Snub Nosed Revolver Recommendations

[FPS]

Some time in the next year it will be time to add a snub nosed revolver to the collection. Primary purpose is shooting enjoyment. A bit of collectibilty factor would be nice as well.

Probably looking for smaller than K frame size. Been looking at older SW Model 36s or 3rd gen/issue Colt Detective Specials in Nickel but have no hands on experience with either other than what I’ve read over the years.

[TC215]

If it’s mainly for shooting enjoyment, I’d rather have a k-frame than a j-frame.

[Wheeler]

Do you have a caliber preference? What about a budget limit? Answers to those questions will help you make a decision.

[FPS]

- 38 spc is fine, have enough 357 mag and other big bore
- I recently bought a K38 masterpiece, pre model 15, 4 inch so was looking for something in a different size category
- Price range up to $1000

Only j frame i have shot was one similar to a 637 (very cramped, not comfortable to shoot) and i hated it but wasnt sure if all j frames were like that or there was some variance in feel. Kind of looking toward d frame size but open to exploring j frames.

[jandbj]

2" or 3" K frames really are the pick of the litter. All the better is you have a good trigger job done by Chestnut Mountain Sports or Mike LaRocca.

[Hizzie]

If you want to actually enjoy shooting it then I would suggest the Ruger SP101 (5774) Novak aka Wiley Clapp. It has a few extra features that are nice but most importantly it has good sights.


http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/specSheets/5774.html

[Wheeler]

- 38 spc is fine, have enough 357 mag and other big bore
- I recently bought a K38 masterpiece, pre model 15, 4 inch so was looking for something in a different size category
- Price range up to $1000

You can get a model 15 snub, and have a 'set.' A model 10 would be the fixed sight version.

If you'd like a J frame a model 36 is hard to beat, just keep in mind the old ones don't really care for +P ammo loaded with heavy bullets, ask me how I know. :)

Any of those shouldn't exceed $500 unless you run into a collector's specimen with all the doo-dads that came with it new. There are other options of course, if you want a K frame Airweight you can look for a model 12, if you're interested in a stainless K frame you can look for a model 64. Again, I'd walk if any of those were over $500 unless they were absolutely pristine.

ETA: All that and I reread and saw you were looking for smaller than K frames.

I think a model 36 would be an excellent companion to the model 15. You can get a model 60 if you'd prefer stainless. Of course there's also the models 37, 38, and 49 that might be what you're looking for, none are in production these days. If you're looking for brand new a 442 or 642 would be a good choice.

[FPS]

Are the triggers on the old model 36s better than the new J frames?

[Wheeler]

Are the triggers on the old model 36s better than the new J frames?

Either can be tweaked with the addition of a spring kit. I don't know that I've noticed a lot of different between the triggers of the old and new across the board.

[HopetonBrown]

Have you shot J frames before? I have a 642 and the word "enjoyment" never entered my mind.

There are some 442/642s still being made without the lock.

[BehindBlueI's]

I like my d-frame with presentation grips and wadcutter.

[Joe in PNG]

I've owned a couple of snubs. My observations:
Model 64 snub- great, easy shooting gun.
Model 36 snub- on the painful side of things, especially with the original splinter grips. A set of boot style grips helped.

[OlongJohnson]

If you want to actually enjoy shooting it then I would suggest the Ruger SP101 (5774) Novak aka Wiley Clapp. It has a few extra features that are nice but most importantly it has good sights.


http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/specSheets/5774.html

Any Ruger with Novak sights should be bought brick and mortar so you can sort through the pile for one that has the dovetails cut correctly. That's a detail that Ruger routinely screws up, and they don't fix it when you send the gun back to them for rework. Novak's site has a description of what a correct dovetail fit is and why it's important.

I would concur that a K snub is likely to be the sweetest.

[41magfan]

Are the triggers on the old model 36s better than the new J frames?

Yes - they tend to be.

The baseline Airweight J-Frames (Mod 642, for example) weigh about 15 oz and the all-steel guns about 21 oz. On paper, 6 ounces doesn't sound like much, but the heaver guns are much more comfortable to shoot and a bit more durable as well.

If you want something with a hammer, look at the Model 36 (Blue or Nickel) or the model 60 (stainless). If a hammerless or low-profiled hammer gun scratches your itch, then the Model 49 (Nickel or Blue) or the equivalent gun in stainless (Model 649) would be a good choice. The DAO J-Frames like the Model 640 are nice guns, too.

