I love my J frame Smiths but I understand their limitations. I enjoy shooting them, but they are not what I'd consider comfortable to shoot for long periods of time. I shoot them enough to be able to hit what I aim at and that's all I need. I like how nice and easy they are to conceal and carry all day though, very light and compact.
What a well done comprehensive analysis of snub nose revolvers. The one thing about wheel guns is they always work and they are as simple as pulling the trigger. A long time ago as a police officer I carried a Smith & Wesson snub Chief's Special stainless, 5 shot .38 Special as a backup and off-duty carry. What a bucking bronco! Ended up ditching it for an AMT Back-up .380 that fit into a cigarette pack in my shirt.
Bought an LCR in .327 Fed Mag, and haven't looked back. Grabbed some factory defensive ammo, a crap ton of .32 H&R Mag brass, and have been putting in as much work with it as I can. I really do wish the caliber was more popular. I've fallen in love with it.
Chris, thank you for the comments about the grips and trigger press. When my wife gave me her Dan Wesson revolver, I swapped the grips for a larger size, and that really improved my shooting. I thought the improvement was all due to my grip on the revolver, but it may have changed my trigger press, too. Something for me to be more aware of! Many thanks.
To solve most of those problems at the expense of a little more weight and concealability, try a S&W 686+ with a 3 in. barrel. Soft shooter of .38 spl., and shooting .357 isn't fun but it isn't torture.
Great video, Chris, love your work. Since CCW has opened up to many of us since Bruen, I've been interested in CCWing a small caliber revolver. Do you know of any 25cal on the market? I have many full size pistols/revolvers, and even a 25semi-auto but would like go for the 25 revolver if you know of one (disabled shooter in need of recoil management in self-defense scenarios, range time is no problem with heavy calibers). Alternatively, I would go with the 22mag, BUT I'm trepidatious of using a rimfire for self-defense. I'd welcome any and all thoughts. Thank you, and again, keep up the great work!
If you got a 25 you'd surely lose capacity over a 22 mag. The likelihood one 22 mag doesn't fire is very small, and when they all do you have bonus capacity over a 25. I don't see why you'd get anything other than a 22 mag (especially since I've never heard of a 25 revolver).
@@DWalter.27 yeah,you're right the 25acp isn't a rimmed cartridge (i had forgotten that) so that would pose an issue ecen if there was a 25 revolver. I have a friend that recommends the 351pd 22mg revolver, and i do like it. So long as there isn't much issue with misfire I think it should be ok -- I'm not as practiced with 22s, so I'm going more from rumors, but i have come across 22 semis that have had failure to feed and fire.
@@Jayce1701 moon clips fix most of the non-rimmed issues in revolvers lucky Gunner has a great 22 mag video. In the comments there's a ton of people saying they never have issues with 22 mag firing. Worth checking out
The snubnose revolver works best for someone who regularly shoots (and is capable with) a full sized revolver. You can definitely learn it without using a larger medium framed service revolver, but you're going to have to do your homework with dryfiring and more frequent but short practice sessions at the range to get used to a snubnose before fatigue (or pain) set in. A lot of people pick up a .38 snubnose as their first revolver and have to learn all the fundamentals of the double action trigger, grip, and how to handle recoil on the most difficult revolver platform possible. A snubnose makes a lot of sense for a regular revolver shooter but not as much for someone who only shoots striker fire semiautos.
The snub nose is NOT a beginners gun. It is geared for the experienced. YES, fire your snub nose at EVERY range session. If you are not a revolver person to start, it will be a bumpy road.
@@sisleymichael I'm thinking about transitioning to a snubnose for my next CCW piece despite still considering myself a novice shooter. I have limited revolver experience, but the benefits of a snubby really speak to my layered views on self-defense.
@@charlesmckinley29 I've got a list of potential candidates, that's one of them. I'm actually liking the idea of the smaller Chiappa Rhino variants as well, but I'd have to look more into its track record of reliability/durability before I trusted it.
@@sisleymichael "The snub nose is NOT a beginners gun. It is geared for the experienced." Not true. The snub nose .38 has been a first choice of novices for decades. They even used to be called "Saturday Night Specials" due to the popularity among criminals. It is just a handgun...If you have the basic handgun skills you can shoot anything. If not, you will "pray and spray" like most people.
