So why do I want a snubbie???

[stecker]

I am fortunate to have a body size/shape that easily conceals my prefered carry gun, a Glock 21. Its comforting to know that I always have a flawless, full-size 45 loaded with 14 rounds of 230 grain +p HST's at my side. When that is a little too much gun to conceal then I go to my G19, but 80% of the time I have the G21. When my primary carry was a small single stack 9mm, I also carried a small pocket 32 acp as a BUG instead of an extra magazine. I sold both of those when I made the switch to carrying my G21.

For some reason I just have not been able to shake the desire for a little snubbie. Why do I want to get a little 5-shot 38, when I have several options with a lot more fire power already in the stable? I doubt that a little 38 would ever be the only gun I carry since I find it so easy to CC my other larger guns. There are several 380 or 32 pocket options out there that are more concealable and carry more rounds than a snubbie, but I am strangly drawn to those little revolvers every time I check out guns on-line or in person.

Can anyone give me a legitamate reason (not just because I want one) to add a small revolver to the stable and/or carry options? If I do add a 38/357 to the stable then I need to stock pile another caliber. I suppose I could look at the limited number of 9mm or 45acp revolvers out there, but I have never really heard great things about functionality/reliability of revolvers chambered in pistol calibers.

[Ron Burgundy]

I'm with you. I have better options in terms of weight, caliber and capacity but there is something awesome about those little 642/442s. VZ makes some sexy g10 grips for those j frames too.

Fleet Farm had a sale at $350 (with a $50 giftcard) about a year ago. I never picked one up and now I don't think I could until I came across that deal again.

Edit: damn auto correct

[CJB]

I have to say, I love my little .38. When it's hot or I'm feeling too lazy to carry my semi-auto in the crossbreed, the 38 is very nice. I don't go IWB with it, it's small enough to have on the belt with a shirt over top, and light enough that if I'm out and being active, it's not a bother in the least.

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.

[TTS]

A small revolver can't be beat for an easy, reliable pocket gun.

I usually carry something bigger, but if I am in shorts and want to run to the gas station, its nice to be able to throw the LCR in my pocket and not worry about it.

I have had many "pocket" guns and all left much to be desired in the reliability department; that is not the case with a snub nose revolver. It is also a great option for pocket carry in the winter. When wearing a parka I can just carry it in a coat pocket and with a revolver you can shoot all 5 shots without ever taking it out of the pocket.

I reload for mine because .38 prices are way to high to afford any volume of shooting.

[JoeH]

No. I see no reason for you to add a revolver other than just for kicks. Sure, if it was 10-15 years ago, small size and reliability were reasons. That's not the case today. Pocket sized semi-autos are smaller, thinner, lighter, higher capacity, easier to shoot, faster to reload, and offer excellent reliability.

[JoeH]

I have had many "pocket" guns and all left much to be desired in the reliability department; that is not the case with a snub nose revolver. It is also a great option for pocket carry in the winter. When wearing a parka I can just carry it in a coat pocket and with a revolver you can shoot all 5 shots without ever taking it out of the pocket.

Excellent point about firing from the pocket. I forgot about that one.

I do have to say that I have always had great luck in terms of reliability with the many different pockets guns I've owned/shot. Although they are prone to limp-wristing and benefit from a stable, firm grip.

[Lunchbox]

Me personally? I'd rather have one as opposed to a pocket semi-auto.

[westhope]

Primary carry gun.

2-1/2 inch SW 642. 135 gr Speer +P Pocket Carry DeSantis holster Speed Strip for reload.

If is legal to carry, I have it on me 90 % of the time. Been working for me for 10 years.

The other 10 % of the time a 4 inch 1911 45 ACP.

[tt3]

I owned a snubbie, it was fun, .357 painful, but fun. I never carried it so I sold it. The next wheel gun I get will be something big caliber, long and probably something I can hunt with.

[Drizzle]

I have six (three Smith J frames, a Colt Agent, and two larger two inchers, Model 10 and a Colt Commando (basically a short Official Police)). The 642 is my daily carry, but I stick the Agent in my belt for dog walking once in a while with its Hip Grip, I shot the old Model 10 at Steels a couple of months ago, and it was smooth and a lot of fun.

I realize you can have a Shield or a Glock or something else as tiny, but I just like the snubbies. I don't feel handicapped at the range I would be comfortable in a defensive shooting (I'm not going to be trying any hundred yard shots, no matter what handgun I'm carrying). They also hide perfectly in a pocket holster in the 5.11 shorts i wear about six months out of the year, and loose jeans the rest of the year, with an ankle holster once in a while for a Wild game or something.

[stecker]

It surprised me that according to the spec sheets I have read, the LCR and S&W 642 are both narrower than the G21 I carry everyday. Their wieght, shape and concealed hammer make them excellent for pocket carry. The down side to them is the whole issue of stocking another caliber that is kind of expensive. If I go the 9mm route to stay with cheap ammo that I already stock, the Taurus 905 is the most readily available. The 905 is bigger in all dimensions, heavier by 8+ ounces than the LCR or 642, and has an exposed hammer that could hang up on clothes. Looks like the 905 is better suited for OWB holster work rather than a pocket BUG.

I have read many rave reviews of the LCR and 642, but I have not heard so much about the 905. Anyone out there own or carry a Taurus 905? Being as these guns are more for bad breath distances where you are basically point shooting, is there much benefit to the laser grips?

[goett047]

Honestly I can't tell you the last time I shot my snub. I know it will work when I need it to. It's a "get off me" gun, but a target gun. It hasn't seen all that many r rounds for that reason.

[TTS]

It surprised me that according to the spec sheets I have read, the LCR and S&W 642 are both narrower than the G21 I carry everyday. Their wieght, shape and concealed hammer make them excellent for pocket carry. The down side to them is the whole issue of stocking another caliber that is kind of expensive. If I go the 9mm route to stay with cheap ammo that I already stock, the Taurus 905 is the most readily available. The 905 is bigger in all dimensions, heavier by 8+ ounces than the LCR or 642, and has an exposed hammer that could hang up on clothes. Looks like the 905 is better suited for OWB holster work rather than a pocket BUG.

I have read many rave reviews of the LCR and 642, but I have not heard so much about the 905. Anyone out there own or carry a Taurus 905? Being as these guns are more for bad breath distances where you are basically point shooting, is there much benefit to the laser grips?

I had a 905 at one time and sold it for all the reasons you are listing. It was a great gun, just didn't do what I needed well. Also the recoil is somewhere between .38 and .357; it is pretty darn snappy.

If you are lookinf for a 9mm revolver get a Smith 940... they can be hard to find, but luckily you have me
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... /411544856

ETA: I am an idiot, that one is sold

[Anokamnman]

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.

[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?