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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 10-28-2016, 08:07 PM
Stopsign32v Stopsign32v is offline
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Default I really need help choosing a snub nose J frame to get...Don't have one yet

The options are (for now) between:

640-1 police trade in
640 Pro
36
442

Now what I want to do with the gun is occasional backup carry only in winter with a coat pocket. I do not nor will I ever plan to holster up and carry this revolver. So it will strictly be as a coat pocket BACKUP (or primary if situation presents itself that way).

With that being said its main role will simply be fun at the range. I love a short barrel revolver so I'm looking forward to getting one.

So I mainly have 357 magnums but I also have a butt load of 38 special reloads of mine. I really like the idea of carrying .357 as a backup but I think its more a psychological advantage than a real advantage. Out of a 2" barrel you just can't get the power of a .357 and might as well use a .38 +p. However as a backup I'd probably just throw in some 158gr wadcutters and call it a day.

So .357 sounds fun, especially at the range. But I love love love the look of a bright blue revolver!!!!! The 442 would just be a smart move all around as a backup pocket IMO price to what you get. I'm also concerned about a hammered revolver in a pocket.

Any advice is appreciated guys.

Whatever I get these will be going on it.


Last edited by Stopsign32v; 10-28-2016 at 08:22 PM.
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Old 10-28-2016, 08:19 PM
Stopsign32v Stopsign32v is offline
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A mirror blued 36 is just so damn classic though..... However I know myself, I would not carry it unless it was in a fleece lined pocket with nothing inside.
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Old 10-28-2016, 08:20 PM
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This old one from the 1970's fits the bill. Hammer is shrouded but still usable. It's a Model 49. All steel. Kind of a hard gun to find on the market. Picked this one up a year ago for $300. It turned out to be about brand new.
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Old 10-28-2016, 08:31 PM
Stopsign32v Stopsign32v is offline
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I can't do the humped back look, sorry.
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Old 10-28-2016, 08:32 PM
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anything but an Airweight is going to be like a boat anchor in your coat pocket if that is where it is going to reside.
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Old 10-28-2016, 08:44 PM
Stopsign32v Stopsign32v is offline
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Crazy question....could a 442 be aftermarket high polished blue by someone?
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Old 10-28-2016, 09:01 PM
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The first model 442s were polished blue, as were the earlier version of a similar gun made right before called the model 042. They are not + P rated.

What you may be seeking is an earlier 40 (steel frame) or 42 (alloy). If you don't mind the hammer the model 36 is shiny and is already on your list, but as noted above it will be heavier and move around more in your coat pocket. Also, not having it on your person all the time (i.e., taking your coat off indoors) may be problematic. Good luck in your decision.
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Old 10-28-2016, 09:06 PM
marinevet marinevet is offline
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I am a big fan of the J frames......you can't go wrong.....my favorites.......36, 38, 49, 640, 442, 42, 40,.....I can go on, but you may get the idea.....
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Old 10-28-2016, 09:20 PM
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For your intended use the 640.
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Old 10-28-2016, 09:32 PM
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I use a 442 for everyday carry. I practiced with it so much that it's also become one of my favorite range guns.
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Old 10-28-2016, 09:40 PM
Stopsign32v Stopsign32v is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog View Post
The first model 442s were polished blue
The 442-1???
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Old 10-28-2016, 09:41 PM
Stopsign32v Stopsign32v is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snubbyfan View Post
I use a 442 for everyday carry. I practiced with it so much that it's also become one of my favorite range guns.
I'm starting to lean towards a 442. I do want to shoot this gun, a lot.
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Old 10-28-2016, 10:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stopsign32v View Post
I'm starting to lean towards a 442. I do want to shoot this gun, a lot.
Works for me. People say they want an external hammer for single action accuracy, I just say they need more practice.
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Old 10-28-2016, 10:33 PM
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I carry a Model 640 .357 and I Love it loaded with Critical Defense 110gr full .357 load with rubber Pacmar 3 finger grip.
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Old 10-28-2016, 10:50 PM
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I'm a big fan of the Model 36, with or without flames. The steel frame makes it much more shootable, but a bit heavier for pocket carry.



A 2.125" Model 60 is also an option if you prefer .357 Magnum, but it's a handful to shoot.
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Old 10-29-2016, 07:24 AM
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All the guns you listed would be good choices, but for your actual needs, I'd have to go with the 640 or 640Pro. In your coat pocket the difference between the Airweight models and the 640 steel won't make much difference. The extra 6-8oz. or so of the steel 640's will make them much more comfortable to shoot at a range, especially if you try some .357's out of them.

Enjoy the search.
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Old 10-29-2016, 09:43 AM
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The 640-1 was a very popular back-up gun for LE (and still is some places). For your described use, it will do just fine. A close second would be the model 36.
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Old 10-29-2016, 10:03 AM
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I recommend and carry (when I carry a revolver) the M638, I have a -3 and an M38 from the 1970s my wife annexed because of the trigger.
New M638-3 Break-in and Grip Suggestions

I currently have Ergo grips on the M638-3, which are different. The ability to thumb cock for longer range and the shrouded hammer which will not hang up on the draw are the advantages. On sale they have been listed as low as $339.99 in NE Florida.

Please use a pocket holster, we need all the 2nd Amendment supporters we can get.

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Who has both belt and pocket holsters for his, depending on the circumstances.
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Old 10-29-2016, 11:06 AM
wrangler5 wrangler5 is offline
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Fun at the range and pocket carry and 357 are not usually found in the same gun. If you have to have 357 then for sure go with a steel gun. For pocket carry I would strongly recommend a shrouded (humpback) or concealed hammer. I've carried a 442 and 640, but have switched to a 30 in 32 H&R Magnum. The exposed hammer of a 30 is definitely a disadvantage IMHO - they say you can learn to get your thumb on it as you draw, to keep the hammer from snagging anything, but I'm looking for a 432 (another one - my wife took the one I had) to replace it. Same as 442 but with 6 shots in 32 H&R.

So from your list, that would leave the 640s. The Magnum J frames have the advantage of a 1/4" longer ejector rod, which will almost completely extract a 38 Special case, something a 442 or 36 don't do. With Pachmayr Compac or larger cushioned grips the 640 can be a lot of fun at the range, with moderate ammo. Even a dozen +P 38s are more than I want to shoot in a single session.

They are remarkably accurate. If you REALLY want to see some accuracy, put a green laser grip on it. They're usually good to 25 yards or more in bright sunlight, and eliminate the near impossibility of precisely aligning two metal sights that are quite close together. At its zeroed range, you just get a hole wherever that laser dot was sitting when the hammer dropped. (Be aware, though, that since the laser itself is below and to the right of the barrel, the laser beam and bullet path only intersect at one specific distance from the gun. Closer in the laser dot will be below and to the right of the impact point, while farther away it will be above and to the left.)
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