Snub Weight And Perceived Recoil

[kldonegan]

Hello all -

My EDC is a Smith & Wesson 642, which I received as a gift from my father. I practice regularly with it, and am able to hold a group the size of my hand at 50 feet. I haven't had the chance to shoot an all steel J frame, but I find myself wondering if the recoil would feel much different. The 642 weighs 15 ounces, and the Model 36 weighs in at a staggering 19.5 ounces.

How much more comfortable is the recoil of an all steel snub when compared to an Airweight? Noticeable? Negligible? If it's a big difference, it may be worth investing in a Model 36 or a Model 60.

Thoughts?

 

[wheelyfun66]

I have found the difference between aluminum frame and steel frame to be significant, when discussing perceived recoil and comfort to the hand.

I compare a Ruger SP101 to a S&W 340 M&P: With the Ruger, I can shoot a couple hundred rounds of .357...and my hand will be sore the next day.

With the 340...I can shoot three or four cylinders...and my hand will be sore..Immediately!

My S&W 66 snub is all steel...and I can shoot many .357 magnum rounds without hand fatigue.

For carry purposes...the lightweight frames rule. For range work or home defense...give me steel.

 

[jad0110]

I agree with the above. After shooting magnums through my 2.5" Model 66, my hand is not sore the next day. The 642 shooting .38s OTH, doesn't bother me much while shooting but my hand always aches the next day.

The 642 for me is purely a pocket gun, where weight is definitely noticeable. However, with a good belt and holster a steel gun is barely more noticeable to carry on the belt (IWB or OWB). So the steel J frames definitely have a place as a belt or car gun, particularly with a 3" barrel.

 

[Sox]

I shoot snubs extensively. Currently own about 6. Take this for what it is worth.

You will notice differences in felt recoil in each ~5.0 0z difference in weight.

e.g. 342 PD 10.8 0z, M37 12.5-13.5, 340M&P 13.5 0z, 442 150z, 649 20 0z, 640 carry comp is 230z.

My 342 is almost intolerable, the 442 is doable, the 649 kinda enjoyable, the 640CC almost pleasurable. Like I said "kind of" Ha Ha.

Grips that cover the backstrap are most helpful. A trigger job makes the gun easier to shoot and enjoyable cause you are not fighting it as much, search for light loads. Shoot it more than you like initially and it will grow on you and become more comfortable. Good luck

 

[Drail]

Snubs, whether steel or alloy, were designed to be carried every day and shot once in a while just long enough to verify function and point of aim. If you put in a long session with one you'll pay for it. Learn how to shoot a DA revolver with a full size steel gun and when you have to shoot the snub on some dark night you'll be fine. I have carried a Charter Bulldog for many years and only get it on the range 1 or 2 times a year. The rest of the time I shoot lots of hours and ammo with all steel S&W revolvers. I don't have any trouble hitting with the Charter when it comes out to play and it has lasted many years only because it has been carried a lot and shot a little.

 

[beatledog7]

When I first acquired my 642, recoil was an issue, as was the two-finger grip. I added a Hogue overmoulded grip, which solved both problems, and I learned to shoot the 642 that way.

Over time, I swapped back to the factory grips and found that I had learned to control and meld with the gun to the degree that I could still manage the recoil and shoot to POA. I have no further need for the beefy grip, but I still have it around in case I should ever decide to enter a target competition. I can still shoot a 20-25% smaller group with the big grip than the CCW grip, but it's 50% harder to conceal, and I'm accurate enough without it.

 

[griz1]

I have a older 640 (38 spc) and its a pure pleasure to shoot. If I plan on shooting 357 mag then I grab my model 19,65, or sp-101. For me the steel J frames are a pleasure to shoot and carry and I really don't see the need for anything lighter.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Lighter guns necessarily deliver greater perceived recoil. That said™, I doubt I'm going to care about recoil, noise, or flash in a life or death situation. All else being equal, I prefer a full-sized steel gun, but smaller, lighter guns are considerably easier on my lower back when I carry all day every day.

 

[VA27]

The difference is significant. My old 342 was not a fun gun to shoot, and I like to have fun when I shoot. So it found a new home and I picked up a dandy pre-lock 649. The extra weight is not nearly as bothersome as the pounding I used to get.