Need Advice On Buying A Snub Nose .38 Spl.

[johnnyflake]

Normally, I am not a snub nose kind of guy, but I have been considering obtaining one for various reasons. For those of you who know the .38 Spl. snub nose world, what would you recommend I look at? I would also consider .32 Magnum.

I would prefer a six shot over a five shot but that's not a deal breaker. I want a DA/SA style revolver. It doesn't have to be fancy in any way, just reliable and sturdy.

Also, I don't want a piece that is impossible/very hard to find, or that cost a fortune.

 

[murphydog]

It depends on its intended use (carry, range or both). and if to carry by what method.

A 6-shot 3" model 64 makes a good all-around range and belt holster gun; a 2" would not be bad either. More difficult to carry one of these in a pocket.

If weight is an issue (the gun, not yours ) and the primary purpose is for carry, a 5-shot 2" Centennial (internal hammer like a steel 40/640 or alloy 42/442/642) or a Bodyguard (shrouded hammer, alloy 38/438/638, or steel 49/649) would be a good choice. Being able to try these out at a range would be helpful.

 

[animl]

For quality and reliability you can't beat a model 10, (for 6 rounds). Readily available as you requested. I've got a 4 inch and a 2 inch. The 4 is a little cheaper at $200-300. The 2" is $300 -500 based on condition. I found a really nice 2" at a gun show last year for $400. They both shoot straight and have light recoil. Parts are readily available in case of a problem, (which you should rarely have).
You mentioned NOT costing a fortune, but if you can stretch your budget, grab a model in .357. I would highly recommend it. It's versatile in that you can practice with the .38 ammo, it's cheaper. But, when needed, a little more power. A 2" in .357 will give you a bunch of muzzle flash and kick a little harder, so practice with the .357 ammo if you intend to use it. Good luck!

 

[Coffee357]

Howdy Johnnyflake, I've had a number of snubs over the years and really love the lil guns. I would say your choice would depend a lot on the "variety of reasons" you have in mind. For example, I'm partial to the 5-shots just for ease of carry but I carry a lot - but I go with the airweight for pocket and just picked up a .357 M60 for belt carry.

I do consider the .357/38 handguns about the most versatile weapons out there, even after 20+ years of semi-auto carry on the job.

Let us know why you want it and we can help you narrow down your choices some - as far as affordable I thoroughly believe in the 'ol adage "buy quality - buy once" .. of course in practice I just have to try one of everything ;-j

 

[gordon21]

Used model 10's are in every gun shop and pawn shop for under $450. The first time you shoot it make sure to have the target closer than 20 yards. No sense wasting ammo until you find out where the sight picture is for you that works. i.e. 6 o'clock versus center of target. If you're holding at 6 o'clock and the gun is shooting dead center, you will be shooting a foot low. A B-27 target is really good for learning a new gun. Aim for the heart and consistently hit the groin?? Time to regroup.
Once more proficient, THEN move the target farther and farther back.

Wadcutters are cheap and do the job for target practice.

 

[petepeterson]

If concealed carry is one of your "various" reasons, definitely consider a j-frame. A used Model 36 or 60 would meet your needs pretty well, although only with 5 rounds. A Colt Agent/Cobra/DS would meet the 6-rd requirement, but are a little harder to find.

 

[ralph7]

Used model 10's are in every gun shop and pawn shop for under $450. The first time you shoot it make sure to have the target closer than 20 yards. No sense wasting ammo until you find out where the sight picture is for you that works. i.e. 6 o'clock versus center of target. If you're holding at 6 o'clock and the gun is shooting dead center, you will be shooting a foot low. A B-27 target is really good for learning a new gun. Aim for the heart and consistently hit the groin?? Time to regroup.
Once more proficient, THEN move the target farther and farther back.

Wadcutters are cheap and do the job for target practice.

Think you got it backwards there, Gordo.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Highly recommend a 2" model 10 or model 64 if it's going to be a belt gun. (I pocket carry mine some but it's a little heavy.)

A model 36, 60 or 49, 649 would be good choices if you will mostly pocket carry with occasional belt carry. (The 49 or 649 would get my vote of these four since the hammer is covered but you can still cock it.)

The K-frames (model 10 and 64) will be much easier and funner to shoot, but the J's won't be painful.

 

[johnnyflake]

Howdy Johnnyflake, I've had a number of snubs over the years and really love the lil guns. I would say your choice would depend a lot on the "variety of reasons" you have in mind. For example, I'm partial to the 5-shots just for ease of carry but I carry a lot - but I go with the airweight for pocket and just picked up a .357 M60 for belt carry.

I do consider the .357/38 handguns about the most versatile weapons out there, even after 20+ years of semi-auto carry on the job.

Let us know why you want it and we can help you narrow down your choices some - as far as affordable I thoroughly believe in the 'ol adage "buy quality - buy once" .. of course in practice I just have to try one of everything ;-j

I have a number of guns, mostly semi-auto, except for my .45 Colt guns. This would be mostly for, in home protection, for my daughter. Also, for some range and outdoor shooting. Personally, at this time, I carry a Sig P238 in .380 as my 24/7 carry gun.

I think .357 power, is just not doable, for my daughter.

 

[Otreb]

Normally, I am not a snub nose kind of guy, but I have been considering obtaining one for various reasons. For those of you who know the .38 Spl. snub nose world, what would you recommend I look at? I would also consider .32 Magnum.

