I love snubbies !! When I joined the Sheriff’s Dept in 1974 my first assignment was at Miami International Airport where we wore a coat and tie. My first issue revolver was a S&W Chief Special with 11 38 round nose lead bullets. 5 for the gun and 6 for the little bullet pouch. I got lucky because I got the three inch with adjustable sights. I think it was a model 50. Carried it for several years until we change to a regular uniform and a “GIANT “ model 15 with 18 rounds. What a change. Richard
There is no model 50 with S&W. If it was stainless it could be the model 60 with 3 inch. These also had a full underlug and adjustable sights. There were also blued 36 in 3 inch but they hadnt adjustable sights and no shroud for the ejector rod.
442 in my pocket now...waiting for the range to call, they ordered a taurus 327 for me. Also have a 3 inch king cobra. 357 lcr and a taurus 942 2 inch all steel . Love these all!
I've owned a 3 inch king cobra and 856s in both 2 inch and 3 inch barrels. All three guns had to be sent back to the manufacturers within 6 months. Stick with Ruger or Smith. Don't waste your money.
I read somewhere that Charles Askins wrote about taking a full size revolver in .45 colt and cutting it down to make his own version of a Fitz special belly gun. He wrote that it was highly effective with 250 grain bullets. One can only guess how he knew that.
One of my favorite J frames is the M-49 Bodyguard, w/ the hump-backed frame that shrouds the hammer spur, but allows it to be thumb-cocked for a long shot. It's all steel, but there's a lighter alloy version too...best thing, I'd load HBWCs backwards, seated in the last or next to last cannalure over 5 gr. of Unique, it grouped well out to 25 yds, too!
Retired 30 year LEO; I have the stainless version of that, the 649-had for 35 years, what a sweetie! Year-round carry, even sweat on it in our roasty summers-keeps on doing what it was designed to do! 😎👍
When I became an Deputy in 1976, EVERYBODY carried revolvers. I of course being a young know it all, carried a Browning Hi-Power. A local Trooper gained my enmity by telling me I was a menace to society by carrying "that gun". Wonder if he had a stroke when I later went with a Combat Commander? HOWEVER now that I am an official retired old fart, I carry a 38 snubby EVERY DAY! I FINALLY realized that I no longer was tasked with resolving whatever issue had arisen, but extricating my wife and others from the danger zone. I was thrilled to hear that both of you have went through the same mental process. Thanks guys!
About what I did, during that same time. I bought my first Hi-Power from a Fireman, then the LW Commander (in 9mm no less, heresy in those days!), etc. Like you now there’s always a small revolver nearby. Roy
I've been carrying the 442 off duty for 16 years. When I bought it, the J frame was S&W's biggest seller in the north east. Probably half my department was carrying one on their ankle on duty and in their pocket off duty. 👮🚓🚔🚨
My summer EDC is a Smith 38 J-Frame in a pocket holster and it's also what I take with me if I'm traveling across state lines. They're easy to conceal and legal in most states.
I was looking for a an SP101 in .357. A really good salesman got me to handle a Kimber K6 next to the SP101. I was in love, but out of budget and I was traveling in the wrong state at the time. Finally back home I was convinced to look at the LCRx. You know, they really do have a very nice trigger. Suddenly they weren't ugly anymore. And it was in budget. So with zero regrets I now carry a 3" LCRx in .38. And Roy, your talk about staging the trigger? Thank you!!! I still like the little LCRx hammer, but finally see that DAO wouldn't be a deal breaker.
Love my 442, trick is practice , practice and practice until you are comfortable with it…easy to carry, goes bang when trigger is pulled,, Thanks for this video!
In the summer I HATE BEING HOT so I carry two smaller guns. Not to sound "tough" I'm NOT an action hero/operator...whatever......but when I've needed a gun (as Roy posted on here elsewhere, having the weapon, I would ad exuding your willingness to use it, is usually enough. I have found that TRUE) it's mostly been to "save" someone else. In those cases I had a REAL gun. I took that into account before intervening, I had confidence in those guns. In my summer clothing I'd have to SERIOUSLY consider whether my two pocket guns are enough to interject myself into someone else's problem.
I had a Smith 642...38 centennial.. but I wanted something lighter for pocket carry.. I found used in great condition.. a Smith & Wesson 342 airlite TI..(titanium cylinder) 11oz .38sp .. rides in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster my right front pocket.. if danger is near I can have my hand in my pocket on the grip (finger off trigger) I recently purchased some rubber crimson Trace laser grips the short ones.. I still use my iron sights but the laser Dot helps me reassure that I'm on Target.. I can easily shoot good groups out to 50 ft!
I agree on the S&W M12. It needs to come back! Much easier to hit with. I have used many snubbies over the years. I really liked the Colt Agent with the shroud. It rode in my left hand pocket as backup on duty. My current snubbie is a 2.75 inch S&W M69. I had a black bear in my driveway one night. The guy across the road had one in his backyard. Great video. What about ammo for the snub? I like the CorBon.
