lppd4
Member
What constitutes a snub nose 2" barrel? 2.5" barrel? could a 3" barrel be considered a snubby? Does caliber matter?
snub nose
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There's no formal definition. This gets debated every so often on the forum, sometimes pointedly so, which is funny.
I'd say much has to do with frame size, but as a general rule all 2" and 2.5" guns'll be snubbies irrespective of frame. At K and L size, I think 3" still constitutes snubby, and at N it jumps to 3.5"
Anyway, let the games begin...
I'd say much has to do with frame size, but as a general rule all 2" and 2.5" guns'll be snubbies irrespective of frame. At K and L size, I think 3" still constitutes snubby, and at N it jumps to 3.5"
Anyway, let the games begin...
1.75"-2" barrel in my experience. But like others have said, depends on frame size... S&W governor has a 2.75" barrel, but it is a huge frame, so it's a snubby... You can find 2" barrel K frames but they are rare, so maybe a 3" would be considered a snubby?
All these have 1 7/8" or 2" barrels...
S&W 36 no dash J frame, S&W 34-1 J frame, and Ruger LCR
All these have 1 7/8" or 2" barrels...
S&W 36 no dash J frame, S&W 34-1 J frame, and Ruger LCR
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John Patrick
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FWIW, imo, 2” = snubby in J and K frames.
2 1/2” in L frame.
I think a 3” J frame = a 4” K frame.
I think of 2 1/2” or 3” K frame or 3” L frames as “compact” guns, between snubby and full size
2 1/2” in L frame.
I think a 3” J frame = a 4” K frame.
I think of 2 1/2” or 3” K frame or 3” L frames as “compact” guns, between snubby and full size
Lou_the_welder
Member
I vote for anything 3" and under to be a snubby.
Same here...I like my 3" N-frames...
...Ben
Years back I shot a lot of PPC. We had 3 classes Revolver, Semi Auto and Snub Nose/Off Duty. The snub nose definition we used was 2 1/2'' Frame size not a issue!
So this 2 3/4" 500 Magnum counts
I go for 3" and under on most all frames. I do make the exception for the 3 1/2" Model 27s
I Like SNUBBIES
darg
Member
Might be a stupid definition but for me it's a snubby when the part that protrudes beyond the frame (barrel minus threading and forcing cone) is shorter then the cartridge (casing plus bullet) it loads.
Grayfox
US Veteran
3" as a general rule. 3.5" for an N-frame. 
Lou_the_welder
Member
So this 2 3/4" 500 Magnum counts
I go for 3" and under on most all
Yea, but it'd be hard to hide
[emoji16]
Anybody big enough to tote that cannon everyday doesn't need to hide...
...Ben
2 1/8" and under is my personal definition.
As good as any definition, I suppose.
I've never liked the term. I think it's stupid, frankly, and I try to never use it. But then I also don't like "revo" "wheelgun" "wheelie" (ugh) "roscoe" and so on.
Just not into cutesie names, I guess....
I wish I could locate a 3” model 19 and 586
pantannojack
US Veteran
A couple days of binge watching Peter Gunn might reveal the answer. Hollywood never lies.
Growing up a Snub was something my Dad's NYPD Detective/Inspector and business buddies carried as they needed to be concealed.
Today it might be the relationship between frame size and barrel length. 3.5" or less seems to be a good compromise for shooting Snub class events.
Today it might be the relationship between frame size and barrel length. 3.5" or less seems to be a good compromise for shooting Snub class events.
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My vote...2-5/8" bbl. or under
Although I'm a big fan of the 3-1/2" bbl. N-frames, I think that they are just too large to be classified as a snubby. I think a revolver with a 2-5/8" bbl. or under (e.g. my 8-shot Model 627-5 with 2-5/8" bbl., my 2-1/2" Model 19-4, my 2" Detective Special, and my 2" Model 15-2) would be a snubby.
Although I'm a big fan of the 3-1/2" bbl. N-frames, I think that they are just too large to be classified as a snubby. I think a revolver with a 2-5/8" bbl. or under (e.g. my 8-shot Model 627-5 with 2-5/8" bbl., my 2-1/2" Model 19-4, my 2" Detective Special, and my 2" Model 15-2) would be a snubby.
