So why do I want a snubbie???

[Thunder71]

I bought one, because of all the talk about them and trying to 'justify' one was easy based on what I read.

Was not for me.

I can appreciate the simplicity, however they aren't all they are hyped up to be for a pocket gun - in my experience, and in a SmartCarry it would hang up on the draw.

As far as reliability goes, I've never had a problem with my semi-autos... guess I'm lucky or just buy good guns by manufacturers who don't have a track record of selling guns that don't work.

Everyone told me I'd miss my revolver if I got rid of it, I don't... at all, just wasn't for me. That said they ARE great guns and do have some advantages, (being fired from the pocket, etc)... but eh, I'll stick to my pistols.

[sgruenhagen44]

The only downside I see, as you've mentioned, is it's only 5 rounds of small caliber. Not something I'd bring with me into Mpls at 10pm, but for cruising around town on a Sunday morning (especially in a vehicle for periods of time) I find it very comfortable.

Really? Where in Mpls are you going after 10pm that you think a 5-shot revolver isn't enough gun, and why would you even go there?

Because minneapolis is fun and offers a variety of things to do during the week and weekend. I swear, some of you guys think minneapolis/st. paul is like Sodom and Gemmorah.

[sgruenhagen44]

The reason you want a snubbie is... You don't have one. They are great little guns. reliable, compact, easy to conceal. Point and shoot. Everyone should have one.

yup. in my opinion there is no such thing as a semi-auto pocket gun, because it can not truly be fired inside clothes or purses and such. That is why i would like to buy an lcr, but i cannot afford it right now...

[Thunder71]

The reason you want a snubbie is... You don't have one. They are great little guns. reliable, compact, easy to conceal. Point and shoot. Everyone should have one.

yup. in my opinion there is no such thing as a semi-auto pocket gun, because it can not truly be fired inside clothes or purses and such. That is why i would like to buy an lcr, but i cannot afford it right now...

Any handgun can be fired once from a pocket.

[sgruenhagen44]

hahaha. true very true.

[tt3]

I bought one, because of all the talk about them and trying to 'justify' one was easy based on what I read.

Was not for me.

I can appreciate the simplicity, however they aren't all they are hyped up to be for a pocket gun - in my experience, and in a SmartCarry it would hang up on the draw.

As far as reliability goes, I've never had a problem with my semi-autos... guess I'm lucky or just buy good guns by manufacturers who don't have a track record of selling guns that don't work.

Everyone told me I'd miss my revolver if I got rid of it, I don't... at all, just wasn't for me. That said they ARE great guns and do have some advantages, (being fired from the pocket, etc)... but eh, I'll stick to my pistols.

This sums up my feelings as well. I used that money, along with "charitable gambling" money to buy my wife's G19... which just happens to be on my side at the moment.

[JoeH]

Also, remember that a snubbie is an expert's gun. Shooters will be faster and more accurate with a semi-auto, especially newer shooters and those with less hand strength. I've seen this play out with my students and at numerous BUG matches over the years.

[stecker]

Thanks for all of the comments. I'm not worried about being able to shoot a snubbie well. I got to be reasonably quick and accurate with one of the more "difficult" small guns on the market (PF9). I also don't think that I need a gun to back up either of my primary carry guns (G21 or G19). They both carry more than enough ammo for civilian SD, and they both have around 2,000 of failure free rounds down range. I'm just thinking that a secondary weak hand option might be prudent. I have seen so many videos of the surprise attacks by multiple BG's that are so prevalent these days, and you just don't know what to prepare for or what your options will be once it starts.

If I do get one, I think I am leaning towards the LCR. Is there really much ballistic benefit to 357 over 38 +p in a snubbie? I know there is once you get to 3" or 4" barrels, but not sure on the short 2" barrel.

[ijosef]

I would stick with .38spl out of a lightweight snub nose. The .357mag will be more powerful (obviously), but I've always considered the .357mag to really be a round that shines out of longer barrels. The massive increase in muzzle flash and felt recoil wouldn't be worth it to me.

I carry a 642 but I've heard the Ruger is really nice as well. If I got a different one, I'd probably get the 642 with the 2.5" tube instead of the standard 1.8".

[ijosef]

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defen ... pl/.357mag

Here's an interesting quote:
"There is no reason to go with .357 mag in a J-frame, as the significantly larger muzzle blast and flash, and harsher recoil of the .357 Magnum does not result in substantially improved terminal performance compared to the more controllable .38 Special bullets when fired from 2” barrels."

[tman]

As far as reliability goes, I've never had a problem with my semi-autos... guess I'm lucky or just buy good guns by manufacturers who don't have a track record of selling guns that don't work.

Didn't you just buy a Kimber?

[rugershooter6823]

I have a 642 centennial airweight in 38sp. I like it for its size and concealed hammer. I use a desantis Nemesis pocket holster and it leaves no print. Only bad thing is that whith.some kaki shorts the butt shows outta my pocket a little. I usually do have a lond enough shirt on to cover that though.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[ronin069]

It is the one gun in my collection I "know" I will never sell, trade, or give away. Regardless of what I am wearing or doing, it will fit somewhere - and work. No. Matter. What.

Front Pocket, tackle box, glove box, small bike bag, etc. to me a snub-.38 is an essential tool to anyone who takes seriously their decision to carry in every situation possible.

[Chunkychuck]

I have both the LCR and the SP101 hammerless snubbies in .357. I carry them with 135 gr 38 spec +p gold dots. The .357 are more difficult in the LCR than the SP101 since it is 8-10 oz lighter. I spent the extra $75 dollars or so on the LCR to have the capability of both calibers whether I ever carry them with .357

[EJSG19]

I'm skeptical. From what I've seen at ranges, I think the snubby motto (excluding our membership here, as I hope they are exceptions to the rule) should be: "The Snubby. Most often carried, least often practiced."

Its apparent that the majority of permit holders, aren't active members here, so bear with as I describe my view of the majority, and not single out members here.

When I see Joe Blow slide a snubby out, I tend to take a few steps away. Accuracy? Whats that? Recoil? Yeah it hurts to shoot even .38's out of that 2 ounce dream to carry gun, so a cylinder or two usually does it, and it goes back in the case/holster. Can't say how many times I've seen that happen at a range.

Its enough gun, its wonderful to carry comfort-wise, but to most shooters (which again, excludes you avid shooters who actually practice enough to be proficient, so settle down ) the features don't seem to outweigh the drawbacks whether they will admit it or not.

Hopefully these guys have an encounter of less than 5 feet if ever, and the bad guy stands still. Lets not even discuss reloading. There are much easier guns to learn IMO. (I know, the argument "if you need to reload in a DGU you are in bad shape... well, some people evidently believe that because I can't see them reloading in less than 30 seconds under stress.)

Definitely a gun that requires lots of constructive practice.