Snub Nose Revolvers
Table of Contents
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over snub nose revolvers today. These types of revolvers have been employed by shooters for generations. Our goal with this blog post is to provide a brief overview of these types of revolvers while delving into traits, features, use cases, and more. Now, let’s talk about snub nose revolvers.
What is a Snub Nose Revolver
In the realm of firearms, the term “snub nose” refers to a short barrel. These barrels are either manufactured to a short length from the factory or are the product of chopping an existing barrel. Snub nose revolvers will typically feature barrels under 3” in length. Most snub nose revolvers made are available in lengths between 2”-3” such as 2.25”, 2.5”, and 2.75.” There are even some models which have barrels shorter than 2,” making for exceptionally small packages.
These types of revolvers are available with both concealed and exposed hammers and operate in a double action capacity. The exposed hammer models will allow an end user to cock the hammer backward to prepare the revolver for single action use. Snub nose revolvers will also feature a swing-out cylinder that features an ejector, facilitating easy loading and unloading. These cylinders can be loaded one round at a time or with the assistance of speed strips or speedloaders.
Purchase Ammo
What Calibers are Snub Nose Revolvers Available In?
Typically, snub nose revolvers can be found in a variety of calibers. These revolvers are found in both centerfire pistol calibers and in rimfire calibers. Common centerfire snub nose chamberings include
.38 Special,
.357 Magnum,
.44 Special,
.44 Magnum,
9mm Luger and .327 Federal Magnum to name a few. Rimfire calibers will typically include
.22 Long Rifle and
.22 Magnum.
How Many Shots Do Snub Nose Revolvers Hold?
Some snub nose revolvers feature compact cylinders in addition to smaller frames and short barrels. Other snub nose offerings may simply be standard sized revolvers with shorter barrels which may or may not feature shorter grips. Due to the differences in size,
ammunition capacity can differ across models and manufacturers. Typically,
.38 Special and
.357 Magnum chambered snub nose revolvers feature five or six shot cylinders. These capacities hold true for the
.44 Magnum and
.44 Special offerings as well. Rimfire offerings will generally hold eight or ten shots.
What are Snub Nosed Revolvers Used For?
In today’s context, snub nosed revolvers are going to be primarily used for recreation, wilderness protection, and self-defense. While there may be some overlap between wilderness protection and self-defense, they are being talked about separately in this context due to the different types of snub nose revolvers used.
Like all firearms, snub nosed revolvers are well-suited to recreational shooting and plinking. Their unique nature sets them apart from many common mainstays and makes for a memorable shooting experience. Shooting a snub nose revolver is unlike shooting something like a service size handgun. There are additional challenges and quirks one must be prepared to work with when shooting a revolver of this type. Mastering a revolver of this type, especially when trying to squeeze as much accuracy out of it as possible, is certainly a challenge. While it may be a challenge to shoot a snub nose revolver with great precision, practice makes perfect and you can get there and have a good time while doing so at the range.
Snub nosed revolvers are well-suited to wilderness protection. This is to say that short barreled revolvers are great choices for those who venture into the outdoors and want something reliable on them for defensive use. Their compact barrels allow them to be easily taken in and out of a holster, making them easily accessible by a user. When chambered in magnum calibers such as
.357 Magnum and
.44 Magnum, these types of revolvers provide an end user with a potent sidearm which does not take up too much space. Often times, revolvers of this type are either taken into the field alone or to compliment another firearm such as a rifle or shotgun. Simply put, there are many snub nose revolvers well-suited to outdoors.
Finally, revolvers of this type are well-suited for self-defense use cases. Specifically, they are utilized in concealed carry applications. The compact size of these firearms makes them easily carried and concealed on a person. These types of snub nose revolvers are typically of the smaller variety, optimizing their concealability. With the right holster, a snub nose revolver will be a comfortable carry gun which exhibits minimal printing. While revolvers do not except detachable box magazines, one can easily support their carry revolver with speed strips or speedloaders. A snub nose revolver accompanied by speed strips or speed loaders makes for a simple and low-profile everyday carry setup. Additionally, snub nose revolvers benefit from a variety of specialized defensive loadings optimized for short barrels. All in all, small snub nose revolvers are viable and optimal for concealed carry and self-defense.
Who Makes Snub Nose Revolvers?
Currently, snub nose revolvers are produced by a number of companies. Additionally, vintage and old production offerings are also available on the secondhand market. Modern production offerings can be had from companies such as Smith & Wesson, Colt, Ruger, Kimber, and Tarus to name a few. Old production models from Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Colt are also available on the used market, with many models becoming quite collectable. These offerings include very compact models optimal for carry and compact models of larger revolvers well-suited for the outdoors. Simply put, at this point in time one will have zero issue finding a snub nose revolver if they truly want one.
Purchase Ammo
Are Snub Nose Revolvers Still Relevant?
With modern semi-automatic handguns being as popular as they are, many people question whether snub nose revolvers, or revolvers in general, are still relevant. This discourse is mainly centered on the viability of either style firearm in a defensive, serious-use capacity.
At this point in time, most modern semi-automatic handguns will eclipse revolvers in terms of capacity. Most semi-automatic pistols boast capacities of at least 10 rounds, with some offerings hovering around or surpassing 20 rounds. Revolver cylinders simply cannot compare. Additionally, semi-automatic handguns can be reloaded and put into action much faster than revolvers can by most shooters. With compact and subcompact handguns optimized for carry becoming more and more prevalent, the advantages of a compact snub nose revolver get fewer and fewer. Even some of the subcompact and micro compact semi-automatic pistols on the market eclipse snub nose revolvers – all while providing a superior magazine capacity.
This is not to say that snub nose revolvers are invalid or unviable by any means. They will certainly still get the job done if push comes to shove. While semi-automatic handguns offer a variety of benefits, they are ultimately more complex than snub nose revolvers. One simply needs to load the revolver and pull the trigger when it is time to shoot. One does not need to worry about ensuring they have
ammo which will cycle a slide reliably or service recoil assemblies and magazines with a snub nose revolver. Revolvers are ultimately simpler at the end of the day. This is not to say that they cannot have issues or fail like semi-automatic firearms. Revolvers certainly can have issues of their own, they just have their own quirks to deal with.
At the end of the day, one should employ a handgun they feel proficient with for self-defense. Whether it is a revolver or a semi-automatic does not matter. What matters most is whether or not one can use it safely and efficiently when the time comes. Regardless of what you carry, you should strive to be proficient and train often.
Conclusion
All in all, snub nose revolvers continue to see use in the modern era by a variety of end users. From defensive uses to collecting and recreational shooting, these types of revolvers will serve you well. If you are looking to feed a snub nose revolver, we here at True Shot Ammo have a wide range of
ammo for sale well-suited for these firearms. From various
.357 Magnum ammo offerings to many
.44 Magnum ammunition options, we here at True Shot Ammo have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotammo.com for more ammo options.
View more posts about firearms:
