Need snubby suggestions for a guy with big hands

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Fremmer

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And when I say big hands, I mean big enough to palm a basketball.

So what's a guy with big mitts to do? I can't hit the side of a barn with a J framed revolver (way too small). I need a k frame at minimum, but a larger framed revolver would probably work better - or maybe there wouldn't be a significant difference between a medium frame vrs. a large frame revolver for big hands?

So which make/model of current production (or used) snubby revolver for a skinny guy with huge hands would you suggest?
 
Well... is this going to be for CCW?

A large-frame snubby is going to be just that-- large, usually with a fairly fat cylinder. What I've found is once you get up in to the L-frame and N-frame (both larger than a K-frame) you're going to have to factor in the increased cylinder diameter, which can cause printing. That's why the small J-frames are so popular, the cylinder is quite a bit smalerl than the other S&W frame size cylinders. Honestly for me, a revolver with a K-frame size cylinder is at the limit to where I can conceal it realistically, but I carry a J-frame as my EDC just because of how compact and concealable it truly is.

Keep in mind that a K-frame has the same grip dimensions as an L-frame, and the grips are usually interchangeable between the two. Not only that, but the trigger reach is also basically the same between the K/L frame guns, and can be adjusted with larger grips. With the K-frame though, you get a skinnier cylinder vs. the larger L-frame, and can still have 6 shots of .38 special or .357 magnum depending on model.

The N-frames are truly large guns... the have a larger grips frame than the K/L frames, and the trigger reach is slightly longer in general. They fit a large hand very well, but they are big guns, and typically on the heavy side if they're an all stainless or carbon steel model. An N-frame snub would be a real chore to conceal and carry all day...

If I were you OP, I'd try out some K-frame snubs. They can be had for good prices (model dependent) on the used market, I don't think S&W makes a K-frame snub anymore but I could be wrong. You could also try a Ruger Speed Six, a great gun that's roughly K-frame in size and weight. If going the S&W route, a Model 10 w/ 2" bbl, round butt (or square butt if it fits you better), with S&W factory magna stocks paired with a Tyler T grip adapter would be the cats pajamas for CCW for somebody who just can't paw a J-frame snub. Stoke it with Speer Gold Dot .38 special +P 135 grain Short Barrel loads and you've got a hell of a gun right there.

Whatever you decide, good luck!
 
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There are many aftermarket grips for the J frame. If you already own the J frame, try to find a grip for it that fits your hand. Hogue grips would be a good place to start.
 
Your description of hand size reminds me of Bill Jordan, who was big in any and every direction. :D

He solved the problem on K, L, and N-frame Smith & Wesson's by having his own design of oversized stocks that were made-to-fit . Also a variant worked on little J-frames.

The issue you are concerned with it the size and shape on the handle, not the revolver itself.
 
Thanks for the replies. I want to add a snubby to the collection. The K frame suggestion sounds good; I did pretty well with my sisters model 64 (65?) .38 with a 4" barrel. And I'll check out the Jordan (and other) grip options.
 
I have large hands and do pretty well with my S&W model 64 with Hogue fingergrip stocks. Any 64,65, or 66 Smith would be the same.

Here is an older K frame M&P and my 64. You can see how much bigger the Hogues are.

standard.jpg
 
I am 6'6" and have very large hands. Taurus has a K-frame sized snubby in 44 special. It is an "ultra-light" and thus not too heavy to carry. I have had it a year or two and it has been great for me. The size is perfect and I love 44 special.


Taurus44_zpsba8282b8.gif
 
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Here's a snubby that will shoot 44 special loads and then magnums when you get bored. I did not see CC on your list of requirements. This is a large, built like a tank, snubby.
 

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how about a ruger? they are bigger than a j frame. or even the smith 60 with the bigger grips http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/S&W_60_3in.jpg Those felt pretty good in my hand.

But the best small revolver I have ever felt was a colt agent with the pachmayr grips. looks like this http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x223/KyJim_photos/Colt Snubbies/Colt_Agent_02.jpg

My grandfather has one and I am waiting for him to kick the bucket so I can snag it. I am a skinny 6'4" with a "large" glove sized hand.
 
I think this particular snubby will be a .38 special (or .357 mag); I don't think I'm interested in a large snub with a big cylinder.
 
Bill Jordan had the biggest hands I ever saw. He collaborated with Herret Grips to come up with the Jordan Trooper grips.
jrdnbutt.jpg

http://www.herrettstocks.com/

He used a K frame Model 19 for all of his fancy shooting.

Model19-1.gif
I carry a Model 19 with horn grips and an adapter but my hands are not particularly large
 
I have big hands and I love the Ruger LCR 38 Special with the Hogue Tamer grips that come on the revolver. Great gun all around.
 
Since you aren't going to carry this gun, the J Frame snub isn't really the optimal choice anyway. I shoot K Frame snubs just as well as their longer barrel brethren. But just as a side note, I've seen hickock45 of youtube fame shoot a J Frame S&W Model 36 with the teenie factory service stocks. His hands are so big when he holds a 3" N Frame it looks like a 2.5" K Frame (the guy is around 6'8" I believe). In the video below, you can sort of see a close up of his hands gripping the gun at around the 6 minute, 9:25 and 11:15 marks (note the position of his second finger joints at around 9:25). I noticed that he does keep his thumbs extended out the the left as I do, though I've been experimenting with locating my support thumb behind the back strap of the gun. Right around 6:45 he sums up my love for the round gun pretty well :cool: .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEeQ-a0aUgc

At just over the 8 minute point, Jerry Miculek discusses J Frame grip technique. His hands are fairly large too:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEHNZFTfSD8


I think this particular snubby will be a .38 special (or .357 mag); I don't think I'm interested in a large snub with a big cylinder.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a K Frame with a 2" or 2.5" inch barrel in .38 or .357 is right up your alley. Or a Ruger Six Series gun with a 2.75". The Ruger SP101 with a 2.25" may be another good choice. I have large hands as well (I'm 6'7") and find the factory SP101 grips to be pretty comfortable.

The Bill Jordan stocks will be your best bet, since concealment isn't in the equation. The ginormous factory S&W Target stocks might be a great choice, though even I find them to be too big. OTH, the factory S&W service stocks with Tyler T-grip installed (pictured below) work pretty well for me while retaining very good concealability.


S&W 15-2 2", .38 special, made in '65:

064.jpg


S&W 66-1 2.5", .357 magnum, made in '80:

DSC07755.jpg
 
Easy fix. Buy a vintage snubby of your choice and then get some after market grips that fit your hand. Problem solved.
 
Herretts Stocks will build stocks to fit your hand. I am sure they can come up with something. Call them and ask.
 
I have a Buddy with big hands. He has a EAA Windicator Snub Nose .357 he really likes. It isnt much to look at but its a fine running revolver.

The more I think about it the more I like running it as well even though I got these little bitty hands,,
 
Upper left. S&W 12-2 Airweight. It weighs only 20 oz and is fine if you shoot only .38 Special.

Lower right S&W 19-5. It's heavier and the barrel is 1/2" longer but it'll handle a 158 gr full house .357 magnum loads.

DSCN2379_zpse73392ac.jpg
 
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