A quick check revealed these examples:

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/703501977
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/705961418
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/704625772
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/702570857

If you're willing to spend a thousand bucks, you should have no problem finding a nice, older gun in unfired condition ..... with some money to spare.

[peterb]

I just sold a Model 36-1, probably manufactured in 1979. The single-action trigger pull was very nice, but the narrow grooved trigger made the double-action trigger pull feel uncomfortably heavy. I actually prefered the feel of the double-action trigger on my new 442.

A wider smooth trigger or a smooth trigger shoe would have helped the feel of that 36.

[jandbj]

If you're insistent on a smaller than K frame, consider the 3" S&W model 60 in .38 or .357 with adjustable sights. Those are actually really neat little trail guns. Same goes for the all steel 640 2" .38's... lighter than the magnum models and super shootable too. Most S&W J frames benefit from good trigger, jobs or at the least an Apex kit.

The 3" Ruger lcrx also has a surprising good factory trigger.

All 3 of these options are really fun with wadcutters.

[11B10]

If you want to actually enjoy shooting it then I would suggest the Ruger SP101 (5774) Novak aka Wiley Clapp. It has a few extra features that are nice but most importantly it has good sights.


http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/specSheets/5774.html



Hizzie - sorry for being so crass, but what was the cost of that #5774 Wiley Clapp?

[MGW]

If I was going to buy a snub to shoot with that budget I would shop for a 640 Pro.

I friend of mine had a black Wiley Clap Sp101 that was pretty nice. The sights were a not POA/POI but I don’t remember the exact issue. He ended up selling it though.

[Hizzie]

Hizzie - sorry for being so crass, but what was the cost of that #5774 Wiley Clapp?

No worries. $615

[Hizzie]

If I was going to buy a snub to shoot with that budget I would shop for a 640 Pro.

I friend of mine had a black Wiley Clap Sp101 that was pretty nice. The sights were a not POA/POI but I don’t remember the exact issue. He ended up selling it though.


The only black SP101 I’m aware of is the 5779 and it lacks the Novak sights. There is a Hawkeye Blue GP100 with Novak sights. That’s the 1753 Wiley Clapp II iirc.

[BillSWPA]

If you are looking for shooting enjoyment, look closely at the sights. Colt Detective Specials with the ramped sight extending all the way down the barrel have good inherent accuracy, but are often quite frustrating to shoot. That front sight reflects light and disappears in a wide variety of what would normally be considered good lighting conditions.

I would give serious thought to a Ruger LCP a new Colt Cobra, although I have no personal experience with either.

[FPS]

If you are looking for shooting enjoyment, look closely at the sights. Colt Detective Specials with the ramped sight extending all the way down the barrel have good inherent accuracy, but are often quite frustrating to shoot. That front sight reflects light and disappears in a wide variety of what would normally be considered good lighting conditions.

I would give serious thought to a Ruger LCP a new Colt Cobra, although I have no personal experience with either.

Great point.

Any have much hands on time with the Kimber K6s or new Cobra?

[Stephanie B]

For shooting enjoyment with a snubnose, your best bet may be a 3" Model 60, if you want to stay with a S&W.


Sent from my NSA-approved tracking device using Tapatalk

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Just for the mix:

http://www.ruger.com/products/sp101/specSheets/5783.html

9 mm SP 101

[psalms144.1]

As many have stated "snub nose" and "shooting enjoyment" don't go together very well, or very often. If you're just looking for a shorter tubed round gun, I'd look for a K or L frame 2.5" older pistol, or an SP101 with a 3" barrel.

For J-frames, if you want to enjoy shooting it, go all steel, and shoot .38s

[Rex G]

I think the only J-Frame I “enjoyed” shooting was a square-butt, 3” heavy-barrel Model 60, from a limited run made in the Eighties. With a round butt or typical tapered, slender 1-7/8” barrel, shooting my various other J-Snubs was OK. Aluminum alloy frame, still OK. Titanium cylinder with light alloy frame? Pain! I have kept one S&W J-Snub, a Model 642-derived Performance Center dubbed the M460. (Yes, S&W does recycle its model numbers.) It has a blackened finish, Mag-na-porting, and a sweet trigger job. The porting is wasted, as I only shoot mild .38 Special in it.

