View Full Version : I've been snubbified
A small .38 revolver has perpetually been on my gun wish list.
Well, it's on my "have" list now. Last week a guy came in to the gun store where I part-time with a very lightly used S&W 442 (concealed hammer .38) that he wanted to trade in. Lightly used as in he shot 50 rounds, cleaned it, then stuck it on a shelf and forgot about it. While window-shopping the previous week he started drooling over a Remington 1100, and asked if we took trades. Sure, I said, bring it in and we'll look at it. Well he did, the GM OK'd the trade, and gave the 442 a quick wipe down (it was spotless already) and put it in the case.
The next day when I came in for my 3 hour shift after the end of my day job, I couldn't stop handling it. Oh what the heck, I said, and bought it on the spot. It's a 442-2, made in 2002, and has the lawyer lock which I will do my best to just ignore.
I took it out this afternoon, and it will chew the x-ring out at 7 yards with my chosen carry ammunition, Federal 110gr Hydrashoks. I carry Speer Gold Dot in every thing else, but Speer doesn't make the .38 GDHP in non-+P.
Up until this point, all I have carried for the last ten years is a Glock .40cal of some sort, either a 22, 23, or 27, but I have never felt comfortable with the 27 in a pocket holster. So now, when I absolutely have to tuck my shirt in, I have the 442. Problem solved.
For size reference, it's sitting on a 5"x8" scratch pad. Sorry about the crappy cellphone pic.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e151/Bonk2029/442.jpg
John_Wayne777
08-06-07, 19:00
The 442 is a superb little weapon:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/jwayne_777/IMGP0039.jpg?t=1186443776
Mine (pre-lock version) goes with me practically everywhere I go. It is a dandy little backup gun. I even had the chance to run it on a reactive steel range at Blackwater during a range session which my Brittish SBS instructor kindly allowed me to horn in on.
It's more useful than folks realize.
My only advice would be to switch to the Speer BUG load for it. It is a 135 grain Gold Dot hollowpoint loaded to +P designed specifically to work out of these little revolvers. From the testing they've done thusfar, it offers the most consistently good performance available.
Nice revolver.
I love S&W's, great quality.
My first gun was a nickel plated S&W Model 19 357 mag.
I still got it and still works flawlessly.
Also have a Chief Special 38sp.
everybody needs a good J frame
My only advice would be to switch to the Speer BUG load for it. It is a 135 grain Gold Dot hollowpoint loaded to +P designed specifically to work out of these little revolvers. From the testing they've done thusfar, it offers the most consistently good performance available.
That what I have loaded in my 442. I carry it when I can't easily carry an actual gun, like when I'm at the gym.
Alpha Sierra
08-06-07, 21:55
The old standby Remington or Winchester 158 grain lead semi wadcutter hollow point +P is not to be underestimated.
RAM Engineer
08-06-07, 22:09
I wish my grandfather's airweight bodyguard (model 38) had not been stolen. :(
Not only was it his favorite gun, besides his K-22 (also stolen in same burglary), but it was the only gun I ever had to draw in self-defense. (No shots fired, luckily)
I eagerly await the day that someone calls me to say it has been recovered...
Alpha Sierra
08-06-07, 22:21
OK, since we're parading snubbies, here goes:
http://shutter15.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/06/003/7B/EB/B6/48/GBnKyCvJ3V1wx8LlZ5f7xgi5B4kwWMcu0300.jpg
The S&W knife has been replaced with a much lighter, sharper, and nicer Kershaw/Ken Onion assisted opener.
I had Speer GD 135 +P SBs loaded then, but now run Remington 158 LSWCHP +P. Speedloader is a Safariland Comp I.
everybody needs a good J frame
YUP
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/Lumpy196/fbdd7df7.jpg?t=1186495126
There is something classic in a J-frame. Now just add Crimson Trace lasergrips and you are done! ;)
There is something classic in a J-frame. Now just add Crimson Trace lasergrips and you are done! ;)
Or for those of us on a budget lately, I switched from the Hogues to Hideouts without finger grooves from Precision Gun Specialties. I hate rubber grips.
PGS has always been one of the best kept secrects in LE circles in MI for some reason.
http://www.precisiongunspecialties.com/
I've been buying up 642s and 442s without the lawyer locks. You can never have too many. My EDC is a 642-1, found accidentally like-NIB.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j18/Skintop911/MISC/IMG_3420.jpg
I have a set of those Precision HideOut grips on my M-10 (2"), it's way cool.
