The snub trade-off
The lighter a revolver is, the easier it is to carry and the harder it kicks. A featherweight snub loaded with .357 Magnum can be painful and slow to shoot well. A steel snub with the same load is heavier on the belt but much more controllable. For most people, the right answer is a gun and load they will actually practice with.
Ruger LCR (.38 Special)
The LCR uses a polymer fire-control housing and an aluminum frame, which makes it one of the lightest carry revolvers. Its trigger is widely praised. In .38 Special, it is a practical pocket or appendix revolver.
Ruger LCR .38 Special
.38 Special +P · 5-shot
Ruger SP101 2.25"
The SP101 is all steel, so it is heavier but much easier to shoot, even with .357 Magnum. It suits belt carry better than pocket carry. We cover it with Ruger's other double-actions in our Ruger lineup guide.
Ruger SP101 2.25"
.357 Magnum · 5-shot
S&W Model 60
The Model 60 is Smith & Wesson's stainless J-frame, and the Ladysmith version in the catalog is a .357 Magnum. J-frames are the classic American snub. We also covered the Bodyguard 2.0 and Night Guard from S&W.
S&W Model 60 Ladysmith
.357 Magnum · 5-shot
Charter Arms Undercover
The Undercover is Charter's long-running .38 Special snub and a budget-friendly choice. It is light and simple. See our Charter Arms lineup.
Charter Arms Undercover
.38 Special · 5-shot
Comparison
| LCR .38 | SP101 | Model 60 | Undercover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum + polymer | Steel | Stainless steel | Aluminum or steel by model |
| Carry weight | Lightest | Heaviest | Middle | Light |
| Recoil | Snappiest | Softest | Middle | Snappy |
| Best for | Pocket carry | Belt carry, .357 | Classic J-frame | Value |
Ammunition
Short barrels lose velocity, so choose a load designed for snubs. A lighter-recoiling .38 Special defensive load such as Hornady Critical Defense Lite helps with control in lightweight revolvers. Our .38 +P guide explains when +P makes sense, and our wadcutter article covers a mild alternative some carriers use.
Hornady Critical Defense Lite .38
90gr FTX · lower recoil
Sights, grips, reloads
Snub sights are small. A bright front sight helps; see our sights guide. Grips affect recoil and concealment. For reloads, practice with a speedloader or speed strip; our speedloader guide covers both.
Bottom line
Choose the lightest gun you can shoot well with a defensive load. For many carriers that is an LCR in .38; for those who want .357, the SP101 is easier to control.
Frequently asked questions
Which snub revolver is best for carry?
The one you shoot well. Lightweight guns like the LCR are easy to carry but recoil more; steel guns like the SP101 are heavier and softer shooting.
Should I carry .357 Magnum in a snub?
It works, but recoil and flash are significant in short, light revolvers. Many carriers choose .38 Special +P or low-recoil loads.
What is a J-frame?
J-frame is Smith & Wesson's small revolver frame, used in snubs like the Model 60.
How do you reload a snub revolver quickly?
Speedloaders are fastest; speed strips are flatter to carry. Practice both.
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