Regrettably, I let the heavy-barrel Model 60 go, in a sale or trade, in a now-forgotten moment of stupidity. I found its replacement in the SP101. I can enjoy shooting an SP101, with either 2.25” or 3” barrels, even with Magnum ammo, though age is creeping up on me, so I shoot fewer, and milder, Magnums. I have four .357 SP101 revolvers, with various barrel and hammer configurations. I can get all of my skinny fingers onto the SP101 OEM grip, except, of course, for the trigger finger doing its job on the trigger, and notably, my trigger finger falls “naturally” into place on the trigger.

[jandbj]

Had a chance to check out a couple of Kimber K6 revolvers today. Felt good in the hand and the sights and triggers were very nice.

[Rex G]

I am, from time to time, on the look-out for a nice K-Frame snub-gun with a round-butt grip frame, for which I am saving a nice set of BluMagnum round-to-square conversion Roper-style grips/stocks. I have never really liked round-butt grips on anything larger than a J-Snub. Perhaps it is because my hands are long, and a squared grip frame anchors itself better in the heel of my hand.

[Rex G]

If you are looking for shooting enjoyment, look closely at the sights. Colt Detective Specials with the ramped sight extending all the way down the barrel have good inherent accuracy, but are often quite frustrating to shoot. That front sight reflects light and disappears in a wide variety of what would normally be considered good lighting conditions.

I would give serious thought to a Ruger LCP a new Colt Cobra, although I have no personal experience with either.

I had a DS in this configuration, and that long front sight ramp was the devil. I now wish I had kept it, and had a ‘smith do something with that front sight.

[Screwball]

I love my 642-1, which I converted to 9mm. Light, easy to shoot, and decent power with a compact reload (HKS .38 speedloaders and 9mm moonclips are like night and day).

[FPS]

Sounds like guns in the D frame size category are what I am looking for. Appreciate all the feedback.

[Screwball]

These are unique... but some people aren’t a fan. Sorry, didn’t post pictures earlier.

https://i.imgur.com/rjRKQWQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rHaiERP.jpg

There was actually one 942 made... went to Wiley Clapp. He told S&W it would never sell, and they scrapped the idea.

[Wheeler]

These are unique... but some people aren’t a fan. Sorry, didn’t post pictures earlier.

https://i.imgur.com/rjRKQWQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rHaiERP.jpg

There was actually one 942 made... went to Wiley Clapp. He told S&W it would never sell, and they scrapped the idea.

Therein lies a problem that a lot of folks have with S&W, they listen to what a distributor says instead of their customer base.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

I seem to recall that Clapp also thought the 942 wouldn't hold up to the round. But I would have to go look that up.

[SamAdams]

Tough to read over this thread since I (stupidly) got rid of some of the revolvers mentioned long ago. That includes a S&W 36 and a S&W 60 w/ 3" barrel that I had a nice trigger job done on (sigh).

Now I lust over a J-frame that a relative's wife has. A S&W 38 Bodyguard. Beautiful bluing. Looks practically new. I doubt its had 2 boxes of ammo through it since she bought it new.

[Totem Polar]

Great point.

Any have much hands on time with the Kimber K6s or new Cobra?

I own the Cobra. I really dig it; great trigger, decent sights, all-steel felt recoil is on par with an SP101–only with more comfy grips.

I also own a 36-1, the 3" round butt, heavy barrel Frank McGee special. It’s also a great snub, although my eyes have aged to the point where I really like the FO on the cobra...

Both are a lot more pleasant than a 642. One more sweet option: a clean, 2" S&W model 12. Those are great snubs, and mine actually weighed 1 oz less than the 3" heavy barrel J-frame. It’s probably the best carrying K-frame ever made.

I seem to remember Greg Ellifritz telling me that he carried one on his ankle as a back up at one point. I’d want to double-check that conversation, but that’s my recollection.

Honestly, for a "shooter" than new Cobra is great. It’s not as pretty as the older guns mentioned, but I’ve grown quite fond of mine.

[OlongJohnson]

One more sweet option: a clean, 2" S&W model 12. Those are great snubs, and mine actually weighed 1 oz less than the 3" heavy barrel J-frame. It’s probably the best carrying K-frame ever made.

