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  #1  
Old 01-30-2011, 10:44 PM
peshooter peshooter is offline
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Default 640 vs 642

Smith and Wesson 640 vs 642. Home defense fire arm for my daughter and wife. Which one would you recommend?
Thank you for your input, I'm new to this and want to make an educated purchase. Would you recommend a diffent
size or brand?

Last edited by peshooter; 01-31-2011 at 12:26 AM. Reason: additional question
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Old 01-30-2011, 10:53 PM
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I have both. Obviously, the 640 is a bit heavier, which results in less recoil. The 642 is lighter, which results in easier carrying. I can shoot either about the same. The bottom line is easier carry versus less recoil. I say get both! That's what I did. The 642 is in my pocket or on my belt, while the 640 is shot at the range, and resides in the nightstand.
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Old 01-30-2011, 11:18 PM
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Given the parameters of your question, the 640.
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Old 01-30-2011, 11:23 PM
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Those two being the choices, the 640. If possible, have them both try it before you buy it though. When deciding on their own personal home defense guns, my mother and my girlfriend both tried a wide assortment of my handguns. Neither of them were comfortable with my J frames. Both of them went with a 4" 686 after trying my 4" 681. They preferred the weight of the gun, feel of the trigger, and size of the (rubber) grip that the larger 681 offered. They also had much better groupings with the 681. Both of them keep their gun loaded with +Ps, and the extra round is a bonus as well. That being said, one of my sisters loves my 642 and plans to get one for herself for a concealed carry gun. She doesn't enjoy shooting it, but can handle it well and doesn't plan on using it for target. She'd just shoot it enough to stay familiar with it.
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Old 01-30-2011, 11:26 PM
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Given just those two choices, the 640. More weight=less recoil. If they like the J-frames and it's to be strictly for home defense, may I suggest that you also consider a model 60 with a 3" barrel.
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Old 01-31-2011, 10:03 AM
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I would also choose the 640.My preference is a model 60.
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Old 01-31-2011, 10:24 AM
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I have a 442, the wife a 642; love them both for carry. Since you're asking for home defense, I would say the heavier 640 but why a snubby for home defense? A longer barrel, full size revolver would give better accuracy and an extra bullet.
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Old 02-01-2011, 12:07 PM
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Good point, thank you. I'm going by the recommendation of my local gun shop. I want my two girls to be comfortable with the gun and a smaller, short barrel seams to be less intimidating.
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Old 02-01-2011, 09:53 PM
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The longer barrel will be easier to shoot with due to the longer sight radius. It may also have slightly less muzzle flip due to the extra weight up front from the longer barrel, and will probably add a little bit of velocity.
Don't listen to the guy at the gun shop, let your daughter and wife see what they like, rent one and let them shoot it if possible, and then let them make the decision since they will be the ones who will be using that gun. A co-worker bought the new Bodyguard .38 on the advice of a guy in the gun shop and quickly regretted it because she finds that it has too much recoil for her to handle.
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Old 02-03-2011, 02:37 AM
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Thanks everyone for your advise. After careful consideration, my wife and I purchased the S/W 640. Looking forward to finally owning the fire arms for our home defense strategy.
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Old 02-04-2011, 01:49 AM
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Thanks everyone for your advise. After careful consideration, my wife and I purchased the S/W 640. Looking forward to finally owning the fire arms for our home defense strategy.
Practice as much as possible with silhouette targets and index shooting. Get training. Stay proficient. Try many different grips and ammo. The 640 will get the job done if they do their part.
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Old 02-04-2011, 02:43 AM
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Good choice. Since it's for home defense and not everyday carry, the 640's weight will be a benefit.
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Old 02-10-2011, 12:47 AM
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Default 642 vs. 640 NRA First Step Orientation

Thanks for everyone for your input. Going to take the course with the family on Saturday. After talking with the instructor this afternoon he has advised me that my purchase of the 640 was a bad one for home defense due to the short barrel, I started with the gun dealers recommendation of the 642, then went to the 640 for weight and a little longer barrel. Now I feel I should have gone with the 60. Thoughts?
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Old 02-10-2011, 06:52 AM
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The firearm you will use and use accurately is the firearm that will work. Try it out at your training, practice at the range. The 640 is perfectly acceptable as a defensive weapon. Look for ammo that you can shoot comfortably that is also good for home defense. It is not a 50 yard target gun, but that isn't what you are using it for.

I have a 642 that is part of my home defense system. I have confidence in it.

