So why do I want a snubbie???

[stecker]

I had a chance to fondle a few options over lunch. All were concealed hammer, which I think is essential for my intended use, the LCR, two differnt Taurus models, an S&W 642, and an S&W Bodygaurd 38. The LCR felt the best in my hand. The 642 was the smallest of the four and concealed the best. Both Taurus guns felt noticably heavier and larger. The Bodyguard just felt a little "hoaky". I have not been able to shoot an LCR, but I have shot a 642 in the past and I don't recall it being anymore abusive to shoot than the PF9 I used to have (and I would regularly fire 100 rounds through that in a range session).

My intended use is weakside front pocket carry as a BUG. Since I have fairly thick legs that don't leave much room in my pockets (even though I always buy pants with the waist 2 inches larger than need be for my IWB set-up), I think the scales are tipping towards the S&W 442/642.

[goett047]

What will your BUBUG be?

[Ron Burgundy]

What will your BUBUG be?

This guy

http://blog.riflegear.com/archive/2008/03/06/media-exaggerations-over-worlds-smallest-gun.aspx

[Ron Burgundy]

Or this for all of you with a hardon for .45 cap

http://www.geekologie.com/2012/03/smurf-turf-wars-worlds-smallest-45-calib.php

[goalie]

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.

Um, I bike home through the Phillips neighborhood at midnight all the time. I have no problem doing it unarmed.

I asked where a five-shot snubbie wasn't "enough gun" specifically. And, as a follow-up, why would you go to somewhere that YOU felt was so damn dangerous that you won't go there with a five-shot snubbie????

[goett047]

In trying to figure out when a g21 will need a backup

[Rem700]

When I buy another snubbie it will be a Ruger Alaskan not all snubbies only carry 5rds.

[rukwikenuf]

When I buy another snubbie it will be a Ruger Alaskan not all snubbies only carry 5rds.

you are correct sir. the J Frame in 327 Federal Mag holds 6!

[CJB]

I asked where a five-shot snubbie wasn't "enough gun" specifically. And, as a follow-up, why would you go to somewhere that YOU felt was so damn dangerous that you won't go there with a five-shot snubbie????

If there is a single attacker, it'd be plenty. Often you see groups of people. If there is more than a single gun in that group, you may need more rounds. That's all I was sayin'. In my younger days, I used to work at a gas station on Lake Street. I know a lot of the uh... young urbanites were packin. It's tough to conceal with your pants on the ground. Those type of people also tend to become more aggressive in groups which potentially increases the risk of multiple shooters.

If it's likely I may cross paths with the sludge of Minneapolis, I'd prefer to have 10 in the mag over 5 in the cylinder.

[plblark]

When I buy another snubbie it will be a Ruger Alaskan not all snubbies only carry 5rds.

you are correct sir. the J Frame in 327 Federal Mag holds 6!

Doesn't Taurus also have some unobtanium cylindered .38 that holds 6 but CANNOT take +P?
How many do the 9mm Charter arms hold?

[stecker]

In trying to figure out when a g21 will need a backup

I really appreciate all of the comments. Thanks guys this helps me through my thought process. I dont really see this snubbie as a back up for when I am carrying either my G19 or G21. As I said earlier, both guns have proven totally reliable and carry more than enough fire power. I am just looking at it as another option. For the bennefit of my wife, and others who I dont want to put on edge, I carry very concealed. By that I mean I usually have a shirt tucked in over my gun.

I can see a lot of potential situations where my strong hand could be occupied, or for some reason I can't get my shirt pulled because I also have a jacket on or something. There are just a lot of potential situations I can think of where it may be more difficult to deploy my primary, than it might be to pull a snubbie out of my weakside front pocket. Its just another option. Many may say why would you ever go somewhere where you think you would "need" two guns, while my "sheeple" friends ask similar questions about why I would ever think I "need" a gun or knife with me at all. I don't think I am paranoid or a "nervous nelly". I have a significant amount of defense training, I am larger than average guy, and I am still in really good physical condition, but just can't help but think its better to be prepared and have options available should the need arise.

[tman]

When I buy another snubbie it will be a Ruger Alaskan not all snubbies only carry 5rds.

you are correct sir. the J Frame in 327 Federal Mag holds 6!

Doesn't Taurus also have some unobtanium cylindered .38 that holds 6 but CANNOT take +P?
How many do the 9mm Charter arms hold?

Taurus also has a steel, SEVEN shot .357

[yukonjasper]

I agree with alot that has been said:
- reliable
- can be difficult to master shooting well
- concealable
- not as may rounds as other options, but in the vast majority of encounters, I don't think you'll find multiple assailants nor is there prolonged fire fights-

on the subject of laser grips
- kinda gimmicky
- helps with point and shoot if you can't get sight alignment of the gun up to eye level - all you need to look for is the red dot - pull the trigger and you should be reasonably on target - I don't think you'd want to rely on this, but I do practice a bit with just laser pointing to get a feel for it.
- watching that red dot dance all over the target is a bit humbling as it shows you how your breathing and muscle movement - DAO trigger pull etc affects the point of the muzzle - reinforces the need to practice.

These are not meant for anything but close contact defense and because they can be carried many different ways, they make a good compliment to a persons carry options - may not completely replace your favorite caliber/style/model, but may be a great choice in some situations. You do need to practice if you are used to autos.

642 front pocket, most of the time Carry - G26 0r G36 at other times, but most situations, I feel, could be easily handled by the 642. I actively avoid areas or situations that could be troublesome if at all possible, but I do not fear areas or situations, just don't normally have much need to be in those areas.