Question regarding snub nose revolver

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  • Dorky_D

    Expert
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    4   0   0
    Dec 4, 2010
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    For me S&W, j-frame Model 36 Chiefs Special. I can shoot and reload fairly quickly. I is small. It is mot accurate than I am and RELIABLE!
     

    AutoMovt

    Plinker
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    Jan 22, 2010
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    Thank you all for your input, this has given me more option to research.

    Keep your suggestions coming.:yesway:
     

    lrahm

    Master
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    May 17, 2011
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    Newburgh
    model 36

    For me S&W, j-frame Model 36 Chiefs Special. I can shoot and reload fairly quickly. I is small. It is mot accurate than I am and RELIABLE!

    I had a 36 and it was a grest "belly" gun. They eventually made an air weight but I liked the 36. I haven't tried but I imagine that they might be hard to find. Note: I had a partner who had a 2" python and would shoot a perfect score with it every time.
     

    randyb

    Sharpshooter
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    Feb 4, 2009
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    If weight is not an issue the GP100 and SP101 rufers are great. I have both. I think the 3 inch Sp101is an awesome gun.
     

    dice dealer

    Master
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    Dec 8, 2008
    2,153
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    Harrison county
    I carry a 442 often , great gun , all the old school revolvers are pretty cool , I like the hammerless to avoid snagging problems .

    The old model 36 & 37's are awsome as well.

    I think we have some used 36's & 37's , I will check tuesday and post pricing if we still have them
     

    12many

    Sharpshooter
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    Jan 29, 2011
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    over there
    For a comfortable EDC I would recommend a Colt Detective Special, Cobra or Agent. The Colts are small and handy but still carry 6 rounds. The S&W J Frames, Model 36, 60, etc, are a little smaller but still good options, although they only carry 5 rounds. I often carry my Colt Det Special and feel adequately armed with 6 rounds of .38 Special +P. :twocents:
    I love my model 38. When I carry it I have some JHP ammo from Buffalo Bore. Many moons ago I had a Colt Cobra with the light weight frame and hammer shroud. Loved that one as well and thinking about looking at the one for sale on armslist and hoosier topics.
     

    geronimojoe85

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    26   0   0
    Nov 16, 2009
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    My dad has an old colt magnum carry.

    It feels like a boat anchor in your pocket but it handles hot 357s like a dream.
    I'll second the SP101 though as the old pony guns are pretty hard to find.
     

    goinggreyfast

    Master
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    11   0   0
    Nov 21, 2010
    4,113
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    Morgan County
    Thanks for the suggestions. I do have a few wheel guns a S&W model 10 (4in), Dan Wesson 15 (8in & 4in), and a ported Taurus 44mag in a (3in). As you can see I do have a few, but none that are ideal for a summer CC like a snub nose.

    I've got the snubbie version of your S&W and even with the Hogue on it, I don't have any trouble with CC or OC. Shoots like a dream!

     

    mrjarrell

    Shooter
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    Jun 18, 2009
    19,986
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    Hamilton County
    You might also think about looking into an older .44 Special from Charter Arms. I have one and love it. Packs more than enough wallop and fits in any pocket. The Bull Dog and Bull Pug are great little guns.
     

    VERT

    Grandmaster
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    23   0   0
    Jan 4, 2009
    9,823
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    Seymour
    Smith & Wesson must have made some changes in their pricing strategy of late. Right now it is hard to beat the 638, 442, & 642 as a defensive firearm. Good inventory of these locally and they can be purchased new for around $400 give or take.

    Hard to beat the old reliable Model 10. I can't say enough good things about all I have handled.

    I have always loved the feel of the Ruger SP101, especially the 3" barreled variants.

    I have also owned a couple of Taurus Model 85. These really are nice little guns and unfortunately underrated because they don't say Smith or Ruger on the side.
     

    Kirk Freeman

    Grandmaster
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    9   0   0
    Mar 9, 2008
    48,063
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    Lafayette, Indiana
    Remember, if you want a snub nose revolver you have to work within the limitations of the weapon and, above all, buy two. One to range to the range and wear out in training and the other to carry.

    There are many good snub nosed revolvers, but since this is the gun culture and the subjective is objective, I prefer the Smith M38/638 as I like a shrouded hammer for carry but like having the hammer for roll checking.

    I prefer Craig Spegel stocks or the factory stocks and a Tyler T as the weapon will be around clothing. My ammo is Speer.
     

    zenbruno

    Marksman
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    Oct 13, 2010
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    J frames (442) are airweight style, 38 spec is good for pocket carry, or holster. You can install a "hip grip" and not use a holster at all. Hammerless is also a great option. Eliminates snagging on draw. Yes, do practice a bit before carrying, as shooting them is not like a Glock, or 1911A. I do carry a 5 shot speedloader in my off carry pocket. You can still find Colts if you look hard enough. Good Luck.

    The Barami Hip-Grip and J-frame (or similar) revolver are the concealed-carry dream setup. :)
     

    eric001

    Vaguely well-known member
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    9   0   0
    Apr 3, 2011
    1,864
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    Indianapolis
    I'd suggest you try to get ahold of a Taurus 617 that is ported. Seven shots of 357 in a controllable snub gun. There's only one problem with that model--you'll probably find a 5-leaf clover first. Those who have them don't seem to be selling, and Taurus in their infinite wisdom stopped making that configuration. :xmad:
     

    Indy317

    Master
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    Nov 27, 2008
    2,495
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    First, I would suggest a snub nose with a totally enclosed hammer system. It is true that this means double action only, but I feel that snub nose revolvers could be shot in almost any condition if the hammer system is totally enclosed an protected. The problem with an exposed hammer, spur-less or not, is that something could get between the hammer and frame and block the discharge. The only reason I have a snub nose is because it is small enough to shoot through a jacket or hoodie pocket. There is minimal risk of jamming when compared to say a Glock 27 fired in the same pocket. For women, they could fire it from within their purse. I decided to go with the Ruger LCR in .357. I shot it last month using .38spl. It is very accurate. I think shooting .357 in it would be pretty demanding. However, I see snub nose revolvers as close quarters defense weapons. I have heard them refereed to as "gut guns." It comes from the belief that a snub nose would be your gun to deal with someone who is attacking you (or is going to attack you) and they are within mere feet of you. The thinking is a snub nose would be something you draw and don't even aim and could shoot at waist/torso level because the assailant is just that close. As such, the bullets would most likely hit the gut area.

    Taurus and S&W both make a totally enclosed hammer system snub nose revolvers as well. Taurus is the cheapest and mostly has good reviews. There was recently a post on INGO that said some have problems with Taurus revolvers. The LCR is going for $425 at the low point in the Indy area. If you do a quick search, someone did have one posted (just after I purchased mine of course!) for pretty cheap (wanna say $350 or $375). Might do a search in the classifieds to see if it was ever sold.
     

    AutoMovt

    Plinker
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    0   0   0
    Jan 22, 2010
    70
    6
    Thank you all for all the info on models I have yet to research. There is one thing I should add to my search criteria, I want a revolver with a hammer. I also plan to carry in the waistband or sob, so I don't suspect weight will be an issue.

    Thanks and keep your suggestions coming.
     
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