You may decide you want to try other firearms, maybe a semi-auto, or a larger wheel gun. That is part of the fun of firearm ownership in this country.
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Old 02-10-2011, 08:10 AM
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Quote:
The firearm you will use and use accurately is the firearm that will work.
From your lips to God's ear...

This is the best of all advice. I would also suggest that for a first gun, you stick with steel frame and avoid the light-weight models. If you are not carrying, go with a 3" or 4" barrel.

Try to go to a range that rents various handguns and actually shoot them. They may feel great in the hand until the first round is fired. With a single box of .38spl, you can fire 4-5 guns from the .357/.38spl family.

Great good luck.
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Old 02-10-2011, 09:34 PM
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One advantage to picking a "snubby" is its versatility. It will be totally adequate for home defense AND cc should you decide to do so. And there are several good posts regarding ammo selection as well as hints for practice sessions. Good Luck.
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Old 02-11-2011, 01:35 PM
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Default My humble advice

Great choice in the 640!

However, I was thinking along the same lines that for a newb... a snubbie wouldn't be the best choice for home defense. I doubt distances in a bedroom would make a huge difference, but to become proficient and obtain accuracy, it is something that needs a lot of frustratiing practice at the range.

The lightweight of the 640 excels as a concealed carry, whether in a purse, on ones person, or in a vehicle.

Vs the 642, this is by far a better choice because the extra few ounces helps make it an enjoyable experience at the range where you should be visiting often.

A 640 and 100 rounds at the range might be a bit much for some females.

Certainly would hold onto the 640, but would add a heavier and slightly beefier K frame to your mix of handguns.

For home defense and as a good range gun for training, anything in a K frame would be a great choice. The L frame are equally preferable but are a bit on the heavy side for some ladies. Something with a barrel of 4 inches is pretty standard.

You have initially made a great choice and would build upon that with a K frame... A Model 10 (or 15, 19, 66, 65, 64... among the many variations) would be a great compliment!

I've tried everything from Glocks to Kel Tecs and returned home to revolvers.

My small collection consists of two jframes (442 and 649). My home/range gun is a L frame 586 (and have owned and sold any number of K frames).

Probably the best addition to my small battery is the humble Model 17. Hundreds and hundreds of cheap .22 caliber ammo on this K frame has done wonders for my enjoyment ans improved skills.

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Old 02-11-2011, 04:28 PM
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between the two choices presented..............model 640 easier to handle and less recoil.

if you are looking for a revolver for the two women to use for home defense, also consider a S&W model 64 "K" frame, 2,3,or 4 inch barrel, which will reduce the felt recoil even more.

a 148gr DEWC (@ about 800 fps) and a S&W model 64 will be a good home defense combination.
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Old 02-11-2011, 05:01 PM
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Originally Posted by peshooter View Post
Thanks for everyone for your input. Going to take the course with the family on Saturday. After talking with the instructor this afternoon he has advised me that my purchase of the 640 was a bad one for home defense due to the short barrel, I started with the gun dealers recommendation of the 642, then went to the 640 for weight and a little longer barrel. Now I feel I should have gone with the 60. Thoughts?
Walk around your house and measure the longest possible shot you might need to take and practice at that distance or less. If you can make those shots well with the 640, then no worries. If not, consider a different gun.
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Old 02-11-2011, 08:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by peshooter View Post
Thanks for everyone for your input. Going to take the course with the family on Saturday. After talking with the instructor this afternoon he has advised me that my purchase of the 640 was a bad one for home defense due to the short barrel, I started with the gun dealers recommendation of the 642, then went to the 640 for weight and a little longer barrel. Now I feel I should have gone with the 60. Thoughts?
Expect a few thing at the range as a first time snubbie owner. Accuracy will be a bit poor and random.

Just don't let buyers remorse creep into your decision. You made a wise purchase.

A Model 60 is essentially a 640 with an exposed hammer.

If anything you need to add a 4 inch K frame if concealed carry is not in the cards. (Model 10, 15, 19, 64, 65, 66)

See if the range has a K frame to rent. Maybe borrow one from a friend or family member.
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Old 11-27-2012, 06:11 PM
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Default 640 or 642 & ? re recoil

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Originally Posted by J.P.60 View Post
Try to go to a range that rents various handguns and actually shoot them.
That is really good advice. I have been trying to decide which to go with, 640 or 642, and didn't know how to go about deciding.

I want to carry it every day and am concerned about the extra weight of the 640. I plan to carry it in a holster and not in my purse. I'm hoping that the extra weight will be neglible in a holster. Now, I have a plan for testing my theory.

Guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend.

Dumb question: Does recoil throw off the first shot or only the subsequent shots?

Thanks, y'all.
Suzie
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Old 11-27-2012, 06:16 PM
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Walk around your house and measure the longest possible shot you might need to take and practice at that distance or less. If you can make those shots well with the 640, then no worries. If not, consider a different gun.
Smaaaartt! Thanks! Even tho the primary purpose of my purchase is to carry every day, being able to also use it for home defense is a wise consideration.

Thank you,
Suzie
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Old 11-27-2012, 07:00 PM
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There is nothing wrong with a 640. My 640-1 is what I usually leave for my wife when I am away. She likes that it can fit into a pocket when she goes outside and its not a burden to keep with her instead of in a drawer or table. She shoots it pretty well at house distances. A snub can be tougher to take away from a person that a revolver with a longer barrel and is useful for getting somebody off you at grappling distance. You made a better choice than the 642. There is also a Winchester 97 12ga with a 18 inch barrel loaded with #4 buckshot available to her too. As others have said, learning to use the tool well is more important than the exact type of tool.
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Old 11-27-2012, 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Suzie Homemaker View Post
That is really good advice. I have been trying to decide which to go with, 640 or 642, and didn't know how to go about deciding.

I want to carry it every day and am concerned about the extra weight of the 640. I plan to carry it in a holster and not in my purse. I'm hoping that the extra weight will be neglible in a holster. Now, I have a plan for testing my theory.

Guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend.

Dumb question: Does recoil throw off the first shot or only the subsequent shots?

Thanks, y'all.
Suzie
A quality holster goes a long way to making a heavier revolver or pistol manageable for carry -- particularly one that holds the piece snug against you -- and as far as the 640 or 642 go, neither is very heavy. A quality, thick hide belt is important, too.

Recoil can throw off the first shot if your grip and technique isn't solid, but technique problems will do a lot more to undermine a first shot than recoil will. Second shots can also be affected by recoil, but again, technique is the greatest issue. Selecting your gun and ammo well and practicing consistently with both is the best remedy.

Since you plan to carry for self defense purposes, consider the 640 Pro or the 642's brother, the 442 Moon Clip; both are cut for moon clips which are outstanding for fast, reliable ejection and reloading.
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Old 11-27-2012, 09:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Suzie Homemaker View Post
That is really good advice. I have been trying to decide which to go with, 640 or 642, and didn't know how to go about deciding.

I want to carry it every day and am concerned about the extra weight of the 640. I plan to carry it in a holster and not in my purse. I'm hoping that the extra weight will be neglible in a holster. Now, I have a plan for testing my theory.

Guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend.

Dumb question: Does recoil throw off the first shot or only the subsequent shots?

Thanks, y'all.
Suzie
Smit & Wesson 642 38 Special NO LOCK : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

Joe
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Old 11-27-2012, 09:38 PM
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Hornady critacal defense 110 gr ftx, lets hear about ammo and kick ? This maybe the best designed round. lots of comment on guns and kick, what are you putting in them?
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Old 11-29-2012, 02:34 PM
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.... A quality, thick hide belt is important, too......
Since you plan to carry for self defense purposes, consider the 640 Pro or the 642's brother, the 442 Moon Clip; both are cut for moon clips which are outstanding for fast, reliable ejection and reloading.
Thank you for the advice. From the context, I'm guessing that "moon clip" is a reloader? I'll definitely look into that.

Sorry, I'm just an X-housewife and do not know all the lingo.

Thank you for your advice,
Suzie
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Old 11-29-2012, 02:40 PM
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Hornady critacal defense 110 gr ftx, lets hear about ammo and kick ? This maybe the best designed round. lots of comment on guns and kick, what are you putting in them?
Nothing yet. I was going to ask for advice on that whenever I make the purchase. I'm going to try to find a shooting range in Shreveport that lets you rent a firearm. I want to try the 640 and 642 before I make my final decision. However, I am heavily leaning toward the 640 due to its stainless steel frame. Aluminum just sounds cheap to me tho I can see why someone with more experience who would know if there is any metal fatigue might choose it due to its lighter weight.

I'm thinking that I want to use 38 plus P in the 640. I believe 357 would be too much for me. But, truthfully, I'm just parroting the words. I truly have no clue what I'm talking about. Another reason to go to the range and try before I buy.
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Old 11-29-2012, 02:59 PM
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Another vote for the 640-1. The only J-frame I own. The only one I need too.

