Opinions, Opinions, Opinions Wanted?

A

Ala Dan

Member in memoriam
Using your best over all judgement, what in your
opinion is the best "all time" snubbie. Please limit all
responses to .38 caliber only; with barrels no longer
than 2". Otherwise, any make or model shall be
considered. I thought that this would make for a very
interesting topic; as we haven't discussed this in quite
sometime. So, fire away- chime in with your best snubby
story, the phone lines are now open.:D :cool: :)

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
The SW686 Distinguished Combat Magnum. Thw SW66 (or model 19) is a good choice as well. Smooth triggers, bulletproof design. Best wheelguns ever made.
 
19, 686 and 66 not qualified.
No PRODUCTION models with 2" or shorter barrels.:D

I like the 2" Model 36. Cheap, light, effective and real steel.
Others would prefer the hammerless iterations.

Sam
 
"Please limit all responses to .38 caliber only;"

If that means no .357 mag, then I'd say the model 36 S&W. The Colt Detective Special would be a close second.
 
S&W 642

Why? Because I own one, and because the little thing is one accurate and easy-carrying gun. It'll shoot +P too, although I wouldn't want to feed it a steady diet of them, mainly because I'm afraid of loosening the gun.
DAL
 
Smith Model 638 "Bodyguard"

Weighs 15 oz, offers snag-free SA or DA, all stainless and aluminum for corrosion resistence. Very accurate, compact....one of the lightest, smallest non-exotic metal revolvers out there. And, I've owned one!
 
I think my 642 makes a great .38 spl only gun. I think it weighes 14.5 ounces or so. DAO, hammerless. It is, however, my least favorite Smith that I own. I tend to leave it behind when I go to the range. It is not a "fun range gun".

If I had the need to carry I would shoot it regularly, of course. (Many TFL'ers think I am a sheep anyway.) I can live with that...

justinr1
 
best "all time" snubby would need a balance of concealability and shootability.

for me this has to be the colt D-frames:
1. extra shot
2. availablity of alloy frame
3. superior action (when tuned)
4. compatability witht the K-frame speedloader
5. accuracy to rival the smith K-frame

challenging a J-frame shooter is almost unfair (almost) :p

having said all that, i carry a smith 642 based on its internal hammer...it is just cleaner. :cool: before anyone suggest the hammer shoud for the colt D-frame...let me say that that configuration rivals the smith 649 in "lumpiness" :barf:
 
NO CONTEST...S&W Bodyguard series...

I like all stainless 649 best...
followed by stainless/alloy 638 Airweight second!
 
You know, I've REALLY got to go with one of two models with several variations here...

Either the Model 10/12 S&W, or the Detective Special/Cobra/Agent.

Either of those were masters at their designated job...
 
The best .38spl +P of all times would have to be the 2 1/4 " barrel, Ruger KSP-821X (SP-101)!
If I have to stick with a 2" barrel I would take the S&W-342PD or the S&W-442.
 
S&W Model 15 w/2" barrel

Accurate, extremely smooooth trigger, six rounds, +P+ rated, and K-frame more comfortable for larger hands. A pistol-whipping 30 ounces, which was "important" to the detective original owner. This one is a 1972-vintage M15-2:

SWM15.jpg
 
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