Snubnose Opinions

[benmmc]

Hey fellas,

My interest in snubnose revolvers has been piqued lately, and I'd love to hear your opinions on which brands/models you love, features you hate, good values, etc.

Personally I'd probably lean toward something with a high grip like a SW 36, but that's just my first impression. Are there benefits/drawbacks to a higher grip? As far as finish goes I'd think a stainless would be nice for the simple reason that I don't want to worry about the finish.

The use of the gun would be a nice summer edc.

Keep in mind that I have shot maybe 2 or 3 snubbies in my life, so I have no idea what I'm talking about. I welcome extremely biased opinions from snubnose enthusiasts.

 

[B. Byrd]

Lots of options here. Won't do better than S&W. Still you have the choice of the classic M36 or M60, blue or stainless, .38 and/or .357. Then hammer less or SA/DA. Then comes whether you want steel or alloy. The airweight is easier to carry, but harder to shoot. Those would be the classic M37 or 637 with hammers or 642 etc. hammerless. ...0r the 38/638 with the shrouded hammer (yuck). All these are J-frame, that is the smallest frame of the S&W's Only a representative sample at that.

To move up in size is the K frame. Here is the best of the best, the M19 blue/nickel or M66 stainless in .357/.38. There are many others.

Then move up to the L frame 586 blue/nickel or 686 stainless. You are starting to get a handful here.

Even the N frames .44 Mag. etc. come in a 2-inch barrel, but you start running out of the reason for having a snubbie.

There are also quite acceptable lower priced snubbies in Taurus, Rossie, Charter, but all are based on the S&W models.

This is by no means complete, but will give you something to consider.

 

[markj]

B.Byrd gave you an excellent list. Im a big fan of Snubbies as well. I agree, its hard to go wrong with a S&W. The little air weight J frames are great for summer carry, but they are not much fun to shoot.
Im a big fan of the Ruger SP101 2" .357. Its my favorite Ruger. Its the same basic size as a J frame Smith, but a good bit heavier and much easier to shoot, even in .357 it is very controllable. With just a little work, the trigger can be supurb. Because of the added weight of the SP101 its best carried on a belt holster, but disapears under a tee shirt.

Ive got a Taurus M85 Ultralite that is meant to compete with Smith J frames, Its not a Smith but it gets the job done, every time I try and find a reason not to like it, I cant...So I still have it.

Another worth noting is the Charter Bulldog .44 These are Between a J and K frame is size, inexpensive little powerhouse! I had a beautiful one I recently sold, wish I still had it (hear that B.Byrd!! lol). Will likely try and find another!

 

[CAMSDADDY]

I have owned Model 38,36,642,sp101,lcr. I will tell you what I like and dislike of each.
The LCR had a super trigger but I found myself short stroking the reset. I realize that was me and not the gun but none the less.
The 38 I decided I like my 642 better so I let it go.
I sold the SP101 do remember why
The 36 was too nice to carry so I sold it but I did find that I like original wood grips.
The 19 was too nice to carry so I sold it.
The 642 now sports original equipment S&W wooden stocks. I am really happy currently. T
The good thing about snubs is one you have one you may just want all of them.

 

[PapaTokarev]

Used to have and carry several. My favorite was the Ruger Speed Six. I also carried a Ruger SP101 and a Security Six 2.75". Eventually, I sold my snubbies and carried a 4" Service Six. I've since moved along to autopistols for CCW. My current is a G19. My girlfriend still uses the 4" Service Six .357 as a nightstand gun, and occasional CC in her purse or car.

 

[markj]

The good thing about snubs is one you have one you may just want all of them.

Very true words!!

 

[B. Byrd]

B.Byrd gave you an excellent list. Im a big fan of Snubbies as well. I agree, its hard to go wrong with a S&W. The little air weight J frames are great for summer carry, but they are not much fun to shoot.
Im a big fan of the Ruger SP101 2" .357. Its my favorite Ruger. Its the same basic size as a J frame Smith, but a good bit heavier and much easier to shoot, even in .357 it is very controllable. With just a little work, the trigger can be supurb. Because of the added weight of the SP101 its best carried on a belt holster, but disapears under a tee shirt.

Ive got a Taurus M85 Ultralite that is meant to compete with Smith J frames, Its not a Smith but it gets the job done, every time I try and find a reason not to like it, I cant...So I still have it.

Another worth noting is the Charter Bulldog .44 These are Between a J and K frame is size, inexpensive little powerhouse! I had a beautiful one I recently sold, wish I still had it (hear that B.Byrd!! lol). Will likely try and find another!

Just getting ready to clean that little sweetheart. Thanks again for providing it. Took it to Big Woods Goods a couple of times recently. Really nice. If I ever decide to get rid of it, I will let you know. I considered mentioning the .44 Pugs, but they are are a little longer barrel than I consider a snubbie. Really great little guns though.

 

[07JKX]

Hey fellas,

My interest in snubnose revolvers has been piqued lately,

wait a few days, it will pass

 

[benmmc]

Wow, thank you for the rundown, guys. Very informative.

B. Byrd, I kinda figured about the S&W being the standard. Might just stick with that for my first. As far as the alloy frames go, is the finish similar to stainless (as far as durability)? Or is it like a nickel finish that might wear/chip/flake?

I think I'd go with the J frame for sure. Is there a grip out there I could get 3 fingers on? I wear an L glove, but my fingers aren't fat. I can fit 3 fingers on my G19.

What's the deal about the lock/no-lock thing? Is that an internal locking system? Are there benefits/drawbacks to one over the other?

Thanks for helping a snewbie. That's what I'll call myself...

 

[C4-10]

I've got a nice Taurus 357 listed BTW. Yes a shameless plug. I've never had a problem out of any Taurus I've owned either. You can't beat a s&w but i find it hard not to love the Taurus wheelguns, especially when you consider the price. Imo