Thinking about getting a pocket carry .357 snub

TheNocturnus · January 30, 2014, 07:56 PM

Hey guys, I have been a member here for a while just haven't posted in forever it seems. Life has had me very busy with a new baby, new job and other things. The gun bug has bitten me like it has so many times in the past.

I have my ccw permit (gotta renew it this april in fact) and I carry a Glock 30 as my primary weapon. In the winter time my G30 is hard to get to if I were to need it right away, this has lead me to this decision.

I want a .357 snub to fit in my coat pocket so that I could have my hands on it when my hands are in my pocket, if that makes sense. I would want to be able to fire it from my pocket if needed. Any suggestions?

Want to keep the budget around $500 but could go a little higher if needed.

Thanks!

FoghornLeghorn · January 30, 2014, 08:06 PM

The only 357 snub I've got that I could even think about pocket carry is a DA only five shot SP101.

The only way I could fire it while it's in the pocket would be in a jacket with large pockets.

My other snubs are still big revolvers, even though the barrels are short.

TheNocturnus · January 30, 2014, 08:08 PM

Does the sp101 come with a shrouded hammer or is it exposed? I would prefer a shrouded one for inside my pocket.

Nevermind, googled it. They do have a model with a shrouded hammer! I will have to check one out. I have some plans with part of my tax return.

gilfo · January 30, 2014, 08:16 PM

Ruger LCR you will fall in love with the trigger

Sgt127 · January 30, 2014, 09:36 PM

The SP101 comes with a bobbed hammer DAO or traditional DA. There is not a shrouded version like the Smith Centennial.

Microgunner · January 30, 2014, 10:29 PM

A little out of your budget but I've got a S&W 340PD J frame .357 that weighs in at a feather weight of 11.7 ozs.
This revolver is a breeze to carry but, man, it kicks like a three legged ninja.

camsdaddy · January 30, 2014, 10:39 PM

S&W 640 sounds like what you are after. I have the 60 with a bobbed hammer and I really like it. Even though it is chambered in 357 I only carry 38's in it. I shoot it far better than I did the lighter versions I had

Modernhoglegs · January 30, 2014, 11:47 PM

My edc is an Sp101.

One of the air eight Smiths or Ruger LCRs in 38 Special would probably be better for pocket carry. The SP101 really weighs down a jacket pocket, or your Dockers.

A 357 under 20 oz would be a real handful. The SP101 weighs 25 oz, and full house 158gr maggies are hard to keep n a 5" circle in rapid fire shooting with 2 hands.

ClydeFrog · January 30, 2014, 11:52 PM

As noted; the slick Ruger LCR .357magnum should do very well.
The DAO(double action only) format SP101 5 shot with 2.25" barrel is good too. This was my first snub revolver in 1993.
The Smith & Wesson M&P without security lock can be great but it's not cheap.
Charter Arms Pugs are a good value. They have DA only versions & models with shrouds. Many like the large .44spl caliber Pugs, but the .357magnum is a good model.

In general Id pack a factory made .38spl +P or +P+. Then I carry .357magnum rounds in speed strips. Magnum loads are strong & the muzzle flash/blast might be too much.
A CT lasergrip isn't a bad add-on too. www.Crimsontrace.com It will help with aim & marksmanship.

TennJed · January 30, 2014, 11:52 PM

The Ruger LCR fits your needs perfectly

TheNocturnus · January 31, 2014, 02:19 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions! I had forgotten about the Ruger LCR. Once my return comes in I will hit up some of my LGS and see what I can find.

Kreyzhorse · January 31, 2014, 07:30 AM

Whatever you plan on buying, jam it in your pocket first if you ever thing you pocket carry in your jeans or slacks.

Personally, pocket carry with a snub prints way too much for my liking so when my 637 was my primary CCW gun, I carried it either OWB or IWB depending on what I was wearing.

Again, pocket carry may work for you but try before you buy. As far as coat pocket, I'd suggest an Airweight or similar from Smith & Wesson. Well made and they won't look like you have a brick in your coat pocket.

kutz · January 31, 2014, 07:51 AM

LCR

SansSouci · January 31, 2014, 08:33 AM

I couldn't imagine firing a .357 Mag round out of a 2" revolver. In reality, a 357 Mag in a small-barreled gun offers no appreciable advantage over a .38 Special +P. I have fired +P rounds out of a Model 60, and it ain't fun.

rodfac · January 31, 2014, 09:02 AM

For pocket carry, with a substantial caliber, nothing beats a J-frame Smith. My wife carries this Smith M637 Airweight when out walking the dog along our farm road. A hammerless model would make more sense, but in practice sessions, she's never had it hang up while drawing. In .38 Spl., her preferred ammunition is Remington's 125 gr Golden Saber JHP's. Here's a pic, albeit with a pair of BBQ grips; for carry and night stand use, she's got Crimson Trace lasers on it.

