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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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Old 03-03-2012, 08:39 PM
nickthedude nickthedude is offline
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Default New to revolvers... Best for pocket carry?

Hi guys. I recently started looking at revolvers today and am overwhelmed by all the different models when it comes to the j-frame revolvers. I was wondering if any of you wanted to chime in with a good recommendation when it comes to pocket carry. I looked at a different thread and saw a lot of people seem to like 642 and 340? What about the Bodyguard? Ruger LCP? I am under the assumption that the J-frames and S&W in general have been around longest in the revolver market, so I assume they're the best option when it comes to revolvers. 357 or 38 special?
Like I said I'm clueless when it comes to revolvers and would love to be educated on them a little. I just can't tell the difference when it comes to all these models...
Thanks everyone!
Nick
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Old 03-03-2012, 08:58 PM
OldBlood OldBlood is offline
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i have had this 442 for years. It is a pre +P model, so only regular 38 specials in this one. I think all the Js take +P now. I like the enclosed hammer on this model, snags less on clothes. I also have a LCP that I carry often, just because it is so small and light. I have 357s, but have never carried that round. 357 has lots of recoil and muzzel blast, and a little harder to control in a small, pocket handgun. I have ordered a new 60, hasn't arrived yet, so i must be changing my mind. 357 is a round the FBI called a "man stopper". anyone who has fired one knows it has plenty of muzzel energy, something like 2 1/2 times a 38 special! I would recommend a alloy J, either enclosed hammer or exposed. 642 is very nice. That is the silver version of the 442.
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Old 03-03-2012, 09:03 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is offline
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642 no lock is a great choice for pocket carry.

For self-defense, load up with the old FBI Load, 38 Special Winchester 158 grain +P Lead Hollow Point or the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 38 Special, and you will be fine.
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Old 03-03-2012, 09:03 PM
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I don't think you can go wrong with any of them but you do need to practice with them. I use an IWB holster that I made so I hardly ever pocket carry but if I do it would be my M638 because it's so light weight and with the shrouded hammer I don't worry about it snagging on clothes.
As far as 38 or 357...a J frame 357 is a hand full to shoot, at least for some of us. 38 Specials will do the job as long as you can hit'em. MHO.
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Old 03-03-2012, 09:08 PM
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The 642 and the 640 are good guns. The BG seems to be a little more prone to defects. As far as the LCP goes, .380's are back up guns, not primary guns due to the marginal effectiveness of .380. If the pocket gun is a back up gun, any of the three I spoke about are good guns.

I'd also suggest you look at the Kahr CW 9, accurate, 7 rounds of 9mm, pocket sized and if you shop around, can be bought for under $350.00.

Good luck in your efforts.
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Old 03-03-2012, 09:31 PM
nickthedude nickthedude is offline
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Thanks guys. So the only difference between the 642 and 442 is the finish? This gun would be a backup to my M&P9c, Glock 23, or Glock 27, and it would also be ideal to throw in my pocket while I'm working (I cashier at a gas station).
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Old 03-03-2012, 09:32 PM
nickthedude nickthedude is offline
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And why the heck is the 340 so expensive? the 340PD on the S&W website is $1019.00...
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Old 03-03-2012, 09:37 PM
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If you work nights in a gas station, you might want a 12 gauge under the counter and a J in the pocket.
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Old 03-03-2012, 11:16 PM
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642 all the way. The Centennial design is simply the best pocket and general concealed carry revolver ever designed. With that being said, I'm still jonesing for a steel Bodyguard or Chief's Special.
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Old 03-04-2012, 01:00 AM
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Centennial Every Day!

Stay away from the "new" Bodyguard plastic fantastic. You could give the Ruger LCR a try as you are new to revolvers and don't have any manual of arms habits (the LCR operates differently from the J frames). Airweights are good but stay away from the ultralights (AirLite, etc.) for a first gun. The 640 (stainless steel Centennial) is a good option for a first gun but a bit heavy for pocket carry (according to some). For caliber, .38 Special for sure.


The 642 is an excellent personal defense handgun given certain conditions!

Large rubber grips are a must for beginners.


Standard pressure ammo only until you get used to the recoil of the Airweight Centennial . That includes carry ammo too!


1000 dry fires as soon as possible. This will smooth up the action quite a bit and make trigger control much easier.


Practice firing at distances less than seven yards. Anything beyond that will likely frustrate you.


Use silhouette targets at the range. Airweights are fighting guns, not target guns! Trying to shoot small bullseye groups with an Airweight is not the mission of this handgun (although you might find it most rewarding later on).


A good pocket holster is a must! It's like peanut butter and jelly! They just go together so well. I recommend the Mika pocket holster more than any other.

I really try to stay with standard pressure ammo as I shoot it much better than +P in the Airweights.


