Sometimes a lightweight j-frame is all that is practical

2000Z-71 · #1 07-24-2010, 11:33 PM

I had one of those moments today. A Smith 642 Airweight was one of the first guns that I bought after receiving my CCW. It was great; slip it in a pocket holster, drop it in a pocket and out the door. Probably the gun that I carried with the most frequency when I first started carrying. It's been quite a while since I've carried it, I've gotten comfortable carrying larger guns and there was that nagging little question, "Is a 5 round .38 lightweight snubby really enough?"

Today my daughter had a birthday party to go to at Pump it Up. It's an indoor warehouse with inflatable bouncies and slides inside. I had a feeling at one point I'd probably get pulled inside a bouncy to entertain or rescue my daughter. Carrying a pistol IWB would definately be out. I could just see the tail of an untucked shirt riding up while jumping or sliding and exposing it for all of the soccer moms watching over their kids to see. Pocket holster in the front pocket defiantely out. I had visions of it coming out of my front pocket inside of a bouncy and the possibility of Little Jonnie picking it up was a lot worse than being made by a soccer mom.

The solution was my trusty old 642 in a pocket holster inside a buttoned down cargo posket of my shorts. Not great for access, but it wasn't coming out, it couldn't become exposed and I wouldn't have a heavier gun banging my leg just above my knee.

So even thought it's probably been over a year since I carried my 642, it definately had it's place today. It will remain in the rotation.

bennettfam · #2 07-25-2010, 12:53 AM

Yeah, my 642 and cargo pocket shorts work well during the 100 degree Summers we have where I live. A speed-strip with 5 rounds fits in the watch pocket of Levi's if you want to pocket carry in your jeans. I rarely carry at all but these are the two methods I use most when I do.

n4zov · #3 07-25-2010, 08:39 AM

I've carried a Model 37 for a long time and agree that it may not be the best SD gun, but it is a long way ahead of nothing! For me, its best feature is that I am never tempted to leave home without it. No excuse to not carry regardless of where I am headed.

Goldstar225 · #4 07-25-2010, 09:38 AM

S&W Model 642, the "always" gun.

SOUTHPAW · #5 07-25-2010, 10:01 AM

My No.1 choice is.....37-2 DAO..bobb hammer it is very practical/tactical for hot weather ccw. In the front pocket or aiwb is a wise/safe choice for ccw anytime. I prefer a simple/reliable design...if someone else has to carry on......

WC145 · #6 07-25-2010, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Sometimes a lightweight j-frame is all that is practical

Yep. That's why I'll never get rid of my scandium snubby or my Kel-tec P3AT. I usually carry a 1911, the snubby is my BUG and I carry it off duty when the 1911 isn't practical. I keep the Kel-tec for the times when I can't carry a gun.

tazcollins · #7 07-25-2010, 11:06 AM

Yep, my 642 is my WYATT fun. With You All The Time! TC

walnutred · #8 07-25-2010, 05:34 PM

Not to hijack a thread but....

For those who mentioned the m37, what barrel length are you using? I recently had a choice between a 2" and a 3" m37. After reading the long post on portability and shoot-ability that was started by Eric I opted for the 3". What kind of holsters and ammo are you using?

WC145 · #9 07-25-2010, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walnutred

Not to hijack a thread but....

For those who mentioned the m37, what barrel length are you using? I recently had a choice between a 2" and a 3" m37. After reading the long post on portability and shoot-ability that was started by Eric I opted for the 3". What kind of holsters and ammo are you using?

In real life you're not going to notice any difference between the 2" and 3" as far as concealability, etc. Also, any holster maker that is making holsters for 2" guns can make the same thing for 3" guns. I usually carry my j-frame in a pocket, otherwise it's in an OWB pancake style holster made by J.W. O'Rourke.

flop-shank · #10 07-25-2010, 07:23 PM

A 3" gun might be a little long for some pockets.

FlYFiShErMaN · #11 07-25-2010, 09:35 PM

I carry a either a 340PD or my 66-1 in a OWB pancake style holster here in FL. Either of which are no problem to conceal.

cjcutter1 · #12 07-25-2010, 09:56 PM

642,thats how I roll.

PatAz · #13 07-26-2010, 01:12 PM

My 642 works great in a cargo pants holster in our heat, Plus 2 speed strips.

photoman · #14 07-26-2010, 09:42 PM

642, CorBon, Mika and Variant speedloader. You found a very good solution to the problem. Always better than nothing.

p.s. Don't forget the folder and light.

jframe · #15 07-27-2010, 05:54 PM

I've had gun after gun, and I keep coming back to the j frame Smith, hence my handle. I've got an early 642-1 now with the forged internals and no lock, and they really are the best for everyday. ANY j frame for me is good for everyday, steel or Airweight, I can carry them all. I've got a Glock 26 that works for belt or belly band carry, but I just really prefer S&W all around. Don't know if I'll keep the Glock; really would almost trade it for a 39 series Smith of some sort just to have a single stack. But the little 642 or a variation of j frame of some kind, just needs to be a part of keeping house in my book.