The Taurus 856 is available with 2 and 3 inch also as "Ultra lite" and has 6 shots in .38 Special +p. This is as close as it get at the moment. I dont think that S&W will bring back an airweight K frame. The Kimber K6xs is also a 6 shot airweight.
Thx been trying to get a 632uc without success but have been carrying a s&w 43c I know everyone says don’t but with hand arthritis and repaired trigger finger trust me it’s a great little alternative
S&W should bring back airweight/scandium K and L frames. I think one of the best ever is the 386. Its a 7 shot L frame scandium with a 2.5 inch barrel. With big hands these j frames are almost to small.
I carry a Taurus 85 ultra light. With a Smith 67 no dash. Both use the same ammo. I keep her in the truck. Use the little gun to fight to the big gun. As an added bonus keep a 1894 .357 as a long gun. I do highly recommend the Wilderness tactile ankle holster. Best I have used so far. Did that on Roy’s suggestion. And man he was right.
Thanks for your note Jon. That Wilderness rig is top notch for sure. Just don’t be cheap and let it fall apart and not replace it! I tended to wear mine a bit too long past the “wear out” point! Roy
Would a S&W 686+ with 3 inch barrel count as a snubbie? I have some autos in 45 and 9mm that I have carried, but now it a Ruger LCR as my everyday. I like the fact that it's light and easy to carry, and above all it's reliable.
"Snub" or "snubbed " nose refers to the short or shortened barrel ; shorter than the standard service length for the time. A 2" .500 S&W mag is a snubnose revolver. I have my dad's DCM Detective Spl, a square butt made in 1942, his price $12.50, a Charter and a Taurus. The only Jframe Smith l have is a 3" Chief, so l guess it isn't a snub, since it's longer than the average Chief. That extra inch does make it pretty easy to shoot well.
When I'm 'not carrying' I have a 642 in each front pocket. Having only one makes it look unbalanced. Plus instant NYC reload! When I do carry. The 642 is my backup!
My first handgun back in 1986 was a stainless model 85 Taurus 38 special made in Brazil .. when I got my permit in 1990 I used to purchase reloaded WaD at my gun shop loaded by Carol reloading company... $350 a box Of 50 and you got 50 cents back for your 50 rounds of return brass.. this allowed me to practice practice practice.. and I became quite proficient with that 21oz Taurus sbubby 38..
One of the Best things about a snubbies also is they are publicly viewed as way less threatening than higher capacity 9mms as far as if you ever had to use it then were being assessed by a prosecutor.
List of why revolvers are often the better choice in general, over semi-autos: 1. Multiple chambers, easy dealing with dud cartridges 2. Fixed barrel, inherent accuracy 3. Virtually zero jams for life, provided ammo is properly assembled 4. More powerful ammunition, greater power-to-weigh ratio 5. Multiple cartridges fired in same gun 6. Not sensitive to bullet types 7. Not sensitive to load intensities 8. Inherently more safe 9. Much easier to operate, simple manual of arms, everyone can use it 10. Not sensitive to weak grip strength (limp-wristing) 11. Can be fired while muzzle pressed against someone or grabbed 12. Can be fired multiple times from within pocket or purse 13. More comfortable to conceal 14. Revolver frame size has zero effect on reliability, very compact revolvers are equally reliable as large revolvers 15. Less legal issues from confrontations 16. Far less stigma Nation-wide 17. Spent casings retained, not flung everywhere 18. No magazines to misplace or get damaged, or required for operation
My Agency issued full size Glocks as primary & S&W Model 642 .38 Spl revolvers with ankle holsters for backup &/or off duty and in my retirement I find that carrying both still serves my needs well ... especially since I spend lots of time driving and drawing from strong side hip while seated behind the steering wheel, especially if seat belted in, is slow awkward, & telegraphs the draw while pulling the J frame snub-nosed from an ankle holster is smooth fast & unexpected...
Love the ankle carry. I use a Wilderness Tactical Renegade ankle rig. When I drive, I pull my pants leg up so it clears the holster, exposing the gun. Before I get out of the car, I just slide my pants leg down. Roy
I was training an older lady from my church and let her shoot some of my other guns that she thought she might like. She didn’t like the recoil of the smaller autos and decided that the Glock 19 she already had was a good gun for her.
I always liked how the revolver will work with the barrel buried in flesh. Plus, now the silhouette of a revolver doesn't seem to get bystanders as upset as those "evil assault pistols."
