Help! Need a year-round carry snubby

[MiGalley]

Short and sweet:

I'm trying to choose a new small CCW revolver for summer (HOT weather) everywhere/everyday carry. I have nothing whatsoever against alloy frames; I simply prefer the feel and other qualities of a steel gun. I prefer OWB, so weight is a non issue. Being able to tuck my gun into a pocket or elsewhere is just icing on the cake. Fixed sights and 2"-3" barrels are a given. Realistically, I expect that I will put a LOT more .38 spl. ammo through this gun than I will .357 mag. (We all know how that goes!)

The following fit my hand and are curently available at my local shop (no waiting):

S&W models 60 (2"), 640 (2"), 649 (2"), and 64 (3")
Ruger SP-101 (2")

Any thoughts from those of you who have experience with the above will be greatly appreciated.

MiG

 

[Marshall]

I have the Model 60 and carry it IWB, OWB and some pocket depending on what kind of pants and pockets they have. I prefer to have a hammer I can use, I like SA & DA shooting and prefer to be able to cock it and decock it myself. I like to have the choice.

It's really just your preference, they're all very close.

 

[MiGalley]

Thanks, Marshall. I, too, like hammers.

I cut my teeth on revolvers way back when a peanut farmer could become president. I've carried a M19, M66, M686, and a Diamondback. No issues with any of them.

First chance I got, I bought my first Combat Commander. Wow. Great gun. I was summarily smitten. lol Thus, I have been out of the revolver game for many, many moons.

My hands-down choice for CCW remains my stainless Colt Gov't Model (full-size, just as JMB intended it). I picked up a Glock G36 for CCW in extremely hot weather and the necessary lightening up of my wardrobe. Problem is, there are those rare occasions when it is excruciatingly difficult (some contend that nothing is impossible, right?) to dress around either of my .45s. FWIW and to preempt the wise words of those who, like me, ascribe to the school of "you have to buy good gunleather!" my favorite rigs are Tucker Gunleather belts, holsters, and mag pouches, and I also have a nice Milt Sparks set up. The fact is, at least for me, that there times when having a small wheelgun that can be carried OWB, IWB, or tucked into a pocket may be not only the best but only option. (I cannot believe I said that! Sheeeesh!)

YMMV

MiG

 

[Kevinch]

For my preference, the guns you have on your list are too heavy to be considered for pocket carry. I have an SP101 & only will consider putting it into the pocket of a large, heavy winter coat. I recently bought my daughter a 2" M637; is of Al (frame) & SS (cylinder) constuction, & weighs about 15 ozs. While equipped with a standard hammer, it could be pressed into pocket carry.

Any of the guns on your list would be well suited to OWB belt carry in a good, quality holster riding on a matching gun belt. I just bought my wife a 3" NIB M60. Nice gun, but I (as you) prefer fixed sights on a CCW piece (which the 2" gun on your list is equipped with). It has a nice trigger pull right out of the box. Haven't shot it yet, so I can't comment on accuracy.

I like my SP101, but compared to that M60 the trigger pull is, IMO, terrible. I'm definetly going to have it worked on. Other than that, it is a solid built revolver - as are all Ruger revolvers.

I believe J&G sales has used 3" M64s for sale now. I'd offer the web site, but I can't surf over there to check because the corporate Net Nanny says I can't look at it. You might want to check it out.

 

[fiVe]

You can't beat the S&W 642 for CCW--particularly via a Robert Mika pocket holster. I know it is hammerless, but my personal bias requires that I recommend it.


Safe Shootin',

fiVe

 

[Mizzle187]

I just got a S&W 642 with 205 Laser Grips on it. Well it came with 305's but I replaced them with 205's since it will be primarly pocket carry. Ill have the 305's to fall back on or put them on my old ladys 60LS. I also picked up (2) Mika pocket Holsters(cant beat the price and quality). One round on square.

 

[Greek]

I have the S&W Model 60 in stainless .38 Special which I like.

The S&W 442 or S&W 642 are lighter revolvers with no hammers but controllable.

The 640 is heavier and is in .357. You can also use .38 Special in this one.

 

[MiGalley]

Man, you guys are making it hard for me to not take a second look at an aluminum frame gun--642. Any problems with sweat (my wife and daughters perspire; I SWEAT) interacting with the aluminum and steel? I recall hearing stories about mixing steel and aluminum bicycle components causing "chemical welding" due to this. I dunno.

