Snub Nose - DAO or DA/SA

[marb4]

For those that carry a snub nose revolver, do you prefer DAO or DA/SA and why?

 

[MedWheeler]

I'm old-school. The DA/SA wheelguns are what I was trained on, and what I wore on the job (one on the hip and one on an ankle.) Any I carry now are worn on the belt, not pocket-carried, so hammer-snagging is of almost no concern. I like the option of a hammer to cock, though I cannot remember the last time I ever fired a shot in that manner. I prefer the appearance, too, over the "humpback" look.

 

[bannockburn]

marb4

For some unknown reason (at least to myself), I have always been attracted to the S&W Model 38 (or Models 638, 49, and 649). I really like the shrouded hammer, especially when I'm pocket carrying, but like having the option of shooting single action when I'm at the range.

 

[fastbolt]

I voted DAO, but that's only because I own more of them than the traditional double action models.

Back when we carried service revolvers, the bulk of our training and quals involved DA shooting. In the basic firearms training and then again in the firearms instructor class we were permitted to thumb cock the hammer into SA when shooting from 50yd barricade, but the emphasis was on accuracy in DA at the shorter distances (even with the initial DA shot if using TDA pistols).

Remember that back toward the end of the revolver days in LE, there were some larger agencies who decided that revolvers modified to DAO were preferable, as it prevented someone from risking an unintentional shot when they were using a shorter and lighter SA trigger.

In more recent years the bulk of my regular training, drills and quals with my J's was done at relatively close distances, meaning 3-15yds. However, I usually tried to include some trigger time shooting them at paper and steel from 25-50yds, too. On those days when I decided to take one of my remaining snubs with SA capability, like my older 649 Bodyguard, being able to transition over to SA did make shooting it out to 50yds a bit easier, accuracy-wise.

I own a pair of 642-1's, a pair of M&P 340's and a 37-2DAO, so it's pretty apparent that I find the DAO snubs to be handy, and with sufficient training and practice they're easy enough to learn to shoot very accurately at the closer 3-15yd distances. I still like my traditional SA capable snubs, though, even though I don't carry them very often compared to the DAO models.

Of course, since my TDA models are all steel, and my DAO are Airweight or Scandium models, the lightness of the DAO snubs is one of the reasons I like to carry them. I've sometimes thought about adding a 638 or a 637, but just never got a round to it.

 

[MrBorland]

I don't carry a snubbie, but personally, I see little functional use for a hammer spur on one, so put me down for DAO.

 

[.308 Norma]

I'm old-school. The DA/SA wheelguns are what I was trained on, and what I wore on the job (one on the hip and one on an ankle.) Any I carry now are worn on the belt, not pocket-carried, so hammer-snagging is of almost no concern. I like the option of a hammer to cock, though I cannot remember the last time I ever fired a shot in that manner. I prefer the appearance, too, over the "humpback" look.

I voted DA/SA for the same reasons as MedWheeler stated. However, I carried a "humpback" for years even though I wasn't real fond of how it looked. I finally went back to a regular DA/SA (Model 637-2) because I decided it was silly to have a gun I didn't really like the looks of when I don't pocket carry anyway - like MedWheeler, I belt carry, so the chances of the hammer snagging don't concern me.
I tried out a DAO before I switched back to my DA/SA. I didn't like the heavier DAO trigger. It was smooth, but too heavy IMO.

 

[Hangingrock]

I have S&W revolvers N-K&J frames. With that said I have a preference for the semiautomatic pistols such as the S&W MP & Shield Series for every day concealed carry usage. The one revolver that I occasionally utilize for concealed carry as a backup is a S&W DAO M640-38Spl. When I used revolvers almost extensively it was double action only. At the range I would see a lot of individuals almost all thumb cocking at 50Yd & 25Yd depending on time constraints sequences of fire, but at 7Yds double action was finally utilized by all. I wasn't there to antagonize others thus I kept my opinions to myself.

One gentleman told me that my scores would be better if I would shoot single action for certain at 50Yds. I replied I wanted to proficient at DA . With that said we agreed to disagree.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

The only snubbie I currently have is a Colt Detective Special, which I wear in a belt holster when I carry it. Since a DA/SA can always be fired double action (and that's how I shoot it) there's not much point in doing away with the hammer spur.

 

[bassjam]

I find that my accuracy isn't any better in SA mode once I break-in a trigger, so my vote is DAO.

 

[muzzleblast...]

DAO. I have multiple J-frames. The 49-2 Bodyguard, 442 and 342 Centennials get carried pocket carried. The others with external hammer spurs don't get carried unless holstered. Simply don't need a fish hook snagging a draw from the pocket. Single action fire isn't necessary, or even desirable, for typical up close and personal defensive scenarios. JHMO.

 

[Panzerschwein]

DAO for a smooth no snag and inability to cock the hammer for a hare trigger when you dont mean it.

 

[SteadyD]

All but one of my snub nose revolvers are DAO and that's how I prefer them. I pocket carry more often than not so I doubt I will acquire any with an exposed hammer at this point.

 

[jnichols2]

When I bought my first J-Frame snubbie I voted for the DA/SA and bought a S&W 637. I knew SAO was the right mode for 98% of situations, and started practicing.

I spent a lot of time and ammo before I learned to use a VERY FIRM grip. I then bought a Kimber K6S, which shoots MUCH better than the 637, but is heavy.

