Evolution of the Smith & Wesson Snub Nose

The first Smith & Wesson J-frame revolver hit the market in 1950, but the basic design it's derived from goes all the way back to 1896. There's a lot to learn from looking at how this iconic concealed carry favorite has changed and evolved over time -- in some ways, it's a window into the changes in defensive shooting doctrine over the years. This video isn't a catalog of every technical change made to S&W snubbies in the last century -- it's more about the "whys" behind those changes.

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[jamesslick]

My grandfather daily carried an 2" I frame .32 S&W Long (very much like the one in this video) but it had a smooth trigger and a "Tyler T Grip" adapter to make it more suited for double action shooting, Oh and he "bobbed" the hammer.

[GOBLeo]

MY GOD!! WERE WAS THIS GUY? How after being studying guns for 3 years, I just bump on this guy now? This channel is a gem!

[alterego]

My great aunt carried a .32 revolver in her purse for most of her adult life. She was forced to use it once, and while it was not fatal, the perp ended up going to the hospital and was arrested there, this was back in the 1950s. It sure made him and his buddy leave her alone!

[garyK.ACP]

I began a career in law enforcement in 1973. The S&W Model 40 Centennial was my first CC/off duty revolver. Later I added a S&W M19 with 2.5" barrel. I still have that beautiful revolver but it is a bit too heavy and big to conceal under light clothes, so it no longer gets carried very much. When the Model 640 in stainless came out, I bought one and retired my Model 40. Now I am retired and still carry everyday and my current "most days carry" gun is a Model 642. I always liked the concealed hammer design and now prefer the light weight 642. I have many other CC handguns, autoloaders and revolvers, from .32 ACP to .45 ACP and everything in between, but the S&W J frame .38 snubbie has been my "go to" carry gun for more than 45 years. I still have all three, but the 642 is my everyday "using gun" now. I carry it in a DeSantis OWB leather holster, under an un-tucked shirt. It is outfitted with small Rosewood checkered grips and a black aluminum Tyler "T-Grip" grip adapter, something I have not been without since the 1970s.

[themostdangerousProd]

I appreciate this channel. Of the gun channels I've found, yours is the most comprehensive and intuitive. As a new gun owner who loves revolvers, I learned a lot from this. Been considering getting a snub nose, your break down of the different types of frames and grips was really informative.

[Rustebadge]

When I was a police officer in the mid-1980's, a Smith and Wesson Model 38 Airweight Bodyguard with nickel finish rode in my ankle holster or coat pocket (in winter) as my secondary gun. It felt good to know it was "on-duty" with me.

[goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe]

The J Frame snub has stood the test of time because it is the most instinctively easy to use in a panic situation by a newbie or expert can be shot from a pocket or even pressed against an attacker and can be counted on to fire.While I still like my autos I still won't sell my snubs anytime soon.

[walterthompson]

I have a 38 special j frame from 1960 and a colt police positive 38 special from 1912 love them both

[billa.]

I own several J frames and my favorite carry J frame is the model 638 bodyguard. The shrouded hammer allow shooting from a pocket, yet the gun retains the signal action capability.

[slickceretto]

"The cops call a .32 a woman's gun because it's easy to handle, don't do the damage a .38 does. But ya know it does enough. "

[jacobburch]

I always feel smarter after watching Lucky Gunner.

[artkoenig]

I appreciate the style of your presentation-- simple, direct and to the point without extra words.

[Adam-sujj]

I love the feel of the trigger on a double action Smith & Wesson

[rdec]

Lucky Gunner is the most under rated YouTuber out there

[paulcass]

Another great video! I saw my dad get shot in the shoulder with a S&W .32 long many years ago. He survived but it was close. Anyone that thinks these guns are no good just don't know. Many thousands have met their ends from being on the wrong end of a .32.

[thinman]

I Frame 32 sounds like a great carry revolver. 32 is too often under rated. Thank you.

[SedanChevy]

I have a .32 Colt Police Positive that I absolutely adore, so I'll be keeping my eye out for an older I-Frame like yours.

[Graydog-sxle]

I love revolvers and especially J frames. Carry one daily.

[DavidLockhart-mp]

Man, are you a refreshing NKD (non knuckle-dragger). When my ex-wife and I were dividing up our late dads' firearms (yeah, I know), I acquired an S&W Model 10 with a 2-in. barrel, which sparked my interesrt in smaller revolvers. Your channel's a great resource. Thank you!

[bennyboyor]

I read a shooting book from the 20s, the author accused smith and wesson of stealing the grips off of old coffee pots