There were 576 Model 315 Night Guard guns made in the 2008 time frame. Basically, a scandium version of the 12/15. It didn't have the Ti cylinder like the other NG and PD models did, so it was a few ounces heavier than many of the 7-shot L-frame scandium snubs. I reckon a lot of buyers looked at a lighter gun that held another round and made up their mind; which would be one reason the scandium K hasn't been revamped since then. I haven't seen any evidence of a Ti cylinder ever being sold on a K frame, FWIW.

Started a 315 NG thread here a couple of months ago. Someone managed to find a used one with unknown quality of action work done for a good price right at that time. (Would have been me, but I got stuck in a two-hour conference call at work that morning...) He needs to post up and update that thread with a range report soon.

[Trooper224]

Sounds like you need something like these:
http://a4.pbase.com/g5/64/521964/2/107284713.tjiRQBEU.jpg
http://a4.pbase.com/g9/64/521964/2/163625953.kPbKZ7cH.jpg
http://a4.pbase.com/g9/64/521964/2/163900754.GsID8209.jpg

For shooting, the nickel Model 10 is my fave of the three.

[BN]

If you put those giant ugly Pachmayr grips on a J Frame they are almost comfortable to shoot. ;)

[FPS]

Very cool Trooper. What is it about the Model 10 you like better than the others?

[Trooper224]

Very cool Trooper. What is it about the Model 10 you like better than the others?

I suppose I should elaborate by pointing out the 66 no longer lives with me, so it doesn't count. So, between the M10 and the DS the 10 gets the nod due to its larger size. That makes it easier for me to get a grip on it. On style points it's a toss up. I do like the solid, hefty feel of the M10. Sometimes it's a struggle not to strap it on when I head out the door.

[Stephanie B]

If you put those giant ugly Pachmayr grips on a J Frame they are almost comfortable to shoot. ;)

LG-350s seem nice. But I have them on a 3" Model 60, might not be a fair test.

[Dagga Boy]

Regardless of what you pick, the key is to truly define what you need. One of my big thing with snubs is accessibility. They allow you to have immediate access and covert access to a highly reliable firearm in a condition where many small auto's are not. Personally, I want a semi auto service, or close to service, size pistol for gunfighting. For fighting, it is a unique niche filled well by snub nose Revolvers. It is why I carry both most of the time to cover both circumstances. There are times when I will go to just the snub as it covers the situation most likely to be faced, which is a contact distance fight.

[deputyG23]

If you are looking for shooting enjoyment, look closely at the sights. Colt Detective Specials with the ramped sight extending all the way down the barrel have good inherent accuracy, but are often quite frustrating to shoot. That front sight reflects light and disappears in a wide variety of what would normally be considered good lighting conditions.

I would give serious thought to a Ruger LCP a new Colt Cobra, although I have no personal experience with either.
Another problem with the ramped sight D frame Colts is that a quantity of them were shipped out with barrels that were not TDC, thereby causing them to be off for windage. I bought a new Commando Special in '83 that suffered from this and sold it soon afterward. My current '75 Detective Special shoots 3" to the left at seven yards. I really need to get a smith to tweak the barrel just a bit.

[BillSWPA]

Another problem with the ramped sight D frame Colts is that a quantity of them were shipped out with barrels that were not TDC, thereby causing them to be off for windage. I bought a new Commando Special in '83 that suffered from this and sold it soon afterward. My current '75 Detective Special shoots 3" to the left at seven yards. I really need to get a smith to tweak the barrel just a bit.

This is a good point that I was not aware of. My example is within a couple of inches for windage at 25 yards, but the elevation is off. Mine shoots about 13" high at 25 yards.

I have identified a sight that could be used to replace the current front sight, be more visible, and raise the height of the front signt about 0.05" to correct the elevation issue, but my best guess is that the cost of purchasing the sight, and paying a gunsmith to cut the dovetail, reblue the barrel, and install the sight would roughly equal the cost of buying a new gun. Since these revolvers are no longer made, the ability of the factory to continue to support them might be questionable, and since the old Colt revolvers seem to be increasing in value, any modifications would have to be done quite carefully.

[Trooper224]

Another problem with the ramped sight D frame Colts is that a quantity of them were shipped out with barrels that were not TDC, thereby causing them to be off for windage. I bought a new Commando Special in '83 that suffered from this and sold it soon afterward. My current '75 Detective Special shoots 3" to the left at seven yards. I really need to get a smith to tweak the barrel just a bit.

