7/24/2007 12:36:22 PM
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Section 8: Handguns Subject: 9mm revolvers Msg# 475635
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TJ, I may be the lone voice for single action here, but I don't agree with what's been said by everybody else about single action not being necessary in a snub-nosed carry gun. First, I agree completely that a revolver with a 2-1/2 inch barrel is intended as a belly gun and double action works great at short range. As long as the confrontation takes place with the target less than 10 feet away, who cares about single action?! But what if it doesn't? What if you find yourself in a situation where you need some accuracy at a bit more range? If you are like me, and every shooter I have shot with, you shoot a revolver much more accurately in single action mode than in double action mode. We can't know in advance what set of circumstances we will face when self defense happens and I want more options not fewer options to work with. Why select a gun that doesn't have a feature (like an exposed hammer) that will let you shoot it more accurately at any range? I have limited experience with snubbies. I tried carrying a snubby during my search for what worked best for me back when CCW first passed in Texas. I ended up settling for a Workman holster from MIlt Sparks, one that lets you holster the gun and then tuck your shirt in over it. I carry too much stuff in my pockets so a pocket holster was out and I didin't like ankle holsters even when I was flexible enough to use one and my style of dress (or lack of it) prevented me from concealing any outside of the waistband or shoulder holster. I tried a Smith 640 and rejected it because it didn't have the single action option. If I truly thought I needed a snag-free pistol and was comfortable with a standard .38 special I would go find a Smith 49 bodyguard - it has a rounded frame in back with just a thumb pad protruding from a slot in the rounded frame surface that lets you cock the hammer. I tried one of those and rejected it, too, in favor of a lightweight J-frame Smith that was rated for +P ammo. I ended up feeling umcomfortably undergunned with the +P .38 special and went back to .45 ACP. While the average person is never going to approach the ability of a Bob Munden or a Jan Libourel with a snub-nosed .38, snubbies can be shot accurately out to a surprising distance with tons of practice. I remember an article by Libourel including a group he shot at 100 yards with a snub-nosed S&W .38 from a kneeling position that I would have been proud to shoot at 30 feet. And, Munden breaks balloons at ridiculous distances with a J-frame. Those are unrealistic distances where self defense is concerned but knowing that a gun could do that would give me more confidence as I trained with it at much shorter ranges. |
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For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where: Bob, When I carry this revolver, it will be rare, as I tend to favor automatics for carrying. Still, I like a good OWB, or IWB holster for my primary carry piece. I haven't really carried my other snubbies, but doubt that they would be a pocket gun. Your translation of Ayoob's method came across well. I think I followed it. I have two J-frames and a Charter Arms Undercover.32 S&W Long. One of the J-Frames has a 3 inch barrel, so it's relegated for training duty. My other J-Frame is a Ladysmith Snubby in .38 SPL (both are Model 60s). I switched out the Rosewood grips for a Hogue rubber grip and it made all the difference in the world. The Charter Arms is for plinking only as I don't consider the .32 S&W Long to be a viable defensive cartridge when I have 4 .45 ACP guns, 1 in 9MM and 1 in .380 sitting around. So that's two now for the internal hammer. This is obviously something I need to consider a bit more then. When I practice defensive drills with the revolvers, it's always in DA mode. Thumbing back the hammer and shooting is reserved for CAS shoots and is not something I would consider for defensive shooting. I think my local range has one for rent (if I recall correctly) and I will find out tonight when I go. Thank you again for the thoughts you and Mark (see I DO listen to him) have provided. TJ |