Concealed Carry Snubbie?
- Thread starter Olon
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Alte Schule
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These are my snubbies. The top is a mid seventies square but S&W Model 36. The middle one is a recent addition. A late fifties round butt Model 36. The bottom one is my EDC Colt Detective Special. The two Smith's are pretty much safe queens but I do shoot them a couple of times a year.
I prefer the Colt as I shoot it well enough to be confident, conceals well at my 4 o'clock in a DeSantis Blackwidow outside the waist band holster and has the 6 round capacity.
I prefer the Colt as I shoot it well enough to be confident, conceals well at my 4 o'clock in a DeSantis Blackwidow outside the waist band holster and has the 6 round capacity.
OP
OP
Olon
Member
Looks like the Colt has a bigger grip, too which is a factor too since my digits run a little long. I'll probably end up doing like that ol' boy said and renting a few at the range. Got to see what fits my hands.
Alte Schule
Member
I meant to add in my previous post that if you buy used give the pistol shake test with the cylinder closed. If it's locked up tight and you don't hear anything that's a good sign. If it sounds like a baby rattle avoid.
I don't know what your budget is but the pistols that I and some others have shown here are fairly expensive. I don't know what my Colt is worth as I'll never sell it but I would bet, if you could find a decent one, it would command north of $700.
Ruger's fairly new LCRx DA/SA may be worth checking out. I have the 3" and I really like it.
https://www.ruger.com/products/lcrx/models.html
GunnyUSMC
Member
I think that for a persons first snubbie a 38 Spl would be best. Stay away from any of the calibers that require you to use moon clips. Also for someone just starting with a revolver, a large caliber snubbie would not be a good choice due to heavier recoil and the the cost of ammo.
S&W make great revolvers and you can’t go wrong with one in 38 Spl. The Taurus M85 is a great gun also. It’s a little heavier then the S&W, but well made.
I keep a M85 next to my bed along with a tomahawk.
S&W make great revolvers and you can’t go wrong with one in 38 Spl. The Taurus M85 is a great gun also. It’s a little heavier then the S&W, but well made.
I keep a M85 next to my bed along with a tomahawk.
Jeb Stuart
member
Actually my first real snubbie entry was and is the Ruger LCR9mm. The gun that made me a instant fan, and a gun that has turned out to the one of my most fun guns to shoot. Have shot others along the way, but the 9mm for me is easy to shoot. Recoil this side of being harsh, at the point of actually enjoyable. Easy for me to go 200 rds in one session. And could go on all day. Not saying the 38 would not have been a better choice for someone knew to shooting. Probably would. I am also a fan of moonclips and cannot imagine going without them.
For a few weeks now, I have been going back and forth on choosing another Snubbie to add to my LCR9mm and 22.cal. In fact, just got finished almost pulling the trigger on another LCR 9mm, but this time the LCRX. Also the Ruger SP101 in 9mm.
Obviously a lot of Beautiful Snubbies out there and in different calibers. That said, I would not mind the Kimber k6 in 357.
For a few weeks now, I have been going back and forth on choosing another Snubbie to add to my LCR9mm and 22.cal. In fact, just got finished almost pulling the trigger on another LCR 9mm, but this time the LCRX. Also the Ruger SP101 in 9mm.
Obviously a lot of Beautiful Snubbies out there and in different calibers. That said, I would not mind the Kimber k6 in 357.
Barry loyd
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I had a Rossi 461 that was a great snubbie. It’s about the size of a Colt D frame. Held 6 rounds of .357. .357 is my preference just due to the VAST array of loads.
SteadyD
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You can put a larger grip on any model you fancy so I wouldn’t let the initial grip size be the determining factor. I’d focus on weight and trigger pull primarily and get a larger grip if needed.
As is always the case with guns, there are trade offs. A lighter gun is more pleasant to carry but less pleasant to shoot. If you are planning to pocket carry then lightweight snubs like the s&w 442/642 or Ruger LCR are great options. If belt carry is your method then the S&W model 60 or 640, Ruger sp101, Colt Cobra, or K6s are great options.
Good luck!
WheelGunMan
Member
My EDC is a Ruger LCR 357 which I occasionally rotate with my SP101 2-1/4" DAO 357.Another vote for the LCR 9.
Two things I avoid in snubbies are external hammers because they snag on clothing too easy,
and boot grips, which are too small for large hands.
