I believe it, Old Fuff! I only have a 25-yard range to practice on, but I have done pretty well with the 'ol snub at those distances. It just takes a little faith. I always marvel at the TINY barrel when I'm cleaning the thing after a range session, and the fact that I can make a can dance around by throwing lead through a barrel half the size of my pinky finger. Neat!
Why A Snubnose?
- Thread starter Mike Franklin
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Joe Demko
Member
Why a snub? Because Joe Mannix, Erskine Caldwell, Frank McGarrett et. al. all gave it their seal of approval.
Matt-J2
Member
Who?
PRM
Member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2008
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Carry Option
In the summer I like a J frame snub SS in an ankel holster. Carries well and your good to go concealed with t-shirt and jeans. Ankel holsters have their draw backs - but it is better than leaving it in the car. Guess you could get an ankel holster for a 4 inch - definately have one custom made - but it would be terribly bulky.
In the summer I like a J frame snub SS in an ankel holster. Carries well and your good to go concealed with t-shirt and jeans. Ankel holsters have their draw backs - but it is better than leaving it in the car. Guess you could get an ankel holster for a 4 inch - definately have one custom made - but it would be terribly bulky.
Cosmoline
Member
That extra inch between 3" and 4" makes a huge difference. It makes a shoulder rig go from horizontal to vertical, causes "poking" with IWB rigs, and makes pocket carry all but impossible. If you've figured out how to carry a 4" full size revolver in all these manners, more power to you. I have not had the same luck. But make it a 3" and it works just fine.
OLDFLUFF wrote.
"Generally speaking you are right. However if you intend to either pocket carry or use an ankle holster the snubby is the only way to go if you intend to use a revolver. They are also easier to draw from a conventional holster if you are sitting. Beyond those considerations I also prefer a longer barrel length."
A big +1
Here is a good snubby site.
http://www.snubnose.info/
"Generally speaking you are right. However if you intend to either pocket carry or use an ankle holster the snubby is the only way to go if you intend to use a revolver. They are also easier to draw from a conventional holster if you are sitting. Beyond those considerations I also prefer a longer barrel length."
A big +1
Here is a good snubby site.
http://www.snubnose.info/
Cocked & Locked
Member
A better question is, "why not?"
1917 Colt New Service .45 ACP
jad0110
Member
The best answer so far! And I gotta agree. I'm not sure what it is, but there is something about a blued snub that makes it more intimidating looking than most other handguns, despite their small size.
Has anyone mentioned the advantage of the snubby in the event of an underpowered round? J.H. Fitzgerald wrote that he never heard of a squib load's bullet remaining in the barrel of a snubby, and Fairbairn mentioned this in one of his books, if I recall correctly, and I also believe Ed Lovette quoted the same in his book. Of course, in the day of Fitz and Fairbairn, factory ammo was not as well-sealed as today, but defective ammo happens even today. A primer-only load should clear the barrel of a 2-inch snubby, according to one source, perhaps one of the three I mentioned.
Close quarters includes the interior of a vehicle, where a snubby allows one to pivot within the driver's seat without having to lift the weapon clear of the steering wheel.
A snubby makes the best weapon for something that will be worn in multiple locations, though of course, it is best to wear one's primary weapon in the same place all the time, for a reflexive draw. Anthony, a member of Warriortalk, came up with the term "roving gun," which means a weapon which changes location on and about one's person as circumstances dictate. IMHO, this is a better term than "backup" gun, because circumstances may be such that one's "roving gun" is better-placed for quick access.
I have three SP101 snubbies, and they fit the roving profile quite well. In police uniform, the snubby is not in the duty holster, but may ride in an ankle rig or pocket holster. Out of uniform, an SP101 snubby may occupy the "primary" location on the hip, or may occupy another place, but I almost always have one or two of the snubbies with me.
Close quarters includes the interior of a vehicle, where a snubby allows one to pivot within the driver's seat without having to lift the weapon clear of the steering wheel.
A snubby makes the best weapon for something that will be worn in multiple locations, though of course, it is best to wear one's primary weapon in the same place all the time, for a reflexive draw. Anthony, a member of Warriortalk, came up with the term "roving gun," which means a weapon which changes location on and about one's person as circumstances dictate. IMHO, this is a better term than "backup" gun, because circumstances may be such that one's "roving gun" is better-placed for quick access.
