Snub Decision: .38SPL vs. .410

[seeker_two]

I'm getting an itch to buy a snub revolver. At first, I'd planned to get one chambered in .38SPL...leaning toward a LCR or S&W or Charter Arms "hammerless airweights". But then Taurus came out with the Public Defender in .410 shotshell....and the decision got harder. Since this will be a gun that will be expected to do triple-duty (CCW, truck-cab pistol, and anti-snake gun), the extra payload in a .410 shell looks appealing. That, and the stats for Brenneke .410 slug loads (similar to .38SPL+P loads), just put the PD in the running.

So, what do YOU, the audience at home, think? Stick with the .38?....or take the .410 plunge?


Thanks in advance.....   

[david86440]

Personally, I carry an M&P340 in my front pocket. I'm not sure that you could do that with a Public Defender so I would consider how you plan on carrying it as a factor in your decision.

[twyacht]

Even the current issue of G&A has snubs (j-frames) in a variety of flavors. I chose the Taurus M85 Ultra-Lite 38+P, for a couple of reasons I posted when I got it.

They are all well suited for their purpose. The .410 is a Loooooonnnnggggg shell, truck & cab, home defense, easily can fulfill that application.

Carrying? a snub .410? If there is a rig I am unaware of, shoulder type, I'd love to see it. Seems kinda big if it is Judge sized.

Open carry is one thing, truck-cab is another. Seems you got 2 out of 3. CCW, might be tough.

[CJS3]

Get the 38. Just get some snake shot for when you're in the boonies.

[Big Frank]

If you get a .38 you can load it with CCI shotshells for snakes and it fills all 3 needs. The Judge seems like it would be hard to CC.

[Sponsor]

[tekoken]

You will always have the .38 on you! I like the judge but I wouldn't wanna haul it around in my pocket all the time.

[TAB]

out of a pistol, the 410 is not that impressive.  It does have its use, but 38 is a much better all around choice.

[Walter45Auto]

For a snake gun, The Judge has the edge, with more volume of shot per shell. For a console, there's not any advantage to the 38 vs. the 410, unless you have a small console, or keep a lot of junk in the console. For CCW, the .38 has an edge; a big one. The length of the judge limits how you can carry. It's the same overall size as a lot of the bigger automatics. Unless wearing 5.11 Tactical pants everyday, in the pocket is out. And 5.11 pockets are actually cut a bit low for the .38/.357 snubs (The grip can show from the top back corner of the pocket if you ain't careful.). You would pretty well have to carry the Judge IWB or OWB to conceal it effectively. Also, i believe there are more holsters available for your .38/.357 snubs (though most holster makers have gotten on the Judge train.). If you just like the idea of a Judge for a snake gun (And I DO, personally. But I don't camp much anymore.), I'd say get one. But if you're wanting the more utilitarian gun for carry, the 38/357 snub has the edge.

*This message has been typed by a man with a .357 Snubbie in his pocket.

[Fatman]

The PD is 7.5" long overall, kinda big to be in the same class as a snubbie as far as CCW goes. That said, I regularly CCW with an 8" double stack .45, and the judge isn't significantly wider than that pistol. It's all what you are used to, I guess. You'll not pocket carry this, so IWB, OWB (example here) or fanny pack it.

If you don't care about the larger size, I'd pick the Judge.

Here's a site with some interesting loads designed for the Judge, check the railed slug, and the larger 4/0 sized buck. 

[ericire12]

My vote is for the .38..... Like mentioned earlier, The Judge is a BIG gun and IMO would be hard to carry concealed.