Hi,
1. COLT small revolvers
The steel Colt "Detective Specials," and their counterpart Colt "Agent" aluminum framed versions are nice, and fairly small snubbies.
They both hold six rounds of .38 special, which is about as effective as a 9mm round in the same length barrel.
Downside . . . they ain't being made anymore, the factory ain't workin' on 'em anymore, parts are scarce and gunsmiths who know how to work on 'em are retiring left and right.
2. S&W small revolvers
The J-frame S&W revolvers come in both steel and aluminum frames too! They are smaller in girth, due to a deliberately reduced cylinder that holds five rounds of .38 spl. (Yes, you can get 'em in .357 versions too).
The huge benefit in the S&W is they are smaller, narrower and lighter than the comparable Colts, thus they conceal better. THIS IS A HUGE DEAL . . . for if you aren't comfortable carrying it concealed, you won't have it with you when you need it!!!
Although the Colt has its fans, most professionals and civilians alike have become extremely fond of the little Smiths.
BTW, I have an "Airweight" S&W (the aluminum frame type) in my pocket holster right now. It's been there since 6AM this morning and has been there while I painted a back outer wall of my house today. You literally cannot tell its there.
A friend of mine who works across from the Federal courthouse here ALMOST forgot to take his out if his pocket recently. They are that wonderful! to tote . . . but he'd have been in huge trouble if he hadn't turned around at the door!!
I heartily recommend the Smiths. There are three basic shapes, and lots of variables: 1. Exposed hammer type, 2. Humback "Bodyguard" type with a recessed hammer that you CAN cock if desired, and 3. a Hammerless "Centennial" style. Each has its fans and I frankly could not care less which type I found.
I have two of the little snubbies, and both are the type with conventional hammers . . . a steel framed Model 36 from 1964 in bright nickel plate that weights about 23 oz., and a blued, aluminum framed Model 37 "Airweight" of the same look and size that weighs about 15oz. or so.
I feel quite well armed with either in my pocket . . . and that's where they stay, virtually wherever I go that I can carry legally. They are quite accurate too, once you master the short sight radius.
Both can be had for quite reasonable prices, and I always seek out really nice early specimens like these.
Here's the M36. I don't have any photos yet of my M37:
FORTY-FOUR YEARS OLD, AND ABSOLUTELY JUST AS GOOD AS NEW! . . .
Shoots great too! Here's the first five shots fired when I got it. All five rounds at perfect point of aim into a tiny black, 1" square at TEN YARDS, standing and unsupported:
My suggestion . . .
Yeah, get a fine used S&W J frame and it will only go up in value if you take care of it. Spend about $14 and get an Uncle Mike's #3 pocket holster for it and you'll be good to go . . . and wonderfully concealed too!
Hope this helps!
T.
PS: I could not care less about having a .357 Magnum in such a small a gun. The recoil can be intimidating for a new shooter, and this can cause you to have severe accuracy problems and also make you not want to practice! NOT GOOD.
Instead, just load it with decent .38 special ammo. It has always gotten the job done for decades on end, and you'll shoot it better and faster too . . . with better control if you ever need it!
Fast and controlled Bullet Placement . . . is EVERYTHING in a defensive action!
T.
PS: Here's the size comparison of the S&W J frame and the Colt Detective Special/Agent snubbies. You can see how the Colt is bigger and wider in the cylinder area:
I own this 6-shot Agent . . . but never carry it. If I want this size and weight it will be in a belt holster . . . and when that happens I'm gonna be packing my Kimber aluminum framed 3" barreled .45ACP!
