Help me pick out a snubbie .357 for CCW
- Thread starter dashadow
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The_Shootist
Member
Go for a SP 101 3 " bbl. Its not a pocket gun, but a belt gun. The extra weight allows extended range sessions to be kinda fun instead of overly painful.
Tough as a tank, will handle the hottest load and ask for more. Your hand will wear out before it does.
I just think it is one of most versatile (wide variety of ammo to choose from) and reliable choices out there. I carry mine in a thin Kramer IWB leather holster and have absolutely no issues with carrying/concealing it all day , even in shorts/t-shirt weather.
Tough as a tank, will handle the hottest load and ask for more. Your hand will wear out before it does.
I just think it is one of most versatile (wide variety of ammo to choose from) and reliable choices out there. I carry mine in a thin Kramer IWB leather holster and have absolutely no issues with carrying/concealing it all day , even in shorts/t-shirt weather.
DAdams
Member
I have a 340 with CT grips, great combination of sights, weight, finish. It is my number one carry revolver.
Big Mike
Member
There are several good choices and recommend you handle a few before you buy. I second a vote for the Ruger Sp101. I have the shorter barrel .357. I find it too heavy for pocket carry. Should last you a long time...
C-grunt
Member
Any of the Smiths or the SP101 will be a good choice. My only advice would be to go with a steel one if you plan on shooting the Magnums in it. .357s in a lightweight snubby is a bit painful.
I have a 3 inch SP101 thats very accurate and heavy enough to handle .357s without to much effort.
I have a 3 inch SP101 thats very accurate and heavy enough to handle .357s without to much effort.
jad0110
Member
If you are going to pocket carry, a 2 1/4" SP101 is probably as big and heavy as you'll want to go. Heavy guns tend to flop around a lot more than lighter ones when pocket carried. A airweight or airlite J Frame would carry better, but felt recoil will increase.
For belt carry (IWB/OWB), I'd also recommend the 3 1/16" SP101. The extra barrel length will have little, if any impact on comfort or concealment and you'll get the added bonus of a bit more velocity and a full length ejector rod. A .357 S&W Model 60 in the same barrel length would also be a solid choice.
Other .357 choices would include the slightly larger 6 shot S&W K Frames and Ruger Security/Speed/Service Six models. For carry, all would be doable with barrel lengths of 4" or less. S&W K Frame magnums for CCW are often found with 2.5" or 4" barrels; 3" versions are significantly more rare. The Ruger Sixes are also usually found in 2.75" or 4" barrels, with 3" models being the most rare.
For belt carry (IWB/OWB), I'd also recommend the 3 1/16" SP101. The extra barrel length will have little, if any impact on comfort or concealment and you'll get the added bonus of a bit more velocity and a full length ejector rod. A .357 S&W Model 60 in the same barrel length would also be a solid choice.
Other .357 choices would include the slightly larger 6 shot S&W K Frames and Ruger Security/Speed/Service Six models. For carry, all would be doable with barrel lengths of 4" or less. S&W K Frame magnums for CCW are often found with 2.5" or 4" barrels; 3" versions are significantly more rare. The Ruger Sixes are also usually found in 2.75" or 4" barrels, with 3" models being the most rare.
Guillermo
member
2 inch Python
earlthegoat2
Member
Despite what many think there are a great number of 357 choices that are better than the MP340 or the 340PD. Those are niche guns for experienced shooters and even the most experienced shooter might choose another for everyday CC. If you must have a 357 and you expect to shoot a fair number of 357s out of it then a 3 inch barrel may be in order as well as an all steel constructed revolver. Ruger and Smith are both great choices. You can also go with the 2 inch versions of the Ruger and Smith and also have the option of the Smith 640 and 649 if you want a shrouded or enclosed hammer.
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GLOCK 33
Pocket rocket
High muzzle velocity and energy packed in
an easy handling subcompact pistol:
The GLOCK 33 in .357 opens up entirely
new possibilities for you. The proven
GLOCK design is comfortable worn concealed.
Nine rounds are available for use in the standard magazine.
As a backup weapon with superior ballistic performance, the “pocket rocket” is second to none.