Best Regards, Rod

Nick_C_S · February 1, 2014, 12:35 AM

Quote:

S&W 640 sounds like what you are after.

That's what I was going to suggest. The 640 has an internal hammer and is double-action only. Also, the new ones are a little beefier in the nose area; plus, they extended the barrel by 1/4" inch (from 1.875 to 2.125). I know it doesn't sound like much, but with a barrel that short, 1/4" could actually deliver a measurable velocity difference.

I'm not in the market for a 5-shot compact 357; but if I were, the 640 would be it, without hesitation. (I'd load it with 38+P's, but that's another post.

)

David spargenator · February 1, 2014, 01:41 AM

I think you should go with a ruger sp101 exposed hammer. It's a single/double action and I think it could easily be fired from inside a pocket. However the infamous blast of a 357 snubby will likely catch your clothing on fire if u try that.

USMC 77-81 · February 1, 2014, 03:26 AM

Keep in mind, if you were to shoot through your pocket you would get a small amount of noise suppression, probably still hurt your ears. If you were to ever pull it out and shoot without some form of hearing protection your ears will hurt badly and may have permanent damage. I shot my S & W 66 one time without ear protection and will never do so again except in the most immediate of need.

LockedBreech · February 1, 2014, 04:31 AM

The LCR's trigger is just lovely. I never realized how important a trigger could be until I shot that gun and was getting excellent results even at 25 yards. At close social work ranges like 7-10 yards patterning on the chest and head of the torso target was very easy.

If it gives the high esteem I hold for that trigger any weight, I also own and carry a 1968 Colt Detective Special, a wheelgun noted for a superb trigger pull. I still think the LCR's is excellent.

ClydeFrog · February 1, 2014, 07:41 AM

If you choose to go the pocket holster route, Id look at the new Sticky Holster line.
This US firm makes holsters that can convert to ankle or IWB.
Other good brands include the Tuff Products or the DeSantis Nemnesis.
I purchased a Nemnesis pocket holster in 2004 for my Taurus Ti Protector snub.

Tuff Products sells 5/6/7 shot Quik Strips.
They come in black or safety orange. I would buy the orange type to aid in seeing them quickly in low light & to avoid loss.

Many snub revolver owners carry speed strips & train to reload 1/2 rounds at a time.

Don P · February 1, 2014, 07:46 AM

S&W Model 649 2 1/8" barrel shrouded hammer. Great pocket pistol in 38spl/357mag

SteelChickenShooter · February 1, 2014, 08:31 AM

I've tried four different j-frames from the stainless 357's and the lighter weight 38's. They each have pro's & con's. So I decided if I had only one- which would it be? The answer was none of what I had so I sold them all to people eager to grab them up. And that's fine, their needs where not the same as mine. I replace them all with what I thought was the best choice. I bought a S&W MP360. It's a lighter weight black 357. However, at this writing, I didn't readily see it among the S&W revolvers on their website.
The stainless steel guns were fine for belted holster carry, but too heavy for pocket carry in a light jacket or especially summer shorts. The lighter guns were fine as far as sagging goes, but I desire the greater power of the 357. As far as recoil, for me it's mostly a non issue. I don't shoot my M&P360 and don't expect to unless the situation is absolutely necessary. And if that were the case, I really expect just a couple shots would do the job. It's not likely the bit of recoil sting in the hand would be a problem or even noticed. Of course I've fired other small handguns before, and I know how hard they can kick, so the recoil of my MP360 would come as no surprise. I'm also 100% confident it will be on target at such close ranges where these unfortunate events usually take place.

Dave Chuppa · February 1, 2014, 11:05 AM

I like the LCR357. Depending on how you tolerate recoil, you can go from wild 357 loads to the mildest 38. I carry Corbon 357. I've carried this as a pocket back up or a IWB main carry. It makes a good back up for my SP101. When I go light my 442 backs up the LCR357.

TheNocturnus · February 1, 2014, 11:09 AM

This is why I love this forum. You guys have some great info to think about.

2damnold4this · February 1, 2014, 11:20 AM

While you do get more power out of a .357 than a .38, it's not for me out of a light weight snubby. The .357 is great from a full size steel revolver but the recoil and muzzle blast from a light snubby are too much for me. A relatively inexpensive 642/442 or LCR in .38 is what I would consider for a pocket gun.

