The Snubnose Revolver

Petrol & Powder

Well-Known Member
OK, after wildly drifting another thread like a 17 year old in a stolen Honda, I thought I would dedicate some space here for this topic-
The snubnose revolver concept and what fits in that class.

The snubnose revolver is a fantastic tool for self-defense but what defines that class of gun? And what are the differences within that class?

Some personal parameters to define the category:
Double action (or preferably DAO), swing out cylinder, chambered in something larger than 32 caliber and a barrel no longer than 2.5" .

Within those parameters we have a lot to choose from:
In terms of overall size and weight; the alloy frame, titanium cylinder, ultra lightweight S&W J-frames are probably the floor for the class.

From there we move up to other J-frames with steel cylinders and alloy frames and then to the all steel J-frames.

The original model 640 was chambered in 38 Special and had a 1 7/8" barrel. That was replaced by a newer 640 chambered in 357 mag and has a 2 1/8" barrel.

Somewhere around the S&W J-frame size, we fit the Taurus Model 85 into the list.

This is probably where the Charter Arms Undercover fits in.

The next step up (or maybe a lateral step) is the Ruger LCR

Then we have the old Colts - The alloy framed Cobras and Agents and the steel Detective Special. These are the 2" barreled, 6 shot D-frames.

The next step (and it's a really small step) is the Ruger SP101. The 2.25" barreled, DAO SP101 is only slightly longer than a Detective Special but its 5 round cylinder makes it slightly thinner. This gun is deceptively heavy for its size.

And then we get to the 2" S&W K-frames. The discontinued lightweight model 12 and the discontinued lightweight 315 Niteguard are probably the lightest of the K-frames.
After that we have the 2" barreled, steel, fixed sight models (10 & 64)
And finally we have the 2 1/2" barrel, magnum K-frames with adjustable sights. These are the old models 19 and 66.

Of course we now have the new Colt Cobra, The Kimber K6S and I'm sure I've missed a few.

I intentionally left out the large frame examples such as the 2.5" S&W 686 and the 2.5" Ruger GP-100. While they fit my criteria for a snubnose revolver, their weight and bulk put them in another specialized class (that's another thread - but a good topic !)

And I'm sorry that I didn't include the awesome Ruger Speed-Six but its 2.75" barrel exceeds my 2 1/2" limit. You have to draw the line somewhere.

What say you?
 

Petrol & Powder

Well-Known Member
Some general comparison:
DSCN0126.JPG

Upper left - S&W 442, upper right - Ruger SPNY, lower right - S&W model 12 and lower left - Colt Detective Special
 

Charles Graff

Moderator Emeritus
I can find no reason to disagree with your criterion for a snub nose. I have a flat latch SB Chief Special and a Model 64. They both get regular use and are carried allot. I am not found of alloy revolvers...period.
 

Petrol & Powder

Well-Known Member
I can find no reason to disagree with your criterion for a snub nose. I have a flat latch SB Chief Special and a Model 64. They both get regular use and are carried allot. I am not found of alloy revolvers...period.
The flat latch and square butt J-frames are very early Chief Specials and not commonly seen these days. There aren't that many square butt J-frames but people that have them seem to really like them.

Those early J-frames were well made. One of the best little revolvers I ever shot was an early model 40 that belongs to a friend. I tried to buy it on the spot but he would not let go of it.
 

Bret4207

At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
A model 38 Bodyguard is my favorite. It just carries great and has never failed me. I've thought about getting a "Hip-grip" type set of stocks for it, but never have. The sole issue I have with any gun for carry is that I do not want people knowing I have it. People are weird and you don't know the reaction you will get. That's why I tried carrying in a boot. Big roomy pockets, ala George Raft era, are the answer, but I don't/won't dress like an extra from an old movie no matter what.
 

S Mac

Sept. 10, 2021 Steve left us. You are missed.
You guys have inspired me to practice more with my S&W 38 Sp snubnose. I shot it some yesterday, best range session with it yet. Really mild wc loads at ten yards. Gotta start somewhere, a novice handgunner. Never really shot a handgun much, three or four years ago I bought my first, now have a half dozen.
 