I have carried a S&W Model 642, a S&W Model 49, S&W Model 36 and a Colt Detective Special. My preference is the 642 for the weight factor and the Colt because I get 6 rounds instead of five. Look into the Mika Pocket Holsters. They stay in place but allow your weapon to be easily accessed when needed.
Jeb Stuart
member
Of course Grip will always be subjective. But for myself with a large hand, xtra large glove, I went through all the grips and settled on the Batam Boot Grips. Love them. Not only for concealment but for shooting. For some reason I did not think I would like them, until I read the Review by MousegunAddict. . Became a believer fast. Bravo to the Ruger LCR9mm. http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/search?q=lcr+9mm
Pudge
Member
Just be aware shooting a short barreled revolver in double-action is a learned skill. Proficiency with a larger handgun with a much shorter lighter trigger pull with a longer sight radius does not mean you'll be proud of your initial results. Trust me, it isn't the gun, and with much practice you can learn to shoot it well. I love J frame Smiths, but I would recommend an LCR.
cal44mag
Member
The 431PD is a S&W snub I like and carry often.
It's a 6 shot 32 H&R magnum -- a round that's in the range of a 38 Special and 38 Special+p
The 6 shots, rather than 5, is a big plus in my book.
It's a 6 shot 32 H&R magnum -- a round that's in the range of a 38 Special and 38 Special+p
The 6 shots, rather than 5, is a big plus in my book.
somethingbenign
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I was going to avoid the 32 family if only because ammo may be hard to find. If the OP is interested in something a little more off the beaten path then a 327 could be a good fit. Lighter recoil and decent performance but ammo will be scarce and more expensive then any of the other cartridges mentioned. With that being said I ordered one from my LGS just today!
dickydalton
Member
Model 36 flat latch.
tbob38
Member
The 442 and 642 are superb pocket carry revolvers. I use the 442.
gotboostvr
Member
I like a nice snubby K frame.
I only belt carry, so an all steel frame isn't an issue like it would be in a pocket. Slightly bigger frame gets me a better trigger and an extra shot.
My preference is the 2.5" M19 pictured up top.
But a 2" M64 has served in the past.
Edited to add; if you can't tell, I like manga's and a T-grip.
MedWheeler
Member
Who here remembers when snubbies were the scourge of society? You can peruse the following, and it reads just like the AR-themed rhetoric of today...
From 1981..
https://www.washingtonpost.com/arch...f5c8265/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.0c7a1ec3cb5d
From 1981..
https://www.washingtonpost.com/arch...f5c8265/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.0c7a1ec3cb5d
M60 guy myself. But that's because I want the power of .357. It's for everyday carry around outside the house. We have the odd 4 legged creature show up sometimes in our urban subdivision, so the extra stopping power is what I want. Not as compact or as "smooth" around as some others.
For EDC in public where 2 legged creatures of ill-intent are to be encountered, then any of the sub-compacts in your favorite caliber will do. Mine is a Shield in 9mm. For backup or real deep cover then an LCP in 380 is in order.
What might be interesting, if someone would make self-defense ammo for it, would be a revolver with a short cylinder just for .38 Short Colt cases. Could save almost a 1/2" in length. Unfortunately Ruger makes the cylinder the same length for both .38 and 9mm
For EDC in public where 2 legged creatures of ill-intent are to be encountered, then any of the sub-compacts in your favorite caliber will do. Mine is a Shield in 9mm. For backup or real deep cover then an LCP in 380 is in order.
What might be interesting, if someone would make self-defense ammo for it, would be a revolver with a short cylinder just for .38 Short Colt cases. Could save almost a 1/2" in length. Unfortunately Ruger makes the cylinder the same length for both .38 and 9mm
Monster Zero
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You're on the right track. This is a good place to learn and most of the revolver people here seem to be older guys who are willing to give good advice.
Once you've made a decision go get what you want. Even if it turns out to not be quite what you expected you can still learn from it.
Speaking of the difference in .380 and .38, one might suggest that in your spare time you do a little reading on rimmed (revolver) cartridges and rimless (USUALLY autoloader) cartridges.
...and have fun. If it's not bringing some enjoyment into your life you're not doing it right.
Deltaboy1984
Member
I carry a 1968 Charter Arms Undercover.
Jeb Stuart
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