The Correct Snubnose Caliber

I'll vote for either 38 special or, if you can find one, 9mm.

I have read (no link, sorry) that .357 mag out of a 2 inch revolver barrel produces no better ballistics than a 9mm out of the same type of gun; most of the power is wasted as noise and flash. 40s, 44s, and 45s are nice but generally not available in a small package.

+1 on the 9mm revolver. but since there was no choice for one i voted for 38 spec +

J frame... Corbon 110grn +P @ 1050 fps is a great load even in a 1.875" bbl. It ain't your grandpaw's 38 special.

In my 3" bbl SP101 I go with 357 mag, Corbon DPX 125 grn @ about 1350 fps. The extra bbl length and heft of the Ruger makes it worthwhile to carry in the Magnum caliber. I wouldn't shoot 357 mag in a J frame. You don't get that much more performance relative to the recoil...

.38 Spl.

"Best self defense caliber/cartridge in a snubnose" seems to indicate CCW or pocket carry.

None of the larger calibers you listed qualify because they are universally L or N frame size and are just too big.

The full-charge .357 Mag kicks too much in J-Frame guns for most people to handle them with any accuracy.

rc

.38Spl +P 135 gr Speer Gold Dot, Short Barrel, out of a Ruger LCR.
Shoots point of aim with minimal recoil. Very light as far as carry.

For snub ...38SPL

I voted 38 because of size, but I to like a 44spl S&W 296.

that you would use in a snub nosed revolver such as the Smith and Wesson 'Night Guard' snubby revolver.


Outside of a short barrel the Nughtguard is not much of a snubby in my book. It's a L frame which is a bit chunky and generally the cylinder, frame, and grip size dictate concealabilty. I think of a J frame or Detective Special size gun when I think of snubs. I might stretch that to a K frame.

I voted 38 special.

The full-charge .357 Mag kicks too much in J-Frame guns for most people to handle them with any accuracy.


I also agree with rc.

My experience is the .38 Special is the hottest cartridge you can comfortably shoot from a snubbie. I have shot many different snubbies in .357, and they range from spicy to downright painful. The only snubbie I've found really workable in .357 is the Ruger SP 101 (and I advise the 3" barrel version.)

If shooting is painful, you will either not practice (and lose when the chips are down) or you will practice and develop bad habits (and lose when the chips are down.)

D frame Colt

135gn Speer Gold Dot's or
110gn CorBon DPX Barnes Bullets

fits my hands, fits my carry, close quarters effective

When I carry a revolver, that's what I carry -- a Colt Detective Special.

357, can fire 38s and +Ps as well.

I'm ruling out my nearly 3" Speed Six as a true snub. I would think an under 2" barrel is really "snub nose." A Colt DS, Ruger LCR or J frame smith. With that in mind the .38 Special is the ideal choice even after a century. The best round is the 158 grain LSWCHP.

I rarely carry a revolver, and even then sometimes not a snubnose. When I do, its a standard pressure .38 Special or a .357 Magnum. Almost had a S&W in .32 Long last year, but someone bought it just before I got back with the cash. Oh well, wasn't looking forward to ordering new dies and brass anyway I guess.

Since .357's can fire less powerful .38's it's a win-win.

IMO if you can accurately fire .357's with quick follow-ups then that trumps the .38. It took some practice with .357 Medium loads like Remington Golden Sabre, but I'm comfortable with it.

Get it in 44 Mag, and then you have the option of carying 44 special and if you ever want a snubbie 44 mag later you've got one.

When you cited a Night Guard, I assume you do mean

1. A Scandium / lightweight--

2. and a compact / J frame.

IOW, a revolver that weighs nominally 13-15 oz. With those parameters, I recommend 38+P. If you include the heavier guns--from about 20 oz on up--then I'd recommend 357 Mag.

Jim H.

Why get the 44 spl, get the 44 mag and carry special, at least you'll have the option for 44 mag loads. Also if you handload 44 spl and it is a little too hot the gun it rated for 44 mag anyways.

.38 special in a Smith 642. If I carried anything larger and heavier then it will be a full size auto.

642 light, fits in pocket holster just fine and is a reasonable balance of power in a easy to carry package.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MAY VARY

I voted 38 spl. I think it is the best balance between power and control-ability in a sub 2" barrel. I would not buy a revolver that shoots auto cartridges like 9mm/40/45acp... too many compromises IMO. I would stick with a cartridge that was designed for a revolver.

I currently use a S&W 637 or a Ruger SP101, but there are many good choices out there. The LCR is calling to me lately. I'm just waiting for the honeymoon phase to end.

I voted .44 Special. My reasoning is that CC of a N-frame, while possible especially with a light weight Night Guard, is not the easiest thing in the world, mostly due to the size of the cylinder. The L-frame cylinder is significantly smaller than the N-frame one, and a short barreled round butt L-frame really isn't much bigger than a similarly set up K-frame.

I'm thinking that my next CC gun is going to be a 396 Night Guard .44 Special. I'm not worried about ammunition costs since I handload all my .44 Special ammunition, and I'm a fan of the big, heavy bullets in a primary weapon.

I have both J-frame Airweights and SP101s in .357 Magnum. IMO the SP101 is the best snubbie magnum platform, while the J-frame is the best for .38 Special.

Now, if I can just find the money for the 396 I'll be set.