Which traditional style snub nose revolver do you prefer?

Capt Gregory Prickett — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 12:15:37 -0400

Of the traditional style snubbies, which do you prefer, and why? The Colt is a six shot, both the Smith and the Ruger are five shots; but the Colt is a .38+P while the other two are .357s.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 13 at 2020 12:22 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 12:22:01 -0400

There's only one that I'd purchase today (if it were allowed). Sadly, I can't (it's illegal in California as a sawed off shotgun). The Taurus Judge by Colt (.45/410). Of course, I might change my mind if I ever had an opportunity to handle one. My opinion is academic, based on specs and reports, and I'm not much into traveling out of state just for that purpose

Response by SSG Michael Noll made Jun 13 at 2020 12:27 PM

SSG Michael Noll — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 12:27:14 -0400

Really like our Ruger LCP in 38 +P

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jun 13 at 2020 12:59 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 12:59:59 -0400

Vintage Colt Agent because it was my Father's back up and off duty carry gun.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Jun 13 at 2020 1:00 PM

Maj Robert Thornton — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 13:00:15 -0400

I prefer the S&W 442 in .38 +P. No hammer, replaced the springs with a Wilson Combat replacement set, Pachmayr grips. It's lightweight, can carry in my pocket with my pocket holster or on my bike in a pistol wear holster.
I have owned a Ruger SP 101 .357 Mag. Even with only 5 rounds it was a heavy beast to carry concealed and I would need new grips to have better control. I sold it.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 13 at 2020 1:20 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 13:20:07 -0400

I'm not a fan of the small frame with 357 mag. My choice, in no particular order, would be the Ruger 7 shot GP100, the Smith & Wesson 686 or a Taurus 692. The last having the added advantage of a quick change cylinder that you can shot with 9mm.

I think I am going to hold off on the New Generation Colt Snakes for awhile. The initial run of the King Cobra had a lot of problems, especially for a gun of that price point.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Jun 13 at 2020 1:32 PM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 13:32:42 -0400

I have only fired a snub nose once many many moons ago. Have never even considered owning one.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 13 at 2020 6:05 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 18:05:27 -0400

None, very little accuracy. That is why in the old days they were called "belly guns".

Response by 1SG Alan Boggs made Jun 13 at 2020 9:53 PM

1SG Alan Boggs — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 21:53:04 -0400

$283
Armscor/Rock Island Armory M206 Revolver . 2" fully shrouded barrel and spurless hammer along with a fixed front sight with smooth channel frame-cut rear sight. Chambered in 38 Special, checkered wood grip and a parkerized finish. I have 2 Armscor .38s, both function flawlessly and shoot kill ring groups at the range these weapons are designed for.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2020 6:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 18:27:47 -0400

I prefer none, I can't hit the broad side of a barn with a 2" snub nose. Well, maybe at 2 feet away.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2020 6:16 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 18:16:36 -0400

I like the LCR .22 mag

Response by A1C Daniel Green made Jul 7 at 2020 5:29 PM

A1C Daniel Green — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 17:29:47 -0400

Taurus 856

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Sep 8 at 2020 2:01 PM

SSG Paul Headlee — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 14:01:54 -0400

I have revolvers that will hit pop cans at 100 yards without too much effort but I don't want to carry them. Their size and weight make them impractical. They bang into things I walk past; forget riding in a car comfortably or God forbid getting one into action while seated. The snubbies can't compete with those guns for a number of reasons but the snubby will be with me. That's what makes them great. They are accurate enough that I feel confident using one within 25 yards. The .357 Magnum fired from a 2 1/8th inch barrel has more steam than a similar weight 9mm Luger bullet fired from a 4 inch barrel. My 640-3 is small enough that I have at times forgotten that I'm carrying it. I see no reason to not own and carry one. In cold weather I often carry a 3 inch M-29 in a Miami Classic horizontal rig. Not as versatile as the 640 in a front pocket but I do likes me some N frame.