HI. im mordis. ihave been shooting autos for a long time now, a glock model 17, it is my primary carry gun, im quite good with it, i practice alot, and and very confident in my ability to defend my self with it, its just, its getting bulky, and i find my mind wandering back to my father in laws farm, were he showed me to shoot on his fathers old police issue smith and wession model 18 .38special, its a sweet revolver, very accurate, but kinda not very concealable, which is why im posting here, im looking to find a good snub nose revolver for me, one thing that concerns me is stopping power, im well aware taht the high muzzle report of the .357mag will be a problem if shot indoors, and i have shot the .38 special can any tell me if i use the 135 gold dot +p will i have enough stopping power to survive,(assuming a center mass shot), i plan on putting a crimson trace laser grip on( i know cheating but, eh. who cares). i plan on practicing quite abit, so if anyone can recommend a goood snubbie that is rated for +p ammo and is concelable, yet decently accurate, im looking to go no higher then 2.5inches, with 2.5 being what i want. and can anyone tell me if a 2.5 is a viable carry gun for concealment. i live in indiana, and have a ccw, one thing im not certain of is, is weather or not open carry is allowed here. thanks for the info, and yes im new, infact this is my first post.
looking for a good snubbie
- Thread starter mordis
- Start date
SW340PD w/ Laser Grips
I used to carry a Glock 22 all the time but after a while I found myself sometimes not taking it with me if I didn't want just a little extra weight with me.
Ever since I got the S&W 340PD, I've always had it. The little bugger weighs 12oz unloaded; you barely feel it wearing pajamas. With crimson trace laser grips on, I feel it's a perfect CCW gun.
I practice with .38's and can shoot both .38 +p and .357 mags. Yes the magnums sting but the gun will still give you the option to carry them. In a 5 shot revolver, I'll take all the power I can get.
I used to carry a Glock 22 all the time but after a while I found myself sometimes not taking it with me if I didn't want just a little extra weight with me.
Ever since I got the S&W 340PD, I've always had it. The little bugger weighs 12oz unloaded; you barely feel it wearing pajamas. With crimson trace laser grips on, I feel it's a perfect CCW gun.
I practice with .38's and can shoot both .38 +p and .357 mags. Yes the magnums sting but the gun will still give you the option to carry them. In a 5 shot revolver, I'll take all the power I can get.
Welcome to the Firing Line forums Mordis!
I am an Indiana resident myself, infact there are a few of us around here somewhere.
I wouldnt advise carrying openly, someone will most definately telephone 911 and report see'ing a "man with a gun" - not a good idea to be on the recieving end of that, regardless of your PPP status.
As to your question about the snubnosed revolver, I carry a Taurus 85 ultra-lite when I need something a bit more concealable than my Colts.
Its pretty accurate for a snubby, action is smooth, trigger is crisp, timing and lockup are dead on, fit and finish are fantastic - damn good value for the money.
I am an Indiana resident myself, infact there are a few of us around here somewhere.
I wouldnt advise carrying openly, someone will most definately telephone 911 and report see'ing a "man with a gun" - not a good idea to be on the recieving end of that, regardless of your PPP status.
As to your question about the snubnosed revolver, I carry a Taurus 85 ultra-lite when I need something a bit more concealable than my Colts.
Its pretty accurate for a snubby, action is smooth, trigger is crisp, timing and lockup are dead on, fit and finish are fantastic - damn good value for the money.
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XavierBreath
New member
First, you gotta decide on caliber. If you want a .357magnum, S&W's M60 is a great little gun. I think it's Taurus that makes a .357 in a shrouded hammer form. I'd advise avoiding the lightweight frames in a 357. The M60 is stainless steel.
If you think a .38spl will do the trick, then decide on capacity. If the extra shot counts to you, no contest, get a Colt. If you figure 5 shots of .38spl will serve your needs, S&W has a plethora of choices new and used.
Do you require a J frame, or will a K frame snubbie do the trick for you?
Then decide if you want the hammer exposed, shrouded, or concealed. That will narrow your choices even more.
