Snub-nose revolvers aren’t the easiest guns to shoot, and the modern era of firearms doesn’t exactly embrace the snub-nose. So how does one build—or, more importantly, test—their skills with the snub-nose revolver? That’s what the Super Snubby Test is for.
The Super Snubby Test comes from Hardwired Tactical. Wayne Dobbs and Darryl Bolke at Hardwired are dedicated revolver aficionados. Both men have a long history of revolver use and are top-tier instructors. As a newly turned revolver aficionado, I’ve been waiting for a Southeast class for a hard minute.
Until then, I can shoot the Hardwired Tactical Super Snubby Test.
The Super Snubby Test and The Snub Nose
Revolvers are an interesting conundrum. They exist as a firearm that’s both excellent for beginners and rather difficult to use. Caleb Giddings’ revolver horseshoe illuminates their status as a walking contradiction.
On one side, we have factors that make them easy to use. For example, loading and clearing a revolver is simple, and you can visually see if it’s loaded.
Their manual of arms tends to be straightforward: a cylinder release, a trigger, and sometimes a hammer. Fixing malfunctions often just requires another trigger press.
But—and it’s a big “but”—it’s not always easy. The short sight radius, simplistic sights, and long double-action trigger press can make shooting revolvers challenging.
It takes some skill to shoot a revolver, but how do you know where you sit on the revolver’s skill horseshoe? That’s why we are going to shoot the Super Snubby Test.
We are going to see where our skills fall.
Super Snubby Test: Logistics
Here’s the good news. We don’t need a whole lot of stuff to shoot the Super Snubby Test. You’ll need your snub-nose revolver of choice.
For me, it will be the S&W 432 UC, and I have two reasons why. First, I love this gun and love the dovetailed rear sight. Second, I hate money and want to shoot those pricey little .32 H&R Magnums.
We need 15 rounds of ammo per run of the Super Snubby Test. The drill is built around the typical five-shot snub-nose revolver, but your six, seven, or even eight-shot will work.
As far as targets go, we get to use the standard B8 target. B8s are simple, cheap, and even printable. They are fairly small and demand good accuracy to make hits.
The B8 also has score rings, so it’s easy to judge how well you’re shooting. Like all good drills, the Super Snubby Test has both an accuracy and a time component, so bring your shot timer.
Shooting the Super Snubby Test
The Super Snubby Test is a lot like a revolver: simple and approachable, yet challenging to score high on. The drill consists of three strings, with each string requiring five rounds fired.
There are two variants of this drill. The standard version starts from the low ready, while the advanced version starts from concealment. The addition of concealment makes a fast draw especially difficult.
There are some other small details, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
String 1
Start at 10 yards, either from the low ready or from concealment. At the beep of the shot timer, present your gun and fire five shots using both hands. You have eight seconds.
String 2
For string two, move to the 5-yard line. Start in your chosen starting position, and at the beep, present your gun and fire five shots in five seconds.
String 3
String three is fired from the 3-yard line. For the standard version, you’ll start in the low ready and fire five shots in three seconds using only your strong hand.
The advanced version is fired from concealment, using both hands if desired, and you have 3.5 seconds to complete the drill.
Scoring the Super Snubby Drill
Each shot is worth ten points, for a maximum possible score of 150. Use the scoring rings on the B8 to calculate your score. It’s very simple.
There is no passing score; your goal is to see where you start and then keep trying to improve. The aim isn’t to hit a particular number, but to make small, consistent improvements in your snubby skills.
Beyond the Snubby
This drill revolves around the snub-nose revolver, but it can be a lot of fun with any revolver. It’s easier with larger guns, but you can still rotate the cylinder with any revolver and test your skills.
I increased each range by five yards and used my 856 Defender TORO and had a blast. You can’t convince me that a red dot on a revolver isn’t a great idea.
Getting Super
Snub-noses and revolvers in general are making a comeback. What’s old is new, and since I always intend my puns, it’s all revolving back around.
If you’re looking at a revolver for concealed carry or just want to sharpen your skills with an unfamiliar platform, give the Super Snubby Test a spin!