My 1970 manufactured Detective Special shoots 3-4 inches left at 25 yards. In fact, every vintage Colt I own, with the oldest one manufactured it 1919, does the same. The only exception is my SAA of 1977 vintage, it's dead on.

[DAL357]

Regardless of what you pick, the key is to truly define what you need. One of my big thing with snubs is accessibility. They allow you to have immediate access and covert access to a highly reliable firearm in a condition where many small auto's are not. Personally, I want a semi auto service, or close to service, size pistol for gunfighting. For fighting, it is a unique niche filled well by snub nose Revolvers. It is why I carry both most of the time to cover both circumstances. There are times when I will go to just the snub as it covers the situation most likely to be faced, which is a contact distance fight.

Now THAT is some sage advice. Thank you, DB.

[deputyG23]

This is a good point that I was not aware of. My example is within a couple of inches for windage at 25 yards, but the elevation is off. Mine shoots about 13" high at 25 yards.

I have identified a sight that could be used to replace the current front sight, be more visible, and raise the height of the front signt about 0.05" to correct the elevation issue, but my best guess is that the cost of purchasing the sight, and paying a gunsmith to cut the dovetail, reblue the barrel, and install the sight would roughly equal the cost of buying a new gun. Since these revolvers are no longer made, the ability of the factory to continue to support them might be questionable, and since the old Colt revolvers seem to be increasing in value, any modifications would have to be done quite carefully.

I had not considered the elevation on mine since I have only shot it at the most, ten yards. It would be wise for me to shoot the little bugger at 25 yards supported before taking it to the smith. If it is way off, it may be leaving the homestead.

[Lyonsgrid]

20959

20960

Had a throw back 80's day at the range today. I've only been shooting my M&P 340 J frame lately and had forgotten how nice my K frame 64's handle and shoot. If the sights were better, I'd probably carry them some.

[Rex G]

20959

20960

Had a throw back 80's day at the range today. I've only been shooting my M&P 340 J frame lately and had forgotten how nice my K frame 64's handle and shoot. If the sights were better, I'd probably carry them some.

Sweet! I wish I had bought a brace of 2” Model 64 revolvers when they were more generally available. Better sights have ceased to be an issue, at my age; I try to center the fuzz-ball in the fuzzy notch, and then exercise the long-ago-conditioned DA trigger stroke.

[Bucky]

If I was in the market for a snub as a range shooter, I’d seriously consider the new Cobra.

[Wheeler]

If I was in the market for a snub as a range shooter, I’d seriously consider the new Cobra.

Why the Cobra over any of the other choices that have had decades of continuous development?

[Dagga Boy]

Why the Cobra over any of the other choices that have had decades of continuous development?

I am missing the part where the Cobra doesn't have decades.....and more than almost anything else, of continuous development? Trust me, the internals of my M&P 340's I daily carry are as modernized over the internals of a 50's J frame as the Cobra is modernized over a 1930's D frame.

[Bucky]

Why the Cobra over any of the other choices that have had decades of continuous development?

If I'm following the thread correctly, the OP is looking for smaller than K frame. For a range gun (not sure about a snub as a dedicated range gun), 6 shots, heavy to absorb recoil, a smooth consistent trigger pull, and easy to swap out front sights.

On a personal note:
1. I have several Smith snubbies, including old 36s.
2. The first handgun I held as a boy was my grandfather's Detective Special.
3. When my Grandparents passed, my father promised I'd get said Detective Special, since I'm the only "gun guy" in the family. He has since reneged. :(

Admittedly, a little personal bias.

[Wheeler]

I am missing the part where the Cobra doesn't have decades.....and more than almost anything else, of continuous development? Trust me, the internals of my M&P 340's I daily carry are as modernized over the internals of a 50's J frame as the Cobra is modernized over a 1930's D frame.

I did say continuous.

I'm not for or against the Cobra, I was looking for an explanation to the suggestion.

[FPS]

For a range gun (not sure about a snub as a dedicated range gun)

Building the revolver collection and I dont have a snub yet. I dont plan on pulling it into the carry rotation as I have so much training time in on semis and have the bases covered for what I need. So it will be relegated to range use hence it doesnt need to have a concealed, bobbed or shrouded hammer, be pocket carry size, snag free, or any of the other carry revolver criteria we normally run through.