Durable and accurate. Heavy enough to practice with regularly. Load it with mild to wild with no worries.

I stoke mine with Speer Gold Dot 135 grain 38+P short barrel ammunition. Great round thats easy to shoot and accurate too.

Grips make a difference when shooting these J-frames. I have Pachmayr grippers on mine. Much more comfortable than the factory grips.

My G/F has no problem running 50 rounds of 38+P through the 640-1. She wasn't able to get through 5 rounds with the 642 range rental.

Good luck with your selection! Regards 18DAI
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Old 11-29-2012, 03:02 PM
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[QUOTE=Frizzman;136825267]There is nothing wrong with a 640. ... A snub can be tougher to take away from a person that a revolver with a longer barrel and is useful for getting somebody off you at grappling distance. ....QUOTE]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking, too, that it would be harder to take away from me because there is less barrel to grab.

Thank you.
Suzie
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Old 11-29-2012, 03:05 PM
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Thank you, Joe.

What does "No lock" mean?
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Old 11-29-2012, 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Photoman44 View Post
Practice as much as possible with silhouette targets and index shooting. Get training. Stay proficient. Try many different grips and ammo. The 640 will get the job done if they do their part.
What's index shooting?

Thanks,
Suzie
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Old 11-29-2012, 03:14 PM
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Thank you for the advice. From the context, I'm guessing that "moon clip" is a reloader? I'll definitely look into that.
You got it, it's a kind of reloader.

The cylinder is specially cut to accept a moon clip, which, loaded, is slid into the cylinder in its entirety and left there for shooting. Empties or extracted the same way. So basically you're loading all your shots in one easy move, and ditto for ejecting them.

Think of it as like a pistol magazine for a revolver.

A plus is that on the .38 and .357 chambered J-frames, you can shoot with or without the moon clips.

If you get a model that isn't cut for moon clips and decide you want them, you can have it done after the fact.

Alternately, speed loaders are a good second option.

As with everything, practice with the set-up you'll be using.

This is a moon clip:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-be6tS8laLp...n_Clips_01.jpg
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Old 11-29-2012, 03:16 PM
Suzie Homemaker Suzie Homemaker is offline
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...Grips make a difference when shooting these J-frames. I have Pachmayr grippers on mine. Much more comfortable than the factory grips.

My G/F has no problem running 50 rounds of 38+P through the 640-1. She wasn't able to get through 5 rounds with the 642 range rental.

Good luck with your selection! Regards 18DAI
Thank you,
Suzie
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Old 11-29-2012, 03:20 PM
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... So basically you're loading all your shots in one easy move, and ditto for ejecting them.

.

As with everything, practice with the set-up you'll be using.

]

Coooool! I can see the usefulness of this in a crisis situation.

I will practice. I don't want to be trying to figure it all out and trying not to get raped at the same time.

Thank you!
Suzie
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  #36  
Old 11-29-2012, 03:23 PM
Hapworth Hapworth is offline
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What does "No lock" mean?
A little over a decade ago S&W started building integrated locks into their revolvers. With a key, you could render your revolver live or inert.

It's an extremely sensitive subject around here for both political and mechanical reasons. Threads about "the lock" usually get closed fast.

Many prefer the guns made before the lock, or opt for what few revolvers S&W now makes without it. Some buy and remove the thing. Others don't have an issue with it.

Plenty to read on it here with a little searching, and you can (and probably should) decide for yourself how you feel about it.
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  #37  
Old 11-29-2012, 03:30 PM
Hapworth Hapworth is offline
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What's index shooting?
Also known as "point shooting". It involves drawing and firing without traditional, one-eye-closed aiming, but instead letting training, instinct and a direct both-eyes-open focus on the target be your "aiming".

One-handed or two, piece at your side or raised, you're shooting by feel -- and like in most fine skill sets, feel emerges after a lot of work, but the idea is that you train for feel rather than traditional, static, target-style shooting.

It's what most naturally occurs in an actual, fast-moving confrontation, and well worth practicing.
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  #38  
Old 11-29-2012, 06:17 PM
Suzie Homemaker Suzie Homemaker is offline
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A little over a decade ago S&W started building integrated locks into their revolvers. With a key, you could render your revolver live or inert.

It's an extremely sensitive subject around here for both political and mechanical reasons. Threads about "the lock" usually get closed fast.
OMG!!! This is definitely NEED TO KNOW information!!!

