YankeeSC 1,204 Posted September 6, 2018 I am looking for a sub $500 snub nose, any recommendations? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antimatter 139 Posted September 6, 2018 your going to get 5 pages of responses, but i have a taurus model 85 and love it. all steel not the ultralight. great shooter and not expensive. go handle a bunch and make a decision that works for you. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gunnz 49 Posted September 6, 2018 I have a smith and Wesson model 637 airweight. It’s a good little shooter. Very comfortable to shoot with regular 38 special ammo. Very snappy with 38+ ammo. You can find them very cheap. Got mine for about 300, then got a smith and Wesson rebate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YankeeSC 1,204 Posted September 7, 2018 I am curious about the Taurus models. Wasn't considering them but I think they could be a contender. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YankeeSC 1,204 Posted September 7, 2018 These threads look relevant .. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
W2MC 1,699 Posted September 7, 2018 I've got a Taurus 85 as well. Its a nice, accurate shooter - only complaint-and its a small one-is the trigger has a touch of over-travel firing double-action. J-Frame S&W's are also nice, but twice the price. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke 5,504 Posted September 7, 2018 I have a Smith j frame airwieght # 6 sumtin. Bobbed exposed hammer, silver with rosewood grips. .38+p only. I like it, I love it. But I have shot a few of uncle @GRIZTaurus revolvers. Nice also. more then welcome to try my smith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRIZ 3,369 Posted September 7, 2018 If you'll settle for 38 spl the Taurus 85 is a bargain. You can order them on line for 300 or less. I'd recommend the all stainless. It's heavier but the extra weight goes a long way to absorb recoil. Many of the alloy J frame size revolvers are painful to shoot. I carry factory wadutters for a SD load in any J frame size gun. You don't gain much carrying +Ps in a short barrel and get more recoil and muzzle blast. The factory wadcutter is already in an efficient shape, has sufficient penetration, and low recoil and muzzle blast. I have a few of Taurus revolvers and have no issue with them. If you want a 357 get at least a K frame size gun. I carry a S&W Model 66 2 1/2" often loaded with std velocity 38s, +Ps, or +P+. You really don't get a lot more velocity using magnums and once again more recoil and muzzle blast. A used Model 66 might be found for 500 but will likely be more. A Ruger Speed Six is a fine 2 3/4" K frame size gun. They are kind of indestructible and much stronger than a K frame S&W. Used only but you can find them for 500. If you're looking for a SD gun you can't beat the Taurus 85 IMO. 38 only but we've discussed that already. Plus you'll spend only about half of your budget. I have one I bought in 1989 and it's been trouble free for almost 30 years. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted September 7, 2018 Steel snubbie, Taurus 85 (or 605 if your frisky) all day. Light weight snubbie, Ruger LCR all day. I have two, working on a third. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bully 749 Posted September 7, 2018 As another option, if you're ok with moonclips is the Ruger SP101 in 9mm. Inexpensive ammo. A little snappier than 38 and less so than 357. Have a couple of moonclips floating around and ready to go and it's, with practice, pretty fast reloads. Or, get one in 357. Might be a touch over budget but they are very sweet pistols. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TOMMY R 24 Posted September 7, 2018 If your planning on a snub nose really just go with 38 special save the 357 for something larger, especially if you go with a light gun, if your gonna carry make sure it's +P. Everybody says get a 357/38 unless you reload 357 is pretty rough, chances are you,ll only shoot 38,s in it anyway.At one time I had quite a few snubs sold them all kept the Ruger LCR 38. My favorites in 357's are my 4" & 6" Ruger GP100's. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
myhatinthering 462 Posted September 7, 2018 14 hours ago, antimatter said: your going to get 5 pages of responses, but i have a taurus model 85 and love it. all steel not the ultralight. great shooter and not expensive. go handle a bunch and make a decision that works for you. amen!!!!!! I bought one cause it was less than 200 and have about 1100 through it and cleaned it once. I absolutely love this little snubnose, it's accurate enough, reliable, and locks up tight. I check it after each range session and color me impressed. Now this 85 series and pt1911 are the only taurus that seem to get glowing reviews so that should tell you something 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shortfuse 39 Posted September 7, 2018 I have this 38 Special for $250 Face to Face or $290 Shipped Charter Arms Undercover Lockup is tight and shoots great Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