Some to consider:


Remington 110gr SJHP
Winchester 110gr Silvertip
Federal 125gr Nyclad
Federal 110gr Personal Defense (HS)
Federal 148gr Gold Medal wadcutter
Hornady 110gr FTX
Speer 125gr Gold Dot


Buffalo Bore offers many different standard pressure loads but, due to their high velocity, they have just as much recoil as most +P loads.


Try those and see which one shoots best in your gun.
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Old 03-04-2012, 05:06 AM
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I addition to the responses you receive in this thread,
here's another recent thread on the subject.

Best in-pocket for snubbie
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Old 03-04-2012, 06:14 AM
dinooch dinooch is offline
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The 442/642 are excellent choices. If you are already a seasoned handgun shooter I see no reason not to get an Airlite. I have a 340sc .357 which would be fine loaded with standard pressure .38's or +P's. I carry medium velocity .357's in mine. The light .357 gives you a 2 caliber choice and is so light you hardly know it's in your pocket. The 340PD is a bit heavier due to the steel cylinder but is also a great choice. The Airlites are more expensive due to the scandium and titanium used which are expensive alloys and are more difficult to machine. Practice and familiarity with an Airlite erases all the concerns people seem to have with these guns. Either they have one and don't shoot it as often as they should or they don't have one and "assume" they are more difficult to shoot? Beats me. Of course as I always say what's good for one is not always good for everyone.
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Old 03-04-2012, 08:38 AM
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I can personally recommend AGAINST one of the new BG38 Bodyguards... Run away FAST!

I have one that is two months old and is heading back to S&W for the second time for repairs. These are not just cosmetic repairs, but failure of the action to function (locked up) and light primer strikes resulting in misfires.

S&W revolvers of the past have been good, but they'll never have me as a customer again after this one. I'll go to a company which makes handguns which actually work!

Edmo
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Old 03-04-2012, 08:54 AM
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The 638 is a great pocket or IWB gun.

I carry one everyday.
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Old 03-04-2012, 09:06 AM
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My M&P360 and my wife's 642 both fill this roll exceptionally. If I was only going to pocket carry the M&P I would prefer the M&P340, but I like having the hammer.

Locks on both weapons disabled, respectively..



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Old 03-04-2012, 01:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nickthedude View Post
Thanks guys. So the only difference between the 642 and 442 is the finish? This gun would be a backup to my M&P9c, Glock 23, or Glock 27, and it would also be ideal to throw in my pocket while I'm working (I cashier at a gas station).
OK, now you just changed the game be telling us you will carry your new little friend in your pocket while working at a gas station. That tells me you are not just looking for something to stop some thug who is harassing you with a club or shank, but your probabilities have risen where you could be facing an armed robbery situation where you life is on the line.

In this case I would carry the biggest gun you can handle efficiently period. That would not be a .380 in my opinion. Although I would recommend one of your Glocks or M&Ps, if they are out of the question I would carry a J Frame of your choice loaded with Speer 135 gr SB +Ps at a minimum. With that said, I would also recommend a lot of practice at multiple targets. You have to be really good with only five shots. Maybe you should reconsider that fine M&P 9C tucked in your waistband.
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Old 03-04-2012, 02:45 PM
Ralph G. Briscoe Ralph G. Briscoe is offline
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For carry, the 11oz scandium j frames.
If you plan to actually shoot it with serious defense loads...442 or 642.
I have all the above. The scandium guns are simply too light for plus p .38 or .357's. In your situation, as in most close-range defensive situations, the guy who shoots first, and gets a solid hit, usually wins. You have a better chance of accomplishing that with a J frame which can be fired from inside a jacket pocket if necessary, than with an autoloader. I'd consider the j frame my primary and for backup carry a 2nd j frame or an auto, though that would complicate your ammunition situation.
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Old 03-04-2012, 03:08 PM
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Quote:
642 no lock is a great choice for pocket carry.
I agree with this.
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Old 03-04-2012, 09:22 PM
nickthedude nickthedude is offline
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Wow. Thank you all. Tons of awesome info in this thread. I think the 642 sounds like a revolver that fits what I am looking for. I need a pistol that I can conceal well at work, since we aren't "technically" supposed to carry at work. I don't know if it differs by state, but where I live carrying there wouldn't be a legal issue, just a risk of discipline from the boss. With the area around my station getting increasingly worse, I look at it like my life is more important than my job. If I get the 642, which is rated for 38 special +p, can I shoot standard 38 special ammo, or does it have to be rated +p?
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Old 03-04-2012, 10:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nickthedude View Post
With the area around my station getting increasingly worse, I look at it like my life is more important than my job.
I'll make this more simple than the gun choice; get a new job! As you said your life >> job.

