Which Snubbie?

[vcs700s]

I am new to revolvers and have a new S & W 620 in .357 that my wife bought me.

I am now looking for a backup snubbie.

Is this a good gun?- Like new S&W Model 64 No Dash 38 Special. Mfg in 1975

I am also looking at a S&W Model 36 Mfg in 1959- similar condition.

Are these both good choices? I am looking for something that is concealable and will be something I can handle at the range. I understand these are a little heavier that some of the airweights.

Any leaning towards one or the other? I have been told they are about the same size.

I look forward to the experts help as I am new at this.

 

[vcs700s]

I am new to revolvers and have a new S & W 620 in .357 that my wife bought me.

I am now looking for a backup snubbie.

Is this a good gun?- Like new S&W Model 64 No Dash 38 Special. Mfg in 1975

I am also looking at a S&W Model 36 Mfg in 1959- similar condition.

Are these both good choices? I am looking for something that is concealable and will be something I can handle at the range. I understand these are a little heavier that some of the airweights.

Any leaning towards one or the other? I have been told they are about the same size.

I look forward to the experts help as I am new at this.

 

[ladder13]

M64 is an all steel K frame, much heavier than the M36 which is an all steel J frame. Depending on how you carry, the weather , how you dress etc, either could work.

 

[feralmerril]

You want a snubbie that you can just slide in your pocket. The model 36 or any similar J frame is the ticket. You want .38, small and light. Maybe snub the hammer or just buy a model 40.

 

[JayDubya]

Unlike the handguns above recommended, an S&W 642 Airweight snubby is designed to be carried in your pocket, assuming your pants are not intended to display your entire anatomy. In a pocket holster (never carry one naked!), you can stuff it into whichever front pocket you wish, and forget it is there. This is probably the most popular backup handgun currently available. It also works well in ankle holsters.

Cordially, Jack

 

[butchkent]

If you think you need a back-up, I would not go light with a 38. Get a Mld 60 snub and load it with 5 full house 357's, hide it anywhere, and if you need it you will not come up short on punch!

 

[viceunit]

I got a brushed nickel 442 years ago for back-up. Ankle, belly band and pocket holsters are all great carry options and comfortable. I had a uniform jacket at the time with zippered pockets. With the hammerless gun in the side pocket I could shoot it from inside the pocket, unlike an exposed hammer gun or my PPK which would snag on the hammer or jam. I even tested it at the range with an old jacket and could get off all 5 shots with reasonable close range accuracy. A magazine article warned about the lint in the pocket catching fire, however! But, except for the smoking hole in my pocket there were no other ill side effects. There is no quicker draw than having the gun in your hand already!