January 30, 2014, 07:56 PM	#1
TheNocturnus Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,097	Thinking about getting a pocket carry .357 snub Hey guys, I have been a member here for a while just haven't posted in forever it seems. Life has had me very busy with a new baby, new job and other things. The gun bug has bitten me like it has so many times in the past. I have my ccw permit (gotta renew it this april in fact) and I carry a Glock 30 as my primary weapon. In the winter time my G30 is hard to get to if I were to need it right away, this has lead me to this decision. I want a .357 snub to fit in my coat pocket so that I could have my hands on it when my hands are in my pocket, if that makes sense. I would want to be able to fire it from my pocket if needed. Any suggestions? Want to keep the budget around $500 but could go a little higher if needed. Thanks! __________________ My EDC: Gun Wallet Brain (Use this one the most)

January 30, 2014, 08:08 PM	#3
TheNocturnus Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,097	Does the sp101 come with a shrouded hammer or is it exposed? I would prefer a shrouded one for inside my pocket. Nevermind, googled it. They do have a model with a shrouded hammer! I will have to check one out. I have some plans with part of my tax return. __________________ My EDC: Gun Wallet Brain (Use this one the most)

January 30, 2014, 10:29 PM	#6
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	A little out of your budget but I've got a S&W 340PD J frame .357 that weighs in at a feather weight of 11.7 ozs. This revolver is a breeze to carry but, man, it kicks like a three legged ninja. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member*

January 30, 2014, 11:47 PM	#8
Modernhoglegs Member Join Date: July 10, 2013 Posts: 24	My edc is an Sp101. One of the air eight Smiths or Ruger LCRs in 38 Special would probably be better for pocket carry. The SP101 really weighs down a jacket pocket, or your Dockers. A 357 under 20 oz would be a real handful. The SP101 weighs 25 oz, and full house 158gr maggies are hard to keep n a 5" circle in rapid fire shooting with 2 hands. __________________ Author of the "Handbook of Modern Percussion Revolvers"

January 30, 2014, 11:52 PM	#9
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	My choices.... As noted; the slick Ruger LCR .357magnum should do very well. The DAO(double action only) format SP101 5 shot with 2.25" barrel is good too. This was my first snub revolver in 1993. The Smith & Wesson M&P without security lock can be great but it's not cheap. Charter Arms Pugs are a good value. They have DA only versions & models with shrouds. Many like the large .44spl caliber Pugs, but the .357magnum is a good model. In general Id pack a factory made .38spl +P or +P+. Then I carry .357magnum rounds in speed strips. Magnum loads are strong & the muzzle flash/blast might be too much. A CT lasergrip isn't a bad add-on too. www.Crimsontrace.com It will help with aim & marksmanship.

January 30, 2014, 08:06 PM	#2
FoghornLeghorn Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2011 Posts: 961	The only 357 snub I've got that I could even think about pocket carry is a DA only five shot SP101. The only way I could fire it while it's in the pocket would be in a jacket with large pockets. My other snubs are still big revolvers, even though the barrels are short.

January 30, 2014, 08:16 PM	#4
gilfo Senior Member Join Date: February 29, 2008 Posts: 307	Ruger LCR you will fall in love with the trigger

January 30, 2014, 09:36 PM	#5
Sgt127 Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2002 Posts: 1,053	The SP101 comes with a bobbed hammer DAO or traditional DA. There is not a shrouded version like the Smith Centennial.

January 30, 2014, 10:39 PM	#7
camsdaddy Senior Member Join Date: October 5, 2007 Posts: 397	S&W 640 sounds like what you are after. I have the 60 with a bobbed hammer and I really like it. Even though it is chambered in 357 I only carry 38's in it. I shoot it far better than I did the lighter versions I had

January 30, 2014, 11:52 PM	#10
TennJed Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2010 Posts: 1,536	The Ruger LCR fits your needs perfectly

January 31, 2014, 02:19 AM	#11
TheNocturnus Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,097	Thanks for all the suggestions! I had forgotten about the Ruger LCR. Once my return comes in I will hit up some of my LGS and see what I can find. __________________ My EDC: Gun Wallet Brain (Use this one the most)

January 31, 2014, 07:30 AM	#12
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Whatever you plan on buying, jam it in your pocket first if you ever thing you pocket carry in your jeans or slacks. Personally, pocket carry with a snub prints way too much for my liking so when my 637 was my primary CCW gun, I carried it either OWB or IWB depending on what I was wearing. Again, pocket carry may work for you but try before you buy. As far as coat pocket, I'd suggest an Airweight or similar from Smith & Wesson. Well made and they won't look like you have a brick in your coat pocket. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

January 31, 2014, 07:51 AM	#13
kutz Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 393	LCR

January 31, 2014, 08:33 AM	#14
SansSouci Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2013 Location: Heart of Reagan Country Posts: 479	I couldn't imagine firing a .357 Mag round out of a 2" revolver. In reality, a 357 Mag in a small-barreled gun offers no appreciable advantage over a .38 Special +P. I have fired +P rounds out of a Model 60, and it ain't fun.

