Question a about snubbies

[Black Adder LXX]

I found the best solution to this problem to be the Glock 26.

Um, thanks but I'm one of those guys with a condition that doesn't allow me to like Glocks... I've really tried, but it seems incurable.

 

[MCgunner]

My SP101 sorta hurt my middle finger with 140 grain full power hot handloads, but I added a rubber Hogue Monogrip. That made a HUGE difference. It's not bad now other than the flash/bang. Yeah, I'm into steel when it comes to .357 magnums. The SP101 isn't as light, but about as compact as the J frames. It carries a little more weight at 27 ounces which helps more than you'd think 3 or 4 ounces would and isn't hard to carry at all. But, I have a ultrailite .38 (alloy frame) 17 ounce 38 for pocket carry. The SP101 isn't a pocket gun. I won't say it's pleasant to shoot, but it's not unpleasant to shoot with full power loads. Heavier the bullet, the harder it kicks, though. I've fired hot 180s out of it, was an experience with the standard grips it came with.

I found the best solution to this problem to be the Glock 26.

I've got a Kel Tec P11 I prefer, but I like the .357 for the horsepower. If it hurts you when you fire it, imagine how it feels to get hit with it. Yeah, I know, gross over-simplification, but I had to say it. LOL

 

[Logos]

The 9mm out of the 26 will hurt just as much, be equally effective.....and is much easier to deliver with precision.

Of course, you won't get the immense pyrotechnics of that power-wasting flash/boom, but you could learn to do without it.



I know, revolvers have a mystique. I love my two and a half inch 686......but I'm also a realist as well.

For serious work, I'd definitely go with the 26.

 

[Ala Dan]

I have and occassionally shoot a Smith & Wesson 2.5" model 66-4* with the
round butt walnut grips. Its not painfull at all, if you let the felt recoil roll
the weapon back in your the webbing of your hand.

*FootNote: .357 magnum

 

[41magsnub]

I can relate to being suprised by a snub. I fired a .41 mag with a 3" barrel I inherited using full power remington shells. Good lord I did not know what I was getting into. The first round was in the black. The rest the best I can say is they were down range, none hit the paper even I was flinching so badly. I put the gun away and picked up my security six and threw some wadcutters downrange to unlearn the bad habits I probably just picked up. If I ever shoot the .41 again I will need to find some lower power rounds.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The one snubbie I find tolerable to shoot with full-power .357s is the Ruger SP101. I still have several boxes of Remington 125-gr. SJHPs (R357M1), unused. The blast/concussion blows the target around fifteen feet away, and other shooters turn to look at me with "*** is that?" looks on their faces. With milder .357s like the Winchester "white box" 110-gr. JHPs or "medium velocity" 125s, and all .38 Special loads, it is OK. However, the existence of subcompact 9mm autoloaders that are about the same size yet can hold up to over twice as many shots makes it pretty hard for me to justify keeping this gun. I felt the same way about a S&W 640-1 I used to have. Due to its smaller grip (Uncle Mike's Boot Grip) it painfully pounded my thumb joint with .357s. At least the Ruger's weight and larger grip spreads it out more.

 

[DomMega]

Haha, a .357 in a little J frame revolver is going to hurt. It really doesn't matter how big you are or how much mass you have to attempt to control the gun with, its the mass of the gun itself that makes firing that round semi-painful. You're basically actuating an explosion in your hands. Due to the weight of the gun itself to absorb that explosion (which is minimal at best) shooting it is going to be a daunting task. Heck, to be able to get those bullets where you want them to go downrange is a challenge in itself.

I think the main function of a .357 snub is to scare the attacker away from the shear BANG! that gun will make when fired. It's great for close range (which is the primary function of a snub, as its certainly not longer range accuracy) firing in a dangerous situation with a would be bad guy but don't give them much more credit than that. I think they're great guns for the purpose they serve but thats really about it. Close range personal protection is its primary purpose and a purpose that it serves well.

 

[AStone]

.38 spl is to snubbie
as .357 is to full grip.

IMO. YMMV.

Me? 642 + 65.

 

[Spiff_P239]

I had a Smith & Wesson M&P 340 that I foolishly sold (and am in the process of replacing) and I found it to be a great gun. .38 +P was very manageable and did not punish me or my hands at all. Even after putting a couple mild .357 Magnums through it, I was still ready to shoot some more. I've found that recoil is very subjective and varies from person to person. If a snubnose revolver doesn't work for you, maybe it's time to move on to something else.

 

[Black Adder LXX]

Yeah, I think I'm liking the Smith 642 anyways, so 38 spl is nice. If I get a snub 357, I'll definitely go with the SP101 for the extra mass. I love Rugers anyways.

Thanks for the input everyone...

 

[DawgFvr]

I have to chuckle when I hear the repeated comment, "recoil is very subjective and varies from person to person." Actually, recoil is not subjective...maybe "felt" recoil might be an point to argue...but the real point of concern is that the muzzle flip of a tiny (especially a scandie) J frame revolver, as the result of using the .357 mag bullet degrades the firer's ability to get back on target for subsequent shots. I think accuracy of that round in such a light weapon during the attempts of rapid fire would also be questionable. I rejcommend using the .38 special in J frames...use the .357 mag in larger combat/fighting revovlers.

 

[MCgunner]

The 9mm out of the 26 will hurt just as much, be equally effective.....and is much easier to deliver with precision.

Of course, you won't get the immense pyrotechnics of that power-wasting flash/boom, but you could learn to do without it.

I think you're about right, carry my 9 a lot because it's 14 ounces unloaded and carries 11 rounds of +P which is nice in a small package. It's quite accurate, too, and easy to shoot.

However, ballistically.

9mm carry load...6.5 grains Unique...115 grain Hornady XTP/HP...~1267 fps/410 ft lbs

.357 carry load...17 gr 2400...140 grain Speer JHP...1332 fps...551 ft lbs

Guess what, WE HAVE A WINNER! .357 Magnum. But, yeah I know, the 9 is plenty. Heck, today, I carried a .38 special +P load in my ultralite. It makes about 931 fps/270 ft lbs and felt well armed enough. I think ft lbs is less important than shot placement and I shoot all these guns well enough to make hits. I really do like the nine, but I ain't givin' up my revolvers. I've always liked the .357 magnum as a round for both self defense and outdoor uses. I've killed deer with it using 158 grain loads in a 6.5" barrel. I wouldn't take on a deer or hog with the 9, but my 180 grain load out of the 2.3" SP101 makes 1306 fps for 682 ft lbs! THAT one, I carry on my walk abouts just in case I spot a hog close enough, inside 30 or 40 yards. Usually, they bed down in the heavy thicket and sometimes you'll spot one or more in the thick stuff if you're observant and walking slow. I'd feel under-gunned with the 9 in this situation. But, for self defense, the 9 is a really good choice. It is a lot easier to shoot, grant you that.

 

[Grey54956]

Snubbies with full power ammunition aren't meant for pleasure shooting. They are meant for easy concealment and self-defense.