Snubby Tactics

[delta13soultaker]

My answer to the 5-shot snubby was to go with a 7-shot snubby. My well worn Taurus. Rides in my jeans front pocket or my right hip IWB...the soft rubber grips plus an Uncle Mikes holster makes it very comfortable.

I use 110 grain Hydrashocks. To get velocity to expand from short barrel. Recoil and blast/flash are much less than hotter/heavier .38 ammo.

[kilogulf59]

7-shooter, that's has to have some thickness to it?

[delta13soultaker]

Originally Posted by kilogulf59

7-shooter, that's has to have some thickness to it?

About like a .44 spl

[Pistolenschutze]

Originally Posted by delta13soultaker

About like a .44 spl

Delta, do you find the extra two rounds of a 7-shooter worth the cost in additional weight and bulk over a J-frame 5-shot? Just curious about your opinion on that. To me, the primary reason to carry a snubbie is its small weight and size, thus its greater concealability. I tend to prefer more rounds too, but if that need is there, I am far more likely to carry a mini Glock.

[delta13soultaker]

I find the extra two rounds worth it because sh*t happens.

Weight...Mine is an 817 alloy, at 21 oz. My old Taurus 85 steel 5-shot was 21 oz too. Fully loaded the 817 is the same weight plus the weight of 2 .38 spl bullets...I can't feel any difference at all. Keep in mind my PPK/s, which I carry very often, weights 23 oz. And my 1911 I strap on when my gut says so is as heavy as both of those together.

I could of got the 617 Titanium, 7-shot .357, and lighter at 20 oz, for twice the price. I saw no advantage in that. And I'm not trying to even act like I want to shoot .357 out of a snubby. (A Ruger 101 2.25" is 26 0z for 5-shot .38 spl, 25 oz for .357)

Size...what is the hardest part of your handgun to conceal? The grip. A factory 617/817 grip is no larger than Hogue rubber grips. From topstrap to bottom of the grip, an 817 is 0.6" longer/higher than an 85.

Width...7-shot cylinder is 0.15 wider than a 5-shot model 85. Thats about the width of a pencil. Overall the dimensions look beefy/more bulky next to a little snubby, but in the holster there's little difference.

So weight is too little to notice. Size difference from a 5-shot is less than you get when you load a grip extension in your baby-Glock, IMHO.


Two HKS 7-shot speedloaders and a nylon double loader pouch from Midway is about $30.

With my 1911, my load is 25 rnds. (3x8+1)
PPK/s load is 22 rnds. (3x7+1)
817 load is 21 rnds (3x7)

I shoot the same drills, same amount of targets, with all 3 handguns...I couldn't do so with a 5-shot.


IWB carry, If I can see the grip of the 817 in my t-shirt any given day out, I pull it out, drop in my PPK/s, slide off the loader pouch, replace with mag pouch on belt, and that's that.

Hope I didn't over explain, man. But like I said if you could conceal a .44 spl snubby, you can a 617/817 too.

p.s. S&W 7-shot 386 Nightguard price turned me away, and although it is a lightweight little heater, it's a few ounces heavier than Taurus snubs. (Basically for every $100 you pay S&W over the Taurus, you get 1 oz more weight than the Taurus 817. The 686 stainless is 7-shot, but fully as heavy as you'd expect from a steel revolver.) I like S&W but when they get my money it'll be for the Model 22/update of classic 1917 .45 acp...that's one sexy 6-shooter

[infidel_2_dabone]

Originally Posted by delta13soultaker

My answer to the 5-shot snubby was to go with a 7-shot snubby. My well worn Taurus. Rides in my jeans front pocket or my right hip IWB...the soft rubber grips plus an Uncle Mikes holster makes it very comfortable.

I use 110 grain Hydrashocks. To get velocity to expand from short barrel. Recoil and blast/flash are much less than hotter/heavier .38 ammo.

I agree 100% with you 7 is better than 5,and I have given this considerable thought and I feel that 2 guns are better than 1. So I purchased the S&W 686 PLUS 3" Brl for my go to weapon and relagate the 340PD as my backup. I still will keep my longgun near by just in case the natives get restless. JMO.

[delta13soultaker]

Originally Posted by infidel_2_dabone

I agree 100% with you 7 is better than 5,and I have given this considerable thought and I feel that 2 guns are better than 1. So I purchased the S&W 686 PLUS 3" Brl for my go to weapon and relagate the 340PD as my backup. I still will keep my longgun near by just in case the natives get restless. JMO.

Yeah the 2 gun idea is absolutely true...it is the fastest reload. Loading a mag fed weapon is hard enough in a pinch, let alone reloading a revolver. It's complicated. Then factor in darkness, flash blindness from muzzle flash, loss of motor skills, and maybe fingers slippery with blood....just easier to grap another roscoe.

I practice reloading often and try to make conditions difficult. But I have no illusions about it...just might not get that reload done. On the other hand, I reckon once my sidearm is empty, there will be one or two other handguns laying nearby on the ground.

[getgot]

from what i was told from a licensed concealed handgun instructor (off duty police), if u have to shoot, shoot to stop the threat. Do Not talk with anyone until you have spoken with your lawyer...never..things can turn on u.

[getgot]

I have chosen my Ruger LCP over the 2" barrel .38 I have for comfort, concealability. I'll be alright with 6 rounds..if not, whatever