I want a snubbie

[mammynun]

And here's why. I frequently travel (fly), and I take a handgun when it's legal. As of now, that handgun is a DA/SA Sig P220 Elite Compact (aka P245 with a beavertail P220R Compact), and I picked this pistol for several reasons. One of those reasons is that it's 6+1, so I don'y have to keep track of capacity laws for the places I travel. Another is that it's slightly smaller than a full sized. It's also a pistol that I'm not terribly "attached" to, so if (when?) the airline loses it I won't be as pissed as if it were some of my other pistols. My next choice would be my Kahr PM45 (5+1 and 19.3oz). http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Kahr-PM45.asp

Here's my issue with the Sig: it's relatively big and heavy (30oz), and pretty much requires that I wear my Crossbreed to carry it. I'm looking for something that I can put in my pocket and step outside for a cigarette... basically I want to be lazy-ish.

I have not owned a snubbie, but after some research I think I want one of the following...

S&W M640 Pro; it's all steel so it's also heavier (23oz) than it has to be. But it also has a sight picture that I'm used to seeing and can handle .357mag (even though I would carry .38 special), and it looks cool and has no lock. And it's a ($700+) S&W... Product: Model 640

Ruger LCR in 357 (17.1oz) or 9mm (17.2oz). Almost the inverse of the M640 Pro, but the 9mm version can share 124gr HST's with my normal, at home, EDC. It can also (supposedly) jump the crimp but I'm not sure how big of an issue this really is. Ruger® LCR® * Double-Action Revolver Models

S&W 642 (15oz) Certainly the most cost effective, but I have an (unfounded?) dislike of alloy framed revolvers in general, and the rudimentary J Frame sights specifically... yes, I'm aware that the sights are "fine" for the guns intended purpose. (Product: Model 642)


For all of the above I would expect to initially put about 400 rounds of different ammo through it for reliability and ammo accuracy's sake, then about 50-75 a month after that; would that be (any more of) an issue with the LCR or 642 vs the 640 Pro as far as durability? Resale value isn't a concern to me, but everyone dies sometime and I think the only one that would hold its value would be the 640 Pro, and my wife hates revolvers so she'd certainly sell it.

I should probably just get a pocket holster and try the PM45 for a while, but I reeeally want an excuse for a snubbie!

 

[throttletony]

You've already got all the facts.
I'd say just get your hands on some and shoot them if possible.
If you want even lightweight, you could consider the LCR in 38+P and run some Buffalo Bore 38+p that really pushes what the cartridge can do without exceeding SAAMI pressures. I think that gun weighs in at 14 oz.

Keep us posted

 

[Tula47]

You did the hard part of doing all the research. I had a 642 for a good while and I did like the weight of it but that's about all I liked about it. The gun itself wasn't comfortable in my hand which made the recoil feel worse than it actually was. I've been thinking about the LCR in 9mm as well because of the fact it uses moon clips and is very light. When you go out it never hurts to throw another clip in your coat pocket and I like that it has the ability to do that.

 

[Lee11b]

WOW!!! you did do your research!!! I think I would lean toward the Ruger LCR in 9mm, 38 Special, or 357. The Rugers do have a smooth trigger pull and are lightweight. I agree with trying before you buy.

 

[BFR50-110]

I bought a Ruger LCR .357 in March and I am very happy with it so far. I have shot .357 magnums through it exclusively including Buffalo Bore and have not had any problems with ammo jumping crimp.

 

[VERT]

I am a bit biased towards the Smith revolvers. I frequently carry a 642. If this revolver is mainly to be used in a BUG or deep concealment role I would lean towards the 642 because of weight. The 642 will be the trimmest in terms of physical size. My 642 sees pocket or ankle duty. Now if I were traveling and carrying this gun as a true primary, I would opt for the 640. Then I would have a revolver smith tune the gun up for me. That would make a dandy belt gun.

I think revolvers are easier to fly with then autos. They are super easy and discreet to load and unload. They also don't raise eyebrows at the check in counter like an evil black auto. Somewhat more socially acceptable because I don't think the non-firearm community look at revolvers quite the same way.

 

[Bapak2ja]

You cannot beat the S&W 640. I have fired the 640-3 model owned by my son. He picked it up slightly used for a pittance about three years back. After I fired it I told him he should sell it to me as a "birthday present" because "I wants it!" (Catch that reference to Smeagol?). Kid always was stubborn and smarter than I am. Still won't sell it to me!

Seriously, that is an excellent weapon. Accurate, durable, reasonable trigger, stainless steel. It is a great BUG and works well on the ankle or on the belt, cross draw keeps it well hidden. Excellent revolver. Currently available for $640+tax if you are willing to drive to the Fort.

K&T Guns and Supplies LLP

No, I do not own that gun store and I do not work there; but that is the best price I have seen on that gun, NIB, for two years.

Stubborn kid!!! He just ignores me!

 

[Bapak2ja]

You cannot beat the S&W 640. I have fired the 640-3 model owned by my son. He picked it up slightly used for a pittance about three years back. After I fired it I told him he should sell it to me as a "birthday present" because "I wants it!" (Catch that reference to Smeagol?). Kid always was stubborn and smarter than I am. Still won't sell it to me!

