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3/17/2013 10:35:44 AM

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Section 8: Handguns
Subject: M325 Nightguard Msg# 852736

From:

Mark Freburg Forum Manager

Joined 4/3/2000

To:

Stu Wayne (Read)

Joined 4/4/2000

When you compare it to your primary carry, sure, it's not the be-all and end-all, but compare it to other guns within the genre--smaller framed snub revolvers. Here it shines. It's better than a small frame snub in several ways--it is more shootable--fitting our hands better, using a powerful cartridge without punishing us to the point where we will not shoot it in practice (think 13oz .357 J-frame for example), having sights we can use rather than a trough in the topstrap and a small ramp out front. If we own and use snub revolvers, and so many of us do, then these large frame snubs are simply better at everything except for deep concealment...

And deep concealment is for undercover drug agents and people carrying guns outside the law. Wink If you can legally carry a handgun either on a license, permit, or badge, it only needs to be concealed, not taped to the underside of your scrotum. There is no need for something that you can hide inside a box of Marlboros. You can carry an N-frame snub with thought and the right holster(s) and the right clothing, as I outlined in my previous message. No, it won't hide quite as well as a smaller frame revolver but that is all it won't do better than the smaller frame snub.

And one can take it beyond the usual mission for snubs. Life's too short to identify the "ultimate carry gun" and then ignore everything else that may give you a lot of enjoyment--as an alternative or occasional carry, or back-up, or house gun/office gun, or car gun, etc. A revolver is particularly well-suited for stashing in places where it will not be handled for long periods of time yet must work if and when it's needed. While the semi-auto is better suited to hard use and near abuse--combat for example, the revolver is better suited to benign neglect. Put it in a drawer for a years and it will, without question, go bang when you pull it out and fire it. The need for lubrication is not nearly as important with the revolver, and its springs remain at rest in storage.

You know all this Stu, I reiterate it for the lurkers.

Once more, it seems clear that these big snubs are far more than the World's Tallest Midgets.

For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where:
I guess my first and most important question would be "In which of those alternative situations would the .45 snubby carry better than the higher-capacity 1911, or even the really higher capacity XD45?

I just think the gun is lacking in many areas. First, the effective barrel length - for comparison with a semi-auto - is about 3 3/4 to 4 inches, pretty short for a .45 and with a slight cylinder gap leak as well. I know you don't like a short-barreled 1911 that would equate to this (ignoring possible cycling reliability issues). Would you limit yourself to 185 gr ammo and maybe +P to offset that?

The sight radius is about 4 inches - much shorter than a Commander or full-sized 1911. Don't you consider that a negative?

Lastly, it weighs 28 ounces empty, not much different from a lightweight 1911 and heavier than an XD45 (I recognize that full ammo loads will change that some). Wouldn't that make for some noticeable sag in the alternate carry modes you mentioned?

Stu

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