All right boys and girls, my new interest is a getting a snub nose and I need some good recommendations. Regarding calibers, usually I like to shoot 10MM; .357; and .45's in that order. It seems that most snub nose's are .38's. Now, I'm don't want to offend you .38 lovers but, I'm not impressed with the lack of kick from them but then again, I've never shot a snub nose .38. So any way, I need some realistic recommendations.
Snubbie quest
- Thread starter Bandit01
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Preacherman
Member
If you want to shoot .357 Magnum from a snubby, and control the gun well enough for rapid, repeat aimed shots, the SP101, IMHO, is the only way to go. It's got the weight to handle the recoil. A second choice would be S&W, but in my hands, they're a lot less controllable with full-house loads than the SP101. YMMV...
fallingblock
Member
What Preacherman said.....
The SP-101 is a fine and controllable snub in .357.
You might consider the 3" barrel SP-101 -
a bit more sight radius and still very concealable.
The SP-101 is a fine and controllable snub in .357.
You might consider the 3" barrel SP-101 -
a bit more sight radius and still very concealable.
ACP230
Member
If you're going to carry it a Smith J-frame might be the best idea.
I prefer the Bodyguard series with the shrouded hammer. Mine are all in .38.
I've got a Colt Cobra but it's just large enough so I can't carry it in my pocket and keep it concealed.
I prefer the Bodyguard series with the shrouded hammer. Mine are all in .38.
I've got a Colt Cobra but it's just large enough so I can't carry it in my pocket and keep it concealed.
IMHO the S&W Model 40 Centennial is the very best snubby ever made. It is the perfect concealment revolver. I have two original ones with the grip safety. My carry load is a 125 JHP at 1,250 FPS. I do not find this load particularly wimpy in the recoil department when fired from this small pistol.
wheelgunner100
Member
Ditto SP-101. Have had a 2-1/4" DAO for years. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
New Arrival
Smith & Wesson 386PD .357 magnum snubby
Its a brand NIB
scandium gun, so it ain't cheap. $ 689.88 (+ 9% sales tax for Bama
residents) will let you give it a new home. It comes complete with
a really nice, lockable aluminum case with the S&W logo on top.
Smith & Wesson 386PD .357 magnum snubby
Its a brand NIBscandium gun, so it ain't cheap. $ 689.88 (+ 9% sales tax for Bama
residents) will let you give it a new home. It comes complete with
a really nice, lockable aluminum case with the S&W logo on top.
Depends on whatcha gonna use it for. Pocket carry? Get one of them lite weight S&W's. Holster carry? You can't beat an SP101. Range gun and all around fun gun? Get an SP101.
Want something that's a little bigger and a realy sweet shooter? Get a K frame S&W.
Want something that's a little bigger and a realy sweet shooter? Get a K frame S&W.
DHart
Member
In a world of SP-101 fans... I'm the odd man out!
There are a lot of SP fans here... and rightfully so. And hey, don't get me wrong, this is not a slam on the SP... I love my 3" SP-101, for limited applications and nothing larger can possible work. They are fine little revos indeed, for concealed carry needs (though they do need to go in a holster). But honestly, for shooting pleasure they pale in comparison to the slightly bigger and heavier GP-100's and S&W K-frames and L-frames, all of which are available with "snub nose" 2.5" and 3" barrels.
I do occasionally rely on my SP-101 as a belt-carry gun, but I never choose it when I want to have some pleasureable shooting time, home or RV defense, etc. They are harder to be accurate with and transmit more bothersome recoil than you will find with anything bigger. And they are limited to 5-shot capacity.
Yes, they're great for a "sort-of" little gun, but they're not that little... You can get great snub nose guns in GP, K and L frames which are not much bigger, but are much more fun to shoot and much better "all-around" guns.
May I suggest a 2.5" Model 19 or 66, or a 3" Model 13, 65, or 66? Or a 3" GP-100? Or a 2.5" or 3" 686? These are all great "snub-nose" guns which are not difficult to conceal and are much better all-around guns than the SP could ever hope to be.
Bandit, if you want the smallest .357 that's actually relatively "shootable", the SP is a very good choice. But understand that by going with the slightly smaller SP, you give up a lot that is available with a slightly larger gun. The SP is too big for deep concealment and really should be carried in a holster... at that point, you can carry a 2.5" K-frame just about as easily. But if you want a snubnose .357 which is a luxury to shoot and a great all around performer, look to something a little larger than the SP.
There are a lot of SP fans here... and rightfully so. And hey, don't get me wrong, this is not a slam on the SP... I love my 3" SP-101, for limited applications and nothing larger can possible work. They are fine little revos indeed, for concealed carry needs (though they do need to go in a holster). But honestly, for shooting pleasure they pale in comparison to the slightly bigger and heavier GP-100's and S&W K-frames and L-frames, all of which are available with "snub nose" 2.5" and 3" barrels.
