Some observations of several J frames at my lgs... debating debating

[ABPOS]

OK, so while my 442 is at the mother ship getting the busted hammer stud sorted out, I'm kind of wanting a j frame while I wait. Then I'll have another one as a BUG.

But the dilemma is if they give me an option to upgrade to a steel j frame I'd rather spend the money there. But then again, it still would be nice to have a 2nd one.

Anyways...

One thing I wanted to point out is every one of the J frames they had there had a way better trigger than my 442. I mean even the 2 new ones had a better trigger than mine is currently and that was after it getting lighter from shooting and dry firing. I can't be blamed for choosing one with such a heavy trigger to begin with because my Step Dad bought that one new. And I am the second owner.

So they had 4 models:

2 637's, 1 new one used. New for $449 and used for $350.
1 642 new $449
1 640 for $475

The 640 looks like it was rode hard and put up wet but had the lightest trigger. No surprise. I really like the idea of a steel gun better than an airweight. But it's obviously the most expensive.

Another thing is each one of the airweights had what looked to me about the same amount of firing pin protruding when pulling the trigger. Which to me looks almost too short. The 640 had a much more pronounced firing pin and domed. The airweights are pointed.

I went right in at the end of the day and didn't take my trade in gun, but when I mentioned what it was of course he was downplaying it's worth. I'm not really sure I want to trade it in for such a low amount. XD 45 tactical.

I also have another LGS that has a 4" tapered 10 or a 15 for 475 and 450 but I don't think I can see myself carrying a full sized gun regularly. I was carrying my HiPower today and it seems huge compared to a J frame. It's doable but not something I'd like to do all the time.

There's not really a question other than add in whatever thoughts you might have. Sometimes it helps to hear other peoples thoughts.

 

[jimmyj]

Used M637-$350.00

 

[ABPOS]

That does seem like a good idea.

 

[Coastie762]

What revision was the 640?

I picked up a -1 a couple years ago for 400 OTD, I believe that it was one of the batch sold by Centerfire around that time. Exterior showed lots of use/wear but the gun was mechanically perfect with a great action.

The guys at the LGS I worked at thought I was nuts. I took it home, gave it a deep clean and lube then worked the gun over for about an hour with Mothers Mag polish. Any deep scratches are still there but much less noticeable. When I brought it back into the shop they couldn't believe it was the same gun.

The -1 is at the top in the attached photo, sorry for the quality.

 

[slabside2]

Do yourself a favor and look into the Ruger LCR series you may be surprised. I’ll say it before anyone else does ( I can’t see myself carrying that ugly plastic gun) I own both J Frames and LCR’s they both have there pluses and minuses. I settled on the the LCR in 9mm but still love my Smith’s

 

[Cal44]

If the 640 is a no dash version, and it is in good shape mechanically, I'd probably go for it.

The no dash 640's in 38 special are sweet.

 

[white cloud]

Coastie, that's a nice collection of nice revolvers.

 

[zogger]

I carry a 3" Model 60. It has a long enough barrel for me to actually hit something beyond 20'. I put the Wolff trigger and rebound spring in which made the trigger very nice...plus over 500 rnds/dry fire smoothed out the trigger.

So if you see one of those at your LGS, give it a look.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I can't tell you what you should do, but I can tell you what I would do, since everyone is entitled to my opinion.

First off, I'd skip the 637 because I prefer either Centennials or Bodyguards for carry.

So, between the 640 and the 642, it'd be tough. Like Cal44 said, if the 640 was a no-dash .38 Special and it was mechanically sound (I'm not too picky about appearance on a carry gun), I'd jump on it.

If not, there are a couple of ways I'd go, again assuming they're both mechanically sound. If one had an internal lock and the other didn't, I'd get the one that didn't. The lock can be removed, but I'd rather avoid that if possible.

If that's not the case, then I would probably go with the 642. They're light and easy to carry. If S&W offers the option to upgrade to a steel gun, then you'll have a lightweight carry option should you choose something other than belt carry, or decide to carry a BUG in an alternate location that would be difficult, or at least not as comfortable, with a steel gun. If S&W doesn't offer the upgrade option, then you're left with two identical guns. I like the idea of having two identical guns, one for carry with periodic test firings at the range to ensure function, and the other for training/practice. It's the reason my next gun purchase is going to be a PX4 Compact as an identical companion to my EDC. I have a 642-1 and I plan on purchasing another one later this year, even though I also have a 642ND.

Just what I would do in your situation.

 

[ABPOS]

What revision was the 640?

I picked up a -1 a couple years ago for 400 OTD, I believe that it was one of the batch sold by Centerfire around that time. Exterior showed lots of use/wear but the gun was mechanically perfect with a great action.

The guys at the LGS I worked at thought I was nuts. I took it home, gave it a deep clean and lube then worked the gun over for about an hour with Mothers Mag polish. Any deep scratches are still there but much less noticeable. When I brought it back into the shop they couldn't believe it was the same gun.

The -1 is at the top in the attached photo, sorry for the quality.

I forgot to look. It did have a lock though. But I suspect it's a police gun too.

 

[ABPOS]

I can't tell you what you should do, but I can tell you what I would do, since everyone is entitled to my opinion.

First off, I'd skip the 637 because I prefer either Centennials or Bodyguards for carry.

So, between the 640 and the 642, it'd be tough. Like Cal44 said, if the 640 was a no-dash .38 Special and it was mechanically sound (I'm not too picky about appearance on a carry gun), I'd jump on it.