I have but 2 snubbies. Since I am an old fart I started on the street with a revolver for duty, then also got a snubbie version of the same thing as myduty gun. Both were S&W 66, just one 4" and the other 2 1/2 inch. The small one concealed very well in a holsterless belt carry. You know what the colloquial but politically incorrect term is for that. In my later years I did obtain some holsters for the little girl. I stayed with it even after the Dept allowed a shit to semi autos until I learned A G19 could do both jobs. I did get a 642 as once I got to my 60's the 66 was a tad heavy to me. Brent I have to say I like the S&W laser placement on your better than the Crimson Trace placement on my 642. I have size large hands and when my bang switch finger is straight out it can obscure the laser until I shift to the bang switch position. Just a thought. The 642 is in my rotation but the 66 is in the safe just used for fun now. I am considering a Lipsys unit as they have FAR better sights than the stock 642. Got any free money I can use for one??? ;)
I love a good wheel gun. So much so my primary carry half the time is a 3” GP100 357. I love it! I love the advice of don’t be binary. I love to see the different stuff Roy showcases. And that leads me to a lot of new things for me out back at my range. I’m interested to see Roy do some shop with a 327 snub next please. lol 🤠
Growing up in the age of automatics- my back-up gun was a Glock-27 (what our department approved at the time). I didn’t get a J-Frame (Model 442) until after I retired. I no longer own the Glock…. 🙂
Is it rated for 38+P, Brent ? The first time I saw Fred Hoyle and Bert Wright put 38 wadcutters from a J frame in the 10 ring on a silhouette at 50 yds, I was completely impressed and realized the possibilities ! 😮 They were consummate story tellers as an added bonus. Miss them both and so glad I knew them !
Fred and Bert. Lord knows I remember them and knew them both well. Bert signed off on my Armolyed Model 19 in about 1979 so I could carry it on duty. There is a PPC match using short barreled guns and they shoot amazingly well at 50 yards. Great memories there! Roy
I attended a cpl class that my wife was taking. I was shocked to hear one of the soon to be concealed carriers ask, “how do I know if I have a revolver or a semiautomatic!!” This person was NOT ready to carry a gun!!
It's surprising to those of us who are shooters, but not an uncommon situation when I've taught "intro to concealed carry" classes. By the end of the weekend, the student might not be a 'gunfighter from hell' but at least they knew which end made the loud noise and the four safety rules. Professional firearm instruction isn't mandated by the Constitution but important for anyone carrying a gun for protection. - BW
I don’t care what someone else carries, so I also don’t care about their opinion about me carrying a snubbie. I always have my 43C in my pocket and I will add my 649 when I go to more populated places.
I absolutely love revolvers, so don't get me wrong, but they are not more reliable than semi-autos these days. They might hold up better to neglect, but semi-autos hold up much better to abuse. If you shoot your revolver regularly, it will fail at some point, and that point will come quicker than you expect.
Having a functional competency in the reload is a must with the snubby, as is carrying a reload. I love the mentality of this is my get out of trouble gun. Now throw in 2 attackers. How about 3? It just happened in Newport Beach of all places. Only one was armed but you get the point. 5 shots doesn't go very far with multiple targets.
My son is "one of those" types - sneers at the idea of a carry revolver, let alone a 5-shooter, cuz not enough bullets! He expects any incident he finds himself in will be against a horde of jacked-up bangers, and he'd carry a belt-fed if he could. ... I ask him how many times he plans to miss. 😁
a lot of people have misconceptions about the rossi brawler 45colt/410single shot. I HATE THE SIGHTS. .but every thing else is wonderful. as a reloader of 45years experience and knowledge I have tested many firearms to seek the full potential. and the brawler brawler no different. OK I shoot 45acp in mine with the aid of harbor freight metric nitrile o rings sizes 8x2mm and 8.8x1.9 mm. fitted above case head in groove .this keeps 45acp from falling down the barrel . when action shuts it compressed around case rock solid. ejection of loaded or fired case wonderful . o rings reusable . I don't say for anyone to do this but myself shoot for the most part 750 to 800fps target reloads keeping around 14,000psi to 15,000psi like 45colt . the information and data I'm about to reveal is for informational purposes only and not to be duplicated in any loading of 45colt in any firearms for danger of serious bodly injuries or death . Just something I have to say . my limit test was with 250gr hunters supply lrn-hp bullets. this was cronygraphed test loads. 870 fps, 420 ft/lb . 964fps ,516 ft/lb. 1034 fps , 591 ,ft/lb. 1094 fps, 664 ft/ lb . 1132 fps , 771 ft/lb. these test loads only .my settled load in 964 fps, 516 ft/lb. this can take most any game animals in the lower48 states. I don't recommend it for large bears.with hard cast flat face bullets best choice for dangerous game. as s
@@fmgpubs Hi Roy, I'll check that out. I am old school. S&W has really changed. Bought a Model 41 a couple of years ago and the SN was stamped in. The edges were so bad I cut my finger on them! The Key hole on the frame guns just destroys the gun. Does not belong there and who is going to use it other than someone that is going to put it in the back of a drawer never to use. Just bought a Blued Colt 9mm Gold Cup National Match to go with my Gold Cup 45 from 1968. Nd a new Blued 6" Python. Really nice! Putting the Wilson Sights on the Python. Take care. Really enjoy your Channel and ordered your Book.