Excellent video. Especially the grip technique and trigger press analysis. As a long time revolver carrier and competitor, you hit the nail on the head.
Now headed into my 9th year of retirement (good Lord, where did the time go?) from LE, I switched last year back to a J-frame as my primary little "always gun." I still often carry more than one, but that little airweight 442 is just so darn easy to drop into a pocket holster and forget about. Unlike my pocket autos, I'm not having to constantly disassemble it to dig out lint and re-oil this or that. It. Just. Works. They honestly are capable of very good accuracy, but just not usually in the hands of a beginner. Little guns really are expert guns because of all the time it takes to get good with one. I have a plethora of pocket pistols, but there's just something about a j-frame.
I use a laser as a training aid. Simply put the laser on a target 7 to 15 yards away (more or less) and dry fire. watching the laser dot shift as you pull the trigger. Practice keeping the laser dot as steady as possible. This gives you instant feedback and lots of repetition trains your trigger pull until it gets smooth and fast. then you are ready for live fire. I used the same technique to learn to control my Ruger LCP. Also adjust the laser so that the laser falls right above your front sight, that way you work with both sighting systems. It doesn't take long to see some significant improvement.
A mugger isn't going to be 7-15 yds away. A mugger will be within 5-7 feet as stats show. Point and shoot if you feel like it. A murderous shooter will be within 7 yds as stats show, again point-shoot until you're empty or he's dead. I carry a S&W 642. I'm going to be dealing up close. Trying to aim a 642 may be an FBI protocol but I feel trying to aim a snubbie is foolish. @ handed point and shoot.
@@nomadpi1 I disagree. Your accuracy Will usually drop significantly in a self defense shooting, so training to shoot smaller targets at longer ranges makes sense. Also, quite a few active shooter situations where you actually need to take a shot further than point blank range.
I strongly recommend them. You can do without them but why not spend a couple bucks to protect your expensive gun. Note, they are REQUIRED for almost all rim-fire guns!! @@sidneywhite749
I gotta say, getting a revolver after having only semi-auto pistols was a damn good idea. ...It's so vastly different, that you can do unique training sessions with a revolver at the range, that a semi simply cannot do. I absolutely bring my revolver to the range every visit, just because it's totally fun!
I am considering a revolver, after carrying a G22 for duty, simply because I got used to the New York trigger spring (~12 lbs or so), and never trained enough on manual-safety semi-autos to remember to sweep off the safety. The times I shot 1911's and such I had to consciously think about the safety; don't want to be doing that if SHTF. Since I won't be carrying in the usual high-security holster anymore, it's either a revolver or a DAO semi-auto. I never had "Glock leg"; still don't want it.
@@markh.6687 If I'm multitasking at the range (like talking to a buddy, etc) I probably forget to disable the safety about 20% of the time. ...But generally, I too have to tell myself "disable the safety;" as it's not muscle memory for me yet.
@@markh.6687 The Cz 75s and beretta autos are a good DA/SA option for auto loaders. All steel or aluminum frames and most of the models have a decocker so you can carry it no safety and double action first pull
Using a “thumb over” or “C-clamp” grip on my 642 made a big difference in accuracy. In addition, this prevents the risk of support side thumb burns from the cylinder gas escape.
@@geraldmiller5232Jerry Miculek hit a target repeatedly with a revolver at 1000 yards. If you practice and know your holdovers then hitting a man at 100-200 yards is easy. Just because you don't want to put in the work doesn't mean it won't pay off. There's things to protect other than just yourself. That means distance always matters.
I use this grip for all my handguns. I don’t want to have to think “I’m using this gun so I need this grip” in an adrenaline situation. One grip to do it all and it works great for pistols too. It’s a stronger grip plus I have never really liked the “correct” community approved method: the two forward facing “death ray thumbs” grip.
Good tips! I have learned to use a thumb-over grip with virtually all my DA/SA and DAO revolvers. It serves two functions; more stability in the grip and keeps my support hand away from the flash gap area. Also, I'll give up a little in concealment with what I can gain in (my) performance with a larger grip.
Of all of the hand guns I have fired, the snub nose far and away is the best instictive pointing firearm. Yes trigger pull is heavy, however it is heavy for a reason. Sights, don't need them for the snub nose intended purpose. It is a great self defense firearm.