If not, there are a couple of ways I'd go, again assuming they're both mechanically sound. If one had an internal lock and the other didn't, I'd get the one that didn't. The lock can be removed, but I'd rather avoid that if possible.

If that's not the case, then I would probably go with the 642. They're light and easy to carry. If S&W offers the option to upgrade to a steel gun, then you'll have a lightweight carry option should you choose something other than belt carry, or decide to carry a BUG in an alternate location that would be difficult, or at least not as comfortable, with a steel gun. If S&W doesn't offer the upgrade option, then you're left with two identical guns. I like the idea of having two identical guns, one for carry with periodic test firings at the range to ensure function, and the other for training/practice. It's the reason my next gun purchase is going to be a PX4 Compact as an identical companion to my EDC. I have a 642-1 and I plan on purchasing another one later this year, even though I also have a 642ND.

Just what I would do in your situation.

Thanks. There is a lot of wisdom in what you say. The upside is the 642 they have has a really nice trigger. Everyone they have has the lock though. I'm not sure I'm overly concerned about that. Especially if I have a BUG with me.

The problem is I'll probably take a bath on what they'll give me for a trade in. And end up giving up a lot of money and then if Smith offers me an upgrade, I might not have the money to take advantage of it and get a steel framed model. Which is really the ultimate goal.

Maybe if I could get them down on the 640, then I'd get the steel model and just let smith send me back a replacement. The upside to the 640 is that it had the best looking firing pin out of all of them. Potruded more and was rounded. I'm not sure what the deal is on all the airweights but they sure look shallow to me. And pointed.

On the other hand, I don't mind a hammer on my carry revolver. I've done it before and I don't ever recall thinking it was in the way. I don't plan to pocket carry any more. Well not if I'm just wearing 1 gun. I have strictly gone to AIWB and I like it simple. It works and feels right. I have a tuckable for church shirts and a sto and go for normal days with untucked shirts. And the price of the used 637 makes it real attractive. I think I'd buy a cylinder and slide extra length firing pin and be done with it.

 

[ABPOS]

Day #2 of carrying my HiPower while the 442 is back. I am starting to think I like the option of a 4" tapered model 10...... I think I could probably be fine with one. It would even be a bit lighter than the HiPower.

Just need the right holster.....

 

[Coastie762]

The lock makes the 640 a -3, current production. If mechanically sound, 475 is not a bad price in my book. Perhaps you can dicker them down a bit based on the cosmetic condition. If you don't like the lock, it's easily dealt with (see my pic above, the center gun is a -3). It currently contains an OP lock delete.

If you intend to use it primarily as a pocket gun, then I would recommend going with one of the air weights. Many folks do pocket carry steel frame J's, however I prefer belt carry for the heavier guns.

 

[TeaDub]

I'd hold off doing anything until you get word from Smith about what will happen with your 442. You have an option for carry/HD in your HiPower. Not ideal perhaps, but it sounds like your existing, local choices would also be a compromise.

You'll likely know more within a couple of weeks and (potentially) you'll have more backup guns to choose from at your pair of LGS if a steel frame upgrade doesn't happen from S&W.

If a gun doesn't have me reflexively reaching for my wallet at first glance, it deserves a little extra thought.

 

[ABPOS]

Yeah, I wasn't sure I'd be able to manage the HiPower on a regular basis. And it definitely will need a bit more thought in shirts. I mean with a J frame AIWB, I never even have to think about what I'm wearing. A T shirt is plenty.

 

[The_Truth]

Get a Model 38 off GB. They are selling cheap right now, like 275-350 cheap for an honestly used one. Shrouded hammer but not DAO. Airweight. I scored a nice flat latch last week for pretty cheap.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

It sounds like you really want a all steel J frame so I'd advise you to wait and find one. (I'd hold off for a no lock model)

 

[ABPOS]

What I want is more money to be able to take advantage of these options. LOL. Ugh. Was working on the budget for the year today after getting the bonus and tax returns back and it makes me not want to spend any money. I might have to just wait for smith to send me what they're going to send me. I still have guns I could trade into something. But a gun store probably isn't going to want to do an even swap. I'm sure they want to make their money. Although it might not hurt to try.

If I could get the used 637 they have for my XD45, I'd do that deal. That gun is just too big to be something I want to own. It is a good shooter though. My Dad had bought that gun and when my Dad was in full blown buying mode about 12 years ago or so, our state didn't have concealed carry yet so we looked at whatever service sized guns out there for the range and home protection. If only I would've had some foresight to know we would get Concealed carry. I actually thought there was no chance we'd get it. Kind of a liberal state in a lot of ways.

Is it possible that the stainless versions have a more likelihood of having a better trigger? Cuz I find it strange that every one of those guns has a significantly better trigger than my 442 even had presently after lots of dry firing and shooting.

I'm not sure that is the case because I remember fondling a 637 quite a long time ago that I thought had a pretty heavy trigger. I guess maybe it's just luck of the draw. But maybe there is something to stainless having a smoother surface? I realize some of the surfaces on a 642/637 are also aluminum. But it also is a different finish and maybe more slick........

 

[ABPOS]

Good point. Extra wear on the studs or there was something wrong from the beginning. But I've heard some be as heavy as mine. But mine was 13 plus when I first got it.

 

[stonebuster]

Instead of trading at the LGS wouldn't you do better selling privately?