Won’t argue with you about today’s S&Ws vs. the older ones. Now they are sort of stamped out on CNC machines. But that’s change for you, eh? Thanks for your kind words about the channel and for getting the book! I hope you enjoy it. I enjoyed choosing lots of oddball gun pics to sort of scatter all around it. Roy
Carried a 1911 for 45+ years. But my wife’s J-frames look mighty handy. So I recently bought a Model 638-3. I’ve been tempted to the dark side.😉 The good folks at Snub Noir draw the line at 3 inches. So a 3-1/2” Model 27 may look like a big badass snubbie, but it doesn’t qualify.
What's your little Martini chambered in, Roy? Many also carried derringers & pepper boxes. I think the pepperbox is the closest old days equivalent to the j-frame. ;) I have the .45 Colt Bulldog (lives in my truck) and just bought my wife and I each a .32 H&R Undercoverette. I said I'd never own a hammerless, but I'm really loving it.
Not sure which one you’re talking about Laurence, but if it’s the Bodyguard Brent showed, you’d have to check the S&W website. But in all honesty, you don’t need a +P load. Today’s ammo is very effective and any good defensive .38 special load would work fine. Roy
Those large frame short barrel guns are snubbies. A Snubbie is a short barrelled gun, nothing to do with frame size. I would say 2.5" or less for a snubbie.
It might be hard to justify a snubbie .38/.32 revolver if it weren't for superior reliability over tiny autos. I love revolvers but I would say QUALITY autos are MORE reliable in larger format handguns. YES, I've said this before.......
Thank you for your enlightening comment sir. I checked to see what your videos had to say about the topic but I saw you don't have any videos posted. Perhaps you'd like to make one to address this topic?
I love snubbies !! When I joined the Sheriff’s Dept in 1974 my first assignment was at Miami International Airport where we wore a coat and tie. My first issue revolver was a S&W Chief Special with 11 38 round nose lead bullets. 5 for the gun and 6 for the little bullet pouch. I got lucky because I got the three inch with adjustable sights. I think it was a model 50. Carried it for several years until we change to a regular uniform and a “GIANT “ model 15 with 18 rounds. What a change. Richard
That would be a HUGE improvement over the standard J-Frame! I'm a 3" revolver NUT!!!
There is no model 50 with S&W. If it was stainless it could be the model 60 with 3 inch. These also had a full underlug and adjustable sights. There were also blued 36 in 3 inch but they hadnt adjustable sights and no shroud for the ejector rod.
442 in my pocket now...waiting for the range to call, they ordered a taurus 327 for me. Also have a 3 inch king cobra. 357 lcr and a taurus 942 2 inch all steel . Love these all!
I like the new Cobra 3"...just can't justify the price when I already have more 3" revolvers that I can justify.
I've owned a 3 inch king cobra and 856s in both 2 inch and 3 inch barrels. All three guns had to be sent back to the manufacturers within 6 months. Stick with Ruger or Smith. Don't waste your money.
@@BehindTheGoldenCurtainTaurus' "Lifetime Warranty" has also been downgraded.
Roy's ABSOLUTELY RIGHT about people being confused by their OWN pistol. 😮
It’s just terrifying at times … Roy
My Wife has a bunch of guns she didn't know she needed.
Luckily, she loves them regardless.
Bless her! Roy
Somebody will make a fortune with a concealed carry guitar.
My ex wife has one hell of a collection!
A snubbie is the perfect gun to bring when you think your not going to need a gun.
That sums it up perfectly. Roy
Agreed. Either a snubbie or a big bore derringer, if the snubbie is a little too big to conceal.
I read somewhere that Charles Askins wrote about taking a full size revolver in .45 colt and cutting it down to make his own version of a Fitz special belly gun. He wrote that it was highly effective with 250 grain bullets. One can only guess how he knew that.
In his book “Unrepenent Sinner” he talks about shooting people with that gun. Roy
Been carrying the 340 pd since the first year they came out ! One of my favorite.
That’s a great little gun! Roy
Thank you guys. I just love the nice relaxing conversation
Thanks for your kind words! Roy
The biggest danger of snubies is every time I see one. There is a huge chance it will follow me home.😅
One of my favorite J frames is the M-49 Bodyguard, w/ the hump-backed frame that shrouds the hammer spur, but allows it to be thumb-cocked for a long shot. It's all steel, but there's a lighter alloy version too...best thing, I'd load HBWCs backwards, seated in the last or next to last cannalure over 5 gr. of Unique, it grouped well out to 25 yds, too!
You’ve got a good handle on it John! Roy
Retired 30 year LEO; I have the stainless version of that, the 649-had for 35 years, what a sweetie! Year-round carry, even sweat on it in our roasty summers-keeps on doing what it was designed to do!
😎👍
When I became an Deputy in 1976, EVERYBODY carried revolvers. I of course being a young know it all, carried a Browning Hi-Power. A local Trooper gained my enmity by telling me I was a menace to society by carrying "that gun". Wonder if he had a stroke when I later went with a Combat Commander? HOWEVER now that I am an official retired old fart, I carry a 38 snubby EVERY DAY! I FINALLY realized that I no longer was tasked with resolving whatever issue had arisen, but extricating my wife and others from the danger zone. I was thrilled to hear that both of you have went through the same mental process. Thanks guys!