Why do I need to add a snub to the collection? I dont know, it just feels like it must be done. :)

I’m very intrigued by Darryl’s comparison with the older Colts since I dont have any trigger time on any. Part of the hesitation for me on the new Cobra is the “but I could have spent the same amount and got a nice 3rd issue Detective Special” with some collector value and history (if 3rd issues qualify for that, they seem to sell very well).

However, I value shooting enjoyment above all and I buy guns to shoot and enjoy, not sit. I buy stock for investments, cant shoot those (cant say that I enjoy them either).

[Radar Love]

Does anyone have experience with the new S&W 66? I was super excited when I first heard about it but the reviews seem mixed (https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/review-sw-model-66/).

For your budget and needs OP, I would recommend looking for a used S&W 19 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Model_19) snub nose. Beautiful guns with lots of history and there are enough of them out there you can find a used one in good condition for under your budget.

[Lon]

Usually Model 10/64 2” available on gunbroker. Sometimes a Model 15 2”.

[holmes168]

I've been thinking about purchasing a 642 or an LCR for the last couple years. Mainly for quick trips to the store when I'm in athletic shorts and don't feel like changing into to something more robust to carry a G19 in.
Academy has them both on sale for $399 and this seems like a decent price. Is there a preference for one of these over the other? If the 642 has the internal lock, is that a deal breaker?

Edit- or should I go get a used S&W Model 10 and just put on my edc to hit the store....

[Leroy Suggs]

I think your best bet is a 442-1. It is sans lock and is in production and available.
Install an Apex kit and you will have a very nice snubbie.

[tanner]

No-lock 642, no-lock 442 or an LCR would work just fine. Add a DSG AIWB clip holster and you have an excellent gym-shorts solution.

[andre3k]

You could always find and FFL to order a S&W 640 from Kieslers for $350, while they still have some in stock.

[Willard]

Add a DSG AIWB clip holster and you have an excellent gym-shorts solution.

Indeed. I thought the reports were exaggerated, but I've had mine for a few weeks now and it is my most used holster. The clip will work with a 442 in shorts with no belt. I routinely walk my dog for 3.4 miles or longer and practically forget I am wearing this holster. Holster never comes off with gun. I am liking it better than pocket holster carry. It is so convenient, it eliminates any laziness & excuses for not carrying.

[holmes168]

Was watching a video on the LCR and apparently it has an internal locking system also? Underneath the grips??? If so- what would the difference be between a 642 with lock and the LCR?

[OlongJohnson]

The difference is I've never heard of the LCR self-activating due to recoil or being dropped.

[Willard]

Was watching a video on the LCR and apparently it has an internal locking system also? Underneath the grips??? If so- what would the difference be between a 642 with lock and the LCR?

Supposedly, Ruger quit doing this. I dunno:

http://rugerforum.net/ruger-double-action/96289-my-lcrx-does-not-have-internal-lock.html

http://rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=245705

[Dave J]

The difference is I've never heard of the LCR self-activating due to recoil or being dropped.

This. I staked the lock on mine anyway, just to be sure, but there's no pattern of failure like the damn S&W lock.

Both the LCR and 642 (or 442) are great gym shorts/lounge around guns, or pocket carry as a BUG. Between the two, I have a slight preference for the 642, but they both work fine.

I also have one of the old 640's, and it's a lot more fun to practice with, but IMHO it's heavy enough that I'd only belt carry it...and if I'm doing that, why not carry something more capable than a snub?

[holmes168]

Picking up the LCR tomorrow, and ordered the DSG holster this evening. I kept putting it off and kept going to the store with no gun and in gym shorts.

[RJ]

Picking up the LCR tomorrow, and ordered the DSG holster this evening. I kept putting it off and kept going to the store with no gun and in gym shorts.

Let us know how it goes.

I’m taking a sudden interest in this thread.

[camsdaddy]

Picking up the LCR tomorrow, and ordered the DSG holster this evening. I kept putting it off and kept going to the store with no gun and in gym shorts.
The LCR will be far more adequate than your current carry. I have found myself going without more than I care to admit.

[willie]

I've owned two trouble free LCR's--.22 and .38--and can recommend the .38 for concealed carry. I regret trading them. I have noticed that when looking at them in guns shops, some are much smoother than others.