I have three SP101 snubbies, and they fit the roving profile quite well. In police uniform, the snubby is not in the duty holster, but may ride in an ankle rig or pocket holster. Out of uniform, an SP101 snubby may occupy the "primary" location on the hip, or may occupy another place, but I almost always have one or two of the snubbies with me.
johnnylaw53
Member
Rexster
I like that term "roving gun" as it fix with my 642 I carry snubs for a long time then got away from them and ended up back with the 642 about 18 months ago. When i went into my old stuff box I found several hoslters for the j frames that I used to carry. I discover that one of the things i really like about the snub is it can be dress around you and not you dress around the gun.
be safe
I like that term "roving gun" as it fix with my 642 I carry snubs for a long time then got away from them and ended up back with the 642 about 18 months ago. When i went into my old stuff box I found several hoslters for the j frames that I used to carry. I discover that one of the things i really like about the snub is it can be dress around you and not you dress around the gun.
be safe
FLORIDA KEVIN
Member
I think the snubby has several advantages! it is easier to carry and hide ! In a back up situation or extremly close quarters it is more difficult for an opponant to get a hold on without getting shot ! It also has a a simple manual of arms ,if it is loaded it will usually work ! That said I am waiting for my CCW permit to arive and have not purchased my ccw weopon yet , but it will likely be a glock 26 ,until I get the glock I will carry my ruger speed six in 357 mag 2.75 inch barrel ! the reason the glock got the nod is that I have shot a friends and found it to be very accurate and reliable and my son allready has a 19 that we can trade back and forth if we so choose !
rdrancher
Member
I don't know about that...
Cocked & Locked's Colt New Service is scaring the heck outa my wallet!
rd
Joe Demko
Member
I spent too much time hunched over books in the last year working on my English teaching license. Erskine Caldwell is an author; he wrote Tobacco Road, among other things. Lewis Erskine, played by Efrem Zimbalist jr., was the main character from The F.B.I. My bad.
For all I know, however, Erskine Caldwell may very well have like snubnose revolvers too. He was born a Southern boy when gun ownership was common and unremarkable.
For all I know, however, Erskine Caldwell may very well have like snubnose revolvers too. He was born a Southern boy when gun ownership was common and unremarkable.
Elm Creek Smith
Member
I carry a 3 inch M13 S&W and a 2 inch Taurus 85SSUL strong-side/weak-side. If I carry my 4 inch 681 concealed the grip is somewhere up around my armpit (not really, but it feels that way).
ECS
ECS
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Because they are so darn sexy, that's why!!
Nathanael_Greene
Member
Good enough for *Steve* McGarrett, good enough for me.
Book him, Dano.
Book him, Dano.
Fleetwood_Captain
Member
Cocked & Locked, that 1917 is out of this world.
It looks like the firearm equivelent of a street rod. Chopped, refinished, and technologically updated. Not to mention expensive.
It really lives me with two blinding questions:
1: How much work did you put into her?
2: What gave you the idea to do it in the first place?
The only thing I never understood about older Colt revolvers is the exposed ejector rod. If I carried one, I'd always be afraid of bending the damn thing.
It looks like the firearm equivelent of a street rod. Chopped, refinished, and technologically updated. Not to mention expensive.
It really lives me with two blinding questions:
1: How much work did you put into her?
2: What gave you the idea to do it in the first place?
The only thing I never understood about older Colt revolvers is the exposed ejector rod. If I carried one, I'd always be afraid of bending the damn thing.
Someone mentioned earlier something about different guns doing different tasks better, and this is so true!
My favorite "fighting" revolver would be a 3"-3 1/2" barreled one. The sight radius distance is quite adequate for making fast, yet very accurate shots . . . IF you had time to do it of course!
The sights are also much bigger than on a snubbie, and so much easier to make highly accurate shots . . . in a REAL hurry.
I learned shooting bowling pin matches that a 3" revolver in pointed faster and had very fast follow-through times between pins (vs. longer barreled versions) . . . and was also quite capable of clearing those pins off the table ten yards out. Eventually, that's about all I used for that "game" . . . a Model 65 S&W w/ 3" barrel. I retired the 4" 686 and the 6" M27. They gave me no benefit vs. the 3" M65.
If something goes bump in the night, I'll reach for something like this . . . or my chopped barrel 25-2 in .45ACP!
HOWEVER . . .