One morning I got ready to walk my dog, and slipped the 637 in the pocket of my gym shorts. For some reason I took it back out, and it snagged badly.
I tried switching to the Kimber. No snag, but it pulled my shorts down. That day I bought a 642 with laser grips, and found out it had a much better trigger than the 637.
The laser grips also made it more useful at and beyond 10 yards. My 637 got it's trigger job and now shoots better. It works in holster and jeans pocket, but no more in gym shorts.

All my larger revolvers are DA/SA, but are basically range guns. If ever used in defense, they would be used DA only. Thier SA trigger is too sensitive for ever pointing at a human being unless the decision to shoot is irreversable.

I guess that means I am migrating to DAO, but still haven't sold my 637.

 

[dickydalton]

DA/SA

 

[Varminterror]

Add a 3rd option to the poll.

"Both."

 

[WrongHanded]

I voted DAO because I prefer that for anything under a 3" barrel. 3" may or may not be considered 'snub' but at that length I could go either way, though if the gun has adjustable sights I'd prefer DA/SA.

 

[Crowman]

Smith & Wesson's centennial frames for me. I just never warmed up to the Bodyguard frame's bulbous bulge (the classic model, not the polymer hybrid 38 by the same name) despite it's advantages over DA / SA J-frames. No hate, just not aesthetically pleasing to me.

I shoot my double action revolvers...well, double action. Even the ones with exposed hammers. Always did.

Both the Centennial and Bodyguard can, in an emergency, be fired through a pocket (not recommended - might light up your pants/coat pocket) and can be pulled faster due to no exposed hammer catching material.

I find that Smith & Wesson's centennial frame DAO revolvers allow me to get a higher grip so my hand is closer to the bore axis. This provides more control and reduces muzzle flip over the conventional DA / SA design.

Both Models are .357 Magnums but for anti-personnel purposes, I use 158 grain JHP .38 Specials. I carry Magnum reloads for the 640 in a moon clip in my vest pocket when around the property if I expect that my neighbor Mr Bear or his friend Mr. Piggy is out & about, otherwise, it gets Buffalo Bore hard cast 158 grain Keith style SWC "Outdoorsman" heavy 38 Specials. Magnums are BB or Grizzly 180 grain cast RNFP-GC. Hand full in the 640, but rubber grips make them doable.



Top revolver: Light weight M&P 340 for year-round dress-up town wear.

Bottom revolver: Performance Center 640-1 Pro Series for daily wear (occasional trips to town, and around the property) during spring / summer months. This one is cut for moonclips.

Both of these revolvers have tritium night sights, so I can see'em in low light.

 

[JEB]

ive got both but prefer the DA/SA. my revolvers get carried on the belt and almost never in a pocket.

 

[John Joseph]

In a word: Centennial!

 

[cfullgraf]

I have both hammerless and hammer j-frames but in a defense situation, I'd fire double action anyway.

The Centennials make better pocket carry with their "hammerless" design.

I have three j-frames that accept moon clips (one factory and two modified) and that allows me to use more comfortable grips and still give rapid reloads. I recently got a 357 mag Model 60 that I'll probably get modified for moon clips. I know, not part of the thread, but I consider rapid reloads more important than whether I can fire single action or not.

 

[entropy]

The only snubbie I currently have is a Colt Detective Special, which I wear in a belt holster when I carry it. Since a DA/SA can always be fired double action (and that's how I shoot it) there's not much point in doing away with the hammer spur.

I traded my Colt Cobra for a S&W Bodyguard 38 mainly because I was sick of the hammer poking my side. (Yeah, yeah, go to the gym. Tried that. SWMBO complained I wasn't spending any time with her while simultaneously complimenting that I looked 'healthier' ) That and the Bodyguard has a built-in laser, FWIW. Hey, at least I picked the one Smith that rotates the correct way.

 

[Dframe]

I nearly always fire DA but see no use in limiting my options. I never pocket carry. It's always on a belt in some sort of holster and a hammer spur has never caused me any trouble. Any time you folks want to get rid of your Colts the rotate that correct way let me know. LOL

 

[Slamfire]

I have carried snubbies with an exposed hammer, but after having enough examples of hammer snag, I would recommend the hammerless versions. I have, and will carry the M638 which has a shrouded hammer, but my preference is the M642. You can have this little revolver rolling around in your pocket and the hammer won't catch the fabric as it is withdrawn.

S&W M642 DAO Only




S&W M638, shrouded hammer




These older Detective Specials, they were actually carried in holsters by Law Enforcement. The shorter barrel made them easier to carry, but, if carried differently, there was always the risk of the hammer snagging when drawn.

Colt Detective Special




It is my considered opinion, having shot snubbies for fun out to 50 yards, is that these are close up pistols only. Basically spitting distance. I have hit my 12" gong at 50 yards standing, but, not that often with a snubbie. If I can hit the gong more than 50% of the time at 50 yards, offhand, at 50 yards, I think I am doing great. At 25 yards I can keep all my shots on a 12" gong single action. Double action is an entirely different thing. It takes a lot of work to keep a cylinder full on target when shooting double action. There were shooters who were just amazing shooting double action, but I am not one of them! But, move the target within arms reach, just point and squirt!

 

[357 Terms]

My avatar is a 640 pro, daily carry.
I still have a 2.25 in sp101 with CT grips

My 3in GP100 has been converted to DAO (I bobbed the hammer) so for carry, DAO for me ....exclusively. ....now open carry, that's a different bird entirely....and never a snubby!!

 

[Overkill870]

My first j frame was a humpback model 638. I only shot it DA so my next j frame will be a DAO.