chaim
Member
This almost feels strange for me to say, I am a fan of snub nosed, small frame revolvers. Small framed snubs are harder to shoot accurately, less comfortable to shoot, and generally less forgiving than most other handgun types. Capacity for size and weight is low compared to autos. Like many people, when I first started shooting them, I didn't like them. I got rid of my 1st (a Taurus 605) less than a year after I bought it. My 2nd, a used Taurus 85CH I bought 15 or so years ago, I still have it, but until recently I never loved it (I have always liked the trigger). I always hated my 442, and for years I planned to sell it. I replaced it 3 years ago with a Taurus 856UL, just over an ounce heavier (and so just a little more comfortable to shoot), 6 rounds instead of 5, but I never sold the 442. Around the same time I bought the 856, I also bought a Colt King Cobra (new model). In between the 856 and King Cobra and earlier 85 and 442 were two Rossi 461s (a 2" and 3"), but I've never trusted them due to some reliability issues with the 2" (binding when shooting magnums). I will be putting them on consignment at a local store as soon as I can get there (maybe later this week). I had planned to also sell the 442, but I'll be keeping it (more on that later)
I like the 856. Something about a revolver that pocket carries better than a small auto IMO (the rounded shapes don't broadcast "gun" in a pocket the way the sharp edges of an auto do), and whether IWB or in a pocket, the rounded edges of a revolver are more comfortable for me than most autos. I love my Colt. Despite having the Colt, having very good CCW autos, and the 6 round 856, I do at times find myself carrying my old 85CH IWB quite a bit now that I can carry regularly in my home state.
Recently I even started carrying the 442 again (I haven't carried it in years). When I want a pocket gun I usually carry the 856UL. I recently had my first squib load, which in this case stuck partly in the cylinder and partly in the barrel of my 856. I left it for the range's gunsmith, and while I was without the 856, I broke the 442 out for pocket carry a few times (I usually pocket carry my 856 when I IWB carry another revolver due to the lower capacity).
I haven't shot it in several years, and I'm sure the 442 will be just as unpleasant as ever at the range, but it does carry very well (I have replaced the Secret Service Boot Grips with some Pachmayr grips that should make it a little better at the range, and do make it a little harder to conceal, but won't impact either all that much). However, it is a hair lighter and thinner than my 856 (1.3" wide vs. 1.41", 14.7oz vs. 16oz), and a little shorter in length. Supposedly the height is also shorter, though grip selection probably will more than make up that difference. While I'd prefer the extra round of the 856, and the differences are marginal, they do add up and it is a little better for pocket carry. Also, my ankle holster (almost never used, just for some niche backup uses) is for a J-frame and the 856 is just a little too big for it, the 85CH is a little heavy for all day ankle carry, so the 442 will be great in this backup role.
I am keeping the 442 and have ordered a new pocket holster for it.
These may not be ideal guns for almost any use. There are lighter guns with greater capacity for carry. There are more pleasant guns to shoot at the range. However, once you've put in the time to shoot them well (I have) they are incredibly rewarding guns to shoot, they are fun to shoot (well, the steel framed ones are), the lightweight versions may pocket carry better than any other gun (and certainly better than any near their capability), and they are probably the most comfortable IWB guns there are.
Somehow over a 20 year period I've moved from hating them, to not really liking them but having a couple of them for their advantages for some niche uses, to now, I am a hardcore member of the small framed snub fan club.
I like the 856. Something about a revolver that pocket carries better than a small auto IMO (the rounded shapes don't broadcast "gun" in a pocket the way the sharp edges of an auto do), and whether IWB or in a pocket, the rounded edges of a revolver are more comfortable for me than most autos. I love my Colt. Despite having the Colt, having very good CCW autos, and the 6 round 856, I do at times find myself carrying my old 85CH IWB quite a bit now that I can carry regularly in my home state.
Recently I even started carrying the 442 again (I haven't carried it in years). When I want a pocket gun I usually carry the 856UL. I recently had my first squib load, which in this case stuck partly in the cylinder and partly in the barrel of my 856. I left it for the range's gunsmith, and while I was without the 856, I broke the 442 out for pocket carry a few times (I usually pocket carry my 856 when I IWB carry another revolver due to the lower capacity).
I haven't shot it in several years, and I'm sure the 442 will be just as unpleasant as ever at the range, but it does carry very well (I have replaced the Secret Service Boot Grips with some Pachmayr grips that should make it a little better at the range, and do make it a little harder to conceal, but won't impact either all that much). However, it is a hair lighter and thinner than my 856 (1.3" wide vs. 1.41", 14.7oz vs. 16oz), and a little shorter in length. Supposedly the height is also shorter, though grip selection probably will more than make up that difference. While I'd prefer the extra round of the 856, and the differences are marginal, they do add up and it is a little better for pocket carry. Also, my ankle holster (almost never used, just for some niche backup uses) is for a J-frame and the 856 is just a little too big for it, the 85CH is a little heavy for all day ankle carry, so the 442 will be great in this backup role.
I am keeping the 442 and have ordered a new pocket holster for it.
These may not be ideal guns for almost any use. There are lighter guns with greater capacity for carry. There are more pleasant guns to shoot at the range. However, once you've put in the time to shoot them well (I have) they are incredibly rewarding guns to shoot, they are fun to shoot (well, the steel framed ones are), the lightweight versions may pocket carry better than any other gun (and certainly better than any near their capability), and they are probably the most comfortable IWB guns there are.
Somehow over a 20 year period I've moved from hating them, to not really liking them but having a couple of them for their advantages for some niche uses, to now, I am a hardcore member of the small framed snub fan club.
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