I plan on buying a new S&W J frame .38 Bodyguard soon. With Big Blue's rebate offer. Ends 04/02/2023. I got a Desantis Nemesis nylon holster & a few Tuff Products safety orange type .38spl strips. Pro tip: a metal Altoids mint tin can store 2 .38spl 5rd strips. 😎
I'm always happy to see more revolver videos on this channel. Great advice, and stellar production values. Can't go wrong with a combo like that! You're right on the money when it comes to grip selection; the right grip can make a revolver fit you like a glove. I picked up a Taurus 856 Executive recently, and while I liked it (and was impressed at how far Taurus had come), I had to track down some discontinued closed-backstrap Pachmayr Compac grips to truly enjoy it. Revolversmith Grant Cunningham has some excellent books on the subject of snubnose carry revolvers and use.
I just wish this channel had more views n subs and a bigger budget to produce more content. Everything is so well researched and produced. Informative and really delivered on a gun educational level that I fall right into. Favorite channel by a lot, just wish we were getting 2 videos a week.
Chris is on point with matching the ammo caliber to the revolver. My wife loves (and so do I) firing her Ruger LCR .327 Fed Mag with .32 S&W Long ammo. It's a pleasure to shot. Firing a .327 Fed Mag load will get you unburned power residue on your forearms along with the kick. Your groups will open up like a Star Gate Portal after the second shot. Due to the scarcity of the .32 S&W Long ammo (I prefer the FMJ) and it's associated cost it has sat unfired for a year. I would love to get a stainless 22 lr revolver but Ruger has all but stopped making stainless revolvers in 22lr and S&W is asking a premium for theirs.
Awesome and informative video, as always! Nine years ago, when I migrated fro semi-autos to snub nose revolvers for my ccw, the safest place you could be was directly in front of me at arms length. 😄. Now, I'm reasonably accurate at 7 yards. As to trigger control, a friend of mine, an ex cop told me to lay a coin on the top strap, and dry fire till the coin did not fall off. When you can dry fire 100 times without the coin falling off, you've got it.
i have a 2 inch S&W small frame and a 3 inch S&W airweight. The three inch is much easier to shoot and I can actually hit a target at 50 ft. Thanks for the video.
The best thing about laser sights on snubbies, and at this point I no longer have them on anything but my snubbies, is trigger practice. You really get feedback on how controlled or sloppy your DA trigger work is when you have a laser sight dot to dance out there at target range. I think you hit the nail on the head about controllability. Until the magnum era the only real control problem with revolvers were bad factory grip shapes. That is not much of a problem anymore, but is a factor shooters need to be aware of. Also, a revolver is far more controllable in DA mode, it is a shame SA is even part of the equation - if a revolver functions DA, shoot DA - all the time. Every SA shot is bad practice in multiple dimensions.
I shoot much better at 25 yards with my G22 than I ever could with a revolver; the Glock-style SA trigger made the difference. If I shot the revolver in SA mode I was much better. And yes, watching people try shooting 357 Mag and hit the target was funny, since all they had shot was 38+P and thought there wouldn't be THAT much of a difference!
I don’t think a 3” or 4” model qualifies as a snubby. That said, they shoot about twice as well as a 2” barrel. Practice is what makes it possible to shoot the snubby well. There’s really no substitute for practice. Dry fire is about half as good as live fire but is still worth the effort and time. I ignore the sights, point shooting is the way to work these guns well. It’s the wrong gun for distances over 20-30 feet max. Practicing with sights and two hands is a waste of time for the most part because that’s not how you’ll shoot it in an emergency. Learn with both hands one handed, that can become very important in a crisis.
Please do a video giving your opinion on Charter Arms, and comparing them to the competition, like Taurus. I have a Charter and have mixed feelings on it, would love to hear your opinion.
Chris, in several previous videos you have highlighted the 2.25 inch barrel SP101 as one of your preferred snubbies, yet there was no mention of the advantages of its slightly larger/heavier and its slightly greater barrel length design in this video. I suggest that is unfortunate, because the extra weight considerably mitigates recoil (especially for the hottest .38 Special +Ps), the grip size is likely more comfortable, the extra barrel length provides increased velocity and sight radius, yet it is still rather concealable.