[holmes168]

Picked up the LCR this afternoon over lunch. Nice and light- stuffed in the front of my pants for now, unloaded. Barely even know it’s there. Just stuffed it in my front pocket- again, no idea it’s even on my body. This looks to be a good answer for the quick run to the store in gym shorts problem. Don’t think it would ever be a primary carry, but better than no gun. Need to check ankle holsters out so it can be used as a BUG. Definitely a recommended purchase even before the first range trip.

Can’t wait for the DSG holster.

[RJ]

Hypo question: If one purchases a snubbie (new say) how many rounds do I need to shoot before carrying it?

Context would be a LCR as a backup to a Glock 19 and / or a ‘shove it in my pocket walking the dog at dusk’ sort of situation.

[MK11]

For reliability? I’d feel fine with a couple cylinders. For actual skill? As much as possible. I’m too much of a wuss to run 100 rounds through my LCR in one sitting but I shoot a couple drills with it each range session, regardless of whatever else I’m shooting.

[BehindBlueI's]

I’m too much of a wuss to run 100 rounds through my LCR in one sitting but I shoot a couple drills with it each range session, regardless of whatever else I’m shooting.

Wadcutters are the ticket for volume practice. I load more wadcutters than anything these days. Easy on the wallet, gun, and shooter.

[holmes168]

I’m pretty happy with this LCR purchase. Wife and I just went for a 30 minute walk- dropped the LCR in my gym shorts pocket and there were zero issues. Haven’t shot it yet- I’m planning on 50 round Dot Torture just to see where I am at. Definitely a nifty little gun- much easier then putting on carry gear for a short walk or trip to store.
I’d definitely not completely comfortable in much more than quick trips or neighborhood walks with a snub, but seems like this fit my basic need perfect.
Better to have an LCR than nothing.

[Wheeler]

I’m pretty happy with this LCR purchase. Wife and I just went for a 30 minute walk- dropped the LCR in my gym shorts pocket and there were zero issues. Haven’t shot it yet- I’m planning on 50 round Dot Torture just to see where I am at. Definitely a nifty little gun- much easier then putting on carry gear for a short walk or trip to store.
I’d definitely not completely comfortable in much more than quick trips or neighborhood walks with a snub, but seems like this fit my basic need perfect.
Better to have an LCR than nothing.

What holster did you go with?

[peterb]

Wadcutters are the ticket for volume practice. I load more wadcutters than anything these days. Easy on the wallet, gun, and shooter.

I've run a few boxes of these through my 442. Seem like good range ammo. https://www.precisiondelta.com/products/38-spl-148gr-hbwc-remanufactured-ammunition/

I go upscale with the Federal Gold Medal wadcutters for carry.

[holmes168]

What holster did you go with?

The DSG clip on holster.

[holmes168]

Took the LCR out for a spin this weekend. Well- at 3 yards on a Dot Torture, the first ten rounds were on top of each other. So that's nice. Now- the next 15 started to open up a bit. Ahhhhh- now I see why people just take a bit of rust off when it's a snubbie. I really like the little revolver and the DSG clip on should be here in a couple days. It definitely meets the exact need I bought it for. Annnddddd- I'll shoot about 20 rounds at the end of a range trip. I have no idea or desire to shoot anything bigger than .38, that's for sure.

[Qaz98]

Seems like LCR, 442/624, are standard recs. Anyone have experience with the K6S? The only thing I have found worth reading is Chris Baker's initial review.

[Totem Polar]

Seems like LCR, 442/624, are standard recs...

OT, but, I woke up the other day realizing that I have a whole safe full of unusual and vintage stuff, but all the range action is allocated primarily across just 3 guns: 642, G26 and the latest full size, in this case a G19.5.

Not sure when I became such a party line player, but I guess with age comes not just experience, but boring predictability. The training Matrix has me.

[Jeep]

I've run a few boxes of these through my 442. Seem like good range ammo. https://www.precisiondelta.com/products/38-spl-148gr-hbwc-remanufactured-ammunition/

I go upscale with the Federal Gold Medal wadcutters for carry.

Precision Delta and Georgia Arms both sell fairly cheap reloaded wadcutters, which are great practice fodder.

[Chance]

Several people have already mentioned this pistol, but I had the opportunity to spend some time with a S&W Model 640 Pro at the HiTS Revolver Round-up this weekend, and it now sits very firmly at the top of my "next buy" list. It was apparently sighted for full house 158-gr .357 Magnum, so it shoots low with 130-gr .38 SPC, but nothing a little practice won't compensate for. I was lucky to leave without buying Darryl's.