About what I did, during that same time. I bought my first Hi-Power from a Fireman, then the LW Commander (in 9mm no less, heresy in those days!), etc. Like you now there’s always a small revolver nearby. Roy
I've been carrying the 442 off duty for 16 years. When I bought it, the J frame was S&W's biggest seller in the north east. Probably half my department was carrying one on their ankle on duty and in their pocket off duty. 👮🚓🚔🚨
Well, there you go Dane. Great advertising for the platform. There’s a reason so many trust it. Roy
My summer EDC is a Smith 38 J-Frame in a pocket holster and it's also what I take with me if I'm traveling across state lines. They're easy to conceal and legal in most states.
I was looking for a an SP101 in .357. A really good salesman got me to handle a Kimber K6 next to the SP101. I was in love, but out of budget and I was traveling in the wrong state at the time. Finally back home I was convinced to look at the LCRx. You know, they really do have a very nice trigger. Suddenly they weren't ugly anymore. And it was in budget. So with zero regrets I now carry a 3" LCRx in .38. And Roy, your talk about staging the trigger? Thank you!!! I still like the little LCRx hammer, but finally see that DAO wouldn't be a deal breaker.
Those LCRs are great little guns. Glad the DA trigger info works for you! Roy
I have carried a j frame for over 25 years
I can beat you Mark. I’ve carried them since 1975! Roy
Love my 442, trick is practice , practice and practice until you are comfortable with it…easy to carry, goes bang when trigger is pulled,, Thanks for this video!
In the summer I HATE BEING HOT so I carry two smaller guns.
Not to sound "tough" I'm NOT an action hero/operator...whatever......but when I've needed a gun (as Roy posted on here elsewhere, having the weapon, I would ad exuding your willingness to use it, is usually enough. I have found that TRUE) it's mostly been to "save" someone else. In those cases I had a REAL gun. I took that into account before intervening, I had confidence in those guns.
In my summer clothing I'd have to SERIOUSLY consider whether my two pocket guns are enough to interject myself into someone else's problem.
My favorite snubbie is my S&W Model 24 in .44 Special with a 2.5" barrel. It does weigh a short ton, so I rarely carry it but I have done so.
I just love the N-Frame snubbies! Load a full wadcutter in it at about 850 fps. Bingo! Roy
S&W 642 in the summer and Kahr PM45 in the winter for me. IWB holsters on both. Both great guns and very reliable.
I had a Smith 642...38 centennial.. but I wanted something lighter for pocket carry.. I found used in great condition.. a Smith & Wesson 342 airlite TI..(titanium cylinder) 11oz .38sp .. rides in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster my right front pocket.. if danger is near I can have my hand in my pocket on the grip (finger off trigger)
I recently purchased some rubber crimson Trace laser grips the short ones.. I still use my iron sights but the laser Dot helps me reassure that I'm on Target.. I can easily shoot good groups out to 50 ft!
Watched #242 off your Sunday emailing and, went to RUclips to get 241. You and Roy have too much fun. Fun with guns, what a concept.
I know .. imagine that! Roy
I'll agree- we're having too much fun. If the bosses find out, they might quit paying us!! Shhhhhh... - BW
I agree on the S&W M12. It needs to come back! Much easier to hit with.
I have used many snubbies over the years. I really liked the Colt Agent with the shroud. It rode in my left hand pocket as backup on duty.
My current snubbie is a 2.75 inch S&W M69. I had a black bear in my driveway one night. The guy across the road had one in his backyard.
Great video. What about ammo for the snub? I like the CorBon.
Set up like an Ultimate Carry with the improved sights.
The Taurus 856 is available with 2 and 3 inch also as "Ultra lite" and has 6 shots in .38 Special +p. This is as close as it get at the moment. I dont think that S&W will bring back an airweight K frame. The Kimber K6xs is also a 6 shot airweight.
Thx been trying to get a 632uc without success but have been carrying a s&w 43c I
know everyone says don’t but with hand arthritis and repaired trigger finger trust me it’s a great little alternative
S&W should bring back airweight/scandium K and L frames. I think one of the best ever is the 386. Its a 7 shot L frame scandium with a 2.5 inch barrel. With big hands these j frames are almost to small.
I carry a Taurus 85 ultra light. With a Smith 67 no dash. Both use the same ammo. I keep her in the truck. Use the little gun to fight to the big gun. As an added bonus keep a 1894 .357 as a long gun. I do highly recommend the Wilderness tactile ankle holster. Best I have used so far. Did that on Roy’s suggestion. And man he was right.
Thanks for your note Jon. That Wilderness rig is top notch for sure. Just don’t be cheap and let it fall apart and not replace it! I tended to wear mine a bit too long past the “wear out” point! Roy
Would a S&W 686+ with 3 inch barrel count as a snubbie? I have some autos in 45 and 9mm that I have carried, but now it a Ruger LCR as my everyday. I like the fact that it's light and easy to carry, and above all it's reliable.
