Favorite snubbie?
- Thread starter Snowwolfe
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S-W4EVER
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S&W Model 442-2 (No Lock). Everything you need, nothing you don’t. It’s been my EDC for several years. It’s backup is a Model 340PD, both are loaded with .38 Special +P.
I only bought the 340PD because I didn’t have one, but it’s a lot more expensive and since I don’t load it with .357’s, it doesn’t do anything the 442-2 won’t do.
BTW, I’ve got several J Frames, they’re really easy to live with.
I only bought the 340PD because I didn’t have one, but it’s a lot more expensive and since I don’t load it with .357’s, it doesn’t do anything the 442-2 won’t do.
BTW, I’ve got several J Frames, they’re really easy to live with.
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I used to be a big Colt DS fan for this role (still am) but the newer J-frame Ultimate Carry is very, very nice indeed. For that matter a K-frame 2" isn't bad but many think it as bit big for pocket carry.
Ds J
Member
Taurus Mod 606 in 357. Why - because it is the only one I have 
Serious though, I would not mind having a light framed J-frame or a good copy, simply for ease of carrying. Further preferences would be a bobbed or covered hammer, a good grip and non-rusting material.
Serious though, I would not mind having a light framed J-frame or a good copy, simply for ease of carrying. Further preferences would be a bobbed or covered hammer, a good grip and non-rusting material.
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Seems like I wrote this. /\. Word for word
My 442 is my most carried gun, (for over a decade) I wanted a second one and there was a used 340pd for a few dollars more. So I got it instead and recently added M&P340.
The 340’s are nicer, but not necessary. A little lighter, but the 442 is light enough. .357 capable but 38+p is plenty capable. Better sights, but the 442 sights are adequate.
All black Centenials are the way to go. Black conceals better, enclosed hammer is snag free, and no dust can get inside.
For recoil comfort UC or 405 Crimson Trace grips, and a pocket holster from Mikas
I really like the Barami Hip grips on my 442 for concealed carry in my waste band, It just disappears.
I definitely have a thing for black Centenials. I thought I had all (that I wanted) until the UC came out.
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S-W4EVER
US Veteran
I really like the boot grips that come on the Centennial’s but I replaced them on my 442 & 340PD with those (black) VZ High Horn grips for no other reason than I like the look. I still have the boot grips on my other Centennials (M642, M351C, & M43C).
This Michigan State Police 640-1. Some years ago somebody posted that Centerfire Systems was offering them at an attractive price. I missed out on the first batch, but it posted here there was another, I drove over to Versailles and snatched up this one. It has the smoothest DA trigger of any revolver on the place.
I've got a 637 with an "enhanced trigger". I like the weight and the look. The trigger is great. I practically never shoot my double action revolvers in single action mode, but I still wanted that hammer. I've taught myself to draw it with my thumb "covering" the hammer. I like the 637, but in retrospect - I would have been better served with a 642 Centenial. Especially with the enhanced trigger, which is easily staged if you really want a trigger pull that resembles a single action (which I never really do, but the enhanced trigger has a great DA feel, too).
I'm too wimply to shoot a .357 out of a snub nose....
I'm too wimply to shoot a .357 out of a snub nose....
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cannot beat a shrouded or concealed hammer j frame snubbie for a coat pocket ccw. based on my personal experiences i recommend either a s&w 642 or taurus 85.
i got my 642 used about ten years ago for $200. i replaced beat-up oem grips for pachmayrs for a better purchase, which greatly improves its feel in my hands. the distressed finish kept its price low but doesn’t affect performance at all.
i like my ruger single action revolvers but not the lcr 38sp snubbie. its geometry in my hands felt off, ymmv, swapping out for larger oem grips helped a little. also s&w benefits from a wider variety of aftermarket grip and holster options.
i tried a new charter arms for a month and gratefully sold it off at a loss.
i had and liked well enough a taurus 85 snubbie minus its (factory machined-off) hammer spur. i made the mistake of letting my younger sister try it, my lcr and my 642 after i gifted her a ccw class and permit. she never let go of the 85. being steel, not alloy, this slightly heavier 85 is pleasanter to shoot than the alloy snubbies.
i got my 642 used about ten years ago for $200. i replaced beat-up oem grips for pachmayrs for a better purchase, which greatly improves its feel in my hands. the distressed finish kept its price low but doesn’t affect performance at all.
i like my ruger single action revolvers but not the lcr 38sp snubbie. its geometry in my hands felt off, ymmv, swapping out for larger oem grips helped a little. also s&w benefits from a wider variety of aftermarket grip and holster options.
i tried a new charter arms for a month and gratefully sold it off at a loss.
i had and liked well enough a taurus 85 snubbie minus its (factory machined-off) hammer spur. i made the mistake of letting my younger sister try it, my lcr and my 642 after i gifted her a ccw class and permit. she never let go of the 85. being steel, not alloy, this slightly heavier 85 is pleasanter to shoot than the alloy snubbies.
337PD......... like it isn't even there........ 11/12 oz.