As for the many J-frames you can simplify it by breaking out each option group and comparing them instead of comparing each gun and its many options.

Frame material: steel, aluminum, scandium
Aluminum tends to be a good compromise in weight, corrosion resistance, cost.

Frame type: hammer, shrouded hammer, hammerless
Hammerless is often preferred for snag-free draws, and the expectation of DAO use.

The above two often lead folks to get the 642/442.

There are a few other things like sights (integral or otherwise) and grips (laser or not).

It's a lot easier to compare one option than it is to compare a gun with many options.
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Old 03-04-2012, 10:37 PM
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The +P rating means it will stand up to that much pressure. You can shoot all the non +P you want as well as +P. The 642 is a good choice for carry and I've carried them but I prefer a 640. I like all steel and pocket carry it everday in a uncle mike's pocket holster with Eagle Secret Service grips on it.
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Old 03-04-2012, 10:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nickthedude View Post
Wow. Thank you all. Tons of awesome info in this thread. I think the 642 sounds like a revolver that fits what I am looking for. I need a pistol that I can conceal well at work, since we aren't "technically" supposed to carry at work. I don't know if it differs by state, but where I live carrying there wouldn't be a legal issue, just a risk of discipline from the boss. With the area around my station getting increasingly worse, I look at it like my life is more important than my job. If I get the 642, which is rated for 38 special +p, can I shoot standard 38 special ammo, or does it have to be rated +p?
Your right. Your life is MUCH more valuable than your companies viewpoints on concealed carry. Sorry, had to voice my opinion.

Carry away, defend yourself. It's not illegal here, but I do it as well.
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Old 05-10-2012, 04:09 PM
rodfatherjr rodfatherjr is offline
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Wow! tons of good comments and info. Agreed on 1. life is more important than job! 2. "carry away" Hey! it's called "concealed carry" for a reason! Carry always, never tell! 3. I carry the 442 with Bianchi speed strip in opposite pocket and a pocket holster. I personally went for the darker color of the 442 for concealablity in low light. Maybe that's overkill (intended!) but I like it.
4.The lock situation is problematical if you consider actual cases of malfunction and legal ramifications IF you ever find yourself against an attorney defending why you "knew more than S&W" about the weapon you used to defend your life. I have not defeated mine but am still considering it. 5. I have the CT laser and love it! The open sites for me are strictly "point and shoot", which is OK too. 6. Can't comment on the lighter versions but the weight is definately NOT an issue with the 442 nor 642 imho! Love my "5 for sure" pocket gun! Vote in November!!
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Old 05-10-2012, 04:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nickthedude View Post
Wow. Thank you all. Tons of awesome info in this thread. I think the 642 sounds like a revolver that fits what I am looking for. I need a pistol that I can conceal well at work, since we aren't "technically" supposed to carry at work. I don't know if it differs by state, but where I live carrying there wouldn't be a legal issue, just a risk of discipline from the boss. With the area around my station getting increasingly worse, I look at it like my life is more important than my job. If I get the 642, which is rated for 38 special +p, can I shoot standard 38 special ammo, or does it have to be rated +p?
If i were in your shoes i would look at the new shield or a 638/438.

I carry a 442 on my ankle on duty. It is my "get off me gun." As stated, any targets more than 7 yards away frustrate me. It is a heavy double action trigger that is effective at close range.

In your situation it is one hell of a noisemaker. That might be enough of a deterrant on its own. I carry speer dot +p's for SD. I just got a shield so i can feel confident in my ability to drop a scumbag at 20 yards instead of 7.

I like the 442/438 because the black handle conceals better. The 438 has a "shrouded" hammer that you can pull back to get single action if you need it. That single action trigger will increase your 10-15-20 yard shot confidence dramatically. I have the 442 (no hammer exposed) because i routinely tromp through 1-2 feet of snow, mud, grass etc and on my ankle it is exposed to all of that nastiness.

If i could trade mine across i would have gotten a 638 and i would cover the hammer path with elec tape. Easily defeated with a DA trigger pull or with my thumb if the need for SA arises.
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Old 05-10-2012, 04:37 PM
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nickthedude,
I'm not going to recommend a certain weapon to buy, but rather say this to you. The minimum caliber you should buy is 38sp/9mm. Do not go below this standard as there are just too many horror stories of survival by the suspect. Remember, "a dead man cannot testify against you in court". My friends on this forum have made many good recommendations, so purchase something comfortable for your hand, and hit the range many times over........Best of Luck

