Looking for a new snubby

[sgtredleg]

Hey all,
I've have had a S&W model 36 Chiefs Special for quite awhile now. I like that I can stick it in my jeans pocket and it doesn't "print" much. But I have been concerned about the minimal .38 special caliber.
I have not kept up with the newer models and options for a concealed carry snubby of similar size. I like the idea of a .357 option, or maybe a bigbore 41-45 Colt, but I still want to keep a very small package. With a more powerful cartridge I can see that I should probably go with porting as well. Which ones have that as a standard option?
So, what would ya'll recommend?

 

[antiquus]

Go buy some Buffalo Bore Heavy .38 Special +P and that model 36 will end up with close to .357 performance. Don't feed that sweet 36 a steady diet of it, use something a little softer. But definitely run a few cylinders full through it so you get the feel, because the difference from standard +P ammo is significant. After that if you feel undergunned start looking for the .357.

 

[lowercase]

I carry a J Frame .38 a lot, and am okay with the .38spl round. I load Buffalo Bore hard cast wadcutters (not +P and optimized for snubbies) in my J Frames. I think that will get the job done.

As far as a larger round, I also like to carry my Charter Arms Bulldog .44spl. I load it with 200 grain Gold Dot jhp or good old 246 grain flat nosed lead. I figure that a big fat chunk of lead like that will definitely ruin a bad guy's day. Charters have a hit or miss reputation, but mine runs great, carries great, and has absolutely excellent ergonomics. It is the same size as a Colt Detective Special.

Also have a couple S&W medium frame snubbies, and one (a model 66) is a .357.

My opinion on porting (and we all know what opinions are worth) is that snubbies and porting are a bad combination. If you have to shoot from the hip, all of that unburnt powder coming from the ports goes straight up into your face. I have one ported snub (Charter Mag Pug .357), and it spits debris back at my face even when shot from a normal shooting position at the range. Makes me glad that I have eye protection. I will NEVER buy another ported snub.

Here are the pics:

S&W 642

S&W 442 (with old-style Magna grips and Tyler T-grip adaptor)

Charter Arms Bulldog Pug 2.5" (current production model with old-style wood grips)

S&W 66-3 2.5"

 

[Snake Plisskin]

A model 66 2.5" will do nicely, IMO

 

[snooperman]

I have the Colt Magnum Carry which is my primary carry gun. There are some great 357 snubby,s by S&W , Taurus and Ruger that you might want to consider. I also like the Colt Agent 15 oz snubby in 38 special with 6 shots when I want to go light. Good luck in your search, as there are more snubby's available today then ever before that will fill your need.

 

[Lucky Derby]

Careful load selection can make the .38 Special a very effective round. Look at some of the Buffalo Bore offerings. Don't shoot a lot of them in that J frame, just a few cylinders so you are familiar with how it will shoot, then load up for defense.

If you still want bigger (far be it for me to tell someone not to buy another gun.)- Well in my opinion the Ruger SP101 is about the best small .357 there is, and not to expensive by today's standard. It's really the only small .357 that I've enjoyed shooting with REAL .357 ammo.

If you want big bore, the Charter Arms Bulldog .44 is as small as it gets, other than a deringer. It's not quite up to the quality standards of the SP101, but most owners who recognize it for what it is, really like them. What it is is a slightly larger J frame that shoots a large chunk of lead, but not something to go to the range every weekend and pump 2K rounds through.

Porting IMHO is a bad idea. SD shootings are most frequent in low light. Porting will send the flash upwards into your line of sight, possibly causing a temporary blinding effect. Not good. Also if a close hip shot is needed, that same flash is likely to burn you. Also not good.

Of course all of the above is my opinion and worth every penny you paid for it.

 

[Clippers]

Ruger SP101 in 357.

 

[Hometeached1]

I think with the right ammo (135gr+p gold dot) the .38 special is just fine, but hey if you get a .357 you will be able to shoot both. The sp101 is very nice, or a k-frame. I have heard good things about the charter bull dog in .44special.

 

[Coyote3855]

I like my Ruger stainless Speed Six .357 with the 2 3/4" barrel.

 

[444]

IMO the .357 out of a small snubby is not really practical.

That being said, the Ruger SP-101 is not really a small snubby. It is significantly "beefier" than a J-Framed Smith. And I think this makes it into a practical platform for .357.

There is debate about whether the .357 when fired out of a snubby is significantly better than a .38 Special. I can tell you that I have a Ruger SP-101 and have fired full-house .357 loads out of it and it definitely is significantly more than your run of the mill .38 Special. However, that comes with a price: ferocious muzzle blast and more recoil.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to concealment: the length of the barrel isn't a real big issue in a concealed handgun other than possibly with your comfort. The fat cylinder is what is hard to conceal. The barrel is down in your pants. Point being, IMO if you start getting into K-Frame sized guns, you might as well carry a 4" barrel and get the increased velocity, decrease in muzzle blast, and a longer sight radius. The beauty of the J-Frame is it's overall small size.

 

[bikemutt]

I'm partial to the S&W 442 which is still generally available without the integrated lock for a reasonable price. As others have said, loaded up with Buffalo Bore semi wad cutters in standard or +P, it's suitable for SD.

I personally shoot any J-frame more accurately with a banana-style combat grip where I can get all my digits on-board. They aren't the easiest to find any longer, I thing they were made by Uncle Mikes, try eBay.

Just today I was practicing a bit with my 442 and was able to hold consistent 3"-4" groups at 7 yards using plain 125 gr. FMJ range ammo. No recoil-induced pain. At 15 oz unloaded I find the 442 offers the best balance of firepower, weight and size where I feel reasonably comfortable that when I squeeze the trigger, I have a pretty good notion where the bullet will end up.

Obviously .357 in a J-frame is a more powerful weapon but I find that combination unmanageable, YMMV.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Another SP101 vote.