Older snubnose revolvers?

[N3rday]

Thanks for all the responses so far, good stuff!

I'm still thinking it over, but I'm curious...how much harder is it to conceal a 6-shot revolver, either IWB or pocket-carried, versus a 5-shot? I've noticed a lot of the options on here are 6-shot.

Thanks again =).

 

[MrTuffPaws]

6 shots are usually a bit wider in the cylinder, but not by much. One thing though is that 6 shot snubs are usually built on larger frames than 5 shot snubs.

 

[S&Wfan]

I inherited my dad's original type Colt Agent (lightweight aluminum framed snubbie . . . 6 rounds)

I also have a S&W Model 36 no dash 5-shot snubbie.

I much prefer the S&W in many ways.

The Colt is six shots . . . and the speed loaders for my S&W K-frame 6-shooters also fit the Colt Agent. Thus, the fattest part of the Colt (the cylinder) is the same as a K-frame. If I want that kind of width in a concealment gun, I'll tote my tack-driving 3" Model 65 S&W .357 over the Colt.

The little J-frame is much narrower in the cylinder area and, although "just" 5 rounds, who in the heck would want to be shot with even one?!!!

I can put the little M36 in my pocket holster and go anywhere (legal) with it . . . and it groups an inch at 10 yards, standing and unsupported. I don't get that kind of accuracy from the Colt.

Thus, in a snubbie wheelgun, I much prefer the trigger pull of a Smith.

Here's the first target I shot with this new (to me) 1964 nickle-plated Model 36 STANDING and UNSUPPORTED . . . all directly into my 1" black target at ten yards. This kind of little wheelgun sparks a lot of confidence in it's abilities.

 

[cocojo]

The Colt is only slightly bigger than a S&W, but I really can't detect that big a difference in a holster or in my inside the waist holster to make me want to give up a round. The big difference is weight between the steel frames guns S&W and Colts from the lightweight alluminum framed guns. I much prefer the light weight guns.

 

[porsche]

i bought a pretty nice S&W MOD 36 at an over priced gun store last yr for under $300.

 

[PX15]

Pawn shop find a few years ago for $250.00.

You just have to be lucky and be at "the right place at the right time"..

J.Pomeroy

 

[Cosmoline]

The Colt is only slightly bigger than a S&W, but I really can't detect that big a difference in a holster or in my inside the waist holster to make me want to give up a round.

I've carried both in the same pockets and never noticed a difference. The Colt DS fits my hand better. I don't care much for the Agent as I don't see much point in giving up the few oz. The weight helps accuracy, strength and stability. Unlike later generation alloys, the Agents are not particularly strong. Plus the 22 or so oz of the original DS does not feel too heavy.

 

[N3rday]

I like the look of the old Colts...but does the weird way the latch works make it slower to reload? It seems like it'd be easier to work the latch by pushing forward (S&W) or in (Ruger) than back.

Maybe its just me though, I've never handled a Colt myself.

 

[Ala Dan]

When look'in for older Colt's (or older S&W J-frames for that matter), it pays to:

"Have Patience, And Carry Cash"*

*FootNote: a quote from my dear ole' friend- Mr. C.R. Sam~!

 

[Cosmoline]

The Colt latch is just different, but you get used to it. You push a Smith, pull a Colt and press a Ruger.

 

[PX15]

N3rday:

Don't you be worrying your self about reloading a snubby, be it a 5 round J-frame Smith or a 5 round Colt D-frame.

If you ever have to defend yourself with lethal force then shoot however many rounds are available to you at the center mass of the threat then turn and run like a rabbit. A very fast rabbit.

Chances are you are just an average law abiding citizen who was in the "wrong place at the wrong time".. Or in the eyes of the threat "in the right place at the right time", and your reaction under stress will probably be instinctive "flee or fight"...

Conventional wisdom says when you are given no option to retreat first, then defend yourself as well as possible, then retreat. No reloading required.

JMOFO

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy

 

[OH25shooter]

This is an older subnose (1968) I paid $350.00 used. It was marked higher and I thought it was worth $300.00. An on the spot buy, take it or leave it. It's the perfect 'in the pocket' revolver.

 

[rcmodel]

I bought this Model 49 new in 1971 for $73.86.
Added Herrets grips, and then my wife took it away from me.

It has lived in her bedroom dresser for 36 years now!