Are Snub-Nose Revolvers Obsolete in 2026? (Page 1 of 5)
Posted: 3/9/2026 8:14:45 PM EDT
[Last Edit: dump1567][Edited]
Everyone's Favorite, Mas Ayoob. Love him, hate him, your choice. But he's been in the industry forever and has seen some things. Interesting that he hasn't been impressed with the .32 H&R in the shootings he's seen. And he still prefers the Speer 135 GD +P in .38. He also carries wheel guns mostly as back-ups (as do I). Are Snub-Nose Revolvers Obsolete in 2026? |
|
If by “obsolete” you mean “carrying one as I post,” then yes. If you mean something else, then, no.  I’ve operated on a whole bunch of people who were shot in my 30+ yrs as a surgeon—not a single one ever cared about the delivery system, just bullet placement. I took a self defense course by Ayoob. I think he’s pretty grounded, like Clint Smith. |
Joined:
Sep 2022
Posts:
2752
EE: 0% (0)
TX, USA
|
Far from obsolete. From reading on here there seems to be a resurgence. I carried a 642 then a M&P 340 for years as a backup or off duty. My 340 is still on the carry list when I want something smaller and lighter than my P365. I use speed strips for my reloads. The 8 rounder fits nicely in a uniform pocket. Mike |
|
C&S-tuned M642, daily BUG on and off-duty. Attached File Still relevant. |
"Whisky for the gentlemen that like it. And for the gentlemen that don't like it - Whisky!" -Alec Guinness as MAJ (acting Colonel) Jock Sinclair, D.S.O., M.M. "Tunes of Glory"
Joined:
Nov 2024
Posts:
91
EE: 100% (5)
KY, USA
|
J-frame Airweight and AirLite revolvers are backup guns only these days. About 6-7 years ago I decided the smallest gun I’d carry was a Glock 43X I still like the small light revolver as a BUG on duty buy off duty I need something more capable |
Surprise, Speed and Violence of Action
| They’re still just as deadly. However, I watch many videos with multiple attackers and think “why would I limit myself to 5-6 rounds, when for a few ounces more, I can have 15 rounds?” Factoring in misses and ineffective hits, and the capacity desire increases. |
|
Obsolete? Not likely for next decade or two. They still have a pretty popular view from many when it comes to self-defense. They’re pretty simple in operation. Those with shrouded hammers can be fired from within pockets without the higher risk of failure with a semi-auto. Even for those (like me) who predominantly carry a semi-auto for CCW or train with them, still appreciate the simplicity, form-factor/size, and performance of a compact snub. ROCK6 |
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
|
From about 7:15 in the video is a great deal of very relevant info regarding small handguns & new or infrequent/inexperienced or shooters with arthritis or hand strength issues: Difficulty in gripping/recoil management, small & difficult to see sights with a short sight radius = reasons why small guns are not the best choice for new shooters or infrequent shooters. I’m sure many shooters are aware, but unfortunately there’s a recurring theme in AR15.com of “combination home defense/CCW gun” for assorted people (elderly parent, SO, adult daughter, etc) that seldom addresses these issues & guns that are recommended are poor choices, like snubbies, tiny .380s, etc. This should get a “sticky” or something. |
|
In training people, particularly women, who wish to be armed and educated in the laws and tactics of self-defense but who will probably not train regularly, learn to clear malfunctions, etc., I always recommend a hammerless or bobbed hammer double action revolver. I don't want them to cock a revolver only to have to "uncock" it under stress. The revolver will be good to go when needed, safe until needed, safe up until use, safe if not used. A lot of us who live with a gun in our hands nearly 24/7 even as we watch TV and dry fire  forget that there are people who might not touch a gun until "needed." |
KEEP CALM and let ME Carry On.
