By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Pew PatriotsPew PatriotsPew Patriots
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Reading: Straight Talk: Snub Not the Snub-Nose
Share
Font ResizerAa
Pew PatriotsPew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Search
  • Home
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Guns and Gear
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
Straight Talk: Snub Not the Snub-Nose
Tactical

Straight Talk: Snub Not the Snub-Nose

Jimmie Dempsey
Last updated: February 24, 2025 3:40 pm
Jimmie Dempsey Published February 24, 2025
Share
SHARE

The term “snub-nose revolver” is one you seldom hear anymore, but there was a time when it referred to the 2-inch-barreled revolvers that rode on the hip of just about every police detective and investigator in this country. It was on or in the nightstand in a lot of homes, too. I think it is still one of the most practical defensive handguns, especially for deep concealment.

The whole concept of the modern, short-barreled revolver actually started in the mid-1920s. A Colt employee named John H. FitzGerald began to experiment with cutting down various revolvers, and one of the revolvers he used for what would become a popular conversion was the small-frame Colt Police Positive. He shortened the 4-inch barrel to 2 inches, bobbed the hammer spur, rounded the butt and cut out the front of the trigger guard. Of course, I am talking about the famous Fitz Special conversion.

Apparently, the bosses at Colt saw enough interest in FitzGerald’s custom work that they decided to take advantage of it in a standard-production model. In 1927, the company announced the Colt Detective Special, which was nothing more than a 2-inch-barreled-Police Positive, minus FitzGerald’s cut-away trigger guard and bobbed hammer. The Detective Special sold quite well for Colt and became a popular law enforcement and personal-defense gun.

It surprises me that Smith & Wesson didn’t get on board with a small 2-inch gun until 1950. Of course, when it did, it was quite a doozie: the Chiefs Special, which was offered in a frame that was slightly smaller than the Colt and had a five-shot cylinder. We know it today as the quintessential Model 36 J-frame.

Today’s 2-inch snubby has quite a lot going for it and, of course, that is why it is still around. It is easily adapted to a variety of carry styles. Whether you prefer to carry in a shoulder holster, the waistband, the pocket or on the ankle, good concealment rigs are available. It may serve as a primary gun for deep concealment or as a backup to a larger one should the situation require it.

It is important that a defensive handgun fit the shooter’s hand if he or she expects to do quick, accurate work with it. Thanks to an abundance of factory and aftermarket stocks, the small revolver can be configured to fit just about any hand size. With a bit of experimentation, the armed citizen can easily find what works best, which will result in more accurate and comfortable shooting.

While the semi-automatic pistol is tied to ammo that generates a certain power level to cycle the action, the defensive-revolver shooter is free to select the ammo that suits the shooter and gets the job done. From light target loads up to the really hot blasters, the individual shooter has the final choice. In a modern .357 Mag. snubby, shooters can choose between using light target loads, standard-velocity .38 Spl., .38 Spl. +P or even full-power magnum load—four power levels for the same revolver.

Another recent occurrence is the growing popularity of the various .32-caliber cartridges. Or, one of the good revolvers in .22 Mag. might be the best choice. And, again, it’s all about power levels and manageable recoil. In short, it’s what works for you.

While Colt and Smith & Wesson still offer small revolvers, today neither company has the market cornered as in days of old. Several other manufacturers build dependable, serviceable, small-frame revolvers that are worth examining. I’m not going to try to name them all because I’m afraid I’ll leave someone out. Just know they exist, and are worth being checked out at your local gun shop or range.

As with any defensive firearm, it is important to get in enough practice to develop a suitable level of proficiency. The short sight radius and the heavy double-action trigger pull of the small snub-nose revolver makes this even more important. However, good training and then practicing what you’ve been taught will go a long
way toward solving any problems.

In the past, I have called the modern snub-nose revolver an “Always Gun” because it is virtually always on me and properly concealed. I have an older Colt Detective Special as well as a smaller Model 442 Smith & Wesson. Each take turns with such duties, both in .38 Spl. When loaded with standard-velocity loads, they do all that I expect from the small revolvers and both are about as reliable as any man-made object. They are my always guns.

Read the full article here

You Might Also Like

4 SIG Sauer Guns Worth Buying This 2025

Army will field its long-range hypersonic weapon by end of fiscal year

Advocates recruit vets to attend Afghan allies’ immigration hearings

Soldier becomes first woman to compete in Best Ranger Competition

Trump’s Pentagon should expand innovation hub, tech panel says

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We Recommend
Veteran political reporter reveals what the media missed about Trump’s appeal to Americans in 2024
News

Veteran political reporter reveals what the media missed about Trump’s appeal to Americans in 2024

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey July 11, 2025
Change The Fight
US commander says China has failed to coerce rivals in South China Sea
DOJ investigating Minnesota hiring practices in latest clash with Walz
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins reveals very relatable haircut experience with one exception
Why Is Every Natural Disaster Being Politicized?
Biden cover-up probe heats up as another ex-White House aide sits down with GOP
News

Biden cover-up probe heats up as another ex-White House aide sits down with GOP

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey July 11, 2025
MSNBC’s Psaki struggles to fill Maddow’s lofty shoes, trails CNN in key demo through two months in new slot
News

MSNBC’s Psaki struggles to fill Maddow’s lofty shoes, trails CNN in key demo through two months in new slot

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey July 11, 2025
Rifle Roundup: Franklin Armory Militia AR-10 With A Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16×35 Thermal Scope
Tactical

Rifle Roundup: Franklin Armory Militia AR-10 With A Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16×35 Thermal Scope

Jimmie Dempsey Jimmie Dempsey July 11, 2025
Pew Patriots
  • News
  • Tactical
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
  • Guns and Gear
2024 © Pew Patriots. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?