I really think I should buy a snubby - again.

[.cheese.]

I used to own a 340PD. Sold it though because it recoiled like a madabuddadingdong!

It's recently come to my attention that despite however much I might prefer Glocks, there are certain times that a snubby in the pocket is invaluable.

I won't go into the details of today, but suffice it to say that regular carry wouldn't have worked.

I'm thinking either a Smith 642, Ruger SP-101, or similar.

Any suggestions? It would be nice if it was heavy enough to not recoil too much with .38 +P (.357 is nice, but not necessary), but not be too heavy to carry in a pocket comfortable. I remember with the 340PD I used to forget it was there. The 340PD isn't an option though. Too expensive to rebuy, too much recoil, and I wasn't thrilled that the Scandium wheel had to be babied. You couldn't use many solvents on it.

 

[rdaines]

Ruger SP-101, you can shoot 38 +P all day and not be crippled.

 

[Black Adder LXX]

Tough call cheese. Both? The sp101 I think is a better gun for carry because it's sturdy. The weight may be an issue for some (which makes the 642 beter, then), although that makes it easier to shoot. I'm on the fence on this one too. I plan on getting both as I'm sure it's a personal preference thing...
I'm curious to hear what you do. Maybe if we do that shoot at American you could let me try it...

 

[mjrodney]

I love my SP-101, and I'll never sell it, but it carries best in a belted holster or in Thunderwear.

It's a bit too heavy for the pocket.

If it doesn't drag your pants completely down, it will for certain have you pulling up on your belt every few moments.

For pocket carry, a S&W Model 638, a 642, or the like, fits the bill better.

My 638 weighs in at 17.2 ounces fully loaded with Gold Dot +p's.

Does it recoil hard? Of course it does.

But do I care in a defensive situation? Probably not.

 

[jt1]

cheese. - S&W 642. You can still have the light weight and with Buff Bore 158gr. standard pressure loads (don't be put off by non +P, these loadings are very effective) a very resonable recoil with good control. Also. I have no problem with +P rounds with this gun. Come over to the 642 club and read around a little.

 

[Cosmoline]

.357 is nice, but not necessary

Then why limit yourself to magnum platforms? Have you shot any of the original J frames or a Detective Special?

 

[orionengnr]

If you are talking pocket, an SP101 is way too heavy.

The 642 is the next best thing to a 340, about 1/2 the price and only a few ounces heavier.

 

[jt1]

double tap

 

[redmule]

No don't buy a small frame revolver. Get a mid or large frame for fun. After you have mastered double action shooting move on to the j-frame.

Redmule

 

[.cheese.]

Maybe if we do that shoot at American you could let me try it...

sure thing. I'll probably have bought it by then.

No don't buy a small frame revolver. Get a mid or large frame for fun. After you have mastered double action shooting move on to the j-frame.

yeah.... that'll work. I'll pocket carry an N-frame.

Shooting the 340 wasn't a problem accuracy wise. My hand just didn't thank me after a session of 100 .357 shots. In fact, you could feel the effects for at least a week.

I know the 642 has less recoil as I've shot it (plus you're not loading it with .357 mags). I know the SP-101 has even less recoil. I've shot one before. It was a breeze to shoot. I'll have to see how comfortable the 101 is in a pocket.

Then why limit yourself to magnum platforms? Have you shot any of the original J frames or a Detective Special?

SW 642 is not magnum. It's .38 special +P max.

 

[tubeshooter]

If an all steel .38 isn't too heavy, that might fit the bill. Otherwise you could do a somewhat lighter version, just not down to the 12-13 ounce range.


SP-101 is great, but way too much for the average pocket.

 

[10-Ring]

I really like j- frames and for what you're looking for, I'd 2nd the 642

 

[Cosmoline]

SW 642 is not magnum. It's .38 special +P max.

Meh. Get a real bodyguard. Pinned barrel. Once you try the old triggers you won't go back to the modern junk. The best revolvers are OLD revolvers.

 

[.cheese.]

you talking about a 38 or a 49? I think the 38 is essentially the same as the current alloy offerings.

The 49 has a grip that looks too small for me. If I happen to stumble on one in good condition though, I'll give it a look.

I'm leaning towards the 642 though.

 

[GRIZ22]

Any suggestions? It would be nice if it was heavy enough to not recoil too much with .38 +P (.357 is nice, but not necessary), but not be too heavy to carry in a pocket comfortable.

If recoil is a major consideration I'd get the SP101. Light and light recoil are a fairy tale with guns.

 

[jcord]

I own both a model 38 and a 49. They are identical twins except one is alloy and the other is steel. A model 38 carries in a pocket great. the 20 oz model 49 is heavy enough to be aggrevating in a pants pocket. What I have done is put a pocket clip on the model 38 and I can stick it in a pocket or slide it in my waist band. The heavier model 49 is used in a holster or jacket pocket carry not pants pocket.

Where having a steel frame version comes in handy is for move practice with the same gun without the punishing recoil. 200 rounds from the model 49 is a nice day at the range. 200 rounds with the model 38 is sore wrists and a bottle of motrin.

 

[fiVe]

.cheese.: You can't beat a 642 for pocket carry (all prejudice aside, of course). Read all about it <<here>>.

 

[GunTech]

Colt Dick Special. Just a tad bigger than the J frame Smith. 6 rounds, al steel, and that V spring feel!

 

[c_yeager]

The Ruger is a really nice gun but it is VERY heavy for a snubby. It makes an excellent pack, camping, or hiking gun, but it doesnt really have that "snubby-advantage" in terms of carry.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I own and carry a M638 and it's comfortable to shoot and carry in your front pocket. The M638 is a Bodyguard frame which is almost the same exact revolver as the M642. Either would make a great pocket carry revolver. (although like Cosmoline said, the older revolvers are a lot better than the new)

 

[Cosmoline]

Like Guntech I've also graduated to the Detective Special. If you can find one, grab it. They're still the best pocket .38.

 

[.cheese.]

are they still in production by chance? I know Colt still manufactures some revolvers.

 

[.cheese.]

and the answer seems to be..... no

looks like all they make is Single Action Army replica types.

 

[GunTech]

Detective specials have been out of production for ten years at least. But they are out there. Similar sized guns include the Agent and Cobra.

No less than 20 Dick Specials on gunbroker right now, including a couple NIB.

 

[MCgunner]

If you're lookin' for a pocket gun, the 642. If you're looking for a very versatile magnum carry that you can actually SHOOT with heavy magnum loads, the SP101 is the only choice in a five shot snub. Well, might go with a M60 Smith in .357, but not one of those scandium things.

The two guns are really for two different purposes. The 642 is a very specialized pocket revolver that ain't much good for anything else. The SP101 isn't pocket carry friendly (weighs a lot), but handles the biggest magnums and can be carried IWB with ease, carried as an outdoor piece, is quite accurate enough to take small game at short yardages with its single action capability, and I even tote mine along sometimes when I'm walking down to my hog trap just in case I come across a hog. I stoke it with 180 grain monster loads for that.

You won't find a snubby any easier to shoot than an SP101. The weight really helps when you're shooting, just not what you'd want in your pocket all day. I've started carrying mine in "Thunderwear" and it's very comfy that way for all day carry and very concealed, better than pocket carry, but a bit slower on the draw. Frees up my pockets for other uses, though.