I would prefer a six shot over a five shot but that's not a deal breaker. I want a DA/SA style revolver. It doesn't have to be fancy in any way, just reliable and sturdy.

Also, I don't want a piece that is impossible/very hard to find, or that cost a fortune.

As much as I love the J frame snubby and small revolvers, I might steer clear of the smallest lightest guns for a home/range/daughter's gun. They are about the most difficult to learn and be accurate with.
A small step forward in something small but easy to shoot and still carry able might be Ruger's SP101. It's still a small compact 5shot revolver, can be had DAO or standard spurred hammer, and 2.25 or 3" barrel length. I'd recommend the 3" SW mod 60 Target too, but they are pricier and harder to find.
The sp101 is typically found in .357 mag, which avails you to the whole selection of .38sp ammo and .357mag. They also offer a six shot .327 mag, which will take anything from .32 SW short/long, .32 HR mag and the .327mag...but these aren't as common and neither is ammo for it.
These guns have enough weight to be easy shooters, they have good triggers which can be made even better with minor effort, are very sturdy guns and not expensive.

 

[mc5aw]

Can't beat a model 60 in a J, or a 19/66 in a K.

 

[kaaskop49]

Johnny, you can find much useful info on the late Stephen A. Camp's website, Hipowersandhandguns.com

If you had gone to today's show at the Southpoint, you would have found many snubs, new and old, displayed by dealers and individuals. Next weekend, there is a "Crossroads of the West" show at the Riviera: another good place to see what is out there.

Many dealers in the valley, but few revolvers for display. Black Rifle Armory in Henderson (Stephanie and Horizon Ridge) has the best selection, but he does not issue blue cards. Closed Mondays.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Old cop]

I've been carrying a J frame for well over 40 years, but they can be a hand full to shoot. I practice about twice a month and have confidence in my abilities. The gun is pocket carried in a Galco pocket holster loaded w/the FBI +P round.

 

[Cal44]

Maybe consider a M60 with 3 inch barrel and adjustable sights.

These are much easier to shoot with 38 special than the small, lighter models like the M642.

Here is a not-very-good picture of mine:

 

[1911Teacher]

I know this is a Smith forum but you might want to look at an LCR. I find it to be easier for me to shoot than a J-frame. I like them both.

 

[Louchia]

I have a 442 Airweight. It's a great little gun. I would suggest that if it's for your daughter that she rent some of the above mentioned. It can get a little costly, but well worth the investment.
There are things to consider. The trigger on a J frame is about 10 lbs. The recoil on the short barrel Airweight is a little much for some. This can be softened by new grips, such as HOGUE.

 

[M3Stuart]

All good advice here. You are going to have to go handle and shoot a few to know what you like best as there are many to pick from.

Good luck!

 

[johnnyflake]

As much as I love the J frame snubby and small revolvers, I might steer clear of the smallest lightest guns for a home/range/daughter's gun. They are about the most difficult to learn and be accurate with.
A small step forward in something small but easy to shoot and still carry able might be Ruger's SP101. It's still a small compact 5shot revolver, can be had DAO or standard spurred hammer, and 2.25 or 3" barrel length. I'd recommend the 3" SW mod 60 Target too, but they are pricier and harder to find.
The sp101 is typically found in .357 mag, which avails you to the whole selection of .38sp ammo and .357mag. They also offer a six shot .327 mag, which will take anything from .32 SW short/long, .32 HR mag and the .327mag...but these aren't as common and neither is ammo for it.
These guns have enough weight to be easy shooters, they have good triggers which can be made even better with minor effort, are very sturdy guns and not expensive.

Actually, I do like the SP101 but I was trying to stay with a S&W. I also really like the .32 magnum round. I always have and feel that it is very much under rated. A .327 SP101 would do the trick with using it for .32 magnum ammo. That's a very controllable round in a heavy gun like the SP101.

 

[usnrigger]

I belt carry a 64-2 with 2" barrel alot and find it just the right size, you get 6 rounds of 38spc of your choice. I also like the balance of the 3" K frames. The smaller 5 shot J frame never fit my hands and I only consider them when i need a deep cover pistol.

I load Speer 135gr Short Barrel or Buffalo Bore 148gr "FBI" Load, both perform great and i know they work for serious social work issues.

you can find lightly used police/security trade in 64's 2" right now on popular auctions sites for 300 plus shipping and trans.

Good Luck

USNRigger

 

[johnnyflake]

Johnny, you can find much useful info on the late Stephen A. Camp's website, Hipowersandhandguns.com

If you had gone to today's show at the Southpoint, you would have found many snubs, new and old, displayed by dealers and individuals. Next weekend, there is a "Crossroads of the West" show at the Riviera: another good place to see what is out there.

Many dealers in the valley, but few revolvers for display. Black Rifle Armory in Henderson (Stephanie and Horizon Ridge) has the best selection, but he does not issue blue cards. Closed Mondays.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I am kind of Gun Showed Out right now. For whatever reason, I don't care very much for the show at the South Point. The one next week at the Rivera is usually at Cashman Center, not sure why the change. I may stop by, although, I don't like going on the strip very much.

Never been to Black Rifle Armory. I'll try to stop by for a look see. No Blue Cards are okay for long guns but they are still the law for handguns, as far as I know, although that may soon change.