I'm a little freaked out because had Joe not been kind enuf to provide me a link to "no lock," I never would have known about this. I cannot believe that in my conversations with the dealer that he never mentioned this!!!

I don't know why my opinion would offend anybody; afterall, I'm just a housewife. Nevertheless, in the overabundance of caution, due to the sensitivity of the topic, I won't say what I think of inert devices.

Thank you Joe and Hapworth!!!

P.S. The 640 is no longer under consideration.
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Old 11-29-2012, 06:33 PM
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OMG!!! This is definitely NEED TO KNOW information!!!

I'm a little freaked out because had Joe not been kind enuf to provide me a link to "no lock," I never would have known about this. I cannot believe that in my conversations with the dealer that he never mentioned this!!!

I don't know why my opinion would offend anybody; afterall, I'm just a housewife. Nevertheless, in the overabundance of caution, due to the sensitivity of the topic, I won't say what I think of inert devices.

Thank you Joe and Hapworth!!!

P.S. The 640 is no longer under consideration.
Some dealers are terrific and well informed, some less so.

Didn't mean to give you the impression you can't give an opinion on the lock here -- you can -- only that tirades for or against tend to stir things, and if I recall, there's a forum policy about not starting threads specifically on the subject.

Far as opinions go, worry not. Me? I don't like the lock.

What ruled the 640 out?

642 is an excellent piece, and with practice and smart ammo selection, a manageable gun to shoot and get good at. It's brother the 442 is the same gun but with a black finish. Both can be purchased with or without locks for the same price new; the 442 Moon Clip is $20 more and also ships without the lock.
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Old 11-29-2012, 06:50 PM
gregintenn gregintenn is offline
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I have both. The 640 is prettier, and the 642 is lighter and easier to carry. I can't tell all that much difference in recoil. My wife insists on a hammer for whatever reason, and happily carries a model 37. I will tell you that a pair of rubber Hogue grips made a world of difference in her shooting as far as comfort and accuracy.
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Old 11-29-2012, 09:52 PM
JoeGun JoeGun is offline
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Thank you, Joe.

What does "No lock" mean?
Hey Suzie,

I see that they have explained the difference in the Lock & No Lock.

I like the No Lock,, cause in an emergency,, I don't won't anything that can go wrong,, go wrong.

With the No Lock,, allst you have to do is "Pull The Trigger". If the Lock was set,, and forgot about,, it would take the allen wrench to unlock the gun. Scenerio ~ Oh My God,, They're breaking in the Front Door,, and Where's That Dam Allen Wrench!!!!

The reason I like the 642 or 442,, is that they are small, Lite, No Hammer to Snag, & Double Action Only. Downside is that they have a little bit more kick, and the Trigger is a liittle bit harder to pull. But with low recoil ammo,, and with practice in holding,, whether it be one hand or 2,, IMO,, that can be overcome.

I sold my CIA SS 650 Taurus 357 magnum,, because it was just too heavy to carry around, once I held the 642 and realized it was basically the same gun,, but so much liter,, I was bit,, and had to have one.

In the end,, it'll be your decision,, but don't fret,, if you find that you like another gun better later on. It's sort of like buying a Vehicle, to me anyways.

The no locks go pretty fast,, so if you decide that is what you want,, you may have to hunt for a whilst,, but they do still make them,, as far as I know.

All The Best,, Take your time, and shoot as many different guns that you can,, so you'll be able to make the best decision possible.

Like I said though,, you may come across anothern that you may like better down the road,, cause it happens to most of us, ie The 642 Evil Twin:

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsupersto...2.cfm/ID/64137

Joe

Last edited by JoeGun; 11-30-2012 at 03:15 AM.
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Old 11-30-2012, 10:13 AM
Darkenfast Darkenfast is offline
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Just went through this with a small 70 year-old lady. We tried her on several guns, but the only revolver we had available was a Model 60 (2" barrel, exposed hammer, stainless J-frame). Kicked pretty hard for her hands (which damage easily). So, off to the gun shops. I thought a K-frame 4" would be perfect, but they were a little too large. "Perfect" turned out to be a used 3" barreled Ruger SP101 in .357 (but it will only be shot with .38's). For our newer members, this is Ruger's take on a compact 5-shot revolver. Chunky weight (much heavier than the usual J-frame), rubber grips that fit her hands, it's a good home defense weapon for her. Hornady Critical Defense 110gr +P's in the gun. She's very smart, and has thought everything through, so I'm confident she'll be fine.
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Old 11-30-2012, 10:25 AM
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The Ruger SP101 is an excellent choice as well. Had I not found a pre lock 640-1 I would have gone with the SP101.