That said I rarely carry it...... Clothing permitting, in revolvers; it's either a 3" 66-4 or a 3" 60-10 .357
That said I rarely carry it...... Clothing permitting, in revolvers; it's either a 3" 66-4 or a 3" 60-10 .357
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My only snubbie is a Model 36-10 I bought new back in 2015. Since I don’t carry it anymore, the all steel weight is actually a plus for use at the range. Yeah, it’s got the lock and I could upgrade it to an older (or newer) one without it, but I’ve gotten quite attached to it over the years.
For jacket-pocket carry, I'd go with minimum size and weight. For me, right now, that would be a Charter Arms Undercover 38 Special.
I qualify for carry with two, 442 and 340PD. The model is noted on the individual LEOSA card so for out of state travel I want no mistake or question. The 442 is older and shot a lot more, so smoother action. But I'm older too so really like the lighter weight of the 340.
Next month is qualification day and I probably will only shoot the 340PD. Keeping the 442 for range day practice and when my wrists can't handle the recoil anymore. If the 442 ever becomes too much I have a 351C in reserve. Yeah, another long time fan of DAO revolvers.
BTW, I consider "snubbies" to max out at 2 inches, OK maybe 2.5". But 3" is approaching duty size. My favorite 3" DAO is the Kimber. Their trigger says it all. I might just get a xs model too. That might change everything I've written above if the action is anything like my K6s.
Next month is qualification day and I probably will only shoot the 340PD. Keeping the 442 for range day practice and when my wrists can't handle the recoil anymore. If the 442 ever becomes too much I have a 351C in reserve. Yeah, another long time fan of DAO revolvers.
BTW, I consider "snubbies" to max out at 2 inches, OK maybe 2.5". But 3" is approaching duty size. My favorite 3" DAO is the Kimber. Their trigger says it all. I might just get a xs model too. That might change everything I've written above if the action is anything like my K6s.
sigp220.45
US Veteran
Maybe a 3” is stretching it a bit, but it hides as well as a 2” for me. Model 30-1, 32 Long, six shots. 
If its gotta be a snubbie, then the .38 Bodyguard gets the nod.
Shiny, of course.
If its gotta be a snubbie, then the .38 Bodyguard gets the nod.
Shiny, of course.
BanditsRoost
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SP101 for 357 because it's built like a tank and 638 airweight because it's light weight and carries in the pocket easily with full wadcutters.
Forefinger
Member
I love my 360PD because I'm a masochist. 
I bought it at a gunshow in like NIB condition for a decent price. I think the original owner decided that the super light weight revolver wasn't for him after firing it once with full house 357mag rounds. His loss, my gain.
Yes, I fire it at the range periodically to maintain proficiency. I pocket carry it in a pocket holster and barely notice it presence.
I bought it at a gunshow in like NIB condition for a decent price. I think the original owner decided that the super light weight revolver wasn't for him after firing it once with full house 357mag rounds. His loss, my gain.
Yes, I fire it at the range periodically to maintain proficiency. I pocket carry it in a pocket holster and barely notice it presence.
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A 642 with Crimson Trace grips in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster is what I wear to town in my jeans pocket. I've carried it so long that the stickiness has worn off the holster. Using an Uncle Mikes while I decide if I want to spring for a new Nemesis.
640. Mine was rated for .38 Spl. +P+.
Model 60-7 & 640. I carry them the most often. I just prefer the feel of a heavy snubby. Another feature of owning multiple j-frames is the box of grips you build as you purchase every single one that comes out. Because it will fit on more than just one gun.
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Tom Garrett
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Hmmmm...tough choice! For quick outings, I tend to just stuff a Model 642-2 (in a pocket holster) in my shorts or pants pocket or jacket. But sometimes I'll carry a Model 627-5 or Model 19-4 in an OWB holster, and that goes for 3" barrels like my Model 686-6+, too. I like my vintage Detective Special and Model 15-2, but I think the newer revolvers are better qualified and I'd rather not risk losing or damaging those two.
My favorite snubbies are not .38 or .357 but start with a .4 - still I do have some small bores I do like to shoot:
Guess my favorite is a 3" 36 with Herret's:
Another is a 2" M-12
Yet another is a real "flat latch" - early J-frame
Yet another is a 3" Python (the 4" M-19 doesn't count as a "snubby")
I have more but I don't take enough pics - need to get on the ball!
Riposte
Guess my favorite is a 3" 36 with Herret's:
Another is a 2" M-12
Yet another is a real "flat latch" - early J-frame
Yet another is a 3" Python (the 4" M-19 doesn't count as a "snubby")
I have more but I don't take enough pics - need to get on the ball!
Riposte
sousana
Member
I have 4 s&w 36LS deep blue sporting altamont super rosewood grips and a 637 sporting altamont super black wood grips. Both are light enough to toss in my pocket to back up my pc and ba 1911s
MN Rifleman
Member
My 632 UC. I picked it up almost a year ago. I don’t shoot it a “lot” but have almost 1k through it. VERY shootable, 6 rds, not 5, LOVE the sights, fantastic trigger, very predictable. Only downside was I didn’t have a set of .32 H&R dies yet
. Favorite load so far is the Missouri Bullet 98 gr. DEWC with W231/HP38 behind it…….Similar threads
