I'm not new to revolvers and have had a Model 60 (no dash, pinned) 1 7/8" .38spl, that I bobbed the hammer, for quite a few years (10, 15, don't even remember). I currently don't carry concealed but there's a good possibly that I will in the future (always legally). My primary concern is being able to rapidly deploy the gun while getting in or out of the car, and while driving, sitting in traffic, stop lights, etc. Being able to shoot from a seated position from inside a vehicle is very important. In addition, it will be carried concealed somewhere around the waist and clothing will always be lightweight, both in and outside the vehicle.

Now for the big question, from a drawing and gripping point of view, for a semi-aimed or instinctive point shooting position, is the Model 642/640 any easier to grasp and/or hold, for people with large hands, than a bobbed hammer Model 60?

I'm seriously considering buying a 642, without the safety, for the fact that it's a little lighter than the Model 60, and there are fewer places for debris to enter the action (I once had one of those tiny lint balls that build up in jeans pockets, after coming out of the dryer, enter behind the trigger of this very same Model 60 and cause it to lock up).

Aside from the concealed hammer area and the use of aluminum, how is the frame on the 642 any different from that of my no-dash Model 60?

Other then wear on the painted finish on the aluminum, should I worry about the durability of the 642, assuming factory loaded ammo or ammo loaded to factory specs?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

About the only real difference I can think of is that the frame is higher at the back of the gun at the top of the grip. This is a plus for getting a good high grip and people with large hands. The others you mentioned like being snag free and closed action are also good to have in a CCW.

They are pretty similar. I'm surprised that you have not mentioned a Tyler; I would certainly prefer to have one, at least on a steel gun. On an aluminum RB, my middle finger knuckle gets rapped, so I prefer no Tyler, although I can't grip the gun as readily for aimed fire as I can a gun with a Tyler.

I consider a bobbed-hammer gun notably safer than a 642, because there is a hammer which you can hold down while you're pocketing or holstering the gun.

Lint is one reason to use a pocket holster, yet if you can carry a gun without one, I would certainly agree with your decision to do so. Incorporate a regular (even daily?) inspection and cleaning into your routine.

I don't think that there would be a longevity issue with factory ammo and a 642. If one develops, buy another gun, or send the old one back to the factory.

Actually, I like my 642, but I am very careful holstering it.

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Formerly Model520Fan

I have a 642 and a 60, other than a little more felt recoil with the Airweight there isn't a noticable difference in shootability between the two...

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"Shall not be infringed"

Thanks for the feedback, guys!

The Model 60 has worn Uncle Mike's boot grips for a few years. It's better than the wooden panels, but still not optimal, as the little gun does want to jump and the pinky is left out . I may look into the "banana" type grips if it's hard plastic as opposed to soft rubber. I think one that covers the back would also be more comfortable for drawing and shooting.

I'd love to hear suggestions for pocket and inside the pants holsters as well as grips. One must is that they be synthetic, not leather.

A metal clip may also work, if sturdy and it doesn't cut into my clothing.

I'll be searching all this at a later time...

Black_Sheep, I know it's tough to define recoil, but how much more recoil does the 642 have as compared to the Model 60...20%,30%,50%?

Thanks again

I have both a Model 38 Bodyguard from the early 60's and a 442 no dash from 1993. Both are excellent for pocket carry (always use a pocket holster and never put anything else in that pocket) and I prefer the wood boot grips for my overly large hands. As to the pinky, curl it under the grip and it helps absorb recoil, and keep the front sight on target.

MG-70 I would say the Airweight has less than 20% more recoil. Grips make a huge difference, after experimenting with various grips the Pachmayr Compac has become my default J-Frame grip. Some folks consider them too bulky for CCW but with my size and style of dress it hasn't been an issue...

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"Shall not be infringed"

I agree with Old Cop. Holsters are a must. Pocket carry doesn't work for me while seated. I always pocket carry a 442, and the drawback is accessability while seated. I'm planning on investigating ankle holsters for that reason.

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I have two trigger fingers

Ken Null SKR if you're going to be doing a lot of work out of a car. I prefer the 642.

K.L. Null Holsters Home Page

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Centennial Every Day

I have the kissing cousins to the models you mentioned.

Have owned a couple of Model 442 and it is a dream to carry.

This afternoon, I just procured a 649, there is a slight weight difference I almost don't notice.

The 442 is GREAT in a coat pocket!

I think the belt and holster will be the biggest benefit.

Having just returned from the range, the 442 is a brute with +p loads and not much better with general target loads. In hand it is a featherweight and about 50 rounds is all I care to shoot.

In contrast, I was really surprised at how well the 649 handles the recoil. It was a dream to shoot in comparison. The extra weight is the ticket, and it felt great in hand.

The two have different grips, so the recoil comparison might not be fair.

Accuracy wise, I've become much better at shooting Jframes at at 5 to 7 yards and shot equally well. Only had a few outside the center ring.

Depending upon your pain threshold and enjoyment factor, I would own both or at the very least a snub K frame so at the range you can have a break from the 642.

Owning two allows me to keep one IWB, which is accessible when sitting. Also allows me to keep one for the console.