The forgotten .38 snubby...

I like my model 10-5's, they are a blast to shoot at the range. Put a pair of elk horn grips on for a good measure and they are classi.

The model 12 is much easier to carry and the sights are easier to see than any j frame I own.

However my real favorite of all snubbies is the model 49.
 
Another good thing about the K-frame snubs in addition to the coveted sixth shot is that their triggers are arguably better than a J frame's trigger by virtue of their leaf spring and longer pulls.

The closest thing to a K snub that I've owned is a Colt Detective Special which isn't much larger than a J frame and concealed just as easily for me. It shoots and handles like a full sized service revolver not much unlike the K frame snubs I've had the opportunity to shoot over the years.

By the way, that nickel 10-5 is gorgeous. :)
 
Mine is a nightstand gun.


LaserSnub.jpg
 
Earlier today we were talking about this same thing. I said the 38 Special had been getting it done for civilians, in home and personal defense, in police, in the FBI, and in the military for over 100 years.

A Model 10 is certainly one of the things it goes with best. A bit like peanut butter and jelly . Rugged, durable, reliable, less maintainance, and easy to maintain. Not to mention that it is still good looking at 40 years old . ;) It may not look all that big , but it looks bigger from the other end with those chambers loaded with hollowpoints .

With good ammo from Winchester, Speer, or Federal, it is as good or better in combination than they have ever been.
 
I like 2" k-frames, but for me a j-frame is easier to carry concealed. I prefer IWB and there's too much of me in there to allow the larger k-frame to be comfortable. I think a 2" revelver is much easier to conceal- like I said I like IWB (appendix) and the 3" barrel pokes me in places where I'd rather not be poked. Belt carry, the 3" hangs down just that much farther & is harder to cover with shirt or short jacket. Plus I just like the looks of a two-incher better.
 
Had to take pics inside due to rain. Not very good pics. New S&W plank is good though. Just a couple of 10's and 15's I have had for a spell. Really great guns.
 

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Since the barrel is the easiest part of a revolver to hide (the cylinder and the butt are much harder to conceal) I've never understood the appeal of a 2" K-frame. A 3" version of the same gun gives better ballistics, longer sight radius and a full length ejector rod and stroke.

Not trying to start an argument, just asking a legitimate question.

Dave



Dave



As for carry, the 2" for me works better for AIWB. The 4" barrel in that location can pinch sometimes! :eek:

I love the 2" k-frames .38s, more so than the 2.5" .357 mags actually. A 2" Model 15 is one of my all time favorites. I foolishly sold my 2" Model 12 RB years ago and have always regretted it.
 
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Well, I don't have a model 10 or 64, but my 2 1/2" M19 is living the life of a M15, as I only shoot 38's out of it. Does that count? And yes, it's my EDC gun.
 
After reading about the virtues of a Model 10/M&P on the forum I decided I had to have one. It took me two years of searching to find a Model 10. I did not want to go through the hassle of ordering one over the internet sight unseen. The one I found happened to be a 2 inch. Handguns especially good used revolvers have become very hard to come by in my area at a reasonable price. The one I bought was just being put on the shelf as I walked into the LGS. I didn't hesitate and bought it. It's a 10-5 RB at about 98%. Put a set of S&W Combat grips and didn't look back. I didnot like the hogue rubber grips it had on it. My favorite holster is a Bianchi 3S which is the holster style I've used for all my other carry handguns in the past. It rides well in that holster and is just a bit heavier than my Model 36 but that extra round is comforting.
If you feel that what you post does not influence others then think again. I would like to thank those who posted honest opinions that helped me make up my mind about that purchase.
 

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I found a 10-5 snub with round butt a little over a year ago. I picked a new set of combat gripa and a Tyler t-grip and while it doesn't get carried often, it does get to go for a ride every once in a while. I love it.
 
It's the hammer

John, six shots is better than five, for sure, but considering all the factors I prefer the 442 in my pocket. There's no hammer to hang up on clothing or whatever if it ever comes to a situation where I'm grabbing for my gun while mayhem and/or life threat is going on and I'm seriously double-tasking while grabbing. Also, weight is an issue for me, and the 442 carries easier than a heavier gun. The 442 is black and not shiny, and I like that as well.

I guess that's it. My 442 is not particularly pretty, but it's a comfort to carry in my front pants pocket.
 
I carried a Colt DS 3rd series both on and off-duty back in the 70's and finally replaced it with an early S&W 442. Love the 442 but don't carry it much anymore as I've gone to an LCP. The 442 is great for pocket carry depending on the garment and pockets. Non-snag and can be fired from a coat pocket if necessary.

Still, the snub is my favorite revolver barrel and I'd collect them all if I could!
 
John, six shots is better than five, for sure, but considering all the factors I prefer the 442 in my pocket. There's no hammer to hang up on clothing or whatever if it ever comes to a situation where I'm grabbing for my gun while mayhem and/or life threat is going on and I'm seriously double-tasking while grabbing. Also, weight is an issue for me, and the 442 carries easier than a heavier gun. The 442 is black and not shiny, and I like that as well.

I guess that's it. My 442 is not particularly pretty, but it's a comfort to carry in my front pants pocket.

Jimmy, I'd have to agree with you. A 442 or 642 rides in my pants pocket most often. It's almost unnoticeable in that it's so lightweight and compact. But I'd have to admit that when push comes to shove, that extra round in the Model 10 snubby and the ability to thumb-cock and squeeze off a precision round at a bit farther out is very comforting. One would not be limited as to choice of ammo, either. The airweight 5-shots should not be trusted with the old FBI load, a +P 158-gr lead SWHP. Inertia can and has pulled the bullets out (actually pulled the gun back from the bullets, if you want to get technical) when firing enough to tie up the cylinder. The slightly larger gun is much more comfortable to shoot with +P. As I've said before, almost any handgun is a compromise - of the factors of ergonomics, power, capacity, weight, bulk and accuracy. Equipped with a Model 10 snubby, one would be pretty well armed. Never a bad choice, that's for sure.

John
 
Ok I sinned. was at the local gun show and there was a nice model 10-5 round butt snub for $350. In a moment of weakness i went home with 36 no dash for 315 instead.
 
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