Opinions, Opinions, Opinions Wanted?

Choice #1 would be a Colt Cobra, light weight, +P rated, and six shots.
Choice #2, (and a very close #2 at that ) would be a S&W Model 36.
Take Care
 
FACT -- NOT ARGUABLE

S&W M38

There is no other choice. None.

Now, start yer whinin'..........




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"all my opinion is always-right factory opinion"
 
S&W 638 Airweight. +P rated, Light, snag free, single/double action, corrosion resistant, durable, and accurate.
Second choice would be an old model, .38 special only, S&W model 60.
 
For a general duty snub: S&W M10 with 2" barrel. The K-frame is bigger than a J-frame so it is much more comfortable to shoot (more practice, you'll become better with it) and gives you easier follow up shots. However, with a 2" barrel it is still plenty lightweight and small enough for most snub uses.

For situations where you need more concealability (maybe pocket carry) an aluminum J-frame S&W or even a Taurus 85UL. If a smaller gun is called for the lighter weight of an aluminum J-frame over the steel framed versions would probably be appreciated. It would simply make it more comfortable for carry. Also, if a gun was to be carried that close to your body, or in a pocket, the corrosion resistance of the aluminum would be useful. I am inclined to say that any of the Smith aluminum guns (based on your particular preferences for configuration) would be great, the newer Taurus 85ULs are pretty nice now days too (though probably second to older Smiths).

That said the two snubs I have are a 3" K-frame (S&W 65LS, in .357) and a blued steel Taurus 605.
 
Very interesting pick's, by our TFL family. I'm of the opinion
that there are some mighty fine snubbies out in the gun
world; but in all fairness, we must raise the guidelines to
include the .357 magnum caliber, and 2.5" barrel's.
Otherwise, great snubbies such as the S&W 19/66/686
and Colt's Python would have to be left by the way side.
In order of preference, the following would be my choice's:

Any of the older Smith & Wesson Chief's Specials model's
36, 37, or 60. I have owned and used each, and with the
advent of stainless steel handguns in 1965 I tend to favor
the model 60. I gave $185.00 a piece for two NIB model
60's, a few years ago. My current carry model 60 (when
I do carry a snubbie); I had to give $249.95 for, and it
would grade out at about a 97% model.

Sticking with the Smith's, I would rate the original model
36 slightly ahead of the Airweight model 37; if one
desires to shoot a snubby very much. For CCW purposes
only, the model 37 would move to the head of the pack.

All you bobbed or concealed hammer fans, I haven't
forgotten you guy's and gal's. Noteworthy, is their
ability to be carried as a "deep cover" weapon often
times concealed in nothing more than a trouser pants
pocket. I know my friend, WE SHOOT2 really likes the
S&W model 38, Airweight Bodyguard; and it really does
have some mighty good point's. However, I'm a little bit
"old fashioned" and prefer a hammer on all my weapons.

Also, I see that S&W's models 10, 12, and 15 got some
vote's. All of these weapons are worthy of consideration,
and can usually be found with buttery smooth action's;
even though the K-frames are a tad larger than their J
frame cousins.

Now, we are down to my last personal pick's and they
come from Colt's Hartford, CT plant in the form of their
Detective Special, Cobra, and the Agent. Offering one
more round than Smith's J-frames; my favorite is the
"old model" Agent, w/o the enclosed ejector rod. Again,
having owned old models in the Cobra, and Agent; and
a new model Dick Special, I find the old model Agent to
be of my liking.

Thanks for each and every response so far, and if you
folk's have a favorite (to include the 2.5" barrel .357
magnum's), then sound off. As others have noted, a
lot of good, useful information is worth its weight in
gold.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Good choice AD to include .357Maggies. I'm partial to the S&W Model 13 with a 3" heavy barrel (hey now, what's a half inch among friends?).