To be honest, I really like the feel of the M60; however, each of you have raised valid points as to why other guns may be as good if not better choices. Curiously, no glowing accolades for the Ruger. Hmmmm. . . .

The weight of a steel gun does not bother me at all. Must be that all those years of carrying 1911s--and even the G36--have conditioned me to the point that I walk with a decided list when not wearing a gun. I mean, I practically need to wear a helmet just to keep from smacking my noggin when getting in and out of the shower.

Seriously, I always wear a belt (except in the shower, of course), so I have both IWB and OWB capability. I have quite the collection of "HEY! SHOOT ME FIRST; I'M CARRYING A GUN!" vests, jackets, blazers, and Hawaiian shirts. The problem I run into, during the hotest months in particular, is that there are times when it's just too dern hot to wear a concealing garment, or that "suitable attire" is not conducive to carrying my 1911 or G36 concealed.

Thanks

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Fixed sights and 2"-3" barrels are a given. Realistically, I expect that I will put a LOT more .38 spl. ammo through this gun than I will .357 mag. (We all know how that goes!)

The problem is that it's a rare gun that will shoot .38 specials and full-charge .357s to the same point of aim. Fixed sights tend to dictate a fixed load.

So if you really plan to practice with this gun, you'll want to shoot your carry load, or a handload that shoots to the same point of impact. In .357, I'd go with the SP 101.

I note you don't require pocket carry, nor are you concerned about weight -- again, that puts the nod to the SP 101.

 

[MiGalley]

Yes, Vern. To your point exactly. I'm not much on .357s in short-barreled lightweight guns (YIKES!). I will most likely feed this gun a steady diet of .38 specials--in the flavor that it likes best. This will take some experimentation and no small amount of range time. Bummer. Like I needed another reason to spend money no ammo. (he, he, he, he, he)

I know more than one well-intentioned soul who bought a .357 magnum caliber revolver for the "added versatility of being able to shoot both .38s and .357s in it." Same with my .44 magnum friends. x2

. . . And then they pulled the trigger for the first time.

What's that saying about "nothing makes a shooter feel 'special' like shooting a magnum does? That is, they all shoot .38/.44 specials but carry the magnum loadings "in the field." Never has made sense to me, either, but to each his own.

While I'd prefer to carry my 1911 openly and readily accessible--heck, I'd prefer to carry my M1 Garand or my 870--I do value a "polite society." As such, I will accept the trade-offs that I must make in going to a snubby .38/.357: I sacrifice no small amount of performance in exchange for a gun that I can control, conceal, and carry when and where I otherwise could not. To my mind, a well-placed shot from a .38 spl--+P or otherwise--beats even the best of well-timed Shakespearean insults--everytime.

So is a 5-shot snubby loaded with .38s a panacea? Not even close. Just the same, for all the talk of its shortcomings, I've yet to hear anyone volunteer to "catch" a .38! Sure beats shouting!

Thanks!

 

[Vern Humphrey]

People call me a crusty old opinionated curmudgeon, but I refuse to fire a gun that weighs less than the bullet.

 

[MiGalley]

"People call me a crusty old opinionated curmudgeon, but I refuse to fire a gun that weighs less than the bullet."

Amen to that!

I liken the current trend to that of marketing titanium framing hammers. Can you imagine trying to drive a 16d sinker in one whack with such a tool?

(Errrr . . . uh . . . as a matter of fact I can. It'd be a lot like what I experienced the first and only time I pulled the trigger on a rangemate's scandium 340(?) loaded with .357 Corbons (110 gr.)

. . . Which explains why I can to this day pluck embers from a fire with my right hand and not feel pain. Sheeeeeesh. That was an experience not to be forgotten. Hence, my aversion to "Airweight" anythings.

Seems every range has its resident masochistic clown.

Thanks

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The good news is some day you'll be able to buy used titanium revolvers very cheaply. The bad news is, after you buy one, you'll have a titanium revolver.

 

[PX15]

JMOFO:

I purchased a new 640 some time back... Didn't like it.

For my needs I have found the 638 Airweight Bodyguard to be perfect. I purchased a pre-lock several years ago because the trigger action was so much easier to shoot....


I've found the 357mag rd. is just (for me) too much round to put thru a snubby. Not fun to shoot at all, and I couldn't hit diddily with it. Of course the lack of accuracy was probably "operator related" I like the 357 mag round in a larger firearm, and in fact have a Security-Six in the nightstand by the bed.



The Airweight bodyguard comes with a great target trigger and it is a pleasure to shoot. I just load it up with 5 +p's and I'm good to go.