GLOCK 33 .357
CALIBER
.357
SYSTEM
Safe Action
WEIGHT
560 g / 19.75 oz.
LOADED (~)
755 g / 26.63 oz.
LENGTH
160 mm / 6.29 in.
HEIGHT
106 mm / 4.17 in. MAG. CAPACITY
Standard: 9
OPTIONAL
11/13/15/17
WIDTH
30 mm / 1.18 in.
BARREL HEIGHT
32 mm / 1.26 in. TRIGGER PULL
2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs.
TRIGGER TRAVEL
12.5 mm / 0.5 in.
LINE OF SIGHT
144 mm / 5.67 in.
BARREL LENGTH
88 mm / 3.46 in. BARREL RIFLING
right hand, hexagonal
LENGTH OF TWIST
406 mm / 15.98 in.
In my point of view a glock will never fail you *99% of the time. I say 99% because lets face it it still has moving parts.
Pocket rocket
High muzzle velocity and energy packed in
an easy handling subcompact pistol:
The GLOCK 33 in .357 opens up entirely
new possibilities for you. The proven
GLOCK design is comfortable worn concealed.
Nine rounds are available for use in the standard magazine.
As a backup weapon with superior ballistic performance, the “pocket rocket” is second to none.
GLOCK 33 .357
CALIBER
.357
SYSTEM
Safe Action
WEIGHT
560 g / 19.75 oz.
LOADED (~)
755 g / 26.63 oz.
LENGTH
160 mm / 6.29 in.
HEIGHT
106 mm / 4.17 in. MAG. CAPACITY
Standard: 9
OPTIONAL
11/13/15/17
WIDTH
30 mm / 1.18 in.
BARREL HEIGHT
32 mm / 1.26 in. TRIGGER PULL
2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs.
TRIGGER TRAVEL
12.5 mm / 0.5 in.
LINE OF SIGHT
144 mm / 5.67 in.
BARREL LENGTH
88 mm / 3.46 in. BARREL RIFLING
right hand, hexagonal
LENGTH OF TWIST
406 mm / 15.98 in.
In my point of view a glock will never fail you *99% of the time. I say 99% because lets face it it still has moving parts.
496 polara
Member
For concealment I would go with the hammerless Ruger sp101 with the 2"bbl.The factory grips are brutal with a magnum load but not that bad with a .38 round.I have installed the hogue grip on mine but have not shot it with the new grip yet.Use .38's for shooting and .38+p or magnum loads for carry.
snooperman
Member
- Joined
- May 4, 2009
- Messages
- 2,143
carry mode
There are so many choices that it is important for you to first decide how you will carry it. Try to find someone who will let you try pocket carry with a J frame smith and Wesson airweight or try IWB, (in the waist band) with an all steel J frame or Ruger SP101. I like the old Colt detective 6 shot, IWB, all steel with less recoil than the airweights. If I want a little more power then I go to my Ruger SP101 .357 magnum ,again IWB. It is all personal preference and they can all work for you. Have fun in your search
There are so many choices that it is important for you to first decide how you will carry it. Try to find someone who will let you try pocket carry with a J frame smith and Wesson airweight or try IWB, (in the waist band) with an all steel J frame or Ruger SP101. I like the old Colt detective 6 shot, IWB, all steel with less recoil than the airweights. If I want a little more power then I go to my Ruger SP101 .357 magnum ,again IWB. It is all personal preference and they can all work for you. Have fun in your search
Adirondackgal
Member
Love my S & W 640 w/CT grips. .357 but option of firing .38. Cuts down on ammo cost rather nicely.
It depends on your level of pain tolerance. My girlfriend shoots my 2&1/4 inch SP101 with .357s and doesn't like the 442 with +p .38 special. Some people can handle the ultra lightweight .357 guns, but most can't and if it is to be a carry gun, at least some of your practice should be with your carry ammo. The Sp101 is heavy for a snubbie, but it is durable with full power loads.
JWF III
Member
Don't disregard the alloy guns because other people report painful shooting. I was slightly concerned about it, and bought a 360PD anyway. I love the gun. Even with fullhouse loads in it. But I would recommend renting one at a range (or shooting a friends) before you purchase. Recoil is stiff, but not painful.
