How Snubby and Why?

[Pistology]

I'm considering my first wheelie: the M&P 360 3-inch barrel with a shrouded (Bodyguard) hammer.
Snubbies have their advantages.
How much does a 3-inch barrel sacrifice snubby advantage for more accurracy and longer powder burn for muzzle energy?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Guantes]

I believe that the 3" - 3-1/2" bbl is a good compromise between concealibility and accuracy/velocity. Then again the wheelies I have carried (27, 3-1/2", GP100, 3" are not considered "snubbys" or belly guns.

[retsupt99]

I just bought a Ruger SP101 and had the option of a 2", 3", or 4" barrel. I chose the 3" for a bit longer sight radius, but no problem for CC.

[hudsonvalley]

Don't forget what these are for....up close and personal...God forbid....

[Pistology]

Don't forget what these are for....up close and personal...God forbid....

That said, for the purpose of close-quarter self defense, from getting the revolver into the fight, its presentation, through neutralizing a threat less than two arms' lengths away, what issues do you consider in comparing a two-inch barrel to a three-inch barrel?

Are you saying that three inches is too long for some situations?

[pogo2]

There is clearly a difference between a 3 inch revolver and one with 2 or 2.5 inch barrel. The longer gun gives you somewhat more muzzle velocity with given ammo, and a slightly longer sight radius for aiming. It will also weigh a little more and balance differently. I would guess that in most defensive uses of the snubby that barrel length difference won't really effect the outcome of the incident. But it might help you a little bit in some cases.

Personally I don't worry about it. I have model 66 snubbies in 2.5 and 3.0 inches, and I usually carry the shorter one. I find that I can shoot both lengths with equal accuracy and the 3 incher is more valuable and sort of a safe queen.

[1 old 0311]

I use pocket, or ankle, carry with my 2 inch snubbies. My 3 inchers go on the belt.

[GlockJS]

I think if its gonna be a multiple duty revo, for instance HD, range, and CC, then the 3" is a good middle ground. If its gonna be CC only, I don't really think the little extra bit of barrel is gonna matter much shooting someone at 10'.

[BugDude]

2" or 3" really comes down to intended use(s) and personal preference. In SD distances, either will work just fine.

[jwhite75]

The 3"s are definitely not pocket guns. I like the ability to wear on the belt or in my pocket.

[QKShooter]

If it has a 3" barrel then it's not a Snubbie. The 3" barrel simply makes it a revolver with a barrel too long for it to be termed a snubbie.
Just my personal opinion on that.
If you want it for up close and personal self-defense then there is no advantage to having the longer barrel especially with the low muzzle flash SD ammo available today.

[jrmcanine]

I agree with several of the other members here, you realistically will not see much improvement in performance between the 2 or 2.5" vs. 3" but it WILL make a difference in comfort and methods of carry. As for performance, with the recent introduction of the various rounds designed specifically for short barreled revolvers there really isn't much reason I personally wouldn't go with the shorter barrel. I routinely carry either a S&W 442 or a customized Colt Agent, and with the aforementioned rounds I certainly have no problems with performance at realistic ranges if I do my part. Best regards-John

[mojust]

I've got a Smith Model 60 2 inch with CT grips and love it. The laser allows me to put rounds where I want, and I don't worry about the short barrel affecting accuracy: I figure any attack on my person will happen at close range.. I put the pistol in my pocket in a pocket holster in the summer time and forget it's there. I practice with 38 and carry 357. With only five rounds I want the first shot to do a lot of damage.

[los]

pogo2,

Not sure whats nicer. Your pair of 66s or your photography.

To the OP, as other members have commented, accuracy at CQB distances will be negligible between a snubbie and a 3" revolver. Ease of concealment will be virtually identical.

[Camjr]

I love my J-frame. Perfect for what I use it for: Pocket carry when I'm not able (or willing) to carry the XD. Very easy for me to point-shoot at reasonable SD ranges.

Cheers!