Now consider whether you want a blued steel, stainless, scandium or aluminum alloy frame.
Next, decide if you want used or new. A lot of money can be saved buying used. Used S&W revolvers are usually very good deals, as are the Colts if you know what you are looking at. Until I am more familiar with them, I avoid the Ruger revolvers used. (Nothing wrong with them, I just don't know the ins and outs). I personally avoid Taurus and Rossi, and any suicide special.
I personally like the M38, it's light, easy to carry concealed, and in a bodyguard frame, which I prefer. My choice will not be right for everyone though, and you will find the one that's right for you. The tough thing is figuring out how to narrow down the choices.
If you think a .38spl will do the trick, then decide on capacity. If the extra shot counts to you, no contest, get a Colt. If you figure 5 shots of .38spl will serve your needs, S&W has a plethora of choices new and used.
Do you require a J frame, or will a K frame snubbie do the trick for you?
Then decide if you want the hammer exposed, shrouded, or concealed. That will narrow your choices even more.
Now consider whether you want a blued steel, stainless, scandium or aluminum alloy frame.
Next, decide if you want used or new. A lot of money can be saved buying used. Used S&W revolvers are usually very good deals, as are the Colts if you know what you are looking at. Until I am more familiar with them, I avoid the Ruger revolvers used. (Nothing wrong with them, I just don't know the ins and outs). I personally avoid Taurus and Rossi, and any suicide special.
I personally like the M38, it's light, easy to carry concealed, and in a bodyguard frame, which I prefer. My choice will not be right for everyone though, and you will find the one that's right for you. The tough thing is figuring out how to narrow down the choices.
Depends on how you plan to carry. If you are looking for pocket carry, then my recommendation will do you no good.
However, if you are planning on belt carry then I will echo the previous comment and recommend a Ruger SP101.
My carry gun is a 2.25" SP101. It is easily concealable with a good holster and belt (I wear it either IWB or OWB, depending on my attire). It is heavy enough to be an easy shooter, but light enough to carry all day with no problem.
Incidentally, it was shooting my uncle's 2.25" SP101 when back home visiting in Indiana a couple years ago that convinced me to go this route for a carry gun.
However, if you are planning on belt carry then I will echo the previous comment and recommend a Ruger SP101.
My carry gun is a 2.25" SP101. It is easily concealable with a good holster and belt (I wear it either IWB or OWB, depending on my attire). It is heavy enough to be an easy shooter, but light enough to carry all day with no problem.
Incidentally, it was shooting my uncle's 2.25" SP101 when back home visiting in Indiana a couple years ago that convinced me to go this route for a carry gun.
Bootscooter
Inactive
I carry a S&W 642 every day. It's light, easy to conceal, and in a self-defence situation, the .38 Special will get the job done. And for what it's worth, I recomend you go with a snub with an internal hammer. Dollars to doughnuts if you get in a situation that's "goin' south" and you need to pull your weapon fast, "Murphy's Law" will come into effect and and that external hammer spur will get caught up on something. And while you're trying to get it free, the BG's puting holes in YOU!!
Robert Allison
New member
I have no experience nor familiarity whatsoever with the various Taurii, tending to be more or less a "buy American" kind of guy. I've shot, although never carried (they belonged to friends) the SP101 and like it a lot once you bob the hammer and get a trigger-job done, replace those truck weight springs with something a little bit lighter. Good, rugged gun, but a little bit heavy.
The various S&W J-frames are my favorites. I presently own a Model 640 and a 442. I have handled, but neither owned nor fired, the new scandium bits. They're pretty dear and I can't imagine that they are pleasant to shoot with 357s given that the 640, which weighs twice as much, is not. The 442 is great, light weight, reasonably priced. I'm not 100% sure whether S&W still makes it, but used ones can be had.