never underestimate the stupidity of other people
Joined:
Oct 2016
Posts:
22303
EE: 100% (29)
GA, USA
| no. There's an 11 ounce 22 mag in my shorts while I sit on the couch, walk to the mailbox, and generally travel to anywhere in a lower threat environment. In non-war torn, non-drug dealer, home by dark America, statistically people run away and the fight is over if you shoot back. The small gun I actually have on me is infinitely better at that than the larger gun I left at home or in a safe because it's annoying. |
"every exercise is a low back exercise if you do it wrong enough"
@MacManus
@MacManus
|
Originally Posted By 32ACP: From about 7:15 in the video is a great deal of very relevant info regarding small handguns & new or infrequent/inexperienced or shooters with arthritis or hand strength issues: Difficulty in gripping/recoil management, small & difficult to see sights with a short sight radius = reasons why small guns are not the best choice for new shooters or infrequent shooters. I’m sure many shooters are aware, but unfortunately there’s a recurring theme in AR15.com of “combination home defense/CCW gun” for assorted people (elderly parent, SO, adult daughter, etc) that seldom addresses these issues & guns that are recommended are poor choices, like snubbies, tiny .380s, etc. This should get a “sticky” or something. I watched the counter guy at my local gun shop (who I consider very knowledgeable) sell an elderly woman a Ruger LCR in .38 Spl. Owning one of these and knowing how much recoil these produce due to its 13 oz., I couldn't think of a worse choice (maybe an air weight in .357?). Although she may never get around to shooting it except in a real-life scenario. I've been waiting to see it come back into the shop for resell if she ever does test fire it. |
|
Define “obsolete”? In 2026 can a snub nose revolver still be an effective tool for those that choose to carry them and know how to use them? Yes. in 2026 are there arguably better options? Generally speaking... also yes IMO. |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
|
This is my best/easiest shooting snubbie but I'd sure hate for the cops to steal it if I was ever in a SD incident. I would have no issues shooting +p in it. Attached File |
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
|
Originally Posted By dump1567: I watched the counter guy at my local gun shop (who I consider very knowledgeable) sell an elderly woman a Ruger LCR in .38 Spl. Owning one of these and knowing how much recoil these produce due to its 13 oz., I couldn't think of a worse choice (maybe an air weight in .357?). Although she may never get around to shooting it except in a real-life scenario. I've been waiting to see it come back into the shop for resell if she ever does test fire it. Originally Posted By dump1567: Originally Posted By 32ACP: From about 7:15 in the video is a great deal of very relevant info regarding small handguns & new or infrequent/inexperienced or shooters with arthritis or hand strength issues: Difficulty in gripping/recoil management, small & difficult to see sights with a short sight radius = reasons why small guns are not the best choice for new shooters or infrequent shooters. I’m sure many shooters are aware, but unfortunately there’s a recurring theme in AR15.com of “combination home defense/CCW gun” for assorted people (elderly parent, SO, adult daughter, etc) that seldom addresses these issues & guns that are recommended are poor choices, like snubbies, tiny .380s, etc. This should get a “sticky” or something. I watched the counter guy at my local gun shop (who I consider very knowledgeable) sell an elderly woman a Ruger LCR in .38 Spl. Owning one of these and knowing how much recoil these produce due to its 13 oz., I couldn't think of a worse choice (maybe an air weight in .357?). Although she may never get around to shooting it except in a real-life scenario. I've been waiting to see it come back into the shop for resell if she ever does test fire it. There’s a great deal of myth & urban legend in life. Guns are no different. The counter dude may have been passing gun myth he heard, without critically evaluating it. Guns are really no different than most things in life. People repeat gibberish without critical thinking. I heard the S&W 36 was meant for “contact distance” until I shot one & put all 5 rounds in whatever 12” or 14” black circle target at 15 yrds, then asked myself—Can I do this again at 20 yrds? It took practice & concentration, but eventually, yes. As I mentioned, I took a course from Ayoob 20+ yrs ago. Now that I’m in my 60s with my own hand arthritis & other health matters, I see how practical his opinion on self defense. I don’t always 100% agree with him on all things, but as a starting point, he has decades of experience in shooting & shooting competition, as well as self defense teaching that’s a reasonable starting point. But, IME, Clint Smith is way funnier as a presenter. As an aside, the last little old lady (maybe 70yo & 100 pounds with severe arthritis) I saw in a gun store looking for a gun was being pressured by guncounterman to look at H&Ks (full-sized 9mm with hammer. I don’t know H&Ks) since “full sized 9mm cuts recoil…” didn’t matter she had difficulty holding it. Thankfully, she walked away saying the whole matter was “too complicated,” which is sad, IMO. |