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Old 05-10-2012, 04:38 PM
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I have carried J frames, both as primary and back-up guns, for many years. I have a Model 60 (original 60, .38 Spl) which is a great gun, but purchased a no-lock 442 a few months ago. The 60 used to reside in my pocket; however, it has been replaced in that position by the 442. The 442 is much lighter (aluminum frame, steel cylinder), and it is a "hammerless" design, which eliminates the potential for the hammer to snag on your clothing while drawing (definitely happens with the 60 when taking it out of the pocket). In fact, it is so light, it doesn't even feel like it is in my pocket! I recommend either a 442 or 642 (aluminum frame or stainless steel frame, respectively), with the 642 being heavier. Use .38 Spl hollow points, and practice, practice, practice - these little lightweight snubbies can be challenging to shoot accurately, especially since they are double action only. My 442 has been treated to a professional action job, which really smoothed it up and helped a lot with trigger control and accuracy. Oh yes, ALWAYS use a good quality pocket holster, it keeps the weapon in place, facilitates the draw, and breaks up the outline of the gun, aiding significantly in concealment. Also, don't carry anything else in that pocket (keys, change, knives, etc.), as it will, inevitably, interfere with your draw. I highly recommend the right front pocket for carry (if you are right handed), keep your speed loaders or speed strips (a lot more concealable, a bit slower on reloads) in your other front pocket. Again, practice, practice, practice, and practice some more! Don't get discouraged early on, these light, short barreled guns take a lot of practice to master, but it is worthwhile. Best wishes.
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Old 05-10-2012, 04:58 PM
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I carry a S&W 638 in a pocket holster. I like the option of the single action with concealed hammer. It is much more accurate if you need to take an aimed shot.
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Old 05-10-2012, 08:04 PM
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My most common carry is the 36 Chief's special in a WRB pocket holster.

I carry these shown; a 60-9 in a Galco tuc-n-go, a 66 2.5" IWB, and the Bobcat in .22 LR - loaded with stingers. I also have a Chief's special (that I can't seem to find a pic of for some reason).

IWB holsters need to have a shirt over them. I got the Bobcat for hot weather shorts & t-shirt weather - it works fine in the Uncle Mike's pocket holster shown. It fits in ANY pocket. The 36 works fine in the front pocket most of the time.

Of course all those listed above by others would work well too! I'm planning on getting a 642 e-VENTUALLY...
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Old 05-10-2012, 08:50 PM
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Cocked & Locked Cocked & Locked is offline
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Another 642 fan here. This 642-1 has been riding in my pocket or on my belt or ankle since I bought it new in 1997.

Its a keeper

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Old 05-10-2012, 11:22 PM
cornfed83 cornfed83 is offline
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I'm not sure if it has been mentioned here yet or not, but if we are talking about a backup gun to a larger 9mm the choice is obvious to me. The S&W 940! Same as the 640 only in 9mm so if you are in a fight and your main gun goes down you still have plenty of ammo. I tend to carry only my 940 but if I'm on the road or going somewhere that I think could be nasty I carry it in conjunction with my HK p7. I know many of you are thinking right now that it is a price exclusive piece but I found mine about 2 years ago for $475 at a LGS.

I have never been in a shootout as a civilian but I have seen a M16 converted to bolt action courtesy of an Iraqi insurgent. I have personally had to use M16 magazines in a SAW during an extended fire fight. There are very distinct advantages to having 2 guns that use 1 round.

My biggest piece of advice however is no matter what gun or guns you decide to go with PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! If you are going to carry a gun you should be intimately familiar with it!
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Old 05-10-2012, 11:41 PM
JoeGun JoeGun is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nickthedude View Post
Thanks guys. So the only difference between the 642 and 442 is the finish? This gun would be a backup to my M&P9c, Glock 23, or Glock 27, and it would also be ideal to throw in my pocket while I'm working (I cashier at a gas station).
Nick,

As far as I know,, both frames are aluminum alloy. The 642 Barrel/Cylinder are Stainless Steel. The 442 barrel/Cylinder are Carbon Steel. According to the specs they both weigh 15oz.

I got the 642 because of the SS Parts,, but IMO,, the 442 conceals better because of the darker color. It's a tradeoff and I would think that's why many of us have both.

With a pair of jean's either will drop in the pocket out of sight easily,, or at least in my jeans they do.

After useing the tipton snap caps,, the trigger on mine is acceptable "For Me", without needing to make a spring change or action smoother.

Joe
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Old 05-11-2012, 12:08 AM
Frank46 Frank46 is offline
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If I had the money right now there would be two "J" frames doing CCW duty right now. He might be expecting one revolver but not two.Frank
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Old 05-11-2012, 12:33 AM
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elm_creek_smith elm_creek_smith is offline
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How big are your pockets?

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Old 05-11-2012, 09:06 AM
Lobster Picnic Lobster Picnic is offline
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For cashiering at a gas station in a rough neighborhood, I'd go with a 642 in one pocket and a 442 in the other.
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