Well, that's a pretty big gun, but I'd call it whatever you want to call it! Roy
"Snub" or "snubbed " nose refers to the short or shortened barrel ; shorter than the standard service length for the time. A 2" .500 S&W mag is a snubnose revolver. I have my dad's DCM Detective Spl, a square butt made in 1942, his price $12.50, a Charter and a Taurus. The only Jframe Smith l have is a 3" Chief, so l guess it isn't a snub, since it's longer than the average Chief. That extra inch does make it pretty easy to shoot well.
I agree, the 3” Chief is the sweet spot. Roy
When I'm 'not carrying' I have a 642 in each front pocket. Having only one makes it look unbalanced. Plus instant NYC reload!
When I do carry. The 642 is my backup!
Perfect Steve! Roy
Well done gentlemen, I still have my Tyler grip on my Model 37 Air Weight. It rode inside left ankle many a midnight shift.
My first carry gun was a S&W 60-15, a 3” j frame. Still have it and a 2” version too! Not to mention the other 15 or so revolvers that I have.
What a couple of classics! -BW
My first handgun back in 1986 was a stainless model 85 Taurus 38 special made in Brazil .. when I got my permit in 1990 I used to purchase reloaded WaD at my gun shop loaded by Carol reloading company... $350 a box Of 50 and you got 50 cents back for your 50 rounds of return brass.. this allowed me to practice practice practice.. and I became quite proficient with that 21oz Taurus sbubby 38..
One of the Best things about a snubbies also is they are publicly viewed as way less threatening than higher capacity 9mms as far as if you ever had to use it then were being assessed by a prosecutor.
Agreed. That seems like a trivial matter, until it isn't. Being dead is bad, but being in prison for 20 years is a close second. - BW
For sure Roy I tend to replace them every two or three years
The 1849 Colt was Colt’s best selling of all his percussion guns.
I agree. That means people have wanted/needed small guns since forever! Roy
List of why revolvers are often the better choice in general, over semi-autos:
1. Multiple chambers, easy dealing with dud cartridges
2. Fixed barrel, inherent accuracy
3. Virtually zero jams for life, provided ammo is properly assembled
4. More powerful ammunition, greater power-to-weigh ratio
5. Multiple cartridges fired in same gun
6. Not sensitive to bullet types
7. Not sensitive to load intensities
8. Inherently more safe
9. Much easier to operate, simple manual of arms, everyone can use it
10. Not sensitive to weak grip strength (limp-wristing)
11. Can be fired while muzzle pressed against someone or grabbed
12. Can be fired multiple times from within pocket or purse
13. More comfortable to conceal
14. Revolver frame size has zero effect on reliability, very compact revolvers are equally reliable as large revolvers
15. Less legal issues from confrontations
16. Far less stigma Nation-wide
17. Spent casings retained, not flung everywhere
18. No magazines to misplace or get damaged, or required for operation
Summed it up nicely! As I get older, I do hate to chase brass from an auto! Roy
J frames are nice, but I’ve always liked my K frame 66 snub for many, many years now.
Hard to beat a K-Frame snub. One of my favorites is a 2” Model 12. Roy
My Agency issued full size Glocks as primary & S&W Model 642 .38 Spl revolvers with ankle holsters for backup &/or off duty and in my retirement I find that carrying both still serves my needs well ... especially since I spend lots of time driving and drawing from strong side hip while seated behind the steering wheel, especially if seat belted in, is slow awkward, & telegraphs the draw while pulling the J frame snub-nosed from an ankle holster is smooth fast & unexpected...
Love the ankle carry. I use a Wilderness Tactical Renegade ankle rig. When I drive, I pull my pants leg up so it clears the holster, exposing the gun. Before I get out of the car, I just slide my pants leg down. Roy
32 H&R is absolutely the best cartridge for a lightweight snubnose
I was training an older lady from my church and let her shoot some of my other guns that she thought she might like. She didn’t like the recoil of the smaller autos and decided that the Glock 19 she already had was a good gun for her.
I always liked how the revolver will work with the barrel buried in flesh. Plus, now the silhouette of a revolver doesn't seem to get bystanders as upset as those "evil assault pistols."
You nailed it! Roy
They make the perfect "get off me" gun.
I have but 2 snubbies. Since I am an old fart I started on the street with a revolver for duty, then also got a snubbie version of the same thing as myduty gun. Both were S&W 66, just one 4" and the other 2 1/2 inch. The small one concealed very well in a holsterless belt carry. You know what the colloquial but politically incorrect term is for that. In my later years I did obtain some holsters for the little girl. I stayed with it even after the Dept allowed a shit to semi autos until I learned A G19 could do both jobs. I did get a 642 as once I got to my 60's the 66 was a tad heavy to me. Brent I have to say I like the S&W laser placement on your better than the Crimson Trace placement on my 642. I have size large hands and when my bang switch finger is straight out it can obscure the laser until I shift to the bang switch position. Just a thought. The 642 is in my rotation but the 66 is in the safe just used for fun now. I am considering a Lipsys unit as they have FAR better sights than the stock 642. Got any free money I can use for one??? ;)
Or put better sights on a gun you have! Roy
I love a good wheel gun. So much so my primary carry half the time is a 3” GP100 357. I love it! I love the advice of don’t be binary. I love to see the different stuff Roy showcases. And that leads me to a lot of new things for me out back at my range. I’m interested to see Roy do some shop with a 327 snub next please. lol 🤠
Great video thanks.
