Shopping for a snubby- got recommendations?

[surevaliance]

I am surprised that nobody mentioned S&W 638!
SA/DA, 14.6 oz

It was my pocket carry gun for a few years and I REALLY regret selling it.
IMO, it’s the best option from all snubbies.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/j-frame-163070

 

[hornetguy]

I am a Taurus fan and will look for that one too! Thx for suggestiing

I will "second" that recommendation.... I have had two of them... a 2" steel frame, and a 3" airweight. The recoil in the 2" is less, so I sold the 3" to a friend... actually, the guy I bought it from. He wanted it back...

I'm not a gunsmith, but it was simple to open it up and very lightly stone the curved surface of the hammer... after three gentle stonings, the double action is as smooth as nearly any smith and wesson. Not quite, but nearly. It's a pleasure to shoot, and it holds 6 rounds.

Personally, I don't want a snubby in .357.... the .38 has all the recoil that is needed (for me, of course)....

 

[Iowashooter]

I would like to know what you think about the recoil after you give it a test.

I have some low recoil 90gr SD .38spl ammo and am likely only to shoot it a few times (to ensure it is reliable), then simply carry it often… but shoot it very little for the rest of my life.

I have to imagine the recoil will be “yikes” on a 12oz gun! even with my low recoil ammo

 

[Pistol Pete]

I have 2 642's, front pocket ok. I don't think I could handle one in .357 mag. .38 has plenty recoil. I wear cargo pants, front pocket carry works fine. I can actually get a grip on it and draw, can't with my LC9. It will also fit in the cargo pocket while driving and be accessible. IWB ok if you're not fat like me.

 

[Iowashooter]

It arrived yesterday at LGS and I picked it up a few minutes ago

has the wrong grip (has a rubber, longer combat grip vs the smaller boot grip)

called Davidson‘s /GunGenie… and they were no help… played the “we’re just the distributor card”. They didn’t care they advertise one item in their picture and description… and the item differs from the pic and description when it arrives.

morons

I then called Charter Arms (right after telling Davidsons I’ll never do business with Davidsons again)… and Charter Arms was FANTASTIC

guy explained they switched grips on this model snubby recently to the larger one, but he’ll send the smaller one right out to me! Well done Charter Arms.

what arrived

what grip was advertised to look like

the combat grip is comfy… but the smaller grip will help with concealability

 

[MikePotts]

My 2 cents:

PPK/S, Colt Cobra, J Frame 3", Model 32-1, Model 49, Model 36 Kel-Tec p32.

Unless I choose to dress like a bum/ slob/ beachcomber, the only real 'undetectable' pocket pistol is the Kel-Tec.

 

[hornetguy]

Good for Charter.... my only experience with them was with one of the early Bulldogs in .44 Special... it was nice, no issues with fit/finish, etc.... but it had a healthy kick to it. I'm not particularly recoil sensitive, but something else came along and I traded it off.
Another one of those I wouldn't mind having back "in house"....
It's good to hear that their customer service seems to be as it should be.

 

[Iowashooter]

My 2 cents:

View attachment 461231

PPK/S, Colt Cobra, J Frame 3", Model 32-1, Model 49, Model 36 Kel-Tec p32.

Unless I choose to dress like a bum/ slob/ beachcomber, the only real 'undetectable' pocket pistol is the Kel-Tec.

my P32 is carried more than any other of my carry guns… but the 12oz CA snubby may become a close 2nd

 

[Iowashooter]

Well done Charter Arms... just rec'd the tracking number for the correct grip they are shipping to me

 

[Iowashooter]

New smaller boot grip arrived... makes this snubby significantly more concealable

Lots of carry options

 

[texasrho83]

I'm shopping for a lightweight snubnose revolver in .38spl or .357

Let me know if you have experience with any models that fit the description below- your thoughts welcome

Use

-pocket carry (primarily front) for SD. May carry occasionally IWB


Requirements / Preferences

- lighter is better
- the thinner the better
- prefer DAO... but DA/SA ok
- 5-shot ok

S&W makes a nice 640PD and Ruger makes an LCR. I don't mind a polymer frame

Anyone have any other suggestions?

Huge fan of my S&W 340 CT. The weight is feather light...under 12 oz (empty) and maybe a pound when loaded. Scandium-enhanced aluminum alloy. It was pricey when it launched which may be the reason they quit making them. I got lucky and got it in a raffle and it's the best thing I've won so far.

I bought a pocket holster for it and have worn it with slacks and shorts. My primary carry is OWB.

 

[cporfe]

About 2 years ago I purchased a Charter Arms Boxer in .38spl. It's their 6 shot version and mimics the Colt Detective with a hammer and 2" barrel and shroud. I've owned/still own several Charters. No snubbie is a good range gun for shooting long strings. That said, over 3 range sessions and 125 rnds of 158 LSWCHPs the Boxer shot well, was not abusive and is light weight. Its locked in a pistol box in my get home bag in my car.

If you want inexpensive than all the guns mentioned above will do nicely. I've owned several of them but found the recoil on the Ruger LCR to be stiff enough I sold it. If you want great, the S&W Md 442 gets my vote. The Kimber revolvers are nice too. But bring a deep pocket.

 

[jimbo]

I have a S&W model 637 Airweight. Weighs 14 oz. Rated for 38 spl + P but it has some recoil
I use 148 grain wadcutter ammo and it works very well.