The "snubby," or snub-nosed revolver, is a classic of concealed carry. The "snub-nose" part of its moniker relates to the length of its barrel, which is generally considered to be 3" or less. One of the most famous "snubbies" has been the Taurus 650, which was discontinued for a time but is back by popular demand! Featuring a true shrouded hammer, this five-shot wheelgun is chambered in the venerable .357 Magnum, a time-tested round with excellent stopping power.
What's great about a shrouded hammer is that there's nothing to snag on your holster or clothing as you're clearing the widest part of the gun from your concealment position. Shrouded hammers also mean that, in an emergency, the firearm can be shot through its holster without jamming the action.
Because the shooter can't move the hammer manually, guns like the Taurus 650 function in double-action-only (DAO) mode. What's great about DAO is that the long, heavy trigger pull that is necessary to move the hammer reduces the chances of a negligent discharge. And the Taurus 650 is what's great about the iconic snubby design.
"This is the ultimate expression of what my friend Darryl Bolke refers to as 'the snubby lifestyle',” said Caleb Giddings, Manager of Marketing, Taurus USA. "Some people want a simple, reliable DAO revolver they can carry every day, and this gun answers that need perfectly."
The Taurus 650 is compatible with a variety of existing five-shot speed loaders and holsters for similar .357 Magnum models, making it versatile and user-friendly for both experienced shooters and new users alike. The 650 is available in steel or stainless-steel frame models, and features a removable serrated blade front sight for even less snag potential. MSRPs $454-469; TaurusUSA.com.
