A fellow writer from the Harris Publications days, Mike Boyle and I tend to be kindred spirits. While he’s ‘wrong-handed’ and is a fan and trainer of combative use of the fowling piece, in terms of handguns and handgun training we find ourselves on the same page.
It’s not in commemoration of Mike that I often shoot with the ‘wrong hand’ and if I need information on the defense/LE use of the shotgun, he’s one of very few ‘go-to’ people I ask. He’s also known for his low-light/adverse light training. He’s done training videos explaining the defense shotgun and low-light firearms application for Panteao Productions. They wisely prevailed upon him to do a video on the short barrel revolver – a piece sponsored by Kimber and featuring their fine K6S revolver line.
I’ve seen the video. As a user of snub revolvers since 1973 – with one as a constant carry piece since 1978 with only a minor break in service – I figured I knew quite a bit about the topic. It’s no real surprise that I learned something new, hit upon a few things I’d known and forgotten, and reinforced learning I’d had over many years.
Make Ready with Mike Boyle: The Snubbie Revolver just went live last weekend on Panteao’s website. I streamed it to watch Mike work. As a former instructor, I like to see others work so I can reinforce my public speaking skills as well. Boyle is at the high point of form – he’s still working as an instructor/range master and it shows.
Mike chats about the most commonly found short guns – in 38 Special/357 Magnum – while pointing out that rimfire guns, various 32s in fairly recent magnum-trim, and even 44 Specials are out there. It’s the 38 that gets the lion’s share of the coverage because it’s the most commonly used. If ammo companies could ramp up 32 production, that would be a good move, but it’s a 38 world.
There are actually a few advantages to the snub revolver – and Mike’s not shy about pointing them out while admitting the disadvantages of the format. It still clearly has a place; all those users just can’t be wrong. And they have capability far beyond what most can get out of them. Mike doesn’t go far down that rabbit hole as I likely would have.
He mentions sight radius as an issue; that’s commonly seen internet chatter too. I’ve seen Mike shoot; sight radius sure isn’t a problem for him. He makes use of the need to form a more precise sight picture and holds the gun still, amazing a good many with his prowess. I know a few others like that – Vince O’Neill, as another example. I’ve made it a point to learn from them. Once you learn how to shoot the short revolver well, it’s a lot easier to shoot service autos and larger revolvers with some precision.
Most people who complain about ‘short sight radius’ are like those who chatter on about “1 MOA” rifles. As ‘most people’ are 8-12 MOA shooters, it doesn’t really make much difference. Same with the complaints about the short gun.
Granted, its most likely application is at extreme close ranges in very fast, panic-style engagements. It shines in that venue too.
If you have any interest in practical use of the snub revolver, you owe it to yourself to take a look at Mike’s new video. And there are lots of other instructive videos at Panteao’s site as well. I was reminded they got a portion of the Paladin Press videos and spent a bit of time watching my friend Jim Cirillo’s videos.
The Panteao account is well worth the cost. I get to see and hear people I’ve known even during pandemics -- even those who’ve moved on to their last duty station.
-- Rich Grassi