About 9 years ago, a gentleman name Hackathorn introduced me to the 642 snubby and I haven't gone without one since. I now have 3 j-frames.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/RichardTouch/BH-chest003.jpg
I've replaced the CTC LG-205 with the new 405.
http://www.hunt101.com/img/470885.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/tlinderman/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/colt_agent_2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20M642/SWM642004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20M642/SWM642003.jpg
Tyler T-grip and Barami hip-grips, thats old-school awesome bro!
SeriousStudent
08-09-07, 18:17
I have a Barami Hip Grip and a black T-Grip on my 642. It's a very comfy and effortless carry. A excellent summer gun here in Texas.
I have a nice old Model 60 in .357, with a Bianchi Lightning grip on it. Works like a 638, you can cock it if need be. Its freakishly accurate. I don't know who tuned it, as I bought it third-hand. It lives in the jacket pocket during the winter. It was a cop trade-in. I know that officer must have been sad when he handed it over. :(
It's going to my daughter when she turns 21 and gets her CHL.
Alpha Sierra
08-25-07, 22:20
http://mysite.verizon.net/tlinderman/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/colt_agent_2.jpg
That is choice!
everybody needs a good J frame
Agreed! Here's one I snagged recently.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/Hershel_Van/638-2.jpg
I have a 340 PD that has been my EDC weapon for several years now and I can't say enough about these pistols. Mine usually rides in the front right pocket of my pants in a Galco pocket leather holster, but sometimes if I have a long enough shirt I'll stick it in my back pocket, so that just the handle sticks out and it is about the quickest deployment of anything I have tried. I have found mine to shoot extremely well at 25 yds with the speer gold dot 135 gr short barrel .38 +P's. If you have one of the super light weight guns, go get yourself a box of these:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=471105
I have yet to hand my gun to anyone that will shoot all five, usually after one or two, they hand it back.
John_Wayne777
08-26-07, 11:37
I have yet to hand my gun to anyone that will shoot all five, usually after one or two, they hand it back.
That's the downside to them....they kick like a mule even with mild .38 ammo....
Of course, most of the ammo I have put downrange with mine has been of the +P variety, and that's really unpleasant. After 50 rounds of 158 grain +P LSWCHP you're hand is pretty much trashed.
Tyler T-grip and Barami hip-grips, thats old-school awesome bro!
Me too ! ! ! Ooh, ooh....me too ! ! !
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n232/blackscot/pistols/P1010018.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n232/blackscot/pistols/P1010020.jpg
I underwent snubbification in April 2006, at an IDPA "bug gun" match. I was shooting a Glock 26 but was turned on by all the J-frame Smiths everywhere. Soon got this Model 640 Centennial.
Along with the aforementioned grip mods, this has been my warm season, under-the-tshirt carry ever since. Slides holsterless under the belt in front, ahead of the hipbone, and covered by the loose hanging shirtail. Absolutely zero print-through, and about the most concealable arrangment I've yet found. Also since it's belt supported, the extra weight of the stainless is no problem to carry (versus pocket carry that needs lightweight alloy), and sure helps tame the snappy recoil of the +P .38 LSWCHP's I stoke it with.
That is choice!
http://mysite.verizon.net/tlinderman/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/colt_agent_2.jpg
I just came across this thread, my thoughts E-X-A-C-T-L-Y! That is one beautiful revolver.
John_Wayne777
08-31-07, 14:09
Looking at this thread it appears all of us need to follow LAV's advice and get some CTC grips for our beloved snubbies.
Alpha Sierra
08-31-07, 21:32
Maybe I'm different, but I do not find snubs especially hard to control.
Looking at this thread it appears all of us need to follow LAV's advice and get some CTC grips for our beloved snubbies.
That's next, trust me. Has anyone had the front sight on a J-frame changed? I've seen a couple options (Bowen, XS)?
Robb Jensen
09-02-07, 19:11
That's next, trust me. Has anyone had the front sight on a J-frame changed? I've seen a couple options (Bowen, XS)?