myhatinthering 462 Posted September 29, 2018 Figured I'd give an update on the 85. Now at 1900 rounds or so and still clicking along. I'm almost through my 38 reloads so I need some more 38 ammo..lol 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YankeeSC 1,204 Posted October 7, 2018 Thanks for the replies everyone. Wasn't sure initially about the quality but the more I read about the Taurus revolvers the more I am liking them. Seems like you can't beat them for the price. Picked up a 605 in matte stainless yesterday. https://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=247&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=605 I was in and out of PSA in 20 minutes. Would have been faster if I had my CWP (should be arriving in the mail any day now). Took it to the local outdoor range run by the SC DNR, very nice facility. I know a snub nose 2" is less than ideal for shooting .357 but I was still surprised at the amount of recoil. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
myhatinthering 462 Posted October 8, 2018 is that the all steel frame? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
myhatinthering 462 Posted October 8, 2018 great, not a fan of lw revolvers due to recoil impulse. Really becoming a fan of the revolver, it's all I look at now other than a recent xds purchase Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
W2MC 1,699 Posted October 8, 2018 Congrats! I have thought it would be an excellent hiking companion in bear country..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CAL. .30 M1 2,101 Posted October 8, 2018 17 hours ago, tomk62 said: Thanks for the replies everyone. Wasn't sure initially about the quality but the more I read about the Taurus revolvers the more I am liking them. Seems like you can't beat them for the price. Picked up a 605 in matte stainless yesterday. https://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=247&category=Revolver&toggle=tr&breadcrumbseries=605 I was in and out of PSA in 20 minutes. Would have been faster if I had my CWP (should be arriving in the mail any day now). Took it to the local outdoor range run by the SC DNR, very nice facility. I know a snub nose 2" is less than ideal for shooting .357 but I was still surprised at the amount of recoil. So I have questions !!! How was getting your CWP permit in SC? What range did you use - I hear they can be iffy - the public ones that is? Where in SC do you live? How do you like it? How long there? etc. The issue in the 2" firing .357 is dwell time in the barrel - I like .38+P in my model 19 Smith. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YankeeSC 1,204 Posted October 8, 2018 1 minute ago, USRifle30Cal said: So I have questions !!! How was getting your CWP permit in SC? What range did you use - I hear they can be iffy - the public ones that is? Where in SC do you live? How do you like it? How long there? etc. The issue in the 2" firing .357 is dwell time in the barrel - I like .38+P in my model 19 Smith. Fire away! The CWP was easy, you take an 8 hour class that covers the law and safety aspects and then a 50 question written test plus a 50 shot practical test. I think you have to get an 80/100 on both to pass. The practical test involves 5 shots in 5 seconds (if I remember the time correctly) with 2 sets each at 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 yards with reloads after each set. You do this all under the command and watchful eye of the instructor. You need to hit anywhere within the Silhouette on the target. I went to the Twin Ponds public range http://www.dnr.sc.gov/shooting/ranges/twinponds.html. There are 18 pistol bays with a 25 yard range and 16 rifle bays on 100 yards. The bays are all covered and rifle has benches. Only paper targets allowed. It was all recently renovated so everything is new and in very good shape, and there's no cost to shoot there. It was about 1/3 full when I was there, and the range officers keep a close watch ver what's going on (but not to the extent they do at Range 14). I moved to Charleston on Aug 3, absolutely love it but must admit it's a bit surreal. Still not quite used to it being my new home. I live downtown and have horse carriages come down my street every day, kind of weird to live somewhere that others come for vacation. This is my street. I bought a box of .357 to see what that would be like, but realistically I will carry .38 SD rounds. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted October 8, 2018 57 minutes ago, myhatinthering said: great, not a fan of lw revolvers due to recoil impulse. You would be surprised at what a good set of grips, the right coaching and correct gun handling can do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