The various S&W J-frames are my favorites. I presently own a Model 640 and a 442. I have handled, but neither owned nor fired, the new scandium bits. They're pretty dear and I can't imagine that they are pleasant to shoot with 357s given that the 640, which weighs twice as much, is not. The 442 is great, light weight, reasonably priced. I'm not 100% sure whether S&W still makes it, but used ones can be had.
well. as to which caliber i want. im still stuck between the .38 and .357mag, im leaning against the .357 becuase, i have heard stories of people going deaf after shooting one in a self defence situation, which, regardless of outcome is not a good thing, i really do want six shots, im not a big fan of five, and im looking to stay american, either colt of smith, not sure which, i love shooting the .38 not as much kick, not as load, controlable, ect ect, ect, another thing that is important to me, is the extractor, i have had one full sized revolver in my time, a off brand spanish made, type whos name i forget, but when i shot it, dosent matter.38 or .357( tho its rated for . the .357), i would push the extractor and the shells would get stuck and wouldnt fully extract, i had to pull them out, the cynders didnt look straight, and i sold it very shortly after getting it. i would love to have a .38 but am worried bout weather or not it is potent enough to get the job done, why im worrying bout it, is beyond me, considering i normaly carry, 9mm hydrashocks, and if im not mistaken the 9mm is very similar in power and size as the .38, could be wrong, but oh well. im new to this,
Mastrogiacomo
New member
I appreciate your concern but the hearing issue wouldn't stop me from grabbing my 686 S&W or my Beretta, or my Glock, or my Detective Special. I think we did a discussion on this topic recently, or someone did anyway. The general agreement was that in a crisis you're body blocks out the sound. A .38 is good, but a magnum is better and has more stopping power. I'd grab a shotgun if it were handy...I think you need to focus on the caliber you want and then look for a gun that's comfortable to your fit.
Laura
Laura
Since we are among friends, I will admit that I used to be a Glock owner myself. My cycle has been about 1 gun a year. From a Glock 26 to a Taurus Ti 85, to a Kel-Tec .32, then a HK USP .45.
I have been carrying CCW for 5 years. I recently researched revo's quite a bit until I decided on the S&W 386 pd. I found it on gunbroker.com for $530. I love the thing! It is much bigger than the J frames or my 85, but I feel much more confident shooting and carrying it. I like having 7 rounds instead of 5, and the larger frame helps to shoot more precisely.
I have experimented with 3 modes of carry over the last 2 months. A regular Galco speedmaster belt holster, thunderwear, and the clipdraw (universal revolver). The clipdraw is my favorite. Without the bulk of a holster, I am able to carry a bigger gun. I slip the 386 in my waistband between the 1 and 2 o'clock position. The clip slips over my belt for a very secure carry.
As a note, the spent cartridges come out of my S&W much easier than my J frame sized Taurus 85 Ti.
I have been carrying CCW for 5 years. I recently researched revo's quite a bit until I decided on the S&W 386 pd. I found it on gunbroker.com for $530. I love the thing! It is much bigger than the J frames or my 85, but I feel much more confident shooting and carrying it. I like having 7 rounds instead of 5, and the larger frame helps to shoot more precisely.
I have experimented with 3 modes of carry over the last 2 months. A regular Galco speedmaster belt holster, thunderwear, and the clipdraw (universal revolver). The clipdraw is my favorite. Without the bulk of a holster, I am able to carry a bigger gun. I slip the 386 in my waistband between the 1 and 2 o'clock position. The clip slips over my belt for a very secure carry.
As a note, the spent cartridges come out of my S&W much easier than my J frame sized Taurus 85 Ti.
Some thoughts. As to the cases sticking in the Spanish revolver I do not know the cause. On any GOOD American revolver this can be solved by polishing the chambers in the cylinder although I have never had the problem with Colt, S&W or Ruger in centerfire.
A .357 revolver will have better resale if you try to sell it later. Nothing says you have to fire .357's in it. If you can find one Colt made the Magnum Carry in 6 shot .357 and if memory is correct it weighed an ounce or two less than a steel S&W 60. The best thing to do is to shoot the various brands. Colts stack in double action where the others have a straight through pull. Pick your preference. If you tune them all will have about the same pull weight but the pull will have different qualities.