You bet sir. Roy
I thought this was gonna be a review of the one on the thumbnail, which was very attractive.
Growing up in the age of automatics- my back-up gun was a Glock-27 (what our department approved at the time). I didn’t get a J-Frame (Model 442) until after I retired.
I no longer own the Glock…. 🙂
My thoughts exactly Ted. Those who know and understand … Roy
Is it rated for 38+P, Brent ?
The first time I saw Fred Hoyle and Bert Wright put 38 wadcutters from a J frame in the 10 ring on a silhouette at 50 yds, I was completely impressed and realized the possibilities ! 😮
They were consummate story tellers as an added bonus. Miss them both and so glad I knew them !
Fred and Bert. Lord knows I remember them and knew them both well. Bert signed off on my Armolyed Model 19 in about 1979 so I could carry it on duty. There is a PPC match using short barreled guns and they shoot amazingly well at 50 yards. Great memories there! Roy
❤ my hammerless sp101
I never preferred hammerless until I bought this gun. It's certainly growing on me. - BW
@fmgpubs yes it grew on me too because it doesn't snag if I want to put it in my pocket.
I attended a cpl class that my wife was taking. I was shocked to hear one of the soon to be concealed carriers ask, “how do I know if I have a revolver or a semiautomatic!!” This person was NOT ready to carry a gun!!
It's surprising to those of us who are shooters, but not an uncommon situation when I've taught "intro to concealed carry" classes. By the end of the weekend, the student might not be a 'gunfighter from hell' but at least they knew which end made the loud noise and the four safety rules. Professional firearm instruction isn't mandated by the Constitution but important for anyone carrying a gun for protection. - BW
I don’t care what someone else carries, so I also don’t care about their opinion about me carrying a snubbie. I always have my 43C in my pocket and I will add my 649 when I go to more populated places.
Gets the job done for sure. Roy
I absolutely love revolvers, so don't get me wrong, but they are not more reliable than semi-autos these days. They might hold up better to neglect, but semi-autos hold up much better to abuse. If you shoot your revolver regularly, it will fail at some point, and that point will come quicker than you expect.
Having a functional competency in the reload is a must with the snubby, as is carrying a reload. I love the mentality of this is my get out of trouble gun. Now throw in 2 attackers. How about 3? It just happened in Newport Beach of all places. Only one was armed but you get the point. 5 shots doesn't go very far with multiple targets.
Yeah, but it’s been my experience once the “victim” starts to shoot back, the suspect run! Roy
Roy, I would agree...the VAST majority if the time. I finally had to come to the realization that I CAN'T be prepared for EVERYTHING.
@@jeffhutchins7048 Boy howdy. But being prepared for even one thing puts us ahead of most people. Roy
Evidently, his new snub nose revolver is manufactured by a new company: "Great Firearms" ... ask for them by name!
Ha! A “great” name for a gun company! Roy
Wyatt!
Mine likes Federal 000,, .45 Colt, and .45 ACP.
Love my 642 UC
Also not to be confused with the REAL Bodyguard....38/638/49/649 etc.
My son is "one of those" types - sneers at the idea of a carry revolver, let alone a 5-shooter, cuz not enough bullets! He expects any incident he finds himself in will be against a horde of jacked-up bangers, and he'd carry a belt-fed if he could. ... I ask him how many times he plans to miss. 😁
Charter Arms makes a 32 H&R Magnum Professional is a 7 shot 3” barrel
Maybe a perfect small frame gun! Roy
a lot of people have misconceptions about the rossi brawler 45colt/410single shot. I HATE THE SIGHTS. .but every thing else is wonderful. as a reloader of 45years experience and knowledge I have tested many firearms to seek the full potential. and the brawler brawler no different. OK I shoot 45acp in mine with the aid of harbor freight metric nitrile o rings sizes 8x2mm and 8.8x1.9 mm. fitted above case head in groove .this keeps 45acp from falling down the barrel . when action shuts it compressed around case rock solid. ejection of loaded or fired case wonderful . o rings reusable . I don't say for anyone to do this but myself shoot for the most part 750 to 800fps target reloads keeping around 14,000psi to 15,000psi like 45colt . the information and data I'm about to reveal is for informational purposes only and not to be duplicated in any loading of 45colt in any firearms for danger of serious bodly injuries or death . Just something I have to say . my limit test was with 250gr hunters supply lrn-hp bullets. this was cronygraphed test loads. 870 fps, 420 ft/lb . 964fps ,516 ft/lb. 1034 fps , 591 ,ft/lb. 1094 fps, 664 ft/ lb . 1132 fps , 771 ft/lb. these test loads only .my settled load in 964 fps, 516 ft/lb. this can take most any game animals in the lower48 states. I don't recommend it for large bears.with hard cast flat face bullets best choice for dangerous game. as s
I carry my late wife's 642 because it works well and is easier to hide .