myhatinthering 462 Posted October 8, 2018 no doubt I'm sure, practice and familiarity breeds improvement however, a nice solid and heavier piece in your hand will be more forgiving on the recoil impulse. There is a reason each SEAL squad shoots more in a year than the entire Marine Corps however, I'm not shooting 50k 38/357 to get that level. Now AR or 9mm, different discussion 20 minutes ago, tomk62 said: Fire away! The CWP was easy, you take an 8 hour class that covers the law and safety aspects and then a 50 question written test plus a 50 shot practical test. I think you have to get an 80/100 on both to pass. The practical test involves 5 shots in 5 seconds (if I remember the time correctly) with 2 sets each at 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 yards with reloads after each set. You do this all under the command and watchful eye of the instructor. You need to hit anywhere within the Silhouette on the target. I went to the Twin Ponds public range http://www.dnr.sc.gov/shooting/ranges/twinponds.html. There are 18 pistol bays with a 25 yard range and 16 rifle bays on 100 yards. The bays are all covered and rifle has benches. Only paper targets allowed. It was all recently renovated so everything is new and in very good shape, and there's no cost to shoot there. It was about 1/3 full when I was there, and the range officers keep a close watch ver what's going on (but not to the extent they do at Range 14). I moved to Charleston on Aug 3, absolutely love it but must admit it's a bit surreal. Still not quite used to it being my new home. I live downtown and have horse carriages come down my street every day, kind of weird to live somewhere that others come for vacation. This is my street. I bought a box of .357 to see what that would be like, but realistically I will carry .38 SD rounds. hornady makes some excellent 38sd ammo. I'll check what I have and report back but recall during my research, this was considered the best for that particular round 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YankeeSC 1,204 Posted October 8, 2018 6 minutes ago, myhatinthering said: hornady makes some excellent 38sd ammo. I'll check what I have and report back but recall during my research, this was considered the best for that particular round That's exactly what I have 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CAL. .30 M1 2,101 Posted October 8, 2018 3 hours ago, tomk62 said: Fire away! The CWP was easy, you take an 8 hour class that covers the law and safety aspects and then a 50 question written test plus a 50 shot practical test. I think you have to get an 80/100 on both to pass. The practical test involves 5 shots in 5 seconds (if I remember the time correctly) with 2 sets each at 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 yards with reloads after each set. You do this all under the command and watchful eye of the instructor. You need to hit anywhere within the Silhouette on the target. I went to the Twin Ponds public range http://www.dnr.sc.gov/shooting/ranges/twinponds.html. There are 18 pistol bays with a 25 yard range and 16 rifle bays on 100 yards. The bays are all covered and rifle has benches. Only paper targets allowed. It was all recently renovated so everything is new and in very good shape, and there's no cost to shoot there. It was about 1/3 full when I was there, and the range officers keep a close watch ver what's going on (but not to the extent they do at Range 14). I moved to Charleston on Aug 3, absolutely love it but must admit it's a bit surreal. Still not quite used to it being my new home. I live downtown and have horse carriages come down my street every day, kind of weird to live somewhere that others come for vacation. This is my street. I bought a box of .357 to see what that would be like, but realistically I will carry .38 SD rounds. Nice - beautiful street - my eldest daughter is getting married in Charleston next OCT - and I will be down in FEB looking at hotels etc. Looking to move to Bluffton/Beaufort area soon (less than 4 years). The Palachcucola Range seems to be closest except for the Palmetto indoor range......... good for you enjoy your time there....... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites