I had a 642 for about a year. Put about a 1,000 rounds through it. Shot it well with light range fodder. But when I loaded heavier, it really bit my wee little bony hand.

I turned it into a 649 and never looked back. I don’t run full magnums, but handloads that are tailored to my ability are similar in power, or so they feel, to Rem Golden Saber 125s.

The extra weight makes all the difference for me.

My next purchase will most likely be a K frame snub, maybe that ported 19 that just came out? But then I see a recessed 19 like edmo’s and realize that is what I want. And for the $1,000+ that new 19 will go for, I can buy a really sweet old one.

I have considered the 69 2.75”, as I just love my 4.25” 69, but my 220 compact talks me out of it every time.

All that said, I don’t feel under gunned with stout 38s, as a back up.