A .357 revolver will have better resale if you try to sell it later. Nothing says you have to fire .357's in it. If you can find one Colt made the Magnum Carry in 6 shot .357 and if memory is correct it weighed an ounce or two less than a steel S&W 60. The best thing to do is to shoot the various brands. Colts stack in double action where the others have a straight through pull. Pick your preference. If you tune them all will have about the same pull weight but the pull will have different qualities.
coloradochuck
New member
Howdy,
I'm also looking for a snub. Based on my research and all the posts I've read on this forum, I thought the Ruger SP101 was going to be the one for me until I actually handled one. The SP101 is a tank!! I might as well carry my .44 mag Rewdhawk. This will be my first conceal weapon. Now I'm really leaning towards the S&W 642. It's so light and easy to conceal. At the gun shop I slid it in my front Levi's pocket (without pocket holster) and you could not tell it was a gun. With the holster, it was undetectable.
The gun I choose will for certain be a pocket gun. I do understand that the 642 has a bit of recoil to it but, I'll trade the recoil for such ease of carry.
If I can handle the recoil of my Redhawk, I'm sure I'll get used to the 642.
I'm also looking for a snub. Based on my research and all the posts I've read on this forum, I thought the Ruger SP101 was going to be the one for me until I actually handled one. The SP101 is a tank!! I might as well carry my .44 mag Rewdhawk. This will be my first conceal weapon. Now I'm really leaning towards the S&W 642. It's so light and easy to conceal. At the gun shop I slid it in my front Levi's pocket (without pocket holster) and you could not tell it was a gun. With the holster, it was undetectable.
The gun I choose will for certain be a pocket gun. I do understand that the 642 has a bit of recoil to it but, I'll trade the recoil for such ease of carry.
If I can handle the recoil of my Redhawk, I'm sure I'll get used to the 642.
Taurus 605
I purchased a Taurus model 605 .357 snub in stainless steel this past november. I had some problems finding the "right" ammo, which is going to be up to the individual of course. I shoot it, and my wife shoots it with no problems. It's accurate out to about 40ft with target ammo and about 20ft with defensive ammo. Durability: I have over 850 rounds thru this gun with no problems. Accurate, rugged, reliable, and reasonably priced. I would buy it again in a hearbeat. For target, I shoot 130gn 38spl fmj, for defense, 125gn 38+p PMC starfire.
I purchased a Taurus model 605 .357 snub in stainless steel this past november. I had some problems finding the "right" ammo, which is going to be up to the individual of course. I shoot it, and my wife shoots it with no problems. It's accurate out to about 40ft with target ammo and about 20ft with defensive ammo. Durability: I have over 850 rounds thru this gun with no problems. Accurate, rugged, reliable, and reasonably priced. I would buy it again in a hearbeat. For target, I shoot 130gn 38spl fmj, for defense, 125gn 38+p PMC starfire.
Diamondback
New member
My recommmendation would be to look for a used S&W J frame. With some patience and effort, you should be able to find a nice, used Model 36 for @ $250....put a Tyler T Grip adapter on it and your good to go....or dress it up with some fancy wooden grips......either way at @ 19 oz. you will have a reliable small revolver capable of firing 38 +p ( if its a older J frame better to practice with regular pressure wadcutters saving the +p for limited use ). Handy and easy to conceal, useful for close in work, the J frame is a true classic....everyone should have one. My favorirte of all the J frames are the Bodyguard models with the shrouded hammers....but even used models are quite often significantly more than $250....however, in my opinion worth the extra money because while they offer a snag free draw fom the pocket, the hammer can still can be manually cocked.
If you are interested in new, I would look closely at the Taurus line of small five shot revolvers. in my opinion they are as well made as what what S&W is now selling....and usually a bit less expensive.
-Regards
If you are interested in new, I would look closely at the Taurus line of small five shot revolvers. in my opinion they are as well made as what what S&W is now selling....and usually a bit less expensive.
-Regards