That's not what I have in my pocket right now. It is midnight and I just walked the dog. In my pocket is a S&W Model 37 "Airweight" snubbie. It is virtually always in my pocket.
I just toss it in my pocket inside an Uncle Mike's #3 pocket holster and take it almost anywhere . . . including the restaurant tonight. Sometimes I'll substitute a steel-framed Model 36 snubbie for the M37.
When trouble comes suddenly and unexpectedly, it is much better to have a lightweight snubbie in the pocket rather than a bigger gun in the safe!
I view my snubbies as guns that allow me to fight my way to a bigger handgun, rifle or shotgun. For that purpose, there's nothing more perfect for this specialized purpose!
The biggest downside of the snubbies is their tiny sights, which make fast, accurate shooting in low and/or bright light situations sometimes quite difficult.
However . . . they CAN be shot accurately, but it is harder and more time-consuming . . .
Here's my M36 "no dash," and a ten yard 5-shot group, shot STANDING and unsupported. The black square I was shooting at is only a 1" square . . . and all five shots touched or went into that square! Not too bad for a 1964 wheelgun and a pair of 1951 eyes.
Yep, they are accurate but it is tough seeing the sights perfectly in order to shoot a group this tight.
T.
My favorite "fighting" revolver would be a 3"-3 1/2" barreled one. The sight radius distance is quite adequate for making fast, yet very accurate shots . . . IF you had time to do it of course!
The sights are also much bigger than on a snubbie, and so much easier to make highly accurate shots . . . in a REAL hurry.
I learned shooting bowling pin matches that a 3" revolver in pointed faster and had very fast follow-through times between pins (vs. longer barreled versions) . . . and was also quite capable of clearing those pins off the table ten yards out. Eventually, that's about all I used for that "game" . . . a Model 65 S&W w/ 3" barrel. I retired the 4" 686 and the 6" M27. They gave me no benefit vs. the 3" M65.
If something goes bump in the night, I'll reach for something like this . . . or my chopped barrel 25-2 in .45ACP!
HOWEVER . . .
That's not what I have in my pocket right now. It is midnight and I just walked the dog. In my pocket is a S&W Model 37 "Airweight" snubbie. It is virtually always in my pocket.
I just toss it in my pocket inside an Uncle Mike's #3 pocket holster and take it almost anywhere . . . including the restaurant tonight. Sometimes I'll substitute a steel-framed Model 36 snubbie for the M37.
When trouble comes suddenly and unexpectedly, it is much better to have a lightweight snubbie in the pocket rather than a bigger gun in the safe!
I view my snubbies as guns that allow me to fight my way to a bigger handgun, rifle or shotgun. For that purpose, there's nothing more perfect for this specialized purpose!
The biggest downside of the snubbies is their tiny sights, which make fast, accurate shooting in low and/or bright light situations sometimes quite difficult.
However . . . they CAN be shot accurately, but it is harder and more time-consuming . . .
Here's my M36 "no dash," and a ten yard 5-shot group, shot STANDING and unsupported. The black square I was shooting at is only a 1" square . . . and all five shots touched or went into that square! Not too bad for a 1964 wheelgun and a pair of 1951 eyes.
Yep, they are accurate but it is tough seeing the sights perfectly in order to shoot a group this tight.
T.
rainbowbob
Member
S&Wfan: I too carry and shoot an M36 "no dash" and have a pair of 1951 eyes. That is a pretty fine group at ten yards. It would make me feel better if you told me you were at least shooting SA with a support hand. I'm going to try that little square the next time I go the range. I do OK - but I doubt I can match that! (My excuse is I rarely practice anything but strong side/weak side DA.)
I notice that the excellent group shown above was made with Winchester mid-range 148 grain wadcutters, not some magic bullet/super load. Part of the reason that group is so tight is because the recoil of the cartridge matches the size and weight of the revolver. As a result the gun doesn't squirm and shift in the hand as the bullet is going down range. In a short snubby barrel a tiny bit of movement can open up a group big-time. It is apparently also shooting to the revolver's point-of-aim.
Raw power in and of itself is seldom a good answer if the bullet doesn't hit the precise place that will shut an attacker down, and do it quickly! So long as they can and do return fire or continue a lethal attack your life is on the line.
Raw power in and of itself is seldom a good answer if the bullet doesn't hit the precise place that will shut an attacker down, and do it quickly! So long as they can and do return fire or continue a lethal attack your life is on the line.
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