And that’s what it’s all about Ron. Roy
No more S&Ws for me with that stupid useless hole in the side plate!! To bad, buying Colts now!! Nice new stuff!!!
Too bad Rodger. You’re missing out on lots of good/fun guns. Their new Lipsey’s J-Frames don’t have the key. Roy
@@fmgpubs Hi Roy, I'll check that out. I am old school. S&W has really changed. Bought a Model 41 a couple of years ago and the SN was stamped in. The edges were so bad I cut my finger on them! The Key hole on the frame guns just destroys the gun. Does not belong there and who is going to use it other than someone that is going to put it in the back of a drawer never to use. Just bought a Blued Colt 9mm Gold Cup National Match to go with my Gold Cup 45 from 1968. Nd a new Blued 6" Python. Really nice! Putting the Wilson Sights on the Python. Take care. Really enjoy your Channel and ordered your Book.
Won’t argue with you about today’s S&Ws vs. the older ones. Now they are sort of stamped out on CNC machines. But that’s change for you, eh? Thanks for your kind words about the channel and for getting the book! I hope you enjoy it. I enjoyed choosing lots of oddball gun pics to sort of scatter all around it. Roy
Carried a 1911 for 45+ years. But my wife’s J-frames look mighty handy. So I recently bought a Model 638-3. I’ve been tempted to the dark side.😉 The good folks at Snub Noir draw the line at 3 inches. So a 3-1/2” Model 27 may look like a big badass snubbie, but it doesn’t qualify.
Yeah, 3.5 is a bit longish. But if you can handle it, all the better! Roy
Still don’t like the lawyer hole in the side plate.
Get the 640 pro or the new 340pd’s don’t have that!
I have 2 10 mm glocks… and a snubbie…
I been having your "NEW Snubbie" for over 10 years now.What took you so long?
What's your little Martini chambered in, Roy? Many also carried derringers & pepper boxes. I think the pepperbox is the closest old days equivalent to the j-frame. ;) I have the .45 Colt Bulldog (lives in my truck) and just bought my wife and I each a .32 H&R Undercoverette. I said I'd never own a hammerless, but I'm really loving it.
I just bought another Undercoverette since my wife stole mine! They are “just right …” Roy
i have snubbbie 44 mag ....
Tough to shoot, but can't argue the results on the terminal end! - BW
It is rated for 38 special +P
Not sure which one you’re talking about Laurence, but if it’s the Bodyguard Brent showed, you’d have to check the S&W website. But in all honesty, you don’t need a +P load. Today’s ammo is very effective and any good defensive .38 special load would work fine. Roy
@@fmgpubsSmith & Wesson rates it for 38+P....Brent's revolver
@@laurence1643 Oh, okay. Good then. Roy
Gee, nobody used a Dick Special, or a Cobra? No love in the room for the old Colts, Roy? 😊
Sure, my favorites are the Agents, the lightweight guns, etc. We should have mentioned them more. Roy
dont snip my snubby please ive got a colt cobra i bought in 2017. its good thank you
Those large frame short barrel guns are snubbies. A Snubbie is a short barrelled gun, nothing to do with frame size. I would say 2.5" or less for a snubbie.
I’d agree Crew. Roy
I would too. I WANT to include 3" barrels, not sure I can. In any case, over 3" is definitely not.
@@jeffhutchins7048 I think a 2.5 or 3” barrel is just right on a snubbie. Roy
You already know FOR SURE, but 3" on a S&W for the full length ejector rod.
@@jeffhutchins7048 Agreed. Roy
I carry a Charter Arms Police Undercover six shot .38. I use a IWB holster during the summer and OWB in winter. Pocket carry is illegal in my state.
Which state? - BW
It might be hard to justify a snubbie .38/.32 revolver if it weren't for superior reliability over tiny autos.
I love revolvers but I would say QUALITY autos are MORE reliable in larger format handguns.
YES, I've said this before.......
Fighting words Jeff! But I don’t really disagree with you. Roy
Bullshit
Thank you for your enlightening comment sir. I checked to see what your videos had to say about the topic but I saw you don't have any videos posted. Perhaps you'd like to make one to address this topic?
I have the Smith/Lessons 327 and 627 8 shots snbbies. 327 is very light titanium design. They N framed. Still fit my own. I love them.
Lsat comment could shoot a j frame hammerless a woman could shoot the gun in her purse never even pull the gun out shoot it from a purse
Indeed. Or from a pocket. I did a video on that some years ago. Roy
So that's not the gun in the video's thumbnail. Clickbait bullshit. 🖕🖕