442, 442 perf center or 640 stainless, your thoughts?

[Eagle1*]

I am looking at obtaining another j frame and I have narrowed it down to the 640-3 all stainless ($655.00), another standard 442 ($450.00) or the performance center 442 ($550.00). The current prices are listed next to each gun but do not include tax

I have a couple 442 air weights now and was looking at another one. I have narrowed it down to the above and would like some opinions on which you guys would choose and why if you were thinking the same situation? I am leaning towards the 640 or the 442 performance center cause I do not have any standard weight j frame or a performance center gun. Any help here gents would greatly be appreciated.

 

[CaliTrav]

Good choices, I have the 442 pro series and the 640-1. The 442 replaced my 640-1 on my CCW. However, I now use the 640-1 as a dedicated fire ring and flame thrower with 357's.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[colt_saa]

Is your intention to only shoot 38 Special, even in the Model 640 ?

Are you looking at a Performance Center 442? Or a Pro series?

I am a big fan of the Smith & Wesson Centennial design and have several set up with different grips so students can try them out

If you are sticking to 38 Special, I would probably choose the Performance Center 442. The alloy frame 442s takes the chore out of carrying all day and you do not need the extra weight of the all stainless gun to help with the recoil from firing 357 Magnum

The ability to have moon clips in a defensive revolver is a nice feature. Under stress, it is possible to short stroke the ejector and not have all 5 casings come out, the moon clip ensures positive extraction of all 5 rounds.

Your reload can be exactly the same as you carry now. It does not need to be a moon clip. Personally, I carry a speed strip as my reload. Many folks like speed loaders, etc.

 

[mikerjf]

I’d go with the 640 because:

1. 357, nice to have the option

2. Steel, way more fun at the range (esp for 357)

3. You can carry it with your 442 defense ammo if you want

4. You already got two 442’s

 

[rockquarry]

Choose the snub nose J-frame you like best.

A snub nose J-frame remains basically a snub nose J-frame, despite the many versions. Shooting characteristics are the same except for the slightly greater recoil of the lightweight models. .357 Magnum ammo in J-frames only provides an advantage in the hands of an expert, a truly skilled shooter who regularly practices with such ammo. That's not most of us.

 

[Eagle1*]

I will not be shooting any 3567s out of the 640, just thinking it be easier to shoot at range for practice, however I am a fan of shooting what you carry so that is leading me to the 442 performance gun (not the Pro model), the gun that has the silver stainless cylinder and screws.

 

[44 mag]

640 since you already have couple 442

 

[John Patrick]

I will not be shooting any 3567s out of the 640, just thinking it be easier to shoot at range for practice, however I am a fan of shooting what you carry so that is leading me to the 442 performance gun (not the Pro model), the gun that has the silver stainless cylinder and screws.

I think a viable option is doing most practice with a steel version of the aluminum gun you carry. Just finish practice sessions with the carry gun.

FWIW, last time I was at the LGS they had a 640 pre lock for $595. Atlantic Guns, Rockville, MD. It was behind glass but looked to be in nice condition.

 

[Bill In Texas]

I don't know if it will help you any at all, and with full disclosure I don't own a 442. However, I do have a 642 and a 640 and in my opinion the 640 is almost just as easy to carry and is much easier to shoot.

I carry Speer Gold Dot 135 grain .357's in it and they aren't bad at all. I hope this helps.

 

[Erocksmash]

Just picked up a 640 myself, I love the little thing for around the house...

 

[wheelyfun66]

Get a K frame?
Naw, for real... the 640 would be my choice.. heavy is good..

 

[tlawler]

Put me in the 640 camp as well.

 

[gnystrom]

Are you ready, I own a few snubbies PC and steel,, and my hands down favorite is a 340PD. The weight savings is noticeable and it does fire .357's.

 

[Biggfoot44]

You already have a couple of 442 , so that should fill the * need* for a lightweight hammerless J Frame . Do you have a Steel J Frame already ? If not , you need to fill that niche more than another redundant Airweight .

 

[pasound]

The 640. The rest have explained why.

 

[Lowa]

I have 442, 37, 640 pro, and some kimber's. For the weight and handling, the steel guns shoot much better at the range, but they are a bit heavy for gym shorts or sweat pants.

There are so many pc and pro 442/642. If you're going to go that route, get the pc trigger and clips. Otherwise, the 640 is just a different gun than the 442 you already have. The 640 isn't THAT heavy, but it means a lot for recoil.

 

[lawandorder]

Steel, always steel.

 

[Eagle1*]

thanks guys.