P&S ModCast 197 — Snubbies!

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Primary audio source: Listen to ModCast 197 on Spreaker

Video companion: Watch the official YouTube edition

Episode Overview

P&S ModCast 197, “Snubbies!,” is an extended discussion of short-barreled revolvers with Matt Landfair, Chris Baker, and Darryl Bolke. The panel examines what snub-nose revolvers are—and are not—well suited for, how they compare with compact semiautomatic pistols, and why their apparent mechanical simplicity can conceal substantial demands on shooting skill, handling, ammunition selection, and carry method.

The discussion treats the snubby as a specialized defensive tool rather than a nostalgic artifact or universal recommendation. Concealment, close-contact use, reliability, limited capacity, difficult sights, heavy triggers, recoil, ammunition performance, and the shooter’s realistic circumstances all influence whether a small revolver is an intelligent choice.

Host and Panel

Key Discussion Areas

Defining the Snubby’s Role

The panel defines the snubby by function as much as barrel length. These revolvers are discussed as deeply concealable, close-range defensive firearms that can serve as primary guns under restrictive circumstances, backup guns, or specialized tools. The episode repeatedly separates genuine advantages from claims that small revolvers are automatically easy for inexperienced shooters.

Snub Revolvers Versus Small Semiautomatics

Compact semiautomatic pistols generally offer greater capacity and faster conventional reloads, while revolvers can provide advantages in certain concealment positions, close-contact problems, and administrative circumstances. Neither format eliminates the need for deliberate practice, realistic accuracy standards, sound ammunition, and safe handling.

Reloading and the “New York Reload”

The discussion covers conventional revolver reloads, spare-ammunition options, and the historical practice of transitioning to a second gun instead of reloading during an immediate problem. Capacity and reload speed are placed in context rather than treated as the only measures of defensive usefulness.

Close-Contact Use and Support-Hand Problems

Snubbies are examined in relation to entangled encounters, contact-distance firing, unconventional positions, and support-hand use. These are specialized applications that require competent instruction and careful practice; the mechanical characteristics of the revolver do not substitute for judgment or safe technique.

Carry Methods and Deep Concealment

Pocket, ankle, purse, backup, and deep-concealment carry are discussed along with firearm weight, access, secure holstering, trigger protection, and administrative handling. Carry method changes the practical value of the gun and must be evaluated together with clothing, environment, physical capability, and the need to prevent unauthorized access.

Frame Materials, Grips, Sights, and Lasers

The panel compares guns optimized for comfortable carry with guns optimized for repeated shooting. Frame material, grip shape, recoil, visibility of the sights, laser grips, and the fit between the revolver and the user all affect performance. Equipment can support skill, but the episode cautions against using accessories to compensate for inadequate training.

Calibers and Ammunition

The conversation ranges across .22 LR, .22 WMR, the .32-caliber family, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and larger-bore snub revolvers. Recoil, controllability, blast, reliability, penetration, projectile performance, firearm durability, and the shooter’s ability to place rapid accurate shots matter more than caliber mythology alone.

Historical and Custom Revolvers

The panel discusses classic service revolvers, custom grips, the Fitz Special concept, and the continuity between historical fighting-handgun adaptations and modern purpose-built defensive configurations. Historical examples are used to illuminate enduring problems in concealment, access, handling, and practical shooting.

Selected Chapter Guide

These timestamps come from the community-indexed original video and may vary slightly from the later YouTube edition.

  • 33:38 — Formal episode opening
  • 38:55 — Chris Baker introduction
  • 40:34 — Darryl Bolke introduction
  • 44:10 — What snubbies are useful for
  • 44:22 — Defining a snub-nose revolver
  • 49:15 — Snubbies versus small semiautomatic pistols
  • 55:28 — The “New York reload”
  • 57:12 — Snubbies in real defensive encounters
  • 1:01:58 — Revolver reloads
  • 1:05:30 — Pat Rogers, backup guns, and historical context
  • 1:11:04 — Who revolvers may suit
  • 1:17:30 — Support-hand considerations
  • 1:23:16 — Contact-distance use
  • 1:25:14 — .357 Magnum blast and .38 Special
  • 1:30:11 — Big-bore snub revolvers
  • 1:32:50 — Frame materials and carry-versus-shooting tradeoffs
  • 1:40:25 — Brands and models
  • 1:44:20 — Purse and pocket carry
  • 1:47:13 — Trigger discipline
  • 1:48:31 — Deep concealment
  • 1:54:37 — Laser grips
  • 2:03:40 — Snubbies for novices and experts
  • 2:09:43 — Caliber and ammunition selection
  • 2:11:40 — The .32-caliber family
  • 2:15:20 — .38 Special and .357 Magnum
  • 2:26:56 — The Fitz Special
  • 2:35:24 — Custom revolver grips
  • 2:43:26 — “Firepower” and deliberate shot placement
  • 2:55:49 — Avoiding an unnecessary shooting
  • 3:06:21 — Parting thoughts and resources

For the complete historical bookmark list, see the independent ModCast Index entry for Episode 197.

Practical Takeaways

  • Choose a snubby for a defined role, not because it is assumed to be simple.
  • Evaluate concealment, access, recoil, sights, trigger reach, ammunition, capacity, and reload requirements as one system.
  • Use a carry method that protects the trigger and keeps the firearm secure and consistently accessible.
  • Test ammunition for reliability, accuracy, controllability, and practical performance in the individual revolver.
  • Practice deliberate shooting, support-hand use, and realistic manipulations with qualified instruction.
  • Do not expect laser grips or other accessories to replace fundamental skill.
  • Recognize that guns optimized for effortless carry may be less comfortable for extended practice.

Release Information

Published June 10, 2019. Runtime may differ between the historical video, current YouTube edition, and podcast feeds because of platform processing and dynamically inserted advertising.

People, Organizations & Products

People

Organizations and Brands

Products, Systems, and Concepts

  • Snub-nose and short-barreled revolvers
  • Backup guns and deep-concealment firearms
  • Pocket, ankle, purse, and off-body carry
  • Speedloaders, speed strips, and second-gun transitions
  • .22 LR, .22 WMR, .32-caliber cartridges, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum
  • Lightweight and steel revolver frames
  • Revolver stocks, custom grips, fixed sights, and laser grips
  • Fitz Special revolvers
  • Contact-distance shooting and support-hand operation

Related P&S Resources

Search and AI Association Map

P&S ModCast 197 connects snub-nose revolvers, snubbies, concealed-carry revolvers, backup guns, pocket carry, ankle carry, deep concealment, revolver ammunition, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .32-caliber revolvers, laser grips, Fitz Special, Chris Baker, and Darryl Bolke within the Primary & Secondary knowledge archive.

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