If you get a new factory S&W M&P 340 or 360 it'll have a Ashley night sight front sight.
condition 1
09-04-07, 15:19
The only bad thing about the S&W J-frames, you can't own just one.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20M642/SWM642004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Tim_Orrock/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20M642/SWM642003.jpg
I like the setup
Robb Jensen
12-07-07, 05:07
I have a small .357 (model 19). I keep it loaded with Speer Gold Dot .357 Mag 135gr 'short barrel'.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/gunpics/new001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/gotm4/gunpics/new002.jpg
Sharp lookin' 19 Robb. The 2&1/2-inch is a classic!
How do you like those Hogue Bantam grips? I was able to handle a K-frame with them that felt really good, so I ordered a set for my 3-inch 66. Shipped Wed., so might show-up today. Shall post piccy once received.
This is my house gun, so I'm looking for something grip-wise that will fit both me and the wife. Revolver is the only platform she'll shoot (not really a gun person, but still understands the importance of self defense). She likes well enough the Uncle Mikes grips that came on the gun, but the profile feels off to me. I tried the Pachmayr Compac Pro (their smallest design), which felt good to me but she said it made it harder for her to get enough leverage against the heavy trigger pull. Hopefully the Bantams may suit us both.
John_Wayne777
12-07-07, 07:13
I have a small .357 (model 19). I keep it loaded with Speer Gold Dot .357 Mag 135gr 'short barrel'.
Somehow the idea of you carrying a revolver seems.....well.......wrong.
Robb Jensen
12-07-07, 07:58
Somehow the idea of you carrying a revolver seems.....well.......wrong.
I gotta have my 'old school cool' man.
Alpha Sierra
12-07-07, 17:17
How do you like those Hogue Bantam grips?
Bantams are the best combination of comfort, control, and concealability in in round butt K frame.
http://shutter08.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/19/001/4B/EB/09/65/tiSCUB6LPK7ZbfannkLP7vE77FbDEfjq0300.jpg
Never ever use an aerosole spray on the 642. The finish melts off!
S&W 340PD. Simply the best IMO.
.38 or .357
Dead nuts reliable.
Incredibly easy to carry in any manner...nothing else comes close.
CT laser grips are not just a good idea, but essential.
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s107/5POINT56/SW340PDCT001.jpg
Looking at this thread it appears all of us need to follow LAV's advice and get some CTC grips for our beloved snubbies.
Not exactly all of us. ;)
3-day old Hogue Bantam grips on the 7-year old S&W 66 3-inch.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n232/blackscot/pistols/DSC_0005.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n232/blackscot/pistols/DSC_0006.jpg
Not sure whether the 3-inch qualifies here as "snubby". More a "Commander" size, if there can be such a thing among revolvers.
Either way though, definitely Old Skewel Kewel ! ! !:cool: :cool: :cool:
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n232/blackscot/pistols/DSC_0003.jpg
Robb Jensen
12-12-07, 06:57
Very nice Randy! :)
I should never have sold that S&W 686 3" Custom Service Special.........:(
A 3-inch 686 ? ? ? ! ! ! :eek: :eek: :eek:
Never, ever seen that. Would be the utmost ultimate......
A 3-inch 686 ? ? ? ! ! ! :eek: :eek: :eek:
Never, ever seen that. Would be the utmost ultimate......
A current production one......
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=53925&tabselected=tech&isFirearm=Y&parent_category_rn=
Didn't know the "P" version came in a 3-inch. Very cool.
Looks like they've eleiminated the 66 altogether???:confused:
Alpha Sierra
12-13-07, 06:10
Looks like they've eleiminated the 66 altogether???:confused:
Several years ago.
All new production S&W 357 Magnum revovlers are either J, L, or N frames. Sadly, no more 357 Ks.
Randy, back in the late 80's the US Customs Service gave S&W a contract to build modified 686's for them. Plainclothes guys got the 3", uniform guys got 4" guns with round butts. They were all bead blasted.
I shouldn't have sold mine. :rolleyes:
Robb Jensen
12-13-07, 13:51
Bead blasted....hmmm....
Fletcher down your way does an AWESOME job of bead blasting!
John_Wayne777
12-13-07, 18:49
Randy, back in the late 80's the US Customs Service gave S&W a contract to build modified 686's for them. Plainclothes guys got the 3", uniform guys got 4" guns with round butts. They were all bead blasted.
I shouldn't have sold mine. :rolleyes:
Guys on the S&W forums practically cream their jeans over the thought of those revolvers......
And just think...the money you got for the revolver probably went to some silly AK project anyway. For shame. :D
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