I agree. Couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with my first snubby. But am now comfortable enough that I would use it to qualify for CHL if doing so didn't preclude me from carrying a semi-auto.DrBillC wrote:practice is key if you're going to carry a snubbie.
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Return to “Trading in the full size for pocket or another sub”
- Fri Feb 05, 2010 4:14 pm
- Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
- Topic: Trading in the full size for pocket or another sub
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1382
Re: Trading in the full size for pocket or another sub
- Fri Feb 05, 2010 2:26 pm
- Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
- Topic: Trading in the full size for pocket or another sub
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1382
Re: Trading in the full size for pocket or another sub
Yes, I have both a S&W J-frame and a Ruger LCP for various modes of pocket carry. Also have a "mid-size" Glock 23, a "subcompact" Glock 27, and a "subcompact" Walther PPS 9mm. I suggest you keep your larger PX4 for your first-line home defense handgun. I keep my G23 with a Streamlight attached on my bedside table. Don't carry it much anymore. Just sits there ready to go and goes along to the range with the others as often as possible.
As for snub revolver vs. a 380 or smaller pocket semi-auto. I (obviously) see the benefits of both. There are times when even the snubby is too big for how I'm dressed to pocket carry effectively. The LCP is definitely the better pocket gun for long-term carry in public - with the right pocket holster it just looks like a wallet or smart phone in your pocket. That said, the snubbies have their own unique way of "hiding" their outline because the large cylinders are so pronounded it doesn't "look like" a gun in your pocket to the average person. Most people - even those who don't know/care much about guns - instantly recognize the signature "print" of a semi-auto. A revolver sort of breaks up it's own outline well in the pocket. And I love a snub-nose revolver for just tossing in your pocket while your in your own house, working in the garage, whatever. Definitely wins in the "reliability" category too, IMHO. Not that I've ever had a problem with LCP (other than the recall), but I just have more confidence that no matter what the wheel-gun will go bang. I traded an old Charter Arms Undercover on a Kahr PM-series gun years ago. Kahr had problems; sold it and bought a S&W J-frame. Swore no matter what I'd never be without a 5-shot snub nose revolver ever again. I really missed not having one.
The last thing you'll pull out of my cold dead hand will be my snubby, right after you take my Glock from the other hand.
I also much prefer the way a snub-nose draws from the pocket (assuming you take care of the hammer spur - either it's covered/cut, or you cover it with your thumb on the draw) to a SA mouse gun. And I"m a bit more comfortable with a .38 vs a .380 as far as defensive stopping power, and that's just straight up comparison. If you carry +P .38s then it's a more stark difference in snubby's favor.
Still - there are times when only the lil Elsie Pea will do. And a brand-new LCP costs less than a quality used S&W j-frame and less than a new Ruger LCR revolver.
I think pocket carry is something everyone should have in their repertoire. So I say go for it. If you're anywhere near Austin, GT Distributors has S&W J-frames for less than $400 new (lowest I've ever seen) and Ruger LCRs for about $365.
As for snub revolver vs. a 380 or smaller pocket semi-auto. I (obviously) see the benefits of both. There are times when even the snubby is too big for how I'm dressed to pocket carry effectively. The LCP is definitely the better pocket gun for long-term carry in public - with the right pocket holster it just looks like a wallet or smart phone in your pocket. That said, the snubbies have their own unique way of "hiding" their outline because the large cylinders are so pronounded it doesn't "look like" a gun in your pocket to the average person. Most people - even those who don't know/care much about guns - instantly recognize the signature "print" of a semi-auto. A revolver sort of breaks up it's own outline well in the pocket. And I love a snub-nose revolver for just tossing in your pocket while your in your own house, working in the garage, whatever. Definitely wins in the "reliability" category too, IMHO. Not that I've ever had a problem with LCP (other than the recall), but I just have more confidence that no matter what the wheel-gun will go bang. I traded an old Charter Arms Undercover on a Kahr PM-series gun years ago. Kahr had problems; sold it and bought a S&W J-frame. Swore no matter what I'd never be without a 5-shot snub nose revolver ever again. I really missed not having one.
The last thing you'll pull out of my cold dead hand will be my snubby, right after you take my Glock from the other hand.
I also much prefer the way a snub-nose draws from the pocket (assuming you take care of the hammer spur - either it's covered/cut, or you cover it with your thumb on the draw) to a SA mouse gun. And I"m a bit more comfortable with a .38 vs a .380 as far as defensive stopping power, and that's just straight up comparison. If you carry +P .38s then it's a more stark difference in snubby's favor.
Still - there are times when only the lil Elsie Pea will do. And a brand-new LCP costs less than a quality used S&W j-frame and less than a new Ruger LCR revolver.
I think pocket carry is something everyone should have in their repertoire. So I say go for it. If you're anywhere near Austin, GT Distributors has S&W J-frames for less than $400 new (lowest I've ever seen) and Ruger LCRs for about $365.