glocks spend most of their time at home.

OP, If I was in your shoes I'd be looking for a used Glock 27. You can get trade-in 27s for around $350 - $400 right now with the exodus from 40S&W on the LEO market. Its going to be a lot thinner than the bulge of a five shot cylinder and the weight is negligent with a good holster. Don't discount the idea of a double stack sub compact until you pick one up. Another plus is that you could probably use the holster for your 23 with the 27. If you really want a revolver just because, everyone has made good suggestions and you could probably find one for no more than $450 new and low $300 or less used.

Jeb Stuart said:

Nice gun Bo. Almost pulled the trigger on one last night at Grabagun. How do you like that grip?

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Bought the grip from Hogue. It's great, it keeps your middle finger from being beat up by the trigger guard.

I like the early 442s. Here is my no dash 442 finished in satin Nickel.

Better trigger and forged parts compared to current models:

Here is my LCR 357 with Hogue G10 grips:

Great trigger.

Shoots 38 special without much recoil.

And it tolerable with 357 Magnum mid range loads. I use the Speer short barrel 357 Magnum 135gr Gold Dots in it.

OP, If I was in your shoes I'd be looking for a used Glock 27. You can get trade-in 27s for around $350 - $400 right now with the exodus from 40S&W on the LEO market. Its going to be a lot thinner than the bulge of a five shot cylinder and the weight is negligent with a good holster. Don't discount the idea of a double stack sub compact until you pick one up. Another plus is that you could probably use the holster for your 23 with the 27.

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...Aaannd, there it is. Took 61 responses to get there, too.

Wow Medwheeler. That was really helpful. It brought such rich, indepth knowledge to this thread.

Awesome dude!!! You rock.

Personally, when I carry a snub, it's an older model 60. I like the trigger and the weight. Helps tame the recoil from the Federal 125's.

Hardwood Badger grips. nice comfortable carry piece.

Don't dog Medwheeler. He's calling out "blue32" for being THAT GUY in a revolver thread for being the first to say, "Buy a Glock."

As a snubby fan myself, any ol' S&W or Colt will suffice. I'm even good with the current 442s and 642s (so long as they don't have The Lock). The LCR ... eh, not so much. Fugly as sin.

As for the OP - thought about an old K-frame snub?


Even Colt's new offering is cool, too ...

But the new J-frames are nice as well ...

Love the Bantam Boot

Old Dog, you're right. That's what i get for not sleeping for two days. Reading comp goes in the toilet.

Medwheeler, my apologies sir.

Still reccommend the S&W 60 with a good boot grip.

Seeing as I only own one revolver and this is a revolver thread my vote would be for my Service Six... but it is a medium bore cartridge. Truly when I want to tote my small bore (22Lr) for CCW and it is an auto I do, and without apologies. At some point I will find a compact revolver in 22Lr that will fit the bill, and I'll be delighted to carry it as my CCW. Until then...

I love snubbed. I have them ranging in size L frame, K frame to J frame. I have them in stainless, blued and alloy.

But... don’t buy any stubby until you try them out. And as has been suggested, 148 grain wadcutters are the way to start. I carry Buffalo Bore wadcutters in mine now which are a bit more than normal target loads.

My concern is being new to shooting and purchasing a 442 or 642 then loading up some plusP and attempting to learn. And DO NOT buy an alloy.357 and attempt to fire full power magnum loads. Gun stores are full of used .357 snubs that someone found out the hard way that is insanity. (Yes...I know someone is going to tell me how much they enjoy that combo)

So much has been written on learning to shoot a snub. Search for Lucky Gunner or The Revolver Guy for some quick information.

I have carried everything from 1911’s to NAA and always end back up with a J frame. But I will always suggest your first revolver be a full size steel frame.

Wish you well in your journey.

There’s nothing wrong with a K frame snubbie.

This is the one that I carry most often when I want to carry a stubbie, Taurus M85.

Gunny, you have excellent taste! (Meaning I own two just like the ones you showed.)