The Kimber K6S has excellent sights, and handles .357 magnum well for a snubby. Wouldn’t want to shoot it all day with full loads, but 12-18 rounds doesn’t leave bruises.
My EDC now is a K6s 357 magnum too but started out carrying S&W 442 for many years. I practice with 38spl. because of price but shoot EVERY weekend and my K6s has night sights, smooth double action trigger, American made, but cost twice as much as my S&W 442 38 spl lasted many years and dependable as they get but with the K6s with it’s Beauty and Lovely Craftsmanship, It feels like 3X they gun just by it looks, weight, , feel, & overall performance! I’ve learned over many years you get what you pay for!#Kimber#K6s#357magnum#Snub❤@thomasmetz3
I recently got rid of my S&W 642 because it was just too uncomfortable (downright painful) to shoot - even with larger, rubber grips on it. My hand size just wasn't compatible with that one. I love my 351C (.22 Magnum), but with the low recoil there, it's painless to shoot. As for a snub-nose .357/38 Special, I like the Kimber K6S with target grips. It's bigger and heavier than the S&W 642 (similar to the Ruger SP101), with an extra 1-round capacity than either the Smith or Ruger.
You might also want to consider the Charter Arms Undercover and Police Undercover, the Taurus 856 and 856 Ultra-Lite, and the Rock Island Armory m 206. Any of those are better than my S&W 442 in comfort, accuracy, and especially, price. Personally, I prefer the Charter Arms Undercover, which is my usual carry. The Police Undercover is slightly larger and holds 6 rds. Both are excellent "always guns". Another is the Charter Arms Boxer, an aluminum version of the Police Undercover.
I use the kimber control core grips on my 2” DAO. Adds room for your pinky and covers the backstrap. Makes it not as concealable but really not too great of a difference
My first ccw revolver was a 442. Same as your 642, but black. I also hated the rubber grips it came with. To my amazement, the old classic wood checkered grips the gun was designed with back in the 1950's, were far more comfortable for me, even though they're smaller than those rubber monstrosities Smith & Wesson switched to. I bought a set at a gun show for, as I remember, $25.00, and they completely transformed the gun for me.
Thanks for the great information. I own a .38 snubby and although the Ruger LCR in .327 Federal Magnum was my first choice, I couldn't justify the near $ 1,000 price my local dealers were charging 1 year ago when I was in the market.
Very good comprehensive summary of small revolvers. I’ve been shooting them for years, but have found that the older I get, the worse the sights are to see. I’m thinking the best overall fix might be to h explore the feasibility of having dovetails milled and better fixed sights installed - as long as the cost is reasonable. New snubbie shooters can overcome a lot of the problems by spending a sufficient amount of time dry firing.
I liked the standard red, fiber-optic front sight on the new-model Colt Cobra I bought a few years ago when it came out. I liked it less when that front sight flew off while shooting (less than 100 rounds through the gun). It was an easy repair, but it really turned me off to Colt build quality (There was clearly no loctite on the set screw before I reinstalled it). That aside - it's a comfortable 6-shot snub-nose to shoot, with good sights. Not super concealable though, with the big rubber grips out of the box.
I second the 327 fed mag for carry. The Ruger LCR is a great pistol, you get 6 shots in a snub nose and 327 is pretty close to 357 mag in terms of power. It helps to reload so you don’t have to search for the ammo as much though.
I agree the .327 is a good load. But you need to educate yourself. The .327 is no where even remotely close to the power of a .357. Evidently you need to go rent one at a range and see the difference in power for yourself, because you would not have made that statement if you ever had. For ccw, the .327 is a great round, but please don’t fool yourself thinking it is close to a .357 in power.
@@thatsmytwocents4372 I think you need to educate yourself, .327 is comparable to .357 for most loads with the exception of some underwood ammo defensive loads for .327 that are loaded quite light compared to their .357 counterparts. but .327 and .357 speer gold dots are very close. (and no, just because one is heavier, doesnt mean its better)
@@thatsmytwocents4372 That would be true if the .357 side of this comparison used full power loads. But I am guessing that people who run .357 at all in their snubbies, are using reduced power .357 loads, or .38 Spl. So, a full power .327 load probably stacks up pretty well in comparison.
