I bought the wrong gun, now what?

[Shootingfish]

Now that hubby and I are both retired, we want to travel and decided self defense is important at this point. We both got our CCL and extensively researched the "best gun" for CCL. After watching videos, going to gun shows and gun shops we both decided (separately) that the gun for us was the S&W 642. We both have CT stocks/grips. However, I can't stand shooting the gun. It kicks the **** out of my hand and I'm so apprehensive about the kick after about 3 shots, I'm hitting outside the target. I end up shooting my 686 4" 7 rnd the rest of our range time. Hubby loves his 642. We realize we have a ways to go before EDC, but I feel like I'm back at square one. The 686 is too big/heavy for my EDC and is our nightstand gun. I'm thinking about a 686 3". Any thoughts/suggestions?

 

[CaliTrav]

Are you only interested in revolvers or you open to striker fire guns as well for CCL?

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[M29since14]

Have you considered a small .22 auto, like the little Ruger LCPII? I know many think poorly of the idea of a small .22. Generally I agree, but if it is what you can easily and confidently handle, I think you might be well served.

A J-frame .32 caliber revolver might be another option, though they are more difficult to find.

 

[CaliTrav]

If she shoots a 686 fine I would think she could handle a 9mm just fine in say a Glock 26 or S&W shield. Good options for conceal carry. There are smaller single stack Glocks but you will have to pay the off roster premium.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[THE PILGRIM]

If you want to keep the 642, try some different larger Grips.
Obviously larger Revolvers are an option.
22 Autos certainly an option.
I have Ruger LCP II, fun Gun to shoot.
Have had a few failures to Fire.
Bottom line is - Try Before You Buy!

 

[lawandorder]

Steel, always steel.

 

[CaliTrav]

If you want to keep the 642, try some different larger Grips.
Obviously larger Revolvers are an option.
22 Autos certainly an option.
I have Ruger LCP II, fun Gun to shoot.
Have had a few failures to Fire.
Bottom line is - Try Before You Buy!

Good point, I have a 640-1 that punishes you when shooting 357's with the small grips on. But with the bigger hogue grips I can shoot 357's with no pain at all.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Duckfood]

If you want to stick with the J-Frame, try to find an all steel model... I believe that the 649 has been discontinued, but, you can find one used... Also, the model 640 has been on my "Wants" list for quite some time...

Also, consider jumping up to a K-Frame... The Model 10 is possibly the ultimate all-around firearm...

 

[CaliTrav]

If you want to stick with the J-Frame, try to find an all steel model... I believe that the 649 has been discontinued, but, you can find one used... Also, the model 640 has been on my "Wants" list for quite some time...

Also, consider jumping up to a K-Frame... The Model 10 is possibly the ultimate all-around firearm...

The 640-1 is a fun gun and easy to shoot with 38's. When shooting 357's it throws a mean fire ball and fire rings. [emoji16]

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[smithra_66]

Now that hubby and I are both retired, we want to travel and decided self defense is important at this point. We both got our CCL and extensively researched the "best gun" for CCL. After watching videos, going to gun shows and gun shops we both decided (separately) that the gun for us was the S&W 642. We both have CT stocks/grips. However, I can't stand shooting the gun. It kicks the **** out of my hand and I'm so apprehensive about the kick after about 3 shots, I'm hitting outside the target. I end up shooting my 686 4" 7 rnd the rest of our range time. Hubby loves his 642. We realize we have a ways to go before EDC, but I feel like I'm back at square one. The 686 is too big/heavy for my EDC and is our nightstand gun. I'm thinking about a 686 3". Any thoughts/suggestions?

Tiny guns definitely recoil more. The same goes for the tiny plastic auto pistols too.

Have you considered using lighter ammo? In my opinion you should build your routine around a gun that you shoot best. A 4" 686 doesn't fit on your night stand?

Why are you convinced that you need such a tiny gun?

 

[murphydog]

You didn't mention what style of CT grips you have, but the most expensive version (the CT-405) are very well cushioned. Those or another larger set of rubber grips, and starting out with the lightest loads possible and working your way up the power scale, may help.

If not, there are plenty of easier to shoot guns between a 2" model 642 and a 3" 686 (still a really big gun and hard to carry). Good luck in your decision.