Seriously, that is an excellent weapon. Accurate, durable, reasonable trigger, stainless steel. It is a great BUG and works well on the ankle or on the belt, cross draw keeps it well hidden. Excellent revolver. Currently available for $640+tax if you are willing to drive to the Fort.

K&T Guns and Supplies LLP

No, I do not own that gun store and I do not work there; but that is the best price I have seen on that gun, NIB, for two years.

Stubborn kid!!! He just ignores me!

At least I raised a good one.

 

[mammynun]

The snubbie would be my primary "out of town" pistol, but if I like it and (most importantly) become proficient with it I could see it being an EDC. I have a couple of full sized Ruger and S&W revolvers, but I don't shoot them as well as my semi auto's and my reloads are best timed with a sundial. I'm a ways from "proficient" with any revolver.

I can't carry while I'm actually at work, but we're usually in a "secure" bldg in nice areas of whatever town we're in. This tends to lull people into a false sense of security, and I'll admit to lapses at times... so realistically, this would be a carry gun for the common areas of the hotel and for going out to dinner.

Vert, I'm curious... do you actually show your firearm at check in? The closest I've been to that is having a clearly freaked out metro male in Phoenix walk me and my luggage to TSA where the Pelican was "inspected" to ensure it was locked. The rest of the time I usually discretely slip the form into the case and lock it. No one else has ever ask me to "show clear" or even wanted to see the case. Obviously I have no idea what the TSA does with it after it leaves my sight but they rarely open it or they're VERY careful to put things back EXACTLY where I position them.

 

[Snapdragon]

Love my .357 LCR. It shoots better than any of my j-frames.

 

[Mgderf]

I think Ruger is also offering their SP101 in a snubby.

 

[Fordtough25]

I want another 642 every other week lol. But I stop myself from trading something because I know my G19 covers my needs. But I still want a 642.

 

[gglass]

You will not be at all happy about the uber-heavy trigger pull of the J-Fram Smiths. I have had to do trigger jobs on the various J-frames that I've owned since I could never dial in accuracy with a 15lb trigger. If you do get a Smith J-frame, you will be doing yourself a favor in having a trigger job done to it.

I've owned a couple of LCRs and love the trigger on them. Their triggers are not as light as a well tuned Smith, but perfectly acceptable and quite smooth right out of the box. Also, do not be put off by the polymer frame aspect of the LCR. They are just as durable as a Steel Smith J-frame for its intended purpose.

 

[actaeon277]

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/handguns/333690-2014-great-snubbie-shoot-off.html

 

[Hopper]

My 640-3 is my EDC, and goes everywhere I'm legally allowed to carry it. I put a Big Dot night sight on the front, and did an Apex mainspring upgrade. It's a nice little shooter, definitely a handful with 357, but handles recoil from 38 +P pretty well.

I will say the stock trigger was horrible... the Apex upgrade made it a different gun.

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[Hopper]

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/handguns/333690-2014-great-snubbie-shoot-off.html

This was an excellent write-up with a great mix of options!

 

[mammynun]

I think my preference is for the 640 Pro, followed by the 9mm LCR. But I've never concealed carried a small revolver. I have shot J frames, which is why I like the idea of the sights on the 640 Pro. I've never fired an LCR but I think I would like the light weight right up till the instant I fired it. Or maybe I wouldn't notice 7oz either way? I'm pretty insensitive to recoil, so...

 

[mammynun]

I think Ruger is also offering their SP101 in a snubby.

I looked at those, but at 25oz it's only 5oz less than the Sig P220 Compact. That said, the S&W 640 Pro is only 7oz lighter. That's unloaded, and I'm sure seven 230gr HST's adds more weight than five 38sp or 9mm would.

 

[calcot7]

I want another 642 every other week lol. But I stop myself from trading something because I know my G19 covers my needs. But I still want a 642.

Sounds like you better buy one before you make a mistake....

 

[VERT]

The snubbie would be my primary "out of town" pistol, but if I like it and (most importantly) become proficient with it I could see it being an EDC. I have a couple of full sized Ruger and S&W revolvers, but I don't shoot them as well as my semi auto's and my reloads are best timed with a sundial. I'm a ways from "proficient" with any revolver.

I can't carry while I'm actually at work, but we're usually in a "secure" bldg in nice areas of whatever town we're in. This tends to lull people into a false sense of security, and I'll admit to lapses at times... so realistically, this would be a carry gun for the common areas of the hotel and for going out to dinner.

Vert, I'm curious... do you actually show your firearm at check in? The closest I've been to that is having a clearly freaked out metro male in Phoenix walk me and my luggage to TSA where the Pelican was "inspected" to ensure it was locked. The rest of the time I usually discretely slip the form into the case and lock it. No one else has ever ask me to "show clear" or even wanted to see the case. Obviously I have no idea what the TSA does with it after it leaves my sight but they rarely open it or they're VERY careful to put things back EXACTLY where I position them.

I have always taken the pistol locked in a gun vault pistol box to the counter. Told them I want to declare a personal firearm. I then open the box and put the whatever paperwork inside. I lock the box and use the cable yo secure to the interior frame of my luggage. Some airports have me take the gun to the screening area. Indy does not. I think they have a form I give TSA when going to the gate. Been awhile since I have flown. TSA at Indy asks me for the combination to check. Other airports have me stay with the bag and pre screen. Never a problem.