1860 Sheriff vs Pug or Mini 22 mag

[Kensterfly]

I just saw the "Sheriff" for the first time and I'm intrigued.   I gave my Mini convertible to my bride as a BUG for her J Frame Smith and want to get one to replace it.  I'm leaning toward a Pug but the Sheriff looks good, too.  One concern, though, is that the 1860 model, being larger at six inches in length, kind of defeats the purpose of the BUG pocket gun.

Prices are similar.

Any thoughts or comments?

[cwlongshot]

I also like the looks of the Sheriff, but agree, its getting long for truly handy and invisible pocket carry. I recently picked up a Blk Widow and its approaching too large heavy for invisible pocket carry. OOH No one knows its there, but I feel it and its in the way a bit when retrieving change or pocket knife. Unlike the STD 1 1/8" NAA Maggie. That's just throwing it in the pocket, use a holster and its probably OK, but 2" barrel is really about max for some pockets. The PUG carries nicely!

I like the NAA pocket holster, had and use one daily for almost 20 years. I also have a kydex neck holster that's great. THAT might negate the sheriffs longer barrel if it works for you.

I would still buy a Sheriff. so I guess I am not a large help.

CW

[grayelky]

I really do not want to be picky, but some of the terminology is a little confusing.

Sheriff is a 2 1/2" barreled gun on the Earl frame. It has a unique cylinder pin, that latches.
HogLeg is on the same frame, but it has the longest barrel in the line up at 6", and uses the Earl style cylinder pin.
The Earl can be had with either a 4" or 3" barrel. All 4 of these come with the boot grips.

There is at least one member on here who feels the Sheriff is the perfect carry mini. No, I ain't him. I feel 2 1/2" barrel is a little much for pocket carry, at least for me, anyway. My main pocket carry mini is a 1 5/8 Wasp. Close 2nd is a 1 1/8 Black Jack, mainly cause they did not have the longer barrel when I got my Black Jack. My favorite plinker mini is a 3" Earl. Me and it just seem to understand each other. If I were to get a Pug, it would be with the Trit front sight.

[the iron horse]

I owned a Mini 22 mag for years and carried
it in my right front pocket for years. I had to sell
it several years back and recently purchased another Mini-mag at a pawn shop.
The owner actually tried to get me to check out the Sherriff mag
but I purchased the Mini.

The cylinder pin came loose when it fired so I returned the Mini
and came home with the Sherriff.

I have fired several rounds and I really like this pistol.
One thing I like is that I sense more "control" in my hand when bringing
the hammer back and in aiming.

I have carried it around in my front pocket now for a week and find it
concealable.

I still think the Mini mag is a great pistol and why so many like it.

But, I guess you can add me to the Sheriff's club.

[TwoGunJayne]

I like IWB front for 4" Earl (1860 octagon, you know.)

That crazy Hogleg is hard to tote without an actual holster. The way my physique and clothing works, I just "mexican carry" the 4". Just slip it in the waist band.