Military Camp

Snubbie .38 vs .380?

The #1 community for Gun Owners in Texas

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • satx78247

    Member, Emeritus
    Emeritus - "Texas Proud"
    Jun 23, 2014
    8,479
    96
    78208
    S&W J frames and similar revolvers are among the most popular carry guns. I'm a small time holster maker, maybe 25-30 a month, and I sell more concealment holsters for J frames (and LCRS) than any other design.

    Charley,

    CHECK YOUR MAIL, PLEASE.

    yours, satx
    Texas SOT
     

    benenglish

    Just Another Boomer
    Staff member
    Lifetime Member
    Admin
    Nov 22, 2011
    23,863
    96
    Spring
    I should have said Barami Hip Grip.
    Random thoughts on that -

    While the DeSantis Clip Grip is available for J-frames only, the Barami Hip Grip is available for J and K frames, both square and rounded, as well as several other brands of revolver. If you want something that looks nicer, the Collins Lip Grip is the same concept but in prettier materials at a higher cost.

    Personally, I prefer the feel of the Clip Grip but that may just be my familiarity. I like the way it conforms to the generic Boot Grip profile, filling in behind the trigger guard a bit. I've never used the Hip Grip for more than a few rounds but my impression was that it needed the addition of a Tyler T-grip to fill in behind the trigger guard and to be comfortable. I've never even seen a Lip Grip.

    Lip Grip from Collins: http://www.collinscraftgrips.com/pi...+J+round+butt+Lip+Grips++made+from+Dymondwood

    Clip Grip from DeSantis: https://www.desantisholster.com/CLIP-GRIP

    Hip Grip from Barami: http://www.baramihipgrip.com/index.html
     

    cb51

    Member
    Feb 8, 2017
    169
    11
    Georgetown Tx.
    Great replies all, thanks. I was leaning that way but now I know I'm going for the J frame .38. Probably the S&W 637. I like the idea of a hammer and my usual carry gun is a little single action NAA mini .22 revolver. I shoot a S&W model 63 a lot and have carried the 63 a good amount of times on hikes and evening walks, and the hammer has never been ab bother but I do a lot of single action shooting on the range. I do like the idea of a single action shot if time and need happen.
     

    45tex

    TGT Addict
    Feb 1, 2009
    3,449
    96
    I would not recommend that for citizens.
    I agree. I brought it up as it lives in my memory. The Code was written directly to Peace Officers. I'm almost 20 years past being a sworn Officer but in a life and death situation I refuse to remove any act from the table. In a deadly encounter I am going to prevail or die trying.
    These older and slower days have taught be the best way to help me and mine is to be aware of where I am. There are places I don't go any more, and people I won't engage with. And I keep my snubby cause I like it. It's what sneaks up on me that keeps me looking.
    As to the question the OP asked, I like my J Frame but over the years I liked compact semi's too. For me, a .38+P or a 9mm controlled expansion round, is as small as I really want to go.
    I am considering .32acp for more rounds and less recoil. I just don't know yet.
     

    dsgrey

    Well-Known
    Oct 25, 2015
    1,855
    96
    Denton County
    I am considering .32acp for more rounds and less recoil. I just don't know yet.

    I have a 32 for pocket carry in gym shorts. More rounds but definitely use ball ammo since the HPs really don't expand and you are going for number of rounds/penetration which Fiocchi is about the best for a 32.
     

    karlac

    Lately too damn busy to have Gone fishin' ...
    TGT Supporter
    Lifetime Member
    Aug 21, 2013
    11,752
    96
    Houston & Hot Springs
    Were I forced to choose one carry gun to serve me till the day I die.

    It'd be a S&W snubbie.

    Final answer.
    No more debate allowed.

    Can definitely be an age thing.
    The older I've gotten the more I appreciate the above sentiment.
    Went from a 1911 edc, to a j frame Airweight Model 38 Bodyguard.
    Reduction in hassle alone at a certain age justifies the reduction in firepower.
    Nonstarter alternative is not to carry at all ...
     

    Kar98

    TGT Addict
    Aug 8, 2016
    5,071
    96
    DFW
    Why not a Glock 43 or a Walther PPS, or a Sig or Kimber micro 1911? I may have asked that before.
     

    Davetex

    TGT Addict
    Mar 27, 2010
    8,451
    96
    Greers Ferry Lake
    Can definitely be an age thing.
    The older I've gotten the more I appreciate the above sentiment.
    Went from a 1911 edc, to a j frame Airweight Model 38 Bodyguard.
    Reduction in hassle alone at a certain age justifies the reduction in firepower.
    Nonstarter alternative is not to carry at all ...

    Very true, that is one reason I've started carrying the LC9s in a plastic paddle holster. It makes for a very lightweight rig.
     

    cb51

    Member
    Feb 8, 2017
    169
    11
    Georgetown Tx.
    Why not a Glock 43 or a Walther PPS, or a Sig or Kimber micro 1911? I may have asked that before.

