What .38 snubbie would you choose?

[SnWnMe]

I voted Colt DS despite being a Smith kinda guy. I only have one horse revo, and I love it. Accurate and easy to shoot (as far as snubbies go). My choice would change to J frame if if ws a question of carry and comfort though.

 

[guy sajer]

Both are good choices . You won't go wrong with either .

 

[surfinUSA]

I like the DS and agent. with the hammer shroud they are as pocketable as a hammerless j frame. I've found that some j frame holster work for the DS. I really like the extra round and the fact that the K frame speed loader will also work in these guns.

With the advent of shall issue carry permits being adopted in many states S&W has really taken advantage of the small carry gun demand. Too bad Colt has failed to also play this card and dropped their magnum carry, a shrouded hammer and alloy frame would have been great even in 38 special.

 

[Brian Dale]

Hey, I come from a Colt family; it's like a Ford-vs.-Chevy thing with us. They're prettier (we big studly guys can say that, can't we?). Full-length ejector rod. Detective Special.

But I know I'm gonna have to get a K-frame some day. And prob'ly a J-frame. And...

 

[silverstar]

J frame. Though my regular carry is a K frame M66 no dash 4", I prefer the S&W. I have a 3" M60-15 and a M642. Currently carrying the M60 as the 66 is at S&W for a check up. M642 is bug and house in pocket companion.

I simply prefer S&W. I like its workings and asthetics.

Carlos

 

[Sean Smith]

I'd probably go with a 642, or maybe a 342PD.

Oddly enough, for a bigger revolver I'd go with my Colt Python.

 

[PX15]

38 Snubbie

I have both Colt Cobra's and S/W J-frames. (model 49 & 638 bodyguards). The Cobra's and Smiths are equal in accuracy, but I've found the action to be better on the Cobra's and they are more fun to shoot. Even so, when I elect to carry concealed with a revolver I find myself using the newer S/W 638 with CTC laser grips. So I guess Smith & Wesson would be my choice. (Final Answer)

 

[Poohgyrr]

Hey, Guy's DS looks good. Here is another one:

 

[revolvergeek]

Some variant of the S&W 442/642/640-1. I like the extra round of the D-frame, but they always seem to want to roll up in my hand. The higher backstrap of the Centennial allows my to choke up higher on the gun and helps control muzzle flip.

For a bigger gun it is very hard to go wrong with a 3 inch Model 13/65.

 

[MrPink]

My vote: J-frame Smiths. Specifically the 340PD but also have carried a 642 and 640.

I like 'em because they are smaller & lighter and hammerless.

I also have brand bias: Smiths for revolvers and Colt's for 1911s.

 

[Poohgyrr]

For a bigger gun it is very hard to go wrong with a 3 inch Model 13/65.

Dittos. To me, it is hard to improve on the handiness of the fixed sight 3" K frames.

 

[Whit]

I voted J frame. My Smith 640 is as close to perfect as I have come for a small .38 or.357. ....Whit

 

[bluedsteelnwood]

Which snub nosed?

Question open ended enough for everyone to have their say. Recently acquired both a early J frame Model 36 and a late sixties vintage Colt Det. Spec. mainly for their collector's appeal to me rather than serious consideration for concealed carry. For me the Colt fits my hand better than the S&W and has a smoother trigger pull and better sights which on a snub nose could not be relevant except for aimed shots.I have always been a S&W fan but the Det. Spec. being my first Colt I have to say I'm very impressed and feel like I'm cheating on my first love. I don't know why you can't love both for their own qualities and how I happen to be feeling that day. That's what I love about being a gun collector as I don't think that line of thinking would go over big with my wife.What makes me sad is that I can find nothing I like in either the current Colt or S&W cataloge in regards to snub nosed revolvers that appeal to me on any level, with Colt out of the running completely. But what do you expect from someone who signs in as bluedsteelnwood?

 

[Erich]

Both choices are delightful, but I'm carrying a Colt Agent (LW Det. Spl. with short grip, made in '76). I like the extra round, and it fits in the same pocket holster as my J-frames.

 

[Serpico]

Both are great but for me it is apples and oranges....for ankle, I like the 442 smith with its smaller size and lighter weight...for belt carry only I would go with the Dick....

 

[j2342]

649 .357

649 .357 :d

 

[BullfrogKen]

sixgun symphony, who started this thread, hasn't been on THR since 2005

 

[gunzrfunz]

j frame model 36 no dash

shoots everytime and as bonus looks cool as hell

 

[tinygnat219]

Well, I can FIND inexpensive J-Frames. Inexpensive Colts? Well, let's just say that's an oxymoron.

 

[LarryS.]

I have a 642 that's built a happy little nest in my RF pocket.....

 

[sansone]

I love BOTH but had to choose one, so colt. only because of that funky new lock smith is using.

 

[ravencon]

Try both, one or the other will feel better to you and will shoot better for you.
For me, that is the J frame, but for others it is the DS.

While I prefer the S&W in the ways that really matter, I love the look of the DS.

 

[BullfrogKen]

This thread was started January 2003. The original poster hasn't been on line in 2 years. I think he's probably moved on from his question by now.