|
Originally Posted By LibertyShip: In training people, particularly women, who wish to be armed and educated in the laws and tactics of self-defense but who will probably not train regularly, learn to clear malfunctions, etc., I always recommend a hammerless or bobbed hammer double action revolver. I don't want them to cock a revolver only to have to "uncock" it under stress. The revolver will be good to go when needed, safe until needed, safe up until use, safe if not used. A lot of us who live with a gun in our hands nearly 24/7 even as we watch TV and dry fire forget that there are people who might not touch a gun until "needed."This mentality is even worse with unarmed combat, like karate. Nearly everyone believes the MSM/Hollywood myth that there’s some magical ninja-kung fu move that never needs to be practiced & will KO Mike Tyson at his prime without moving & incapacitate multiple attackers, just like shooting a gun or knife out of someone’s hand is THE normal technique for police. Then the “you obviously don’t know what you’re doing/how to teach…I saw it on TV…” comments predictably follow. It’s no longer surprising to me. Simply stated: the majority of people believe often repeated lies when you tell them what they want to hear vs reality. This is why so many people vote Democrat. |
|
Originally Posted By dump1567: I watched the counter guy at my local gun shop (who I consider very knowledgeable) sell an elderly woman a Ruger LCR in .38 Spl. Owning one of these and knowing how much recoil these produce due to its 13 oz., I couldn't think of a worse choice (maybe an air weight in .357?). Although she may never get around to shooting it except in a real-life scenario. I've been waiting to see it come back into the shop for resell if she ever does test fire it. The same elderly woman, however, might have problems and make a big thing about racking the slide, etc. Ruger SP101s are a good choice. |
KEEP CALM and let ME Carry On.
|
Originally Posted By LibertyShip: The same elderly woman, however, might have problems and make a big thing about racking the slide, etc. Ruger SP101s are a good choice. Yeah, I was thinking any steel frame revolver, or even the new LCR in .32 H&R. .32 S&W long has practically no recoil. And you get an extra shot. |
|
Originally Posted By dump1567: Yeah, I was thinking any steel frame revolver, or even the new LCR in .32 H&R. .32 S&W long has practically no recoil. And you get an extra shot. |
Don't be so open-minded that your brains fall out.
General education should not be mere job training, but training in how to be fully human.
General education should not be mere job training, but training in how to be fully human.
|
Originally Posted By LibertyShip: The same elderly woman, however, might have problems and make a big thing about racking the slide, etc. Ruger SP101s are a good choice. Originally Posted By LibertyShip: Originally Posted By dump1567: I watched the counter guy at my local gun shop (who I consider very knowledgeable) sell an elderly woman a Ruger LCR in .38 Spl. Owning one of these and knowing how much recoil these produce due to its 13 oz., I couldn't think of a worse choice (maybe an air weight in .357?). Although she may never get around to shooting it except in a real-life scenario. I've been waiting to see it come back into the shop for resell if she ever does test fire it. The same elderly woman, however, might have problems and make a big thing about racking the slide, etc. Ruger SP101s are a good choice. Maybe? I don’t know Rugers. What are the sights like? Does she wear bifocals? Does she have presbyopia & wear reading glasses? Shorter barrel = shorter sight radius which is more difficult to align. Many on this site think about flashlights for target ID but if she can’t see the sights? |
|
Originally Posted By 32ACP: Maybe? I don’t know Rugers. What are the sights like? Does she wear bifocals? Does she have presbyopia & wear reading glasses? Shorter barrel = shorter sight radius which is more difficult to align. Many on this site think about flashlights for target ID but if she can’t see the sights? All true. However, you are thinking like us on ARFCOM. But these students don't think that way; they don't train, act, or even live like us. We spend 4 or 6 hours with them and send them on their way. And they might not touch the gun again until they hear a bump in the night. Regardless of the gun they have, I doubt that sights will be an issue. |
KEEP CALM and let ME Carry On.