    I sold my Glock 26 because it was far too bulky to pocket carry in hot Texas weather. Side by side the 43 is just as bulky, with that sawn off 2X4 square slide that prints great. May as ell carry a sign "I'm carrying." The only thing the 43 has is that it's thinner.

    I don't know why all the modern semi out pistols have gone to the squared off slides with little thought to concealment. Look at the old 1905 and 1908 Colt/Browning pocket pistils and you'll see a truly concealable pistol. All the corners have been rounded off and they are thin as a runway model.

    I like pocket carry for the reason of being able to slip a hand into a pocket and have the gun ready to go if things start looking hinky. The LCP and the .32 Kel-Tec are the few truly small pocket pistols around. That's the only reason I gave the LCP consideration. Otherwise I am a revolver man for the past 50 years. I tried for 2 years to like the Glock, but just couldn't warm up to it. It shot great, and was accurate enough that when we moved here to Texas and took the class to get the license, I scored a perfect 250 with it. But I just never liked it. PITA to carry. Going back to a real pocket size gun that I can conceal even in shorts and t-shirt.
     

    Kar98

    TGT Addict
    Aug 8, 2016
    5,071
    96
    DFW
    Right, which is why I also mentioned the Sig/Kimber micro 1911s. But I never have any problems concealing the PPS. Or the 99c, for that matter. Nothing prints, nothing shows.
     

    skfullgun

    Dances With Snakes
    Oct 14, 2017
    5,420
    96
    In the woods...
    I may have mentioned it before, but I've come to appreciate the paddle holster. The J frame is great for going to town, shopping, dining, etc. When I'm mowing or working around the house where the Hip Grip may allow the .38 to move around, which, to be honest it is pretty darn secure stuffed in my belt, I go with a G26 in a Fobus. With my shirt out, it is invisible. And it is comfortable.

    If you really want small and comfortable, try the Ruger LCP in a Fobus paddle holster. You'll forget you have it!
     

    benenglish

    Just Another Boomer
    Staff member
    Lifetime Member
    Admin
    Nov 22, 2011
    23,863
    96
    Spring
    If you really want small and comfortable, try the Ruger LCP in a Fobus paddle holster. You'll forget you have it!
    That's not necessarily a good thing. I once walked right through the metal detectors at a federal building wearing a J-frame Smith that was so comfortable I forgot I was carrying.

    It's not an experience I would wish on anyone.
     

    OIF2

    Well-Known
    Dec 28, 2008
    1,706
    96
    Hill Country
    I carried a J-frame Airweight .38 as an off-duty gun and a primary when I bought rock cocaine in the big city. It worked fine, especially as a deep-undercover weapon, but hey, what do I know?
    Bob

    RQPjYn5.jpg
     

    satx78247

    Member, Emeritus
    Emeritus - "Texas Proud"
    Jun 23, 2014
    8,479
    96
    78208
    benenglish,

    Fwiw, I understand. = I've done the same on a military post.
    (Good thing that I "knew somebody".)

    yours, satx
     
    Can definitely be an age thing.
    The older I've gotten the more I appreciate the above sentiment.
    Went from a 1911 edc, to a j frame Airweight Model 38 Bodyguard.
    Reduction in hassle alone at a certain age justifies the reduction in firepower.
    Nonstarter alternative is not to carry at all ...

    Age thing? Hey! I resemble that comment.

    Though.....I prefer to more precisely think it's a "wisdom of age" thing.

    The reality, for me, is that I shoot probably 15 rounds out of semi-autos for every shot out of a wheel gun.
    Nevertheless, in the direst extreme fearing for my life, I don't want to hesitate wondering if I have a round chambered or if my hammer is cocked or if my safety is off.
    I want it to in-errantly go bang.

    Hence my preference for revolvers for the hopefully-never deadly encounter.

    My favorite little snubby is my 2" Colt .357 Magnum Carry, though made only in 1999 they are rare and have gotten stupid-expensive. Last time I checked it always goes bang.
     

    cb51

    Member
    Feb 8, 2017
    169
    11
    Georgetown Tx.
    Can definitely be an age thing.
    The older I've gotten the more I appreciate the above sentiment.
    Went from a 1911 edc, to a j frame Airweight Model 38 Bodyguard.
    Reduction in hassle alone at a certain age justifies the reduction in firepower.
    Nonstarter alternative is not to carry at all ...

    Not really an aging thing, but maybe you livd long enough to see the real world practical side of things. The 1911 is a fine weapon, but did you ever need one in civilian life? The fact is, you may go through your whole life not needing a gun, but if you do, it's going to be a very close range situation and it's over in a few seconds and a few shots. A small .38 or .380, or even a .32 will do nicely. Most shootings I saw growing up in D.C. were at feet not yards, and he who shot first walked away.

    A pocket sized gun is like a space saver spare; you hope you never need it, but if you do, it will work.
     
    Top Bottom