Lets talk snubbies

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mattz357

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Despite the fact that IL will never have CCW, I have recently decided that my next purchase will be a snub revolver. I looked at a third issue Colt detective special and absolutely fell in love with this gun. It looked like a little brother to my King Cobra, only .38, not .357. Additionally, it was blue, which I don't like. It was in pretty good shape, roughly 95%, but I would still very likely get it hard chromed to match the rest of my collection (everything I have is stainless or hard chrome). At $400 for the gun (USED) and $150 for the chrome, am I better off to get the S&W 642 that CDNN has for $315 (NEW)??? I don't have much experience with aluminum in firearms, how does it hold up compared to stainless steel? How is it for cleaning? Please, gentlemen and ladies, help me!!!
 
If you want a little brother to your King Cobra, then why not try to find a Colt Magnum Carry .357. They were only made for a short time in 1999, but I do see them on sites like Gunbroker from time to time. For the price of the Det. Special + hard chroming, you should in the right ballpark. Here is a pic of mine w/ Hogue Tulipwood grips.

picture.gif

DK
 
Auctonarms and Gunbroker had nothing for the Magnum Carry, now that sucks. I'm going to keep looking, that is perfect. Yours isn't for sale, is it??? :)
 
mattz357:

The Colt Detective Special was made of high-carbon steel, and either blued or nickel plated. A similar revolver, named the Cobra, had an aluminum frame. Which of these are you looking at? If it's a Detective Special you can get it hard-chromed, but the total cost seems a bit steep. However to each his own.
 
Fuff, I did see a 3rd gen. Cobra on gunbroker and I actually thought that ideal (as a kid brother to my King Cobra), but since there was only one in about 300 I figured it was rare enough not to chase after. Either are of interest, but availability of parts/service, and Colt warranty would be a factor. The average cost of hard chrome is around $125, add shipping both ways and I'm a little on the low side.
 
Living in Illinois myself, I still think the snub is a good choice for home defense. I chose the Ruger SP101 in .38+P with a 3" barrel. There is much to be said for the revolver as a bedroom night stand gun.

Carry in Illinois? Forget it. Never going to happen with the likes of Chicago politics.
 
It could make a difference. You can hard chrome steel, but not aluminum. You can electroless nickel the aluminum frame, but all steel parts - including the hammer and trigger pivots, as well as the barrel have to be removed. This could add considerably to the expense. If you are going to go in this direction I would stick to the all-steel Detective Special, or buy some other maker's revolver.
 
Fuff, you're half right. Aluminum cannot directly be hard chromed, but it can be hard chromed after a layer of nickel is applied. Metalife, which is who I am looking at having do the work, charges $15 extra for this IIRC and takes care of the entire revolver. I would prefer stainless steel, which would save having to have it chromed at all, but the cost/availability of the pistol are prohibitive. Brad, I feel your pain, we'll never know the joy of CCW in this state. One day I'll get smart and move!
 
Ya, you can do that. But if they also flash-chrome the lockwork you may have some trouble getting things back together. I have spent some interesting hours trying to retrofit other people's revolvers (and not to mention Luger pistols) after they were aftermarket plated. A lot depends on just how thick a coating they use. Too light a layer and you can have wear problems... too thick any you may have fitting issues.
 
Sorry, mine is not for sale. Keep your eye on Gunbroker, I've see them fairly often, and they usually go for a lot less than $879 (scalper's price). I would think that $500-$600 would be a fair price depending on condition. Patience....If you keep your eyes open I'm sure you can find one.
 
Not a Colt

Those Colts are nice but this is more my speed. S&W Model 15-2, 2":

Model15-2.jpg


:D
 
Spook, is that the SFVI model? I have looked for that online, the drab grey finish, but I've had no luck finding it. You lucky ba$****. :)
 
Magnum Carrys are hard sought after and the prices has gone up drastically on them. The SFVI is found occasionally, but you would probably have better luck finding a DS-II. There are some limited King Cobras with short barrels on the market, but they tend to be pricey also. There are numerous nickeled DS on the market with many still like new.
An example:
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=5820579
 
Alright, it's go time. I'm going to try to order this within the next week and I can't decide. 637 or 642??? Please, and I mean PLEASE, make up my mind for me. Also, any recommendations for a day planner style holster are greatly appreciated! Thanks!
 
I looked for three years to find mine... not parting with it.

The later model all steel DS has better lockwork than the SF-VI or Magnum Carry. Still, my MC Colt rocks.
 
Go with the 637. Or toss a coin. Either one will do the job. Those are revolvers designed to be portable, concealable and good for close range work. Six of one or half a dozen of another.
 
I'm still leaning towards the 642 unless I hear otherwise. Does anyone happen to have two speed strips they would be interested in selling? I can't find any locally and I don't want to spend $10 shipping on a $7 part. I'm also looking for the Uncle Mikes grips on the Ruger in this picture. Thanks!!!
 

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Get a new S&W 642. Very high quality, good warrenty, good price. Really no need for hammer cock - single action capability with such a small gun. The 642 is very light, compact yet easy to handle, snag free design, suprisingly accurate within typical "shoot out" distances. Don't worry about durability - they are +P .38 rated. It's unlikely you'll ever shoot enough +P .38's out of it to damage it. The only weakness is some have reported the finish may be damaged if exposed to harsh chemicals. But this only affects the looks - not reliability & shootability. If the finish goes bad, send it to S&W for refinishing (the gun comes with a life time warrenty).

I've got one - and it's my all around "go to" gun for serious purposes.

PS: Sorry to hear about the restrictive carry laws where you live. I'm fortunate to live where my state allows concealed carry - and the surrounding states honor the licence in their states as well. It's hard for me to fathom living in a place where you are considered a criminal for taking measures to protect yourself & your family. I just don't understand it.
 
I have three Detective Specials and a Magnum Carry.
I bought the Magnum Carry new in 1999 for $325. Nobody seemed to want them then.
The first thing I did was to remove all the sharp edges and round off the very sharp trigger. It, along with the detective specials, are great guns. They fit my hand just right.
I have one hard chrome Detective Special from Colt. Colt made them for a few years.
The Detective Specials have the finist trigger actions I have ever felt. Even better than the pythons that I have.:)
 
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