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by ELB
Wed Jan 25, 2012 9:54 pm
Forum: General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion
Topic: ATTN Wheelgun fans: J-Frame dilemma
Replies: 11
Views: 1876

Re: ATTN Wheelgun fans: J-Frame dilemma

I am of the school that more holes is better than slightly bigger but fewer holes, so I long ago switched to hi-cap 9mm. (I do have a snub for backup duties and rides inbetween the front car seats alot).

But if you are going to go with a snub, I would stick with .38s and be happy. I don't think there is a significant real world difference between a .38 and a .357 from a two inch or less barrel, but in my hand at least the .38 is noticeably more controllable, and especially in a lighter frame. If you can adequately control a .357 snub, more power to you (and in that case I'd look at a .44, if you want a bigger bullet), but anything you can do control-wise with a .357 you can do better with a .38.

The one thing that would drive me to change out the snub you have is the ported barrel. I am sure it helps with control, but for self-defense shooting see it as a liability. You don't always get to extend and arm much, if at all, and in fact the snub is precisely for up-close-and personal shots. The problem with a ported barrel in these cases is it can direct case and bullet shavings into your own face. I have seen this happen. Also, if fired from a pocket (another snub specialty) you again have gas and maybe fragments going in a non-productive direction.

What I would suggest is get two non-ported snubs with shrouded or concealed hammers and put one in each pocket. ;-)

Oh, and the knife is very good too. Just make sure you train vigorously in accessing it (as well as your snubs), and if it is a folder, getting it unfolded. ("Vigorously" includes having people in your face pounding on you or kneeling on your chest as you lay on the ground.)

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