When did Glock start making a snub nose revolver?
I can carry 2 fully loaded (158gr mags) 360s or 340s for only a couple ounces more. Mine weighs in at 14.8 ounces fully loaded as described. That would give me 10, 158s vs 9, 125s.
Wyman
When did Glock start making a snub nose revolver?
I can carry 2 fully loaded (158gr mags) 360s or 340s for only a couple ounces more. Mine weighs in at 14.8 ounces fully loaded as described. That would give me 10, 158s vs 9, 125s.
Wyman
Some great info here, thanks.
My main CCW for now is a SW Airweight 442 in .38 spl. Just looking for a similar CCW with more of a bang, so to speak. My Airweight is not setup for +P ammo, as it is an older model. I think a snubbie .357 fits the bill, with 5 rounds, hammerless, nice and concealable.
Not worried too much about recoil issues, just reliability and concealability. Plan to target shoot .38, and carry .357 for self defense.
Like the Ruger sp101, and M&P 340, dont want to go too much bigger. Maybe a Taurus?
My main CCW for now is a SW Airweight 442 in .38 spl. Just looking for a similar CCW with more of a bang, so to speak. My Airweight is not setup for +P ammo, as it is an older model. I think a snubbie .357 fits the bill, with 5 rounds, hammerless, nice and concealable.
Not worried too much about recoil issues, just reliability and concealability. Plan to target shoot .38, and carry .357 for self defense.
Like the Ruger sp101, and M&P 340, dont want to go too much bigger. Maybe a Taurus?
jad0110
Member
I've never owned a 5 shot Taurus snubbie, but a lot of people on THR do and most hold them in high regard. They are also a bit cheaper than their S&W equivalents, and the internal lock is of at least a less intrusive design.
Just be aware that Taurus has pretty lousy customer service, by most accounts (including my own) if something should go wrong. And they don't typically hold their value as well, if that matters.
Just be aware that Taurus has pretty lousy customer service, by most accounts (including my own) if something should go wrong. And they don't typically hold their value as well, if that matters.
crowderdog
Member
I've had a Taurus 85, a S&W 638, and two Ruger sp101's (a .38 and a .357) By far my favorite is the 2 1/4" sp101 .357 with the bobbed hammer.
ROBBY.1911
Member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2007
- Messages
- 225
please check my SW mod. 13, 3", .357 in the for sale part of this forum. they are kinda rare and kinda cool. round butt+tyler t-grip adapter might be the all-around gun you want.---robby
Great point!
After shooting an SP101, stainless steel S&W M60, and airweight S&W .357....I carry the stainless S&W loaded with .38s or really light .357s, never a heavy or full powered load. If you want to use full power .357s (not sure why, all you gain is a large fireball and a few fps, not much powder burns in short barrels) go with the Ruger SP101, the wide grip and extra weight really softens the recoil.
:banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:
bestseller92
Member
Sp101.
MCgunner
Member
I was getting 1300 fps and 662 ft lbs from a 2.3" SP101 firing 180 grain JHPs. More'n just a fireball, there. Not something I'd use for self defense against humans, though. I was getting 550 ft lbs from a 140 grain Speer JHP. That's double what I get from a 2" Taurus 85UL and a +P .38 special. It was a lot easier to shoot in the SP101 than the 180 load, but both loads were VERY accurate.
I'd go for the 3" SP101, though, no harder to carry. Either barrel length is a IWB gun due to the weight and the fact that I found the Hogue grip to be highly desirable.
Not something I'd use for self defense against humans, though. I was getting 550 ft lbs from a 140 grain Speer JHP. That's double what I get from a 2" Taurus 85UL and a +P .38 special. It was a lot easier to shoot in the SP101 than the 180 load, but both loads were VERY accurate. I'd go for the 3" SP101, though, no harder to carry. Either barrel length is a IWB gun due to the weight and the fact that I found the Hogue grip to be highly desirable.
frankiestoys
Member
Ruger sp 101
I put one on my x-mas list
I put one on my x-mas list
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