 

[cfplinker]

Have you tried 148 grain wadcutters or 158 grain semi-wadcutters (non +P) in it yet?

 

[AJ]

Good point, I have a 640-1 that punishes you when shooting 357's with the small grips on. But with the bigger hogue grips I can shoot 357's with no pain at all.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

I will second the use of Hogue grips. Just a bit larger, but much more comfortable to shoot. I carried a 342Ti with Hogue grips until arthritis in my hands made the recoil unbearable. That said if I had, had to use the 342Ti in self defense, I probably would not have noticed the recoil.

 

[Buzzzer]

My wife has a model 60 in 3". Light to carry, "can" be loaded with .357 rounds although she MUCH prefers the 38 SPL loads (which she uses). It is pretty fun to shoot, I must admit, and doesn't, at least for her, punish her hands...

 

[.38SuperMan]

I have arthritis in my hands and wrists and can’t tolerate much recoil. A couple years ago I bought a 442 and just couldn’t stand it. I was in pain for a couple days after shooting it.

I’m not sure why I even bought the 442 because I have a 640 no dash 38 special only. It’s heavy enough and with good rubber grips I can manage it with standard loads. No pain and fun to shoot. Even better, I bought a new Colt King Cobra 3” that I only shoot 38’s in and a 2” Colt Cobra. Both have rubber grips, hold 6 shots and are only slightly larger than the 642, 442 or 640. They’re really enjoyable to shoot and beautifully made guns too. The Cobra and King Cobra are reincarnations and modernized detective specials.

I sort of got into snub nose revolvers and added a couple of model 10 2” revolvers also. They’re the larger K frames but still smaller than your 686 and steel with enough weight to dampen recoil but still be small enough to conceal. Recoil is very manageable.

Just a few thoughts and hope you find a solution.

 

[CaliTrav]

Same 640-1 as pictured above but with the hogue grips. It's nice that it covers the back strap. These grips stay in it now as I mainly use it for 357's. A little hand cannon, removed the 640 from my CCW and replaced it with the lighter 442.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[StakeOut]

I carry a Ruger SR22 with stingers and a spare 2nd 10rd mag.

Marksmanship is a key confidence builder and trumps gun and bullet choices.

 

[Marshal Tom]

642 wrong choice

Sorry to hear that you were either ill advised or made the wrong decision on your own, I see this a lot. I teach and provide weapon selection advice for beginning shooters for HD and CCW. I never advise a J frame for beginner/inexperienced shooters and especially the light weights like the 642. They are hard to control, have a short sight radius, considerable recoil and a limited number of rounds. If you are set on a revolver, a K frame in a model 10, 12 or 15 would be a much better choice or a Colt D frame, one of the Ruger LCR's or Kimber K6. If you are opened to a Semi Auto I often suggest a Shield, Shield EZ in both 9mm and .380 if manipulating the slide is an issue, Springfield Hellcat or the Sig 365 and XL model with the slightly longer barrel and sight radius. The Glock single stack .380 or .9mm 42 and 43 are also good choices. There are many other good choices from CZ and others.
If possible, go to range where you can handle and rent guns so you can actually shoot them prior to purchase.
I also advise against any of the micro pistols in .22, .25, .32acp. These are small pocket pistols with often hard to manipulate controls, poor triggers and sights. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me and we could talk on the phone.

 

[stanmerrell]

It takes time

It takes time to figure out whats the best gun for a person to carry and shoot. My mom used to carry this old model 10. She carried it in her waistband sometimes.
https://ibb.co/Qvk95bW
My wife likes this Ruger LCRX in 38 special.
https://ibb.co/1TGXK9B
Consider getting a 22 revolver and practicing a couple times a month. Get a holster and carry at home for a while to get the feel of it. If you like the 686 you just need a good way to carry it. I think it's a good choice. Good on you for being armed.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

Nothing wrong with a 642. Try a set of 20.00 ergo grips [Dillon sells them] and hornady critical defense .38 ammo in the pink box. The grips look weird but they do work. I tried various boot grips, wood and rubber and then a set of these. They totally change the way the gun feels by changing the grip’s angle and how your wrist is bent. These have stayed on my edc lightweight scandium revolver.