.38 snub accuracy expectations?

L

LH2

New member
Took my new (used) pre-lock 442 to the range for the first time today to get acquainted. Shot a box of WWB 130gr FMJ's.

Tried shooting from a rest at first, just to see what the gun will do, then fired standing up for the remainder. Seems that when I take my time I can get a 5 shot group into about a 4" circle @ 15 yds offhand. Didn't try rapid fire yet.

My question is mainly what kind of expectations to set for myself with a snub. I was a bit discouraged since I'm used to better accuracy from my 2-1/4" SP101 in .22lr, 3" GP100, and any other longer barreled handguns I've fired.

This was my first time ever firing a .38 snub and the snappiness of the recoil got my attention too. Wondering if I should shop for a larger grip - this is the factory rubber Uncle Mikes. I can see that a box of 50 is all I want to fire in a given range session.

Am I practicing at too great a range? I'm not going to be shooting anybody at 15 yds with a snub. Likely SD use is what, under 2 yards? I think I should practice one-handed also.

I like the gun, just need to know how high to set the bar. And I'm trying to keep in mind this isn't a target pistol, but a life saver for very close range.

I just need some tips on how to best practice with a snub, and how high to set my expectations. :) Thanks!
 
If it's to be carried in the pocket then larger grips will make it a bit more difficult to conceal, but easier to shoot. That will be your call to make. Accuracy is a matter of the shooter. A short barreled revolver is just as accurate as it's longer barreled cousins. It's just harder for the shooter to make use of that accuracy. Some will advise of moving in closer to the target, but I say to stay right where you are. When you can consistantly shoot good groups at 15 yards then shorter ranges will be a snap. 4" groups with a 2" revolver at 15 yards is quite good especially just starting out. Keep practicing and slowly build speed, but keep an eye on your groups. Not only try one handed shooting, but weak hand shooting also. Quit when you get tired or when you start to notice your hand. Little snubs with concealment stocks/grips are not for all day target shooting.
If you switch your load over to a +P load then you will probably have to go thru a lot of the practice again, but stay with the 130 grainers as you learn your little revolver.
 
Sounds like you just need to get a bit more familiar with your short barrelled S&W.

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In general, they are pretty accurate. But don't mistake... they can be difficult to "get there".

Good Luck...

Joe
 
Welcome to the club !

I hope you find your snub to be as fun and interesting a gun as I have found
mine to be. I say this, because no gun has challenged me as much as this one. I have a Taurus 605 357. I have shot all manners of loads thru this gun, and I have found that different ammo does different things. I have shot ammo that won't hit anything at 15ft, and ammo that hits accurately at 40ft.
First off, a snub is not a target gun. It is for close in self defense. A belly gun if you will. I have shot about 1000 rounds thru mine, and have settled on a "practice with what you carry" philosophy.
If yours is a 38spl, try some of the name brand plus-p ammunition, see what shoots best, and when you are done with your range session, shoot about 10-20 rounds of it, so the last thing you remember was that ammo, and where it hit. I like the PMC Starfire 125gn 38+p, but your gun may like something else. Right now, when I go to the range, I just run 20 rounds of this thru the gun, and I'm done. Bear in mind I've shot this thing a lot. Also I have other guns to shoot when I'm there as well.
I had boot grips, but took them off. I put factory combat grips on, and never looked back. Carrying IWB, it is no problem to conceal, and rides better on the hip than an auto.
Try lots of different stuff, and practice, practice, practice. That's what makes this gun fun, you get to master it. :D
 
I cannot hit a bullet with a barn from a stock 38 snub. I have J frame S&Ws and K frame S&Ws in 38 Special. I found that pocket carry and accuracy are incompatible. My choice of grips are Pachmayrs largest walnut/rubber finger groove. They easily soak up recoil, aid in hand/finger placement, support my pinky finger and they look good. I have shot 50 yards bullseye competition with 38 Special snubs. Joe Hatley is correct in advising memory drills. You need to be familiar with your weapon, ammunition and POA/POI. I find 158 gr Federal Hydra-Shoks to be best in all of my snubs. I have had Winchester Silvertips lock up a S&W 637 due to bullet pull. Pick a round and practice with it. Experiment with grips and other rounds too. When your accuracy improves, you and the snub are fitting well.
 
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Here is 50 shots at 15 yards. The DS can be accurate if you try. I would not call them rapid fire, but I was rattling them off pretty quick. I just wanted to see what it would do.

Good gun, just practice more would be my suggestion. I normally try to shoot around 20,000 rnds per year. Keep that up for 10 to 15 years and constantly work on the basics.

I think that is what makes me an "ok" shot. I am always embarassed to see my targets next to the real experts though. Some guys can just shoot (Like my Mentor "Ben", Thanks "Ben" for the tips!)
 
Joe, Peter, please remind me to never tick you off :D (nice shootin'!)

You just have to practice with it (as has been mentioned). With the shorter barrel you have more recoil action on both the gun and you so you have to get used to how it will react.

Good luck with it :).

Wayne
 
I find SP101s a good bit easier to shoot accurately than the J Frame snubs. Grip and trigger finger placement seem more important on the smith js but once you figure them out, things will begin to click and it will start turning in satisfying results.
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The snubbies are indeed hard to learn to shoot well. It's not that the weapon is inherently inaccurate, it's just that the short sighting plane on the gun makes it difficult to master. I've shot my S&W 637 from a Ransom Rest and found its true accuracy to be phenomenal out to 25 50 feet or so, but I can't achieve that by hand. Since I carry the weapon quite often, I've practiced with it a great deal. I can get 5 rounds into a 6-inch circle, double action with it if I take my time.
 
..this thread poses a good question...tomorrow I plan to pay off and pick up a nice Colt Det. Special..and will try it later this week...
 
Frankly I'd be satisfied with 5-shots in a 4" circle at 15 yards with the amount of practice you have had. You don't buy these little revolvers for extreme accuracy. 15 yards is an acceptable range for for personal defense purposes.
 
I think of snubbies as 'belly guns'. In use they are more likely to be stuck in the belly of your opponent and have 2 or 3 quick shots squeezed off.:eek:

But it is prudent to practice at a longer range, just in case.:D
 
I saw Bob Lunden on TV

hit a playing card at one hundred yards with an old snubbie.

I guess the point is that they CAN be as accurate as any pistol in the right hands, but for most of us mortals they are very short range.
 
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