Snubnose revolvers will always be my favorite guns to be honest. For me the problem with shooting them is one brand to the next the sights are very different. The triggers can def be an issue on some, and the recoil to me is not usually an issue. Hand geometry is a big deal! I shoot some guns terribly, while other people shoot them well, and vice versa. All based on hand size and finger length / girth, and personal preference too. I have spent hundreds on grips to fit my fat fingers because many pinch my middle finger. However, everyone is different. I love these Videos Chris, keep them coming! The LCR is one of my favorite to shoot FWIW. Yet, I love the 38 special. If you are worried about recoil, you can reload 38 special very easily too.
I am surprised you didn't bring up the fact that you can fire .38 short Colts and .38 long Colt in a revolver chambered for either 357 Magnum or 38 Special. Both of those rounds have noticeably less recoil compared to 38 Special in a small gun. But the ammunition can be kind of hard to find, and can only be found in lead round nose bullets.
Sig 365, Springfield Hellcat or another small semiautomatic. there is no logical reason to buy or use a revolver especially since revolvers are $600+ and capacity is 6 vs 15 hollow point 9mm in the smaller lighter Hellcat.
A 357 cartridge is wasted in a two inch barrel, unless you want extra recoil and a blinding flash. A tough guy wants as much of a bang as he can get, a smart guy wants accurate shot placement.
I wholeheartedly second your final comments about dry fire practice. It is absolutely invaluable. My EDC is a G48, prior to that a S&W Shield, but I shoot my Ruger LCR .357 far better than any other gun. The reasons are obvious. I have a Hogue Laser grip on it and because I can lay in my hammock or on the couch while reading or watching youtube and just randomly dry fire, watching that laser dot to see if I'm holding my gun steady. I've got 100 times more hours dry firing it than any of my semi-auto pistols and being able to see my mistakes has made me faster and more accurate at the range than I am even with my Walther PPQ. If I could only get better and more efficient dry firing exercises as conveniently with my G48.
Snub nosed revolvers are not as bad as people say. With a firm wrist and rubber grips, they work fine. As to sights? Please. In a self defense shooting, you are not going to using them anyway; that is not how the snubby was designed to be used. Learn to point and shoot intuitively.
YES , 327 MAGNUM, is one of my favorite calibers as well. I had a Ruger SP101 in 32 Magnum n really liked it. However I do attend gun shows all over my state, each weekend, and have not been able to find a 327MAG in Ruger LCR, or Ruger SP101. So I went to order one at local Ohio shop, and on back order at Ruger and or Ruger supplier such as Lipseys. . . . ps good video
Well-done! I, like you, use the “middle segment” of my trigger finger, on the face of the trigger. For some number of years, in the Eighties and perhaps into the Nineties, I kept struggling to use the distal crease, on the trigger face, as I do with larger revolvers, but ultimately, found it best, with J-Frames and the SP101, to let the “middle segment” land on the face of the trigger, in a natural-feeling way, while using a grip as high as practicable, on the back strap. Regarding grip size, for the geometry of my individual hands, the Ruger SP101 factory grip is custom-level perfection, not only fitting my hand well, but also orienting my hand for an optimal “reach” to the trigger face.
Exactly! I remember, the so-called "experts" saying you should shoot with the first joint of your finger, or even the tip. That left me struggling. Finally, I said the heck with it and I would shoot the way that my hand wanted to intuitively. Every gun is different, and so is every human hand. Do what works as you would using any other tool-which is exactly what a gun is. Peace.
Great video. I love my Ruger LCR9mm. The .32 and .22 Mag are awesome choices as well but .32 ammo was just too hard to find and expensive and the .22 mag as a revolver wasn't readily available for at the time when I was looking
Chris, I've watched a lot of firearms videos in an effort to learn as much as I can about all things firearm related. I've put aside the fakers, pretenders, "hot shots" and tactical cool guys and settled on a few presenters I can trust, you're at the top of the list. What makes you stand out is that some of the advice you give goes against the "prevailing thought". The best example is when you said pick the gun with the weight that you want to carry and match the caliber and ammunition to it. Others might have said go to the gym build your biceps until you can handle the recoil of 357 Magnums because your selection must be made based on "THE 357 man stopper". I love revolvers (642 J frame my favorite and 3 other varieties), so I'll be looking forward to more.
