I’m considering a snub nose .38 revolver for home defense. I’ve heard mixed opinions and would like to hear from the community about its suitability.
A snub nose revolver is much harder to shoot accurately than a larger gun, especially for follow-up shots. It typically has only 5 or 6 rounds, which can be limiting in a home defense scenario. Consider a larger handgun for better capacity, faster follow-ups, and easier reloads. If you’re set on a revolver, go for one with a longer barrel. Also, many argue that an AR15 or similar rifle offers superior home defense capabilities.
@madisonwilson
I generally agree. The snub nose is less than ideal due to its limited capacity and harder recoil control. Semi-auto pistols offer higher capacity and less recoil, albeit with a steeper learning curve. New firearm owners should prioritize training and practice. The upfront and ongoing costs of firearm ownership, including legal considerations, are significant.
@madisonwilson
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Bradley said:
@madisonwilson
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Absolutely terrible advice on almost all counts. You get an F.
Bradley said:
@madisonwilson
This comment is empty, admin should fix
Absolutely terrible advice on almost all counts. You get an F.
Huh. If you are replying to my comment, please tell me where I went wrong. I’m a Law Enforcement Tactical Firearms Instructor and an attorney, so I’d like to hear your perspective.
@BrianCopland
Revolvers can go wrong, and when they do, you’re screwed. Also, an AR is much easier to use than a semi-auto pistol, particularly from an accuracy standpoint.
@BrianCopland
I generally agree with the above post. The snub nose is not a great choice. If you’re going the revolver route, at least go with a longer barrel. Semi-auto pistols have much greater capacity and less recoil, but require more training.
@Savannah
Thanks for responding. Maybe we just have different training backgrounds. Since you took the time to break it down, I’ll do the same.
About the worse pick you can go for imo. The snub nose has its place as a deep concealed carry option. HD is a completely different beast.
A snub nose might make sense for concealed carry, but for home defense, you’d be at a disadvantage. Larger handguns are easier to shoot accurately, especially in a high-stress situation where you may need to cover more distance.
If you’re getting a pistol, consider a Glock 19x. Don’t limit yourself to 5 rounds unless it’s for concealed carry. For home defense, an AR15 is often recommended over a snub nose revolver.
An AR pistol is a strong contender for home defense: small, high capacity, and easy to customize with optics and lights. It’s generally less prone to overpenetration compared to other firearms. I suggest trying one out at a gun store to see what suits you best. A snub-nosed revolver may not perform well in a home defense scenario, in my opinion.
Consider your home defense scenario realistically. A snub nose revolver can be effective in close-quarters situations, offering simplicity and less risk of accidental discharge. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, but consider your specific needs and training.
@Carly
A long double-action trigger pull can make accuracy challenging, especially in scenarios with multiple assailants. Consider the potential risks and benefits for your situation.
I think it’s an excellent choice. Home defense situations often occur at close range where a snub nose .38 can be reliable and effective.