Just my opinion.

Best Wishes,

JP

 

[Kevinch]

Curiously, no glowing accolades for the Ruger. Hmmmm. . . .

Let me clarify my opinion on the SP101. It's a great little snub. Mine is a .357MAG, you can get them chambered for the .38SPL if that's what you choose. I can control mine shooting magnum loads - in no small way due to the 25oz unloaded weight. I'd have no problem recommending it to someone.

However - you indicated pocket carry, and for me the SP101 is too heavy. FWIW, so is either M60 (2" or 3"), the M640, M649, and M64. (Not to be redundant - but that is only MY opinion!) All of those guns weigh over 22 ozs unloaded. While maybe OK for occasional pocket carry in an adequate overcoat or large jacket, you mentioned summer wear. I'm assuming that is a very lightweight jacket, or none at all, with a shirt/pant combo that won't hide or accommodate an IWB or OWB set up for your larger carry piece and press you into frequent trouser pocket carry. I am uncomfortable with my SP101 in any pant pocket - but YMMV.

Now, for belt carry underneath an appropriate lightweight jacket or large shirt, I think the SP101 would work quite nicely. In fact, I'm currently looking for a belt & holster rig to press mine into that duty. The gun is accurate enough & carries enough weight that .357MAG load recoil is not too bad & .38SPL or .38SPL +P are, obviously, even more mild. It's built like any other Ruger - you can drive a truck over it & still it would probably shoot to POA.

FWIW, I'm sort of going through the same decision you are. While I have the SP101, my gun of choice when dressed in clothes that won't accommodate OWB or IWB carry is a Colt Mustang Pocketlite in .380ACP. But as they have been discontinued for some time now & parts are getting difficult to find, I've started to keep my eyes open for a replacement so I can retire the little Colt. As I mentioned, I've recently purchased a 637 for my daughter but have yet to shoot it. If when we do I'm favorably impressed, I might just see my way clear to either the 638 or 642. Whether I trade-in the Ruger or not I don't know - it usually comes down to the funds on hand! But even if I do, that isn't a slam on the SP101. It's a good gun for the right carry mode.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

For me, my Colt Detective Special is about ideal as a snubbie for self-defense. I usually carry my Kimber Classic in an IWB, but the little Colt is really convenient.

 

[BigEllis51]

I'm in the Houston area [doesn't get much more muggy and hot than here] and have found the 642 to be the one gun that is consistently "carryable" almost regardless of wardrobe [638 works as well]. If OWB is an option, a 2" or 3" 64 is a much more shootable revolver, IMO. I sold my 340PD since firing a .357 from a 12 oz. revolver turned out to be pretty ridiculous.

 

[RyanM]

I'd say go with an SP-101. Solid, durable, very simple lockwork compared to Colts, Smiths, and Taurii. It's probably the only realistic choice if you want to use fullhouse magnums. It's a little heavy, but I've been able to carry mine on my ankle while out shopping with little discomfort.

 

[clipse]

I agree with the SP101. I carry it daily and love it. I shoot alot of full house loads and this thing just keeps on runnin like a top. I decided to make mine shiney.

 

[Photoman]

I vote for the 2" RB M64. Can be bought for half what the lightweights sell for and easily available without the lock. Spend the savings on practice.

 

[orangeninja]

I love the Ruger SP101, but it is not really a "true" snubbie in that it is almost the size of a full sized revolver.

The most versitile snubbie is the Taurus 651, it has a shrouded hammer so you can pocket carry for thos quick trips to the corner store. They are dead reliable. Stainless steel but only about 25oz...which is about a Glock26 fully loaded in weight. Did I mention they were inexpensive yet the quality exceeds the modern Smith?

 

[pezo]

I love the Ruger SP101, but it is not really a "true" snubbie in that it is almost the size of a full sized revolver

OH really . I own one carry it and I also own "full sized" revo's. I didnt notice this.

 

[orangeninja]

pezo....the SP101 is maybe then more of an in between. It certainly isn't a "j" frame....but if you like it, more power to you...it's a great gun. But for 5 shots, it's not the most economical (in size and weight) that a J frame is.

 

[Mizzle187]

The SP101 is the same size as the SW 60 right? If so it isnt a true snubbie but techniclly could be carried in a pocket and people do.

 

[bubbygator]

I'm chiming-in to tell you the same thing as others. Mine is a 442, but 342 or 642 (all with 205 CT lasergrips) is what works!