January 31, 2014, 09:02 AM	#15
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,624	For pocket carry, with a substantial caliber, nothing beats a J-frame Smith. My wife carries this Smith M637 Airweight when out walking the dog along our farm road. A hammerless model would make more sense, but in practice sessions, she's never had it hang up while drawing. In .38 Spl., her preferred ammunition is Remington's 125 gr Golden Saber JHP's. Here's a pic, albeit with a pair of BBQ grips; for carry and night stand use, she's got Crimson Trace lasers on it. Best Regards, Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73.

February 1, 2014, 01:41 AM	#17
David spargenator Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2013 Posts: 131	I think you should go with a ruger sp101 exposed hammer. It's a single/double action and I think it could easily be fired from inside a pocket. However the infamous blast of a 357 snubby will likely catch your clothing on fire if u try that.

February 1, 2014, 03:26 AM	#18
USMC 77-81 Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2012 Location: Northern Idaho Posts: 254	Keep in mind, if you were to shoot through your pocket you would get a small amount of noise suppression, probably still hurt your ears. If you were to ever pull it out and shoot without some form of hearing protection your ears will hurt badly and may have permanent damage. I shot my S & W 66 one time without ear protection and will never do so again except in the most immediate of need.

February 1, 2014, 04:31 AM	#19
LockedBreech Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Rocky Mountain West Posts: 3,395	Thinking about getting a pocket carry .357 snub The LCR's trigger is just lovely. I never realized how important a trigger could be until I shot that gun and was getting excellent results even at 25 yards. At close social work ranges like 7-10 yards patterning on the chest and head of the torso target was very easy. If it gives the high esteem I hold for that trigger any weight, I also own and carry a 1968 Colt Detective Special, a wheelgun noted for a superb trigger pull. I still think the LCR's is excellent.

February 1, 2014, 07:41 AM	#20
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	accessories..... If you choose to go the pocket holster route, Id look at the new Sticky Holster line. This US firm makes holsters that can convert to ankle or IWB. Other good brands include the Tuff Products or the DeSantis Nemnesis. I purchased a Nemnesis pocket holster in 2004 for my Taurus Ti Protector snub. Tuff Products sells 5/6/7 shot Quik Strips. They come in black or safety orange. I would buy the orange type to aid in seeing them quickly in low light & to avoid loss. Many snub revolver owners carry speed strips & train to reload 1/2 rounds at a time.

February 1, 2014, 07:46 AM	#21
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	S&W Model 649 2 1/8" barrel shrouded hammer. Great pocket pistol in 38spl/357mag __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

February 1, 2014, 08:31 AM	#22
SteelChickenShooter Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Posts: 863	I've tried four different j-frames from the stainless 357's and the lighter weight 38's. They each have pro's & con's. So I decided if I had only one- which would it be? The answer was none of what I had so I sold them all to people eager to grab them up. And that's fine, their needs where not the same as mine. I replace them all with what I thought was the best choice. I bought a S&W MP360. It's a lighter weight black 357. However, at this writing, I didn't readily see it among the S&W revolvers on their website. The stainless steel guns were fine for belted holster carry, but too heavy for pocket carry in a light jacket or especially summer shorts. The lighter guns were fine as far as sagging goes, but I desire the greater power of the 357. As far as recoil, for me it's mostly a non issue. I don't shoot my M&P360 and don't expect to unless the situation is absolutely necessary. And if that were the case, I really expect just a couple shots would do the job. It's not likely the bit of recoil sting in the hand would be a problem or even noticed. Of course I've fired other small handguns before, and I know how hard they can kick, so the recoil of my MP360 would come as no surprise. I'm also 100% confident it will be on target at such close ranges where these unfortunate events usually take place. Last edited by SteelChickenShooter; February 1, 2014 at 05:22 PM.

February 1, 2014, 11:05 AM	#23
Dave Chuppa Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Posts: 448	I like the LCR357. Depending on how you tolerate recoil, you can go from wild 357 loads to the mildest 38. I carry Corbon 357. I've carried this as a pocket back up or a IWB main carry. It makes a good back up for my SP101. When I go light my 442 backs up the LCR357.

February 1, 2014, 11:09 AM	#24
TheNocturnus Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,097	This is why I love this forum. You guys have some great info to think about. __________________ My EDC: Gun Wallet Brain (Use this one the most)

February 1, 2014, 11:20 AM	#25
2damnold4this Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 2,526	While you do get more power out of a .357 than a .38, it's not for me out of a light weight snubby. The .357 is great from a full size steel revolver but the recoil and muzzle blast from a light snubby are too much for me. A relatively inexpensive 642/442 or LCR in .38 is what I would consider for a pocket gun.