It is a mistake to think that light weight is the objective! I carry a solid stainless steel snubby with the weight to help absorb .38 Special +P recoil, and it IS heavier than the super-lightweights by DESIGN. BUT you quickly get used to it and don't even notice it in your pocket. REALLY!...............................elsullo
I really like Pachmayr Diamond grips. The crimson trace grips for LCR are pretty good too if you want a laser. The thing to remember about a side mounted laser is that POI shifts significantly side to side depending on distance to the target.
My friend owns a Ruger LCR .38spl with a red Lasermax. He's owned it since spring 2013. He has it mainly for home security 🏡. For ammunition, he loads older +P Cor Bon DPX 110gr. 5rd.
I can shoot my 642 fine, but I recently relegated it to the bench in favor of a Taurus 856. A steel-frame snub is just sooo much more pleasant to shoot. My recommendation to anyone interesting in getting a snub is to always start with a steel-framed one. Then you can switch to a alloy-framed one later once you feel comfortable.
Same here. I loved carrying my lightweight 642, but shooting it not so much. I started shooting and carrying an SS 649 a few years ago and get much better results on the target.
Great video. I found for me the crimson trace lg 350 grips fit my hand well and also help a longer distance for qualification due to aging eyes. I put them on my 640, 642 and 351c.
In my opinion, the best way to get better with any revolver is to get a S&W Model 617 chambered in 22lr. Put a bunch of ammo through it and get used to the double action trigger. It’s not exactly the same as shooting a J frame, but it’s close enough and the skills will definitely transfer to any other gun. To include autoloaders.
Instead of a thumbs forward grip, try wrapping the support hand thumb behind the thumb of the trigger hand. Old trooper from the 80s who carried revolvers taught me that. Much more stable and your thumb is out of the way.
I would agree with the caveat: if you alternately carry a J frame OR a semi-auto: this can be disastrous if your habit is to go thumb-over. If all you EVER carry OR expect to use in SD, the thumb-over is better because follow-up shots are quicker for sure, and you're right: it's more stable. In my case I don't do it EXCEPT for showing off w/ the J-Frame for ego purposes: yes, you can bust milk jugs at 50yds w/ the J frame. But when I do that I'm also stacking the trigger and doing classic target-shooting breathing -- not at all what I'd do in a grave situation.
Thanks Chris. Great advice as usual. I've been carrying and shooting S&W J-frames since the mid-70's, both on duty as a back up and off duty. Started out with a model 36, 2", later a 442, and currently settled in with a model 640-1 fitted with the discontinued Uncle Mikes rubber grips. The 640 is a stainless DA only variant with a 2" full lug barrel. Front sight is pinned, plain black. The gun weighs 23.5 ounces, and a slightly wider smooth combat trigger. This revolver is 357 magnum capable, but I carry and practice with .38 special caliber ammo now that I'm 71 years old. (arthritis) The gun has a great action, resists corrosion, and is very shootable with the Uncle Mikes, Crimson Trace LG-350, Pachmayr or similar grip, which enclose the back strap and aid in buffering recoil a bit.
Craig Spegel of OR was well known for his wood: "boot grips". His website was still working but I think he his slowly shifting into retirement. Hogue makes excellent after market J frame & Ruger LCR grips in my view.
Great information,thank you for your hard work. My idea for my Poly P is that I will never fire it past about 10’. It’s more of a get up off of me and not reach out and touch something.
Excellent video! Personally I prefer a larger framed snubby (K frame size) in .38/.357 with full size rubber grips. Then carry it appendix. Also it has to be a minimum of 6 round capacity. This is just what I like and am used to shooting.
I wouldn't say the sights on a snub-nose are "garbage", they are minimal for the intended range of fire, and for ease of deployment of the gun. These aren't target pistols; they really don't need any enhancement. With practice you can adjust to them.
I’ve carried my S&W 442 for about 20 years and I like to show off how well I can handle it when people think it’s inaccurate or that 30 yard shots are impossible. I carry it with underwood 125gn in a Bora2 pocket holster and it’s been wearing the blue G10 bantam grips from Hogue and an Apex trigger I put in. I really want the .327 Federal version but could never find one
16 March 2023 - Thank you for your presentation! As always, you clearly present and explain the topic without repetition. There is a partial solution to the issue of recoil and maintaining the sight picture. I had my dealer send my DAO resolvers to Mag-Na-Port for porting. That process is a one time expense and very well worth it.