|
I would not want to rely on one for home defense or as a LE primary duty weapon. But for a concealed carry weapon they are adequate. Nobody has ever been able to provide me with an example of an ordinary citizen being killed or injured after emptying his or her 5 or 6 shot revolver in a self defense shooting. I’m aware of it happening in the home defense role and could see it happening in a business defense role. So I wouldn’t recommend one for that. Different tools for different jobs. |
Life member of CRPA. FPC contributor.
|
Originally Posted By LibertyShip: All true. However, you are thinking like us on ARFCOM. But these students don't think that way; they don't train, act, or even live like us. We spend 4 or 6 hours with them and send them on their way. And they might not touch the gun again until they hear a bump in the night. Regardless of the gun they have, I doubt that sights will be an issue. Originally Posted By LibertyShip: Originally Posted By 32ACP: Maybe? I don’t know Rugers. What are the sights like? Does she wear bifocals? Does she have presbyopia & wear reading glasses? Shorter barrel = shorter sight radius which is more difficult to align. Many on this site think about flashlights for target ID but if she can’t see the sights? All true. However, you are thinking like us on ARFCOM. But these students don't think that way; they don't train, act, or even live like us. We spend 4 or 6 hours with them and send them on their way. And they might not touch the gun again until they hear a bump in the night. Regardless of the gun they have, I doubt that sights will be an issue. I don’t have a good fix. I am honest with people who’ve asked me for help with gun choice & explain it’s like any skill. Some people may not be best-protected with a gun they cannot safely use. You are correct that even easier to see sights won’t help. I’ve even tried laser sights (the shooter can focus on the dot, right?) but if a person can’t/won’t learn proper trigger control due to arthritis or other issues, they can pull the gun completely off target & miss at close range. I do get a kick out of the number of new shooters who want my suppressed Ruger MkII I use for teaching shooting. It makes me wish integral silenced .22s were more readily purchased. But even that’s not going to be a fix for the rare to never shooter. But…this has given me pause to revisit the RMR or other dot options. I tried them & don’t use them (Boomer here) but just ‘cause I don’t use them doesn’t mean it’s not an option. Time to pull the RMR off my 10/22 & try it on a semi .22 pistol. |
|
Originally Posted By dump1567: I watched the counter guy at my local gun shop (who I consider very knowledgeable) sell an elderly woman a Ruger LCR in .38 Spl. Owning one of these and knowing how much recoil these produce due to its 13 oz., I couldn't think of a worse choice (maybe an air weight in .357?). Although she may never get around to shooting it except in a real-life scenario. I've been waiting to see it come back into the shop for resell if she ever does test fire it. The LCR works well for the novice and expert both. The way they should use it differs though. The novice should use it as a 5-shot bang stick. At or near contact range. It’s hard to rape, assault, rob or carjack someone without touching them. So it’s a viable strategy. The expert will take the time to select accurate ammunition with adequate penetration that shoots to point of aim at reasonable self defense distances and practice frequently. He might change the grips to make the gun feel better in the hand or easier to draw. He might change the front sight to make it easier to see or to make it shoot to point of aim with his preferred ammunition. 12-yards with carry ammo. Attached File 12-yards with speed strip reload. Attached File Attached File |
Life member of CRPA. FPC contributor.
|
I've carried a Kahr Arms K9 since the 90's as my all the time CCW, but I still keep these Model 66's always in reserve. They can more then still deliver the goods. An old homicide cop once told me that these were known as "water guns", because when the bad guy saw what you were aiming at him, his insides turned to water..... 
