The saying is to “fear the man with one gun” because since it’s his only gun he’s going to know it very well. However as a buddy of mine likes to say, it’s hard to play golf with only one club in the bag. Yes it is best to have a primary, to keep it in the same place, to build your muscle memory and so on. But nothing is 100% sometimes your primary just can’t work.
I’ve been thinking about alternative handguns for a while. I have a Springfield XD-9 subcompact, and while it’s smaller than the Service or Tactical models, apart from a shorter barrel length and a shorter grip, there’s nothing else dimensionally reduced about the subcompact (the weight difference is negligible). I’ve found that if I can carry the subcompact I usually can also carry the larger gun. So if I can carry the larger gun, why shouldn’t I? More capacity, longer sight radius, bigger grip, thus it will shoot better.
So if I really want something smaller, I have to get something really smaller. The hot thing right now is the Ruger LCP. There’s the Kel-Tec P-3AT or P-32. Just about everything from Kahr is small, but especially their P380, MK9, PM9, and the like. This site has a collection of other small 9mm pistols and .380 pistols. There’s certainly more out there. There’s a lot of appeal to these, and I’d probably lean towards a Kahr because I could standardize and share the 9mm ammo (.380 ACP just doesn’t have enough oomph). But I’m actually leaning a different direction: a revolver.
I’m thinking about a snub-nosed revolver, probably chambered with .38 Special. Why a revolver? Consider semi-automatic handguns have been around for over 100 years. While it’s fantastic technology, it’s not a perfect technology. Revolvers still exist because there’s still a place for them. For instance, semi-autos can malfunction and jam; revolvers are not immune to mechanical failure but they are less likely. As well, contact shots just aren’t possible with a semi-automatic handgun because putting the muzzle in contact with a surface can push the slide back taking the handgun out of battery and thus it will not fire. Revolvers can be fired from within pockets or in other tight situations as there’s no slide to move around. Furthermore, if I did wear this gun on my ankle, it’s going to get dirty from walking around. I don’t need street crud gumming up the works of already finicky compact semi-autos. So yeah… thinking about a revolver.
Am I certain on doing this? No, not yet, but getting there. I’ve read through all the articles at snubnose.info. I’ve been talking with folks, reading, window shopping. Does this contradict did what I wrote previously? I don’t think so. The cons of the revolver remain and I do have to deal with them. If I obtained a snub-nosed revolver, it would be as a BUG (Back-Up Gun), not as a primary. But I am learning that to really play golf well, I do need to have more than one club in the bag.
Stuff From Hsoi 
It’s as if Ruger made the LCR just for you. A polymer revolver in .38 Special. A winner is YOU!
I do want to check out the LCR. Have you been able to use one? I’m curious for some real reviews as opposed to marketing fluff.
Not yet. Too new to be common enough to try one out.
Supposedly the grip is a miracle grip that absorbs the substantial recoil that such a light pistol generates… the worst thing I’ve heard about the pistol so far is that it is hideous. However, I can think of much uglier guns.
That’s what the marketing material says. If it can be light but sturdy and make it feel like you’re shooting a heavier gun (e.g. a steel frame), well… I’ll give it some consideration. I will certainly say it’s on my list of things to check out.
Exodus… I was at Cabela’s this morning and looked at the snubs in their case. They had some LCR’s (both with and without the laser). I had to fondle one.
The trigger was impressive. I really liked it. The sights were simple but I liked the setup. I didn’t like that I couldn’t get my pinky on it, but I have to wonder if with those Hogue grips if it will be an issue or not.
The temptation is strong with this one.
Yeah, it’s polymer but that doesn’t bother me. Reading reviews online the only objections I’m reading are that it’s ugly (who cares), some people aren’t happy about the internal lock (I’m mixed between not wanting it both mechanically and politically, and not caring), and there isn’t much for holsters since the slightly larger trigger guard won’t allow it to fit into form-fitted J-frame holsters (if worse came to worse, one could always get a custom leather holster made). The positives tho are prety positive. Accuracy is pretty good for a snubby. Felt recoil is very reduced. Some made reference to reduced muzzle flip, noting the bore axis seemed different (from say a S&W 642) and if in fact there’s more true recoil absorption I’m sure that helps. And people rave about the trigger.
So I have to admit… I’m very… very… tempted. Plus I just think it’d be fun to own one and try out something new like this.
I’ll still keep my eye out for a good all steel S&W model tho. I’m sure I can always sell the LCR later on. Or it’ll just be recalled. 😉
Pingback: More ballistics data « Stuff From Hsoi
Pingback: Morning randomness « Stuff From Hsoi
Pingback: To snub or not to snub « Stuff From Hsoi