Mastering the trigger by dry fire is key before firing. Start out 3 yards out working on trigger control and sight picture backing it up as you tighten up the groups. Couple boxes and a sore paw you will be decently proficient.
Wow l never really thought about all the finger mechanics. I inherited a 2” S&W 10-5 from my father who inherited it from his father. Neither used it much. It was hard to shoot at first but with practice l’ve gotten pretty good with it. Nice video.
I gave my dad an Armscor M206, then put some aftermarket Colt D series grips on it. It feels GREAT in the hand now, love a grip that starts narrow at the top and swells towards the bottom (which is why I HATE the wide rubber grips on my .357 Magnum).
@@sidneywhite749 it isn't a perfect fit, but it is close enough to work. I lined up the back of the frame with the grips, if the front overhangs a bit it doesn't make much of a difference. For the holes for the frame pins I used a drill bit and twisted it by hand to make the holes. There is a small gap and a slight overhang on the front but it is still WAY better than it was.
Totally agree with everything that you mentioned. I lot of my friends want their wives to use this type of revolver, who have no experience with firearms ..... BIG MISTAKE!
Hogue makes a laser enhanced grip for the lcr that's identical to the factory tamer grip It can however be difficult to activate if the finger grooves don't match up to your hand Some minor mods can help
That's awesome. I really like the Hogue grip on my LCR and wouldn't mind getting a laser for it. These are pricey though! $190 for red and $250 for green. Whew!
@FroZenNinja yes they are, I I bit the bullet anyway because there's just not a way to put an RDO on a revolver Only now Taurus makes an optic ready revolver too 🙄🤣
Finger exercisers that are marketed for guitarist and rock climbers will really help to manage long trigger pulls. Look for one with individual finger springs. You can grip it like a handgun while working your trigger finger. Regular use allows much better control.
I cut my teeth on a wheel gun and used it for work back in the mid 70's until the mid or late 80's when semi autos got authorized. I have no issue using one and have carried one for many years. The sights are normally fine for out to 25 to 30 yards. I do like the laser grips. As to hitting, the secret is one thing. Practice practice practice and also include dry fire practice.
I replaced the front sight on the LCR with the HI VIZ fiber optic. Chris is correct that it seems tall compared to the sight picture we are taught. However, i did not find it to be a problem. First, since I use red fiber-optics whenever I can, my natural sight picture is to see the full red circle. It did not change with the lcr and I actually hit the target well and did not feel I was straining to adjust. The bottom of the circle just sits at the bottom of the rear sight. I tested at the range today. 6 o’clock hold on the bullseye as recommended in the manual. Winchester 130gr fmj white box. At 1 yard: 0, at 5 yards, inch high, 10 yards 1.5 inch. I will try again but I saw enough. My conclusion is that the sight might be high, but within 10 yards, any assailant is not going to like where I am hitting and I don’t need a special sight picture for the LCR. Good enough for me. Also, with a good grip regular 38 special and +p work for me. After 150-200 rounds, I know i have been shooting a snubby but I am not dreading the training. Great video
Looks like 6 recommendations in this video. #s 7-50: Learn to point shoot effectively. Also, I gotta smile at all the people who have discovered that handling .357 Magnum in a lightweight snubbie is “uncomfortable.” I use an LCR with 5 x 158 gr. +P loads, weighs just shy of a pound, and it’s plenty snappy.
I love revolvers and thought I’d get a little snuby for deep conceal situations. I put 1000 rounds though my model 642 and couldn’t hit a damn thing. Not blaming the gun, but clearly my skills aren’t up to snuff for the long heavy trigger pull and tiny sight radius. I traded it for a sig p232 which I later traded for a Glock 42.
Outstanding summary of snubs. Thank you! Been shooting them for 50 years and you just hit all the things I learned the hard, expensive way in one video. Best caliber: the .32 family (you convinced me of that in your previous videos). Best for lefties? S&W .38 Bodyguard. Best trigger? LCR centerfires. Easiest to carry? S&W 43C. Best .38 ammo? Wadcutters. I have them all, and like children, they are all different but easy to love for different reasons.
My solutions are full steel frame, custom grips, three inch barrel. With good leather I find the three inch barrel to be just as concealable as anything shorter.