StrawHat

Well-Known Member
My experience with snub noses revolved around the Model 36. My first was a 1 7/8” barrel with a bobbed hammer. I never liked pocket carry so it got traded away. Next was a 36-1 with a 3” barrel. I carried that one as long as I carried a 38. I also used that revolver to stay in the top of my classification when I competed in PPC. It shot well to 50 yards and beyond.

Kevin
 

Charles Graff

Moderator Emeritus
The flat latch and square butt J-frames are very early Chief Specials and not commonly seen these days. There aren't that many square butt J-frames but people that have them seem to really like them.

Those early J-frames were well made. One of the best little revolvers I ever shot was an early model 40 that belongs to a friend. I tried to buy it on the spot but he would not let go of it.

I much prefer the square butt J frames as for me they are easier to shoot well. The SB puts a little more distance (vis a vi the RB) to the trigger. In addition to the 2" Chief' Special I also have a 3" 1957 Model 36 which is also a SB. I don't allow those nasty RBs in my house.
 

Charles Graff

Moderator Emeritus
My experience with snub noses revolved around the Model 36. My first was a 1 7/8” barrel with a bobbed hammer. I never liked pocket carry so it got traded away. Next was a 36-1 with a 3” barrel. I carried that one as long as I carried a 38. I also used that revolver to stay in the top of my classification when I competed in PPC. It shot well to 50 yards and beyond.

Kevin

I am also a 3" fan having a Chief Special and Colt Detective Special in that length. They shoot like a 4" service revolver and give up very little velocity from the 4" length. The extra length of the ejector rod also comes in handy when it comes to more positive ejection of the empties.But, they are out of the "snub nose" parameters of this thread.
 

Petrol & Powder

Well-Known Member
While I don't consider a 3" barrel to fit the definition of a snubnose (not that it matters what I think), I do have a real affinity for 3" barreled revolvers.
The 3" revolvers are a class all to their own. They aren't really a snubnose and they aren't 4" guns. As Charles points out, they give you a decent sight radius. The 3" tube allows a full length ejector rod and the 3" barrel only gives up a little velocity when compared to a 4" barrel. There's a lot to like in the 3" barrel platform, most of which comes from the fact that they are just a little easier to wag around than a 4" barrel.
 

Ian

Notorious member
The 1-7/8" Model 36 is my personal definition of "snubnosed revolver". It is also my personal definition of best compromise between small, light, manageable, and deadly.
 

Bret4207

At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
The "hip grip" is an option and here's a variation involving the hip grip:

Interesting, but that requires me wearing a shirt outside my pants. I have never been able to feel comfortable like that. I even tuck Hawaiian shirts in. It's just some weird thing in my equally weird head.


I think my Charter Bull Dog is a 3" bbl. It really doesn't give up a lot compared to a 2" gun. But as I said in the other post in the "ACP" thread, I wish I had the backbone to smooth up a BD and make it a better carry piece. They're just uncommon in my area, so it's not like it's easy to find another if I screw up.
 
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Rick H

Well-Known Member
I have always liked the 3" guns. Had a 36 with 3" bbl and Herret stocks. Sorry I sold it. I now have a Ruger LCRx-3. I like it a lot, but use it as a kit gun, not everyday carry. I never thought the barrel length was hard to conceal, it was the cylinder. I appreciate the longer sight radius.
 

Missionary

Well-Known Member
I have been using Hip-Grips for years. My avatar is a similar homemade grip that is on a SW md 13.
No extra weight and easy to move from one side to the other.
 

Ian

Notorious member
but that requires me wearing a shirt outside my pants. I have never been able to feel comfortable like that. I even tuck Hawaiian shirts in. It's just some weird thing in my equally weird head.

Not just you. I too tuck in Hawaiian shirts and always wear a belt (not because I need it, but because it feels right). I will tuck in heavy outershirts too as long as there's room in the waistband. I will not wear pajamas or "sweatpants" even to bed, cannot stand loose clothing. This complicates CCW but the rimfire derringer has been solving that problem for 175 years.