I do occasionally rely on my SP-101 as a belt-carry gun, but I never choose it when I want to have some pleasureable shooting time, home or RV defense, etc. They are harder to be accurate with and transmit more bothersome recoil than you will find with anything bigger. And they are limited to 5-shot capacity.
Yes, they're great for a "sort-of" little gun, but they're not that little... You can get great snub nose guns in GP, K and L frames which are not much bigger, but are much more fun to shoot and much better "all-around" guns.
May I suggest a 2.5" Model 19 or 66, or a 3" Model 13, 65, or 66? Or a 3" GP-100? Or a 2.5" or 3" 686? These are all great "snub-nose" guns which are not difficult to conceal and are much better all-around guns than the SP could ever hope to be.
Bandit, if you want the smallest .357 that's actually relatively "shootable", the SP is a very good choice. But understand that by going with the slightly smaller SP, you give up a lot that is available with a slightly larger gun. The SP is too big for deep concealment and really should be carried in a holster... at that point, you can carry a 2.5" K-frame just about as easily. But if you want a snubnose .357 which is a luxury to shoot and a great all around performer, look to something a little larger than the SP.
Nothin' against Ruger's mind ya...
but I love my K frame for carrying. I've handled a few Ruger's, but never carried one and once I handled a K frame and carried it...I never even considered anything else. They're great guns. I bought this one about two years ago for $375 (which included shipping) off of GA. There are better deals out there, so look around a little bit. Here's my rig:
but I love my K frame for carrying. I've handled a few Ruger's, but never carried one and once I handled a K frame and carried it...I never even considered anything else. They're great guns. I bought this one about two years ago for $375 (which included shipping) off of GA. There are better deals out there, so look around a little bit. Here's my rig:
Well, if you decide you want a S&W snubbie drop me a line. I've got a model 60, 37, 36LS, and 637, all NIB. Make you a heck of a deal on any of 'em.
Dan
[email protected]
402-297-0808
Dan
[email protected]
402-297-0808
BluesBear
member
If you want concealability, shootability and affordability all in one I have a recommendation*.
Years ago in another life (1978-83) I carried an all steel S&W Bodyguard (Model 49). After carrying it daily for five years I foolishly sold it to a guy who paid me about four times what it was worth.
Recently I have been extremely impressed with *the all steel Taurus 651. That's their .357 Magnum version of the old shrouded hammer Bodyguard.
It is perhaps the sweetest shooting unmodified J-frame I have ever seen. And I've seen and fired a lot of them.
Around here the going price is about $275 NIB for either Blued or Stainless.
I think the Total Titanium models are a little higher priced.
Years ago in another life (1978-83) I carried an all steel S&W Bodyguard (Model 49). After carrying it daily for five years I foolishly sold it to a guy who paid me about four times what it was worth.
Recently I have been extremely impressed with *the all steel Taurus 651. That's their .357 Magnum version of the old shrouded hammer Bodyguard.
It is perhaps the sweetest shooting unmodified J-frame I have ever seen. And I've seen and fired a lot of them.
Around here the going price is about $275 NIB for either Blued or Stainless.
I think the Total Titanium models are a little higher priced.
bigolddeerhunter
Member
How about this?
Shoot it won't let me post the picture.
Shoot it won't let me post the picture.
BluesBear
member
PI Rob, what is that holster in your pic?
I like the concept of a reinforced upper edge on a thumb break holster.
I like the concept of a reinforced upper edge on a thumb break holster.
Charter Arms Stainless Bulldog: 44 spec 5 shot. Factory CCI ammo; 200gr
Gold-Dot hp's at 850fps. I can get the same bullet in handloads to 950fps
without too much prob. That matches 45 ACP for all practical purposes.
And the 44 spec does all that at 15,000 psi or less!! Very easy to shoot goood!!!!!
P.S. They are small frame.(same size as a S&W 60 or Lady Smith).
Gold-Dot hp's at 850fps. I can get the same bullet in handloads to 950fps
without too much prob. That matches 45 ACP for all practical purposes.
And the 44 spec does all that at 15,000 psi or less!! Very easy to shoot goood!!!!!
P.S. They are small frame.(same size as a S&W 60 or Lady Smith).
juneau803
Member
Why not try a Colt "Magnum Carry". It's the same size as the Detective special and with good grips you can shoot .357 no problem. Holds 6 rounds too.
DHart
Member
juneau... great suggestion... if you can find one.
BluesBear
member
No they're not.
S&W model 60 is a five shot .38, J-frame.
The Charter Arms Bulldog is a teensie bit bigger than a six shot Detective Special. Almost K-frame.
In fact they fit just fine in a K-frame holster.
My old Bianchi #56L thumb-break paddle holster that once carried my 2½" Model 19 and later carried my 2¼" Charter Arms Bulldog Pug is right now on my hip gently caressing my 2" Taurus 445.
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