why a snubnose?

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M29

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Is there any other benefit apart from the fact that it's smaller?
 
Actually if one isn't going to pocket carry, or use an ankle holster or some other method of deep concealment a snubby isn't a good choice. Otherwise a 3" or longer barrel offers more advantages. But many buyers don't consider other options because of the snubbies "cool factor," and then complain when they can't hit anything beyond card table distance.
 
A snub is simple. No slide, magazine, or safety to worry about. No cycling issues due to lint from a pocket or improper grip on a tiny auto. Tiny autos are generally less reliable than full-size guns (reliability is directly proportional to the mass of the reciprocating part - the slide). A snub is not as square as an auto, so any bulges will be less recognizable. A snub is generally more powerful than an auto of the same size - compare .38 special (158 +P LHP - FBI load) vs. any .380 load.
 
I carry a 2 1/2" Wheel gun and do a lot of practice with it. Who says they are not accurate? Mine, when bench rested, shoots to with in a 4" dot at 25 yards and that's better then I can do at the same distance free hand.

Easier to conceal then a longer barrel and does not print as bad as an auto of the same power (note "same power" not size)...
 
My biggest reasons to carry a snubbie...

1) Reliable
2) lightweight
3) conceals very well
 
Cause they are classy.
MandP_5_screw_250.jpg
 
There is something about how a S&W J frame .357 with its smooth and tiny grip size (compared to any auto) disappears on your body in a good holster. You can move around all day and it never gets in your way. Yet you have the comfort of 5 shots of .357 which should suffice in just about any civilian encounter.
 
It takes a moment to learn and a lifetime to master a snub. I like them because they pack extremely well whether in pocket, shoulder holster, or whatever. They have no safeties or other gizmos to remember. And I find they point very naturally and have a quick and easy presentation.

Also they're historic and extremely cool ;-)
 
1- light weight
2- easy to conceal
3- very reliable
4- easy to use
5- as Cosmoline said "historic and cool"
 
I doubt we need to pull out the "better than autoloaders" sermon, since we're already in the revolver forum. Preachin' to the choir, dontcha'know?

Size is pretty much it. As Old Fuff said, for deep concealment or sticking in a pocket.
 
I carry a J frame model 36 in my left pocket as my BUG.

I carry it for the same reasons many have listed above.

I will sometimes carry my colt Lawman MKIII .357. That gun is a six shot on a colt J frame, which is the same frame size as a Smith K frame.
 

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M&P340 here - +1 to all above. Add CT laser grips to make the learning curve a little more friendly...
 
Why? Because EVERYONE NEEDS ONE. Is there any better reason?

As for carry, you don't need more firepower or horsepower for personal defense and they're 100 percent reliable and accurate.

That said, I have a couple of pocket autos that see more carry. I'm not above carrying an auto that I like. :D
 
Well I bought mine because of all the cop shows I watched growing up in the 70's and how all the detectives in them carried snubbies. I can still picture Barny Miller coming home, unloading his 38 and putting both the bullets and pistol in the wall safe of his apartment because his wife hated guns.

May sound silly but all those movies and shows kinda glamorized the pistol in my young mind and made me want one when I became an adult even though Dirty Harry ripped them when explaining why he carried his "hand cannon".

Now that I have one, I love it though. I think the Taurus 85 rubber grip fits well in my hand even though I wear extra large batting gloves.

Now I am likely gonna buy the light weight version of it or the S&W version.
 
It is no harder to hit with a short tube than a longone. You do lose felocity. Face it, you are going to be point shooting anyway.

They are pracital. If I had my druthers, I'd carry a 12 gague. But I have to make a compromise.

My Colt Cobra hold six round of 38 special. It can't jam, it can't double feed, it can't fail to feed, it can't fail to extract. It doesnt care what the bullet profile is, it doesn't care if I have 2 hps, 2 sp, and 2 fmj. It will fire anything in the chamber. The short barrel also make the gun grap almost impossiable.

They also fit so nice in apocket that they always tend to just be there.
 
An additional (alleged) benefit of a 2"/"snub nose" revolver is:
In a disarming attempt, a 2" barrel revo is easier to retain-due to its shorter barrel/less barrel to grab on to.
 
What are some significant snub nose models?
Would a snub nose be a good general all purpose self defense carry?
 
M29,

SW models 642, 442, 638, and 36. I am sure there are others in the SW lineup as well.
Ruger SP 101 is a nice snub too. a little heavy for pocket carry IMHO, but it is a very well built revolver.

And yes, I think a snub excells specifically in concealed carry and self defense. I prefer to carry a SW 642 because it is so easy to slip in the pocket, light enough not to be noticeable, quick and easy to deploy, and I feel that 5 shots are plenty to get out of trouble should trouble come looking for me. (I really try to stay away from trouble as best as I can, and have been succesful for 25 years. Hopefully that will remain the case!) I think others feel similarly about the little 642, but that is not to say that it is the best. What is best for me may or may not be best for you.
 
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