Need an Education on Snubbies

Peter -

In semi-autos, it used to be caliber, barrel length with trigger/safety feature and frame style . E.g., the 1076 was 10MM, had a 4.25" bbl with decocker on a large stainless steel frame. The 1026 was the same except for the 5" bbl. while the 1006 the same as the 1026 but with frame-mounted safety (no decocker). The 4506 is the same as the 1006, except that it is a .45 APC.

I think that with the advent of new technologies, MIM and the proliferation of special alloys and new metals in the lighter, concealable weapons, that the changes were made - or at least expanded.

Maybe they now have a "cool factor" in there somewhere, Heaven help us if they start using asterisks and what not. :)

There is certainly rhyme and reason in the wheel gunz nomenclature, but I haven't figured it out. This sounds like a call for Tamara or some other wheelywhiz. I think she also has a 396, or something like it. If 3" isn't a snubbie, what do you call it - a stubbie? ;)
 
The revolver model numbers have never really been "converted" the way the semis were. Generally, revolvers that start with a 3 have a Ti cylinder and either Al or Sc/Al frame, and revolvers that start with a 6 are stainless frames.
 
Examine the S&W Model 66 with 2 1/2" tube. Your choice will then be clear. :)

For your purposes, the .357 Magnum is always a great selection.
 
recomend an Ruger sp101 or a Smith model 60 these are both .357are small weigh roughly 25 ounces the smith is an ounce lighter than the ruger but the ruger is stronger. And you can get the ruger in a nice looking Target Grey, it's a grey that won't shine away in the sun light but still looks as nice as stainless.
 
Bro,
Your reasons sound about like mine.
In the summer time I used to pack a Colt Magnum Carry. Great trigger pull, tight lock up, awesome accuracy and six shots in a package that usuall carrys five from other makers.
Of course when Colt discontinued it it went from carry piece to collectible that would be hard to replace, so I put her away and got a model 60 Chief in .357. It fit my Magnum Carry holsters well, but I had to buy different speedloaders, what with it being a five shooter.
Seems like a rugged little gun ,but it aint as smooth as my Colt was.
 
I have a Smith & Wesson model 642 .38 special snub..Eagle Secret Service grips, Galco horsehide pocket holster, Federal Hydra Shok 129 grain +P hollowpoints
 
S&W Model 15 Combat Masterpiece

I present the Rolls-Royce of snubbies:

Model15-2.jpg
 
Consider a S&W 640. Its a totally reliable, superb little 357 mag. I prefer it to the lighter weight models which almost hurt to shoot. You shouldn't carry a gun that you are not comfortable firing, and I tried a 13 ounce S&W at the range, and even firing 38's it was not fun. Even the 640 is a handfull to fire, at 23 ounces, but the solid feel of stainless steel and ease of carry make this the only gun I carry in a pocket. I traded away my Tauras Model 85; it just didn't have the fit and feel of the S&W. That my recommendation, IMHO.
 
In view of the stated need - - -

Peter M. Eick wrote:
My interest has been in a 3rd generation Detective Special or Agent, . . . missing the boat by not looking at the Smiths. . . . This gun will be carried a bunch, shot occasionally but I don't want to carry more then a 38 special. . . . . This is for shorts carry, . . . light, small, and 38 special.
Click to expand...
His specifications would NOT be met by with a 32+ ounce K-frame or 2-1/2 inch Python. (I personally like the Colt Commander, but that wouldn’t work, either. ;)) Facing the real-world facts: Nothing small and light enough for comfortable pocket carry will be really FUN to shoot with .38 Special +P ammo.

PM: I’d rule out the Colt DS - - a NICE little revolver, but a touch heavy. The Cobra or Agent are both excellent and have the sixth round. You’ll have to look for either, but there were a lot of ‘em made. Any of the alloy J-framed S&Ws would serve you very well. All of these carry well in shorts, especially in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster.

Best of luck.
Johnny
 
Thanks. I still have not found a nice Detective or Agent yet. I will probably get a Detective just because I want one for the collection and then get a nice Agent for actual carry.
 
I just found this thread . I was shooting 7 snubbies in my collection last weekend. The Sadowski tuned 3rd Generation Agent , at 14oz (16 with my favorite Colt issued Pachmayer grips and factory hammer shroud) was by far the best shooting of the bunch. It handles recoil much better than even the steel J frame S&Ws.The light weight J frames HURT! The trigger curve on earlier issue D frames is too tight. The K frame snubs (M10 & M 19) are too big for real pocket carry IMHO as is my 296. My 2" Colt Lawman is sweet shooting with the 158grain SWCHP +P .38 loads I was shooting in all the guns for comparsion, but is BIG! Yep the nasty looking , unpolished outside Agent from 1979 is what I will continue to concealed carry-always. BTW, Single action I was able to shoot into LESS than 3" at 25 yards, leaning off baricade.
 
For anyone following this. I ordered a 3rd generation Nickeled Detective Special today. Basically unfired from the factory, or described as "As New".

Pictures to follow next week.
 
Bullets make the difference?

Maybe some folks would like to contemplate this-I think maybe the 38 snub does not really overshadow the 380 until you get to the fact that the 38 can throw a much heavier bullet. I can't see much advantage of a 38 110 grain bullet over a hotter hi tech load of a 380, and you get more shots from the auto. Assuming you have a reliable auto, not that hard to find these days.
But it is also a consideration of preferences and handling-the revolver is grab and go, just pull the trigger. And magnums in small revolvers is something that I don't really want to deal with. But if you can handle it, it beats the other two! But then if you move to a magnum pocket revolver, you could consider a compact Glock in large caliber, too..........
 
Why not get what you want?

The gun you want is the Colt's Detective Special. You said so. I have owned one for thirty years, and I slip it in my pocket or drop it in my boot or sometimes even carry it in a Galco pancake holster on a belt. (I like to wear a belt with my shorts.) I live about fifty miles south of you, near Freeport, TX, and I know about hot weather. The Detective Special offers six rounds, a steel frame, and that pony engraving.

Go ahead. You've earned it! ;)
 
I have a nice Flat latch too, I love it, it is so tiny and nice. That said the Colt D frame is a much better defensive package, just not as tiny!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top