Susie Homemaker the Ruger SP101 is a common range rental gun and readily available for sale in most gun shops. It can be had in 2.5 inch and 3 inch barrels too. Were I you I would give it serious consideration.......should you be unable to locate a nice pre lock 640-1.

The SP101 has very nice rubber grips which soak up recoil very well. Stoke it with Speer 135 grain short barrel 38+P and you are "good to go". Good luck with your search! Regards 18DAI
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Old 11-30-2012, 12:25 PM
Suzie Homemaker Suzie Homemaker is offline
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What ruled the 640 out?
Thank you, Hapworth, for all the info. I should have said that a new 640 has been ruled out. I prefer to buy new because then I'd know how it had been treated and that only 38+P had been fired in it. I like the concept of using the 38+P in a 357 because it seems to me like "over engineering" If that makes sense.

However, I do not want to buy a new one and then have to pay a gunsmith to remove the internal lock. I read somewhere that it makes the gun ugly to remove the lock. If it's not pretty, I'm not going to be inspired to practice with it.
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Old 11-30-2012, 12:33 PM
Suzie Homemaker Suzie Homemaker is offline
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The no locks go pretty fast,, so if you decide that is what you want,, you may have to hunt for a whilst,, but they do still make them,, as far as I know.

.... shoot as many different guns that you can,, so you'll be able to make the best decision possible.
Thank you, Joe. From what I understood looking at the catalog only the 642 comes no lock now. And since the 642 has an aluminum frame, I'm thinking I need a 640 from the PRE LOCK era. I guess I'll be shopping the classifieds. First, I'm going to try to buy local. I put a Want to Buy ad on the Facebook page for Buying and Selling in my hometown.
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Old 11-30-2012, 12:40 PM
Suzie Homemaker Suzie Homemaker is offline
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... "Perfect" turned out to be a used 3" barreled Ruger SP101 in .357 (but it will only be shot with .38's). For our newer members, this is Ruger's take on a compact 5-shot revolver. Chunky weight (much heavier than the usual J-frame), rubber grips that fit her hands, it's a good home defense weapon for her. ...
Thank you, Darkenfast
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Old 11-30-2012, 12:42 PM
Suzie Homemaker Suzie Homemaker is offline
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The Ruger SP101 is an excellent choice as well. Had I not found a pre lock 640-1 I would have gone with the SP101.
Thank you, 18DAI, I took a look at one on Ruger's website and am definitely interested and will shoot it if it's available. I couldn't tell from looking at the ad, but since you like it, I surmise that it does not have an internal lock ???? If it does not have an internal lock, I believe I'd rather have a new SP101 than an pre-lock 640-1 that some stranger has mauled.

Also in reviewing the website, I noticed that the KSP-321 (357) and KSP 821X (38 Spl +P) are the same price. I'm just wondering, if there are the same price, why would anyone go with the 38 over the 357? Is there any criterion, other than weight, that would make the 38 a better choice than the 357?

Last edited by Suzie Homemaker; 11-30-2012 at 01:15 PM.
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  #48  
Old 11-30-2012, 04:03 PM
JoeGun JoeGun is offline
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Thank you, Joe. From what I understood looking at the catalog only the 642 comes no lock now.
http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsupersto...2.cfm/ID/64137
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  #49  
Old 11-30-2012, 05:47 PM
MShambarger MShambarger is offline
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My wife bought a 642CT. She had a snubby of some other brand before that she gave to her daughter. The j-frame is the only gun she has experienced with and wanted another snubby (she named it "Smitty"). She has gotten her carry permit and practices fairly regularly. She enjoys it. She won't even try my K-38 which she thinks is too big and loud. Obviously it would be easier to shoot with the same ammo... I give her light recoil reloads but she does very well with full power factory ammo also. The laser is a big plus for her. She has shot some imressive targets - all slow fire which isn't very realistic for a self defense situation but it gives her confidence. The gun was almost new and we got it for a good price. All around a very good choice for her.
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Old 11-30-2012, 06:00 PM
MShambarger MShambarger is offline
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Suzie-
If you are in Shreveport, LA, Clark's has a shop in Bosier City and a range in (I forget the name of the little town) near by. You can probably try out anything you want. I bought a Springfield 45 and had Mr. Clark accurize it over 20 years ago. It is still shooting well. Mr. Clark has passed on but his outfit is still there. It is worth checking out.
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