Very versatile, six rounds, and at approximately 31 ounces, recoil is tolerable with all .38 Specials and low power .357 Mag. I prefer the Rem Golden Saber .357 Mag round (relatively low power for .357s, at approx. 400 ft-lbs ME). This K-frame fits my large hands, unlike J-frames, with excellent balance (YMMV):

SWM13.jpg
 
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OK, if we throw .357s into the mix my only changes would be for the general purpose snub. Instead of specifying the M10 I'd say a K-frame, preferably the M10, M13 or M65 for their fixed sights. Otherwise the only other change is that I'd suggest a K-frame with a 2" or a 3" barrel.
 
m3bullet
What would you sell that gun for? I really want to add a M13 with a 3" barrel to compliment my 65LS with a 3" barrel but all that I've found at the shops have 4" barrels.
 
chaim, I paid $250 for that 1982-vintage Model 13, unfired, about 6 months ago. Lucky find. It was the first and only 3" M13 I'd seen after 3 years on the lookout. I purchased it immediately upon inspection at a small, out-of-the-way gunshop near here in SoCal, of all places. I won't be selling it anytime soon, if ever, but thanks for asking.

BTW, I owned a cherry 1958 S&W Model 36 Chief's Special (shown below) and thought it was a fine revo. I sold it when I could not get good fit/operation with my hand cramped into the J-frame's grip & trigger guard. Again, YMMV.

CS36palmedR.jpg
 
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Any recent feedback on the S&W Model 340PD or Model 360Sc 12-ounce snubbies?

I know some of the obvious negatives - these are post-agreement S&W products and the $600-700 retail prices are steep.

At 12 ounces, are they fads, in the "we can make them lighter, so we did" camp. I can't understand the product rationale. Are there valid reasons to go this light?
 
Man, am I late getting in on this one.

.357-SP101
.38-649

I've had the 649 for a long time and carry it just about everywhere. It sometimes changes grip configuration depending upon the season and the way I'm carrying it. It's currently outfitted with Barami Hip=Grips and a Tyler T-grip. No, it's not a target and it's not really very fun to shoot, but it does what it's supposed to do and is easy to carry and conceal.

I don't have a lot of experience with the SP101 yet, other than to tell you that when you put 110-grain mag JHP rounds through it:

1. It makes a helluva racket!!
2. The muzzle flash is like a solar flare.

Then again, maybe I'm too much of a wimp for the gun.

Bob
 
m3bullet, I know you hated to get rid of the 58'
vintage Smith & Wesson model 36? I tell you one thing,
that sure is a fine looking firearm; I would loved to had
it myself.:D :)

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
The pre-agreement Smith 649 gets my vote. Although a little heavier than the alloy M38, it is accurate and tough. It conceals well too.
 
Ala Dan

Yes, that 44 year-old M36 was a beaut. Being in like new condition with box, cleaning tools, and all papers, it was an irresistible buy. However, once I realized it wouldn't be a shooter for me, it wasn't too hard to decide to sell. Too many guns, not enough time!
 
I'll second that S&W 442, but mine is in a Kramer pocket holster...

It's simple, reliable, doesn't have a hammer to snag(DA only), and it's accurate. It fits comfortably in jeans or shorts, too.
 
Purchased a Colt Detective Special from Aeromarine (B'ham, AL) back in the late 1960's. It came with the larger factory wood grips common to Colts of that era, nickel finish, and was a very well made high quality gun. BUT, I never could hit the broad side of a barn with it at 20 paces.

My Colt Detective had a terrible trigger. The heavy trigger pull got heavier, stacking up considerably before the point of release. I hated shooting that Colt snub nose and eventually sold it at a nice profit to a non-gun person.

I've always liked the S&W Model 36 and Model 60. Currently I have couple of Model 60s. One of them is a limited production factory DAO model. But please pardon me for preferring the 3" barrel revolvers and .38 Special. No matter, the S&W J frame revolvers are the best in either 2" or 3" IMO.

No doubt these revolvers still have their place in defensive carry, but in recent years I learned to trust the reliability and accuracy of the SIG P239 and that is my carry gun.
 
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