Best .38 special Snub nose?

M-60 S&W many years ago when they were .38 +p in 2" 5 shot satinless Got it NIB for $210.00 (that's how long ago it was). Now I think they come in 3" 357 versions etc.

Anyway, my 60 was an off duty that I had to qualify 2 times a year including night fire. With baracade hold, will shoot very good at 25 yds and even shoot's quite well at 50 yds (considering what it is) if your steady on a rest.

I put a Pacmyier (sp) rubber oversized rubber grip on it. With the oversize grips, it works well in shoulder holster. IWB too if your built for it but not for deep cover. I often thought of bobin the hammer but never did. It's an old model and replaced by other S&W newer models that I don't know anything about. However, for a small 5 shot I found it to be a great performer and actually fun to shoot with +p's We used 110gr. silvertip Winchester if I remember correctly (it was 20 some years ago I last qualified with it). And, yes it has a tiny little Kool Factor with the oversize grips.

Soooo maybe something to look at if you find one used at a good price. Otherwise, my guess would be a newer version of the old 60 in about the same gun, a 3 digit model number as mentioned many times above. My suggestion is to get something you will enjoy shooting...have some fun with it and if you don't like it for your needs, then it becomes an excuse to buy another.....can't have too many guns can we?
 
Thanx!

Thanx for all the posts everyone... I've checked out a few of the suggested revolvers. Some of my research lead me to this gun.

http://www.gunblast.com/SW_342PD.htm

I'd like to know what everyone thinks about it vs your other suggestions. From the review Jeff gives, it seams like what I'm looking for. But I'd like to know if any of you can see a down side to that type of revolver, vs some of the ones you all suggested. Other than it's lighter weight that is. (obviously)
 
Snubbie

Just one more - "One of my carry pieces is a Taurus Model 85UL (Ultra Lite). "
I know that the Smiths are the weapon of choice for many but....
I was gifted with this model 85 by a friend who can no longer use it. It is a fine shooter. I have used it at the range extensively - accurate and as easy on the hand as anything similar.
Pete
 
I'd like to know what everyone thinks about it vs your other suggestions.
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The 342 is a nice pistol, but I wouldn't load it with Glaser Safety slugs. They only penetrate about 6 inches and I do not feel that is sufficient.

Look at these test results http://www.brassfetcher.com/38 Special.html it looks like to me the
Buffalo Bore 158 gr. LSWC-HC is very good. If you don't like that or other 158 grs look at the Speer 135 gr. Short Barrel or the 110 gr. DPX.

They do well I just prefer the heavier weights, my Model 36 is loaded with Remington 158 gr. LSWC-HP right now.

What ever you choose though I would stay away from the Glaser, they could get you killed.
 
It is the aluminum alloy frame with stainless cylinder and is light enough to carry in my fishing vest (which was the intention).
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Agreed. I think the best overall carry gun is a S&W Airweight. I prefer the 637 version myself. The gun is light weight, which is important if you are going to carry it all the time and it is well made.
 
38 Special

Wife's gun: S&W M38 Airweight Bodyguard.

Ammo: Most highly recommend avoiding bullet weights under 129g; suggest testing the Hornady 140g XTP-HP, Speer short-barrel 135g, and any of the non-+P 158g offerings (wife's gun uses the 140g XTP-HP bullet).

The 342 is a good gun, but is not listed in my 2008 catalog.
 
mellow_c


I carry a 342PD almost everyday. In my opinion it is the best snub strictly for carrying, followed closely by a 442/642.

It is not very fun to shoot. Manageable, but certainly not my favorite gun at the range. Every time I hit the range I usually shoot 10-15 rounds out of it just to keep my practice up, but that is about it.

I think you will have a hard time getting one these days. If you do find one, it will probably be very expensive. S&W no longer makes them. Mine does not have the lock :D ! The only way I will ever part with this sucker is if it ends up in an evidence locker after an unfortunate encounter.

If I were to buy a lightweight snub today, I would probably just get the 442. It is cheap, functional, reliable, and easy to carry.

I carry my SP101 every now and then. I can definitely notice the difference in weight when I first put it on in the morning, but throughout the day I don't really think about it. It is, on the other hand, quite pleasant to shoot at the range.
 
I've owned an old model Taurus 85, an old model Charter Arms Undercover, a S & W 37, a S & W 49, a Colt Detective Special, and a S & W 642. My pick for the best .38 snubby is the 642.
 
Here's the best advice I ever got on this forum and wish I'd taken it before I spent a dime:

SHOOT BEFORE YOU BUY
 
Either the Colt Detective special, or the S&W 442!

I really like that the Colt Detective special will hold 6 vs the 442's 5. Also, the Detective has a little extra weight on it's side, and looks a little nicer if you ask me, and if I were to get one with/have a gun smith bob the hammer, it would be almost exactly what I was looking for. (Snag free, but still able to use single action)

Yet the S&W still looks great, would be a little smaller and lighter to carry around, (and still cant be that bad to shoot) and I like that it has an enclosed hammer so that you could shoot it while it was still in you pocket if you needed, also it will keep the internals cleaner because it provides less opportunity for crud to get in. And realistically, it would be best for me to practice as much as possible with smooth consistent double action trigger pulls, than to try and see how good I can do with a single action shot. (real life will likely call for good and quick double action shots, over a time consuming single action shot) Also the 442 seams to be cheaper than the Detective, and I can get it brand new. While it seams you can only get a used Detective Special.

So what does everyone think? It makes good sense to get the 442 in my opinion (which I really like), but I also really like the Detective, and how can you argue with a 6th shot!

Can I change the front sights on either of them to some sort of night sight?

Thanx for the help everyone! My knowledge of snubbies has come along way in just a few days.


P.S. As far as shooting before buying, thats a great point, but unfortunately, thats rarely an option for me... so instead I do as much research as possible, and go with what seams to be the best for me. Out of all my firearms, I have yet to be disapointed:D
 
My 442 is always with me. I usually have my G19 as well, but the Smith 442 never leaves my side. Never. It's in my pocket right now as I type this.
 
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