|
|
There's a billion answers already that mostly say the same thing. The medium framed defensive revolver is mostly dead. Some guys really want a 7 shot .357, but the ones happy with an auto with double plus the capacity (and usually much less expensive) and a significantly easier reload greatly outnumber them. But the small snubs absolutely have their place. A lot of people (myself included) ran the super small auto thing to its mechanical limits and realized a J frame or equivalent is just far simpler and less finicky. I don't personally have a ton of either as I like the bigger guns. I used to EDC a Kimber Solo but realized a) I could carry a larger gun and b) the Solo runs way too close to the edge where slide velocity and the strength of the magazine spring live. Anything but a very firm shooting stance and the gun wouldn't cycle. I switched to a Glock 26, and while it certainly can be limped wristed, it's far more reliable. Nowadays I have a S&W 442PC and a NAA Guardian .32ACP as pocket guns. Same kind of problem with the NAA, it is quite picky with ammo and doesn't like anything but plain 71gr-ish stuff. Fiocchi is too hot and those cool Underwood 55gr cruciform screamers don't give enough momentum back to reliably work the slide. The 442PC goes bang. Every. Time. 
|
|
It's amazing how certain guns and/or cartridges suddenly lose the ability to kill things. If anything is obsolete in the equation it's me. |
Dómine Jesu, dimitte nobis débita nostra, salva nos ab igne inferni; perduc in caelum omnes ánimas, praesertim eas, quae misericórdiae tuae máxime indigent.
|
Originally Posted By Gullskjegg: It's amazing how certain guns and/or cartridges suddenly lose the ability to kill things. If anything is obsolete in the equation it's me. Exactly. I’ve hesitated sharing this story but it seems appropriate now. Last summer my daughter and I walked over to my neighbors house to get my tractor he’d borrowed. Semi rural road with houses about 100 yards or more apart. I’m in the habit of grabbing my old 638 smith and putting it in my pocket in the summer while working outside which often includes a trip back into my 3.5 acres of woods so it works for me. As we got to the neighbors house i see and hear 3 dogs coming from the next property over. 3 pit bull mixes that decided their electric fence wasn’t a thing anymore. One stopped but the other 2 kept coming. My daughter panicked and ran while I thought she was right behind me. I’m yelling assessing the situation and kicked the one that came at me. The other bit my daughter and actually got her shoe which I think confused him. I caught up to her with both dogs essentially squaring off at me while I put her behind me. At that point shit got real real fast. First shot at the “leader” was rat shot to the face at about 6 feet. That was my first up mole load for in the yard. Second shot was the standard semi wad cutter to the neck shoulder of the second one on my left. 3rd was to the skull of dog 1. 4 was to the skull of dog 2 that was flopping around and trying to get away. I saved number 5 for the dogs owner that was running at us screaming about me shooting his dogs. I didn’t use that one but it was certainly on my mind and in play. Yes sheriff was called, dog warden got drug out on a Sunday, neighbor came home to squad cars and dead dogs in his yard next to my tractor he’d borrowed. Good times . No charges obviously and dog owners actually apologized and got rid of the dog that didn’t participate. The point of all this is you never know when something is going to happen and I was not going to put on a belt and holster to run next door to get a tractor. I grabbed my snubby out of habit and it did the job as unfortunately needed. The saying the small gun you have beats the bigger gun you left behind is certainly true. Given the situation I would have preferred an uzi or Saw but I used what I had and it worked. |
|
Originally Posted By Buckeye33: Exactly. I’ve hesitated sharing this story but it seems appropriate now. Last summer my daughter and I walked over to my neighbors house to get my tractor he’d borrowed. Semi rural road with houses about 100 yards or more apart. I’m in the habit of grabbing my old 638 smith and putting it in my pocket in the summer while working outside which often includes a trip back into my 3.5 acres of woods so it works for me. As we got to the neighbors house i see and hear 3 dogs coming from the next property over. 3 pit bull mixes that decided their electric fence wasn’t a thing anymore. One stopped but the other 2 kept coming. My daughter panicked and ran while I thought she was right behind me. I’m yelling assessing the situation and kicked the one that came at me. The other bit my daughter and actually got her shoe which I think confused him. I caught up to her with both dogs essentially squaring off at me while I put her behind me. At that point shit got real real fast. First shot at the “leader” was rat shot to the face at about 6 feet. That was my first up mole load for in the yard. Second shot was the standard semi wad cutter to the neck shoulder of the second one on my left. 3rd was to the skull of dog 1. 4 was to the skull of dog 2 that was flopping around and trying to get away. I saved number 5 for the dogs owner that was running at us screaming about me shooting his dogs. I didn’t use that one but it was certainly on my mind and in play. Yes sheriff was called, dog warden got drug out on a Sunday, neighbor came home to squad cars and dead dogs in his yard next to my tractor he’d borrowed. Good times . No charges obviously and dog owners actually apologized and got rid of the dog that didn’t participate. The point of all this is you never know when something is going to happen and I was not going to put on a belt and holster to run next door to get a tractor. I grabbed my snubby out of habit and it did the job as unfortunately needed. The saying the small gun you have beats the bigger gun you left behind is certainly true. Given the situation I would have preferred an uzi or Saw but I used what I had and it worked. Originally Posted By Buckeye33: Originally Posted By Gullskjegg: It's amazing how certain guns and/or cartridges suddenly lose the ability to kill things. If anything is obsolete in the equation it's me. Exactly. I’ve hesitated sharing this story but it seems appropriate now. Last summer my daughter and I walked over to my neighbors house to get my tractor he’d borrowed. Semi rural road with houses about 100 yards or more apart. I’m in the habit of grabbing my old 638 smith and putting it in my pocket in the summer while working outside which often includes a trip back into my 3.5 acres of woods so it works for me. As we got to the neighbors house i see and hear 3 dogs coming from the next property over. 3 pit bull mixes that decided their electric fence wasn’t a thing anymore. One stopped but the other 2 kept coming. My daughter panicked and ran while I thought she was right behind me. I’m yelling assessing the situation and kicked the one that came at me. The other bit my daughter and actually got her shoe which I think confused him. I caught up to her with both dogs essentially squaring off at me while I put her behind me. At that point shit got real real fast. First shot at the “leader” was rat shot to the face at about 6 feet. That was my first up mole load for in the yard. Second shot was the standard semi wad cutter to the neck shoulder of the second one on my left. 3rd was to the skull of dog 1. 4 was to the skull of dog 2 that was flopping around and trying to get away. I saved number 5 for the dogs owner that was running at us screaming about me shooting his dogs. I didn’t use that one but it was certainly on my mind and in play. Yes sheriff was called, dog warden got drug out on a Sunday, neighbor came home to squad cars and dead dogs in his yard next to my tractor he’d borrowed. Good times . No charges obviously and dog owners actually apologized and got rid of the dog that didn’t participate. The point of all this is you never know when something is going to happen and I was not going to put on a belt and holster to run next door to get a tractor. I grabbed my snubby out of habit and it did the job as unfortunately needed. The saying the small gun you have beats the bigger gun you left behind is certainly true. Given the situation I would have preferred an uzi or Saw but I used what I had and it worked. This is the most probable situation for me, and my wife and daughters are already aware I will shoot pits on sight near our house (very remote). I won't do that near the neighbors of course. We hike our property a lot, and I always carry no matter what I'm doing, often times it's a 38 snubby in my pocket. My neighbor has shot quite a lot of dogs actually, there are a lot of strays that form packs and then act like wild animals. |
Dómine Jesu, dimitte nobis débita nostra, salva nos ab igne inferni; perduc in caelum omnes ánimas, praesertim eas, quae misericórdiae tuae máxime indigent.