Snub nose suggestions

[Stomper]

I've carried the S&W 642 and 637 as a BUG for a while and really like them. Light and easy to hide. I use the 642 on duty because its point and squeeze at powder-burn range. I carry the 637 when I'm out in the woods. I like the SA option when making a deliberate shot.

From the mind of a master deliberator.

 

[pigiron]

Get an S&W model 640. I replaced my 642 with one as it's heavy enough to help tame recoil, especially if you get some fatter grips, and it is smooth when drawing and re-holstering. I got a like new no-lock off of Gunbroker for $400.

 

[FortunateSon]

I love my LCR in .38. Easy to carry, great trigger, handles and shoots extremely well. I added an XS standard dot front sight.
Good to go.......

 

[pigiron]

I've owned some nice snubbies, a Mod 60 and 19 come to mind. The only one I'd want back was the 649. (357 Mag)

View attachment 381424

That's a nice weapon as the ability to cock it makes it a nice plinker.

 

[orygun]

That's a nice weapon as the ability to cock it makes it a nice plinker.

That's one of the things I really liked about it.
I will tell one thing, with hot 357 158gr loads, this was the harshest recoiling handgun I've ever shot. The 500 S&W recoils more, but not nearly as harsh as it's little brother.

 

[Certaindeaf]

Those K-frame guns are essentially short barreled PPC guns.. not really a "snub-nose gun".

 

[pigiron]

That's one of the things I really liked about it.
I will tell one thing, with hot 357 158gr loads, this was the harshest recoiling handgun I've ever shot. The 500 S&W recoils more, but not nearly as harsh as it's little brother.

Stick with +p .38 Specials. Many modern factory loadings for the .38 are plenty stout. I know they will foul/erode the front end of the cylinder holes on a .357 but a considerable amount of the energy in a factory .357 cartridge fired out of a snub gun is expended in producing a huge balloon of flaming gas out in front of the muzzle.

 

[JamesG]

You can't go wrong with an older Model 60 Smith. Go with the 3" with adjustable sites if you can. That is my all time favorite hiking gun.
Thanks:
James

 

[coop44]

Had a two inch model 10 years ago, sorry I gave it up, a sweet gun

 

[ikemay]

What I use:
Ruger LCR .357

Loaded with:
Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

Re-load strips with:
Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

Holsters:
OWB
Predator™ Pancake Holster
Cross-Draw when necessary
Regulator™ Cross Draw Holster
Pocket
MD-5 Medium Sticky Holster

I chose the LCR .357 for the versatility of .38 special, .38+P, .357 magnum, nice double action, and XS big dot front sight. Option for smaller boot grip or the Hogue stock grip. For my purpose (self defense), I do not desire an exposed hammer. Special note: I could also be talked into the LCR 9mm as I have lots of 9mm ammo. In one article I read, it had as good of ballistics as from 3" barrel semi's. I would be perfectly happy carrying it loaded with Federal HST 124gr or 147gr, standard or +P.


My wife uses:
Ruger SP101 2.25 inch barrel
S&W 442

Loaded with and also used for her re-loads:
38 Special 110 gr FTX® Critical Defense® - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc

Holsters:
OWB
S&W 442- <broken link removed>
Ruger SP101- <broken link removed>

Pocket/IWB(fits both 442 and SP101)
MD-5 Medium Sticky Holster

Best of luck with your quest.

 

[RVTECH]

Go with the 3" with adjustable sites if you can. That is my all time favorite hiking gun.

Yea - I passed on a M 60-4 3" adjustable a while back - and am now kicking myself in the azz for doing so!

 

[cookie]

I've carried the S&W 642 and 637 as a BUG for a while and really like them. Light and easy to hide. I use the 642 on duty because its point and squeeze at powder-burn range. I carry the 637 when I'm out in the woods. I like the SA option when making a deliberate shot.

Is seems that 99+% of self defense shootings will be up close and personal. You honor I had to shoot this guy at 50 yards because he was crossing the street and i was scared.

 

[No_Regerts]

Is seems that 99+% of self defense shootings will be up close and personal. You honor I had to shoot